LPI Game Preview: Lake Zurich @ #11 Montini
Lake Zurich
This Bears team comes into this game after a thrilling 19-15 win against Fremd. On a 4th and 13 with 5 seconds to go in the game, QB Evan Lewandoski connected with RB/WR Joey Stuzman on a Hail Mary for the win. Reports out of the game were that Lewandowski struggled early making his first varsity start against Fremd, but that is almost a regular occurrence for a kid making his first career varsity start. While Lewandowski can sling it Montini is no cupcake so this big 6’4″ 200 lbs “kid” with a live arm will have to be on top of his game against this tough Montini defense. On the defensive side of the ball junior returning starter Jack Sanborn leads the Bears. Sanborn had a great offseason picking up offers from Iowa State and Iowa. He’s going to have a big year leading this Bears defense and will certainly be a player that college scouts should keep an eye on. Senior and 3 year varsity starter Matt Lawson is another player to watch out for at CB in this game. Lawson and the rest of the Bear defense will have their hands full with the Montini air raid offense. While they don’t have the D1 recruits that Montini does, this is a talented Lake Zurich team and I expect them to have a good year.
Keys To The Game
1. Lewandowski has to pick himself up after a rough outing against Fremd last week. He had to run this spread offense with minimal mistakes as this Montini team can capitalize in a hurry. He has a big arm so I think he can connect on some deep throws this game.
2. Sanborn as well as the Bears secondary will be the key in stopping Montini. They will have to constantly change up their looks on defense as they going to have to commit to stopping Will Smith at running back or decide to drop back and defend the pass heavy Montini offense.
Other Players To Watch
Ryan McGeever, Joey Stutzman, Kyle Roth, Alex Miller, Blake Bransky, Eric Brown, Michael Bertoia
Montini
The Broncos come into this game on the heels of a tough 43-13 loss to then #16 Maine South. Montini has one of, if not the most difficult schedules in the entire state this year. However, you can never count out coach Andriano and the reigning 6A state champions. I fully expect them to pick themselves up this week and perform very well. The Broncos stud running back and Western Michigan commit Prince Walker sat out the first game due to injury. In his stead Will Smith Jr. stepped in and performed very well with 15 carriers for 180 yards and a touchdown as well as 2 receptions for 10 yards. I SPOKE with coach Andriano a few weeks ago about Will and he informed me that Will has the potential to play D1, but is behind the talented Walker on the depth chart. With Smith getting carries and having success early this year I suggest college scouts keep an eye on him this season. This Bronco offense has historically been a pass heavy air raid offense, but ran 20 run plays compared to 19 pass plays in last week’s tilt even when they were trailing most of the game. I’m very interested to see their run/pass selection this game. Speaking of passing, junior Brad Norgle did not have his best day at the office last week completing 6 of 18 passes for 63 yards. Norgle is a talented QB and I fully expect him to get back on track and be at least around the 50% completion mark this game. On defense the Broncos are led by a trio of senior D1 prospects in Joe Spivak, Mitch West and Mike Ross. Spivak and Ross are a dynamic duo at the DT position that get into opposing backfield with regularity. West is a big corner with good speed that can shut down opposing WR’s.
Keys To The Game
1. Lake Zurich will have to either load the box to stop Smith or drop a few guys into coverage to defend the air raid passing game of Montini. The Bears will likely be disguising their coverages on defense to not tip their hand if they will be playing the run or the pass. It’s one of those game-within-the-game circumstances. If the Broncos can notice trends in the Bears defense and pick the right plays at the right time we might be seeing some fireworks from this Bronco offense.
2. On defense Spivak and Ross have to get in the backfield to put pressure on Lewandowski. This is only Lewandoski’s second varsity start so if they can put pressure on him and rattle him early I think the Broncos have a good shot at shutting down the Lake Zurich offense.
Other Players To Watch
Nick Foster, Brandon Shilgalis, Tommie Morrissey, Brendon Rauen, Jake Karczewski, Christian Pirog