Homewood-Flossmoor Vikings
Last year's record: 8-4 (4-3 in the SouthWest Suburban Blue), lost to Naperville Central in the Class 8A quarterfinals.
Head coach: Craig Buzea
Record: 18-7 at H-F and 137-70 overall.
Assistant coaches: Tom Cicero, Jeromy Flowers, Alex Pratt, Albert Evans, Jim Sokoloski, Josh Lindstrom, Steve Vaught, Bob Mattix, Larry Dawson, Valentine Manada, Dave Klawitter, Matt Ramos, Romison St. Louis.
Starters back: Total 5 (2 on offense, 3 on defense).
Top offensive players: Willie Ross, Sr., TE (13 catches, 195 yards, 4 TDs), Payson Wick, Sr., OL; Taje Smith, Sr, RB (495 yards, 8 TDs).
Top defensive players: Keith Carter, Sr., LB (101 tackles, 73 solos, 11 TFL); Thad Little, Sr., FS (53 tackles, 2 INTs); Damon Davies, LB (55 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 1/2 sacks).
The Times Breakdown
The Vikings lost quarterback Tim Williams as well as wide receiver Gerald Butler and defensive lineman Michael Anyiwo. In fact, they lost several starters, but this group has put in a good summer and will need to be ready as H-F plays a tough schedule. Ross is a big-play guy, who can also block. Wick leads an inexperience offensive line. Smith is the leading returning rusher and should have a good year. Defensively, Carter, Little and Davies are impact players and will anchor the defense. H-F has had two nice postseason runs in Buzea's first two years and the players know how to rise to a challenge. Last year's team was inexperienced, but came together and enjoyed success. It is a matter of players stepping up and getting it done.
Quote: "Having two deep playoff runs our first two years, has made for a productive summer. With only five returning starters back, our youth and experience is a concern, and we will need some new names to step up and play some big roles if we are to reach our goals." !~ Buzea
!~ Compiled by Mike Nieto
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