By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Coaching Staff: Brian Wervey, defensive coordinator/linebackers/defensive ends; Victor Ricketts, offensive line/run game coordinator; Jay Price, defensive backs; Brendan Gallagher, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Jim Slagle, defensive line; Jeff Decker, inside linebackers; Tristan Phillips, wide receivers; Mark Dingman, freshman; Dave Keckan, freshman.
• League: Suburban League American Conference.
• Playoffs: Division III, Region 9.
• 2024 Record: 11-2 overall, 6-1 league.
• Returning Lettermen (26): Dominic Antonini, sr.; Lincoln Bannerman, sr.; Ari Bernat, sr.; Xavier Board, sr.; Luke Bonnette, sr.; AJ Bruno, sr.; Austin Cook, sr.; Grant Courtnage, sr.; Matthew Felice, sr.; Nathan Grummitt, sr.; Josh Harrell, sr.; Scotty Hauptner, sr.; Michael Iwan, sr.; Aiden Jackson, sr.; Quincy John, sr.; Michael Kennedy, sr.; Alex Killikan, sr.; Benjy Nemet, sr.; Ryan Siddall, sr.; Ryan Slisz, sr.; Jake Yasenosky, sr.; Carter Fitzgerald, jr.; Luke Hilditch, jr.; Luke McGovern, jr.; Drew Scott, jr.; Ryan Ziegler, jr.
• Lettermen Lost (23): Lucas Manderbach, Ben Lukasik, Cole Walton, Mason Romancak, Zach Pannetti, Athan Salgado, Ryan Dwyer, Dan Shanholtzer, Joe Janzig, Colin Dockman, Tommy Tartabini, Kupa Maposa, Evan Yasenosky, Ewan Dacres, Reid Acomb, Rob Thrash, Ben Kinkopf, Tyler Hanus, Michael Wise, Matthew Copley, Brody Markle, Alex Brooker, Peyton Duguay.

THE OFFENSE

The Greenmen will move in and out of a variety of personnel groupings, including varying complexities of the 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 22 and 32.

QUARTERBACKS

Junior Ryan Ziegler, along with sophomores Matthew Huth and Marc McGovern, are battling for the starting job.

RUNNING BACKS

Senior Xavier Board was a backup to Lucas Manderbach last season, but still ran for more than 800 yards. Now, he will be the lead runner for the Greenmen.

Juniors Aidan Samelko and Carter Romancak will also be in the mix in the backfield, with seniors Dom Antonini and Alex Killian, as well as junior Carter Fitzgerald, all pushing for time as the fullback.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The team will be rebuilt in the trenches, with only senior Grant Courtnage as a returning starter.

He is a good one to have, though, with quick feet and strong hands.

The list of players pushing for starting positions include seniors Michael Kennedy, Brady Anderson, Lincoln Bannerman, AJ Bruno, Austin Cook, Scotty Haputner and Aiden Jackson. Others have a chance, too, including juniors Xander Carr, Gus DelRosa, Luca Fontana, Jacob Miller ,Sujahn Ghangu and Michel Brueckelmeir, as well as sophomores Charlie Treccia and Jacoby Schadle.

RECEIVERS

The strength of the team can be found at tight end, with a quartet of players all expecting to see time, including seniors Luke Bonnette and Ryan Siddall, along with juniors Drew Scott and Gavin Acomb.

The top wideouts will be senior Quincy John and junior Luke McGovern. Both had solid years a season ago.

Also expected to earn time are seniors Josh Harrell, Benjy Nemet, Ryan Slisz, Matt Felice and Jake Yasenosky and junior Luke Hilditch.

THE DEFENSE

Aurora will move out of last year’s 4-2-5 and switch to a 4-3.

LINEBACKERS

Harrell returns at outside linebacker, but the other spots will feature new starters.

Nemet and Grasso will be on the outside, with Antonini, Killian, Iwan, Kennedy, Samelko and Romancak all expected to see the field.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Bonnette is the core anchor player here on one end. The other side is a competition between Siddall, Bruno and Fitzgerald.

The tackle positions are “wide open,” according to Mihalik. Competing for time there will be Courtnage, Carr, Scott, Treccia and Schadle.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

John and Slisz were starters a year ago before their seasons were cut short by injury. They return this year, though, prepared to return to form.

Luke McGovern stepped into a lead role during the second half of last season and returns to be a key player.

Others in the mix or adding depth are Board, Grummitt, Felice, Yasenosky and Hilditch.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Charlie Treccia, soph.; Jacob Schadle, soph.; Matthew Huth, soph.; Marc McGovern, soph.; Graham Walton, soph.; Jack Rachel, soph.; Chase Peterson, soph.; Jayden Orr, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“The lack of experience is a big worry. Two starters return on offense and three on defense. The kicker and punter will also be new, as well. It is refreshing, however, as there is competition everywhere for playing time.”