Washington Patriots
Last year's record: 7-2 (5-1 Chicago Public League Inter-City 2), did not make playoffs. This year Washington moves to the Chicago Public League Windy City
Head coach: Jimmy Smith
Record: 10-17 at school and overall.
Assistant coaches: Richard Carey, Joe Crumb, Rueben Cruz Sr., Robert Gonzalez, Bill Miller.
Starters back: 13 (6 on offense, 7 on defense)
Top offensive players: Jaime Gaeta, Sr., TE (13.8 yards-per catch, 3 TDs); Aaron Cruz, Jr., QB; Malichi Foney, Jr., WR; Julian Deleon, Sr., G; Tory Fenderson, Jr., RB (transfer from Simeon); Gabe Lopez, Sr., WR; Alvaro Villarreal, Jr., OL.
Top defensive players: Alfredo Ramirez, Sr., LB (45 tackles, 3 INTs); Gaeta, Sr., LB; Henry Smith, Jr., SS (20 tackles, 4 INTs, 2 for TDs); Dariel Whitehead, So., FS.
The Times Breakdown
Washington's reward for a successful 7-2 2011 season was to be moved up a class in the Chicago Public League. The Patriots will now return to the Chicago Public League Windy City instead of the CPL Inter-City 2. That means bigger schools, and better opponents. Wide receiver Lopez was an all-conference and all-area selection in 2011 and will be a large part of the Patriot offense in 2012. The Patriots lost 2011 all-conference quarterback John Perez to graduation, and the team will look to junior Cruz to take over. Smith is confident in Cruz's ability to run the Patriots offense the next two seasons. It will be tough to match 2011's record, but the Patriots have plenty of talent and are looking to maintain a winning record despite the jump in class.
Quote: "We have to be all in. The team motto is: 'One team, one goal, win.'" !~ Smith
!~ Compiled by Dwight Haislet
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