Defensive Line Preview- 2013

Fifth Year Senior Jake Rotkvich returns to
 lead the Forester Defensive lineman in 2013. 

The defensive line returns all three starters from last year and also brings back the top backups at each spot.  Led by 2012 team captain and 1^st Team All-Conference selection, Sr. Jake Rotkvich, the DL looks to further improve on an extremely successful 2012.  The experienced group accounted for 121 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 23.5 tfls, 1 int, and 6 pbrs.  Joining Rotkvich are fellow seniors Michael Garetto-Balmer (2^nd Team All-Conference selection), Taylor Holzmeyer, and Victor Gabuardi. Sophomore Kyle Sands looks to make a major impact after learning the position during his freshman season. 

Michael Garetto-Balmer recovers a fumble
against Illinois College in 2012. 

"Having two all-conference defensive lineman back is a tremendous feeling. We know we are rock solid on the edges. Additionally, the wealth of experience that we have is tremendous. Taylor is a 13 game starter. Having Jake back for and extra season due to a medical redshirt his freshman year is a great surprise. The leadership that we receive from these guys is incredible. Garetto-Balmer is the perfect example of a student-athlete. He's a three time All-MWC Academic Selection, and now an All-conference performer on the field. Vic has a great ability in rushing the passer, and with a better understanding of our defense after transferring in last season, should be able to contribute in a bigger way," noted Coach Catanzaro. "Kyle Sands has some of the best natural ability, and has the biggest size of our returning defensive ends. His ability to drop down to a three-technique should be something that we can take advantage of this year as well." 

Taylor Holzmeyer preparing to make a play in 2012. 

The noseguard position will be anchored by junior, Ramel Samuel. Ramel started seven games for the Foresters in 2012 after moving over from defensive end. The 6'4 265lb, Arizona native had an impressive spring session.  Sophomore Mike Hilliard returns as a backup nose guard for the Foresters.

"We have two experienced noseguards coming back. "Ram" had one of the greatest improvements in the spring. He has completely grasped the skills needed to be successful as an interior defensive lineman. I am really excited to see what he does this season," said Catanzaro. 

Noseguard Ramel Samuel cleans up a ball carrier in 2012. 

Catanzaro continued,"Mike gave us a tremendous game against Ripon in week 9. If he can give us spurts of performance like that with consistency, then he will be a viable options for us in the middle. He needs to have had a great summer so that his endurance catches up with his ability."

The Foresters' were able to bring in a big, both literally and figuratively, class at defensive line. There are a total of seven freshman lineman, and they average 6'1 260lbs. There are also three defensive ends in this group that are over 6'4. The incoming freshman defensive ends are: Dylan Ernst (Lincoln-Southeast, NE) Connor Kirkpatrick (Prairie Ridge, IL), Keegan McKenna (Lakes Community HS, IL), Reid Martin (Lake Oswego, OR), and Brendan Power (Oak Forest HS, IL).

The incoming defensive tackles are: Nick Nusbaumer (Springfield Catholic, MO) and Nick Plazewski (St. Edwards, IL). 

"I have very high expectations for this group of players. Though they may not see a significant amount of playing time their first year, I feel that this is a group that can be a rock foundation for our team moving forward. Our defensive line position will get hit by graduation, significantly this year. These players need to learn from the upperclassmen, and I believe that they can give us a seamless transition next season," observed Catanzaro. 

2013 WR Preview

The Lake Forest receiving corps is one of the youngest segments on the team and is loaded with potential. Senior Mike Peters is the lone upper classmen in the group. Peters will look to build off of his 27 receptions for 275 yards and 1 TD that he has for career stats. It will be as a mentor that the New York native,  may make his biggest impact on the receivers. 

Peters makes a grab against Grinnell College in 2012

"Mike demonstrates a tremendous work ethic. he is the type of person and player, that has made our program better since he arrived on campus. I have great confidence that he can be our number one receiver in 2013. The only thing that has held him back thus far in his career is his health. With the off-season that he had in the weight room, I know that he has done everything he can to make his body fend off any injuries," noted Coach Catanzaro. 

In addition to Peters, the Foresters return several other receivers who look to make a bigger impact on the team while moving into their sophomore season. Former All-State Track and Field athlete Mike Rantis started five games for the Foresters in 2013. Rantis found touches as a receiver, as a rusher, and as a returner for the Foresters during his freshman campaign. George Vidas from local Taft High School, put on nearly 20lbs of muscle during the 2012-13 off-season, and looks to use this new found size to continue to win battles for the football. 

"With George and Mike both, we had a chance to see a little bit of what they could do last year. I am excited about the work that they did in the off-season, and I look forward to them taking on a bigger role this year. I know that they have worked hard to develop chemistry with our quarterbacks, and I am confident that they will have big numbers this year, our passing game depends on their development," said Catanzaro. 

