Radtke, Stevenson Ready To Open Football Season

Troy Radtke made himself a valuable player on the basketball team during the winter season. It seems he's equally valuable on the football team. And maybe more so.

"At the beginning of Troy's junior year, he was a backup on both offense and defense,'' said coach Bill McNamara. "But by the end of the 2010 season, Troy was starting on defense and was a major contributor on offense. This was largely due to his great work ethic and persistence."

Friday night marks the opening of the 2011 football campaign. And Radtke is expected to play a big role for the Stevenson team.

"There has been no slowing down for Troy,'' McNamara said. "He had a great off-season becoming bigger, faster and stronger. He is now expected to play a major role on both offense and defense. We are looking for great things out of Troy."

McNamara has seen Radtke step up in the leadership department as well.

"He is one of our huddle leaders and is a positive influence for all our underclassmen players,'' he said. "Troy is a perfect example of a player where hard work pays off, and he is the complete package this year."

A year ago, the Pats won a conference title winning seven straight games in the treacherous NSC Lake Division. On offense, the Pats will depend on senior Matt Micucci who not only handles the quarterback duties but also the kicking duties.

Of course when Micucci steps back to throw, he'll need some pass protection. He can count on fellow senior Jake Hurcombe (6-foot-2, 270 pounds). Also expected to help on the line is senior Dan Laner and junior Joey Marchese.

Naturally, the Pats need to run the ball. Some of the candidates interested in that position are Anthony Bozin, Nate Kahn and Kevin Foley. Radtke will get chance to catch the ball. And his 6-foot-3, 190 pound frame will help. Danny Nowak is a candidate at tight end.

Stevenson's defense should help keep the Pats in games. Defensive back Carl Miller gives the team good size (6-3, 210). Linebacker Dominic Bickus (6-0, 205) is another player to watch on defense. The first line of defense is the line and that's where you will find seniors Mike Kuhn, Quentin Lorenzo and Colin Wetzel. Newcomer Jordan Fobbe could be a factor as well.

Miller will get help in the defensive backfield from Jon Way, Connor Lewis, Matt Morrissey and Pat Breen.

After their long ride to Western Springs to face Lyons, the Stevenson schedule continues into September with home games with Glenbrook South and Zion-Benton. The conference schedule continues on Sept. 16 with a road game at Warren. Reserve Sept. 23 for Homecoming. The guest is rival Libertyville.

On more road game is on the schedule. That's a 7 p.m. game at Lake Zurich on Sept. 30. Wauconda and Mundelein complete the regular schedule at home.