As the new football season approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air at Lincoln-Way West.
Led by fifth-year head coach Luke Lokanc, the Warriors are gearing up for another competitive year, building on past successes and learning from previous challenges. Entering his fifth season as head coach, Lokanc is particularly excited about the cohesion within his team.
“What I am probably most exited for is this group, from seniors to sophomores, [is] how they gel together,” said Lokanc, a third-generation high school football coach. “There is no separation with this group. It seems like it is 66 kids who hang out every day and when they walk into the practice field. When you have groups like that you know that’s when you know this team can do something special because they love being around each other.”
This camaraderie is a key ingredient for a successful season. And with returning captains Austin Roswell on offense and Nate Elsner on defense leading the way, the team is poised for success.
Traditionally, the Warriors have been a power gap offense, relying on moving the ball on the ground. According to offensive coordinator Dave Ernst, that will not be the case this season.
We are going to be in a lot of different personnel groups this year because the receivers are so talented,” Ernst said. “We have been traditionally power/counter and a play called duo. But I think if anybody has watched us the last couple of years we weren’t in very much in 10 personnel, which was 4 wide receivers. This year we will probably be in it quite a bit. That changes some of the run game, too. Plays you can run when you don’t have a fullback or a tight end. When you are running more read plays and things like that.”
Roswell will be one of the receivers counted on to make plays, and after the Lincoln-Way West ended last season with a playoff loss to eventual 7-A runner-up Downers Grove last year, he’s ready for the increased role.
“I think that our last game was in November, and the day after the game we were on the field again scheming for this year,” Roswell said. “I think just leading the team in general, trying to be here in the moment. To get ready for the playoffs. To be ready for the regular season, that is the biggest thing. As captains I think it is our job to try to lead this team. So, the biggest thing is to strive to motivate the players to put in the extra work.”
And the LWW staff know they have a special player in Roswell.
“First, and I think most importantly is the kind of person he is,” said Ernst, who has been with the program since 2009. “As far as his leadership style, he loves you so much he Is unafraid of calling you out if you are doing something that is not productive. Hopefully, I am still around because he should be president of the United States. Intelligent. Great leader. More important than the kind of player he is, is the kind of human being he is. Smart. Tough. Charismatic. Hard-working. Just a great, great person.”
Lokanc pointed to the big guys up front as a group that has improved from last season.
“A lot of growth with the team this summer has been with the offensive line group,” he said. “Reilly Kliros is leading that group. We do have a lot of depth behind those guys that is going to push us even further.”
Defensively, Lincoln-Way West will look toward returning linebacker and captain Elsner to provide leadership to an experienced unit.
“I was put in that position for a reason, and I know I can handle that role (captain),” Elsner said. “It helps when your guys believe in you. It is a lot easier. I am a captain, but there are 10 other captains on the defense that I can look to. Great leaders all around. You are not the only one. You have all of those guys.”
Lokanc also highlights the defensive leadership of inside linebackers Josh Veldman and Johnny Ramos, as well as strength in the secondary.
“We are fortunate to have multiple leaders like them in that group,” said Lokanc. “We are excited about their growth and development and what they can become this year. Jackson Mansker and Ryan Stiglic are returners in the secondary. Kind of that core that had that experience to bring the younger guys along and teach them the speed of varsity football. So, we are excited for that group.”
As the season kicks off, the team is fueled by the lessons from last year’s quarterfinal playoff exit and the shared goal of pushing further this time around.
“We have the talent this year to win 14 games,” Roswell said. “I don’t think motivation will be a hardship this year, but staying connected and having everyone on the same page for the same goal.”