Pushing to move up the depth chart for the Foresters will be Sophomores Joe Gutmann, Joey Mailloux, and Anthoney Prestley. Prestley made the move from quarterback to wide receiver in 2012, and left an impression his head coach. 

"Anthoney is one of the guys that as a member of the scout team, would give our defensive players fits. He caught the ball in stride and beat a few all-conference players in practice on several occasions. Gutmann quite possibly has the best hands on the team, and Mailloux is our biggest target at wide receiver. Both guys had one thing to work on this off-season, the need to be faster. If they have accomplished that this summer, then there is no reason to expect them not to succeed on the field for us," continued Catanzaro. 

Incoming freshmen Zach Kelvington and Garland Gay enter fall camp looking to compete for playing time at their respective positions. Gay, a product of Chicago's Whitney Young High School, and Kevlington a California native bring athleticism and depth to a position that is wide open for competition. 

Tight End Preview- 2013

The Foresters have employed multiple tight-end offensive sets since Jim Catanzaro became the head coach in 2009. The Foresters have had two separate all-conference tight ends during his tenure as well (Steven Yena 3x All-Conference, and Greg Alonso '12). 

Tight Ends are led by returning All-MWC selection Greg Alonso. The 6'3 230lb senior, has 17 receptions for 214 yards and 1 TD for the Foresters during his career. Greg is also a member of the Foresters Leadership Board. 

#14 Greg Alonso runs over a defender after
making a catch in 2012.

"Greg is a stand up guy. I appreciate what he does for us in a multitude of areas. Since we use multiple tight ends, his stats aren't gawdy. However, its the non-statistical things that truly set Greg apart. He is a fantastic blocker. We have lined him up in the backfield at times for run game purposes and he has excelled at that. I am confident that Greg will more than double his career stats in a single season this year," said Coach Catanzaro. 

Fellow senior Adam Bernstein transitions from Offensive Line to the Tight End position in 2013. The Miami native has been recognized amongst his teammates as one of the the most intense players on the field. 

"Adam brings a unique skill set to the field. He started five games at offensive tackle at his previous college. He has lined up at fullback for us as well as a position in our jumbo sets. Despite having to recover from a season ending in jury in 2011, I am confident that Adam is going to be a challenge for anyone that goes against him. He needs to continue to improve his pass catching skills, but I have no doubts that he will be able to shine for the team in his final season," said Coach Catanzaro. 

A talented group of new players join the Foresters tight end group. Alex Sibley, transfers to the Foresters from Joliet Junior College. Prior to playing at JJC, Alex was an All-Conference and All-Area Tight End at Plainfield South High School. The 6'3 235lb sophomore will also be a candidate for the vacant long-snapping position for the Foresters. Freshman Nick Podesta joins the Foresters from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Broward County, Florida. The 6'4 freshman helped lead his team to an 8-3 record while earning county All-Star honors. Fellow first-year player Joey Page joins the Foresters from Bradley Bourbonnais High School. Page played offensive line, tight end, and linebacker in high school and looks to settle in at tight end for the Foresters. 

"This is a great group of young and talented players. I like the "make up" of this group. Alex has a little bit of extra seasoning having played at JJC before they dropped football. Nick brings a tough, bring your lunch box type approach, football is a major priority for him. We have had several players from his high school in the past, and they have all been very good football players. Joey is the wild card in this group. He is a guy that was 28-12 as a 195lb wrestler as a senior. Additionally, he was the captain of the Water Polo team. The opportunity to focus on football year round, and the fact that he won't have to cut weight anymore gives him the most upside of the incoming freshman. This group of players will help us continue to create additional running gaps and mismatches in the passing game," concluded Catanzaro.  

Running Back Preview- 2013

With the departure of Al Mitchell, the 2012 Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year, the Foresters have a stable of running backs ready take over the reins of the rushing attack. Alec Howe, a three year letterman, has averaged 4.1 yards per carry in his career and will be relied on to lead the running backs. Joey Valdivia returns for his sophomore season after being the 2^nd leading rusher for the Foresters last season. He exploded on the scene last season averaging 6.0 yards per carry and looks to take a bigger role this season. Osayi Menzies joins Howe and Valdivia as returners for Lake Forest this season as well.

Senior Alec Howe bursting through the hole
against Illinois College in 2012.  

"This is probably the position that I am most excited about for 2013. I feel that we have a great backfield returning. These guys were a little under the radar with the success that Al had last year. It was their ability that allowed him to have some of that success. Lining these guys up in the backfield allowed us to use Al as a wide receiver at times. I am confident that all of these backs can gain us a lot of yards on the ground," commented Coach Catanzaro. 

"One thing we know about this position, is that they will be well-coached by Coach Dau. His effort to improve these players is outstanding. He comes from a tougher perspective of football, and I have never had a doubt that our backs would get us the tough yards. Alec and Joey are different backs from one another. Alec has a unique ability to hit cut and make great yards. He is a bit more of a slasher. Joey on the other hand is more of a bull in a china shop. He reminds me of the great NFL backs, in that he has body parts flying all over the place on his way to the end zone. I think that one of the things that really surprised our entire coaching staff was Joey's speed this spring. He had the fastest 40 time of any player on our team, and he is 210lbs," explained Catanzaro.

Sophomore Joey Valdivia #28, averaged
6 yards per carry in 2012.

The 2013 recruiting class was full of running backs for the Foresters, with 6 new faces joining the segment. Alex Pasiewicz of Zion-Benton High School earned multiple All-Conference selections in high school and finised 2012 with over 1,100 yards rushing and 11 TDs. Charlie Quinn comes to Lake Forest from Arizona after rushing for 1,153 yards and 12 TDs which earned him 1^st Team All-Conference, Team MVP, and Honorable Mention All-State honors. Nick Cole is reuniting with Pop-Warner teammate Charlie Quinn at Lake Forest. In Cole’s junior season, he rushed for 1,454 yards and 12 TDs. Sam Mulford comes to Lake Forest from Edwardsville High School where he rushed for 23 TDs his senior season earning 1^st Team All-Conference and Team Offensive MVP honors. Matt Hoshaw joins the Foresters from Glenbrook South High School where he averaged 5.5 yards per carry and ran for 800 yards. Corey Lustig averaged 4.94 yards per carry in his senior season at Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. All 6 incoming freshmen are expected to compete for playing time at the running back position coming into camp.

"This is easily the most talented recruiting class that we have ever had at the RB position. We were a bit low in depth after the season, and it was critical for us to bring in guys who would work hard for success. Several of these players are extremely versatile. It would not surprise me to see a formation that has four running backs on the field this year. Pasiewicz, Quinn, and Lustig showed great hands in high school in addition to running, and could find themselves split out as slot receivers during the year. Mulford and Hoshaw could see some time in our offense as fullbacks and wing backs as well," said Catanzaro. 

No backfield can be completed without the fullback. The Foresters have two returning players at fullback. Senior, and three-year letterman, Shawn Henderson will help pave the way for the Forester running game this season. Harrison Seigel will join Henderson at fullback for Lake Forest and looks to build on a strong sophomore season in 2012 where he earned his 1^st letter. 

Senior Shawn Henderson lined up in the backfield in 2012. 

"Shawn is a tremendous football player. He has shown a lot of growth since moving to fullback from defensive end. I look for Shawn to garner a few more carries in 2013, and to become involved in our play action passing game as well. Harrison is a great teammate and someone who always provides comic relief to the team. I am hoping that his off-season work springboards him into the 2013 season and he is able to become a fierce fullback that we know he can. Last year was the first time that Harrison had ever lined up in the backfield. I am confident that the steep learning curve that he experienced will lessen signficantly this year," concluded Catanzaro.  

Quarterback Preview- 2013

Three-year letter winner, Mike Lewis, is slated to be the signal caller for the Forester offense in 2013. Lewis played in six games in 2012, and completed 4 of 6 passes for 45 yards and a game changing touchdown pass in the 3rd quarter against Carroll University. Mike is a product of perennial power Canyon Del Oro, where he won the state championship in 2009. As a Forester, Lewis overcame season ending surgery in camp of his sophomore year to be a contributor to the Foresters 2012 MWC Championship.

"Mike is one of the hardest workers we have in our program. He is passionate about the game of football, and his efforts to overcome the adversity of his injury will give him an edge over anyone else he competed against. I remember being with Mike in the hospital in the days soon after his surgery. Many folks, were encouraging him to give up on football, but Mike wouldn't do that. Football is at the core of his being. He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is now. I am confident that he will help lead our team to continued success," commented Head Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Mike Lewis looks for the snap before throwing a 17 yard TD
to Austin Sobey against Carroll University in 2012.
Lewis moves from back up to starter in 2013. 

Other returning quarterbacks for the Foresters include local product Greg Brown from Deerfield, former 5A Texas State Champion Sean Dickson, and All-Section selection Jared Russ from New York. 

"Our three returners are all quite different from one another. Sean has a very strong arm, and a great football IQ. Greg demonstrates the characteristics of the traditional pocket passer. He has the best footwork of any of the backup QB's. Jared is the "athlete" at the QB position. His experience running the option in high school gives him a dual threat that is unique in our league. Jared is a good enough athlete to earn playing time at several positions on our team," commented Head Coach Jim Catanzaro.

Incoming freshman Justen Ruppe from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon is coming off a state championship appearance in 6A, after completing 73% of his passes for 1,931 yards and 21 TDs. He was a 1^st Team All-Conference and 3^rd Team All-State selection. Justen is expected to join Brown, Dickson, and Russ in competing for the back-up quarterback spot as camp starts.