Schools
Hinsdale South Football Team Has New Coach, High Hopes
Under new head coach Mike Barry, the Hinsdale South football team is seeking its first trip to the state playoffs since 2005.
HINSDALE SOUTH FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HEAD COACH: Mike Barry (1st season at Hinsdale South; 5th season overall)
2010 RESULTS: 3-6 overall; 2-4 in West Suburban Conference Gold Division (tied for 5th place with Willowbrook)
RETURNING STARTERS: Seniors Michael Cross (6-0, 190 OLB), Danny Davis (5-11, 220 DL), Steve Galiniak (6-0, 200 OL), Keontae Hall (5-9, 190 RB), Bryant Hayes (5-9, 155 CB), Zach Hynek (6-2, 200 MLB/TE), Pat Kenny (5-9, 175 LB), D.J. King (6-0, 185 CB/WR), Brandon Marsh (5-7, 220 DL), Roy Okendo (6-1, 255 OLG) and Kylen Williams (5-7, 170 DB/WR); and junior Zach Guritz (6-3, 265 C)
OTHER VARSITY RETURNEES: Seniors Dan Carli (5-10, 170 LB) and Riley Maher (5-9, 155 OLB)
KEY VARSITY NEWCOMERS: Seniors Jeremy Ferguson (5-8, 155 FS/WR), Anthony Rowe (5-9, 165 OLB) and Richard Sauer (6-2, 200 P); and juniors Nathan Andrews (5-9, 145 WR), Matt Dangles (6-3, 195 DE), D.J. Deolitsis (5-10, 160 QB), Dan Garcy (5-9, 150 ILB), Peter Gebauer (6-2, 205 OLT/P), Mike Jachna (6-0, 210 ILB), Sean Miller (6-2, 215 ORG), Stephen O’Neill (5-10, 170 ILB), Justin Ward (6-2, 170 WR/PK) and Matt Welgos (5-10, 195 ORT)
OUTLOOK: When Barry met with Hinsdale South players after being officially hired as head coach in March, he handed them elastic bands with the date 10-24-11.
If the Hornets still are practicing Oct. 24, that would mean that they will have qualified for the state playoffs for the first time since 2005.
The past three seasons, Barry was head coach at Evergreen Park.
Winless in 2007, Evergreen Park was 1-8 in Barry’s first season, improved to 4-5 in 2009 and was 5-4 last season. The Mustangs were eligible for the state playoffs but their 36 playoff points (number of combined victories by opponents) missed the cut of 39.
A 1992 graduate of Downers Grove North who then starred at Kent State University, Barry previously coached for Barron Collier and newly built Golden Gate high schools in Naples, Fla., serving as an interim head coach his final season at Golden Gate.
Barry replaces Alex Bitto, who resigned after four seasons as head coach. The Hornets have not won more than three games in a season since their last playoff appearance.
“We want to make the playoffs, no question about it. Ultimately, we have the goal to practice on Thanksgiving (for the state championship),” Barry said.
“(I’m encouraged by) the commitment level of our players. They’re buying in and that to me is the most impressive thing the first year. Really we’ve done pretty much done everything different. I came in with mindset that I don’t care what you’ve done (previously), whether it be good or bad. Everyone started with a fresh slate.”
Barry brings plenty of enthusiasm and an exciting no-huddle, four-receiver passing attack as