Zirngibl Plays Like A 'Man On Fire'

How's this for a fun vacation for a football fan with a good brain.

Of course, quarterback Richard Zirngibl is looking for a sport to play in college next year. And get this, he got a shot to play some football at a school back East called Harvard. Yes, that Harvard.

"We played some seven on seven,'' Zirngibl said. "I was with the defensive backs and had a couple of picks. The coach liked my leadership skills."

Also in the running for Zirngibl's services are Cornell, Drake and Butler.

In the meantime, he's the Buffalo Grove quarterback and, for that matter, the team's starting free safety, too.

A quarterback playing on both sides of the ball?

"Some people say you put your best athletes back there on defense,'' he said. "I like playing safety. I am in more control of the field and I can fill up for the runs."

BG coach Jim Farrell had no complaints about his two-way player.

"He played like a man on fire,'' Farrell said.

Officially Zirngibl ran for 75 yards and pair of touchdowns Aug. 26. Buffalo Grove stopped Lake Forest 31-24. He also threw a touchdown pass and earned 85 yards through the air. His defensive stats were just as impressive. Credit the senior with 10 tackles and two interceptions.

Zirngibl finds both positions work out for him.

"They are similar spots,'' he said. "In both, you see everything. In both, you can make athletic plays."

Buffalo Grove looks to make it two in a row tonight (Sept. 2) when Schaumburg visits at 7:30 p.m.

At Stevenson: All football coaches love to bring back experienced players from the year before. brought back six defensive players from last year's 11-game winner.

From the defensive line comes Mikey Kuhn. A year ago, the lineman was credited with 54 tackles including nine for loss. He also notched 2.5 sacks.

Stevenson coach Bill McNamara is glad to have this 6-foot-1, 250 pound senior back. And there is more than skill with this player.

"Mikey brings an intensity, experience and leadership to our defense,'' McNamara said. "With this, he has a great sense of humor that keeps his teammates upbeat and laughing during practices."

In the 24-19 loss to Lyons last week, Kuhn had an impressive 12 tackles, including four for loss.

"He has improved his strength and quickness throughout the summer, McNamara said. "And it showed in the Lyons game."

At Stevenson, they don't see much losing. So the Pats are hoping to rebound tonight against Glenbrook South at 7:30 p.m.

"We simply made too many mistakes to win the game against a playoff caliber team like Lyons,'' McNamara said. "Our goal this week is to tighten up our procedures and play mistake-free Patriot football. Glenbrook South had a good win in week one and will be very well prepared for us this week."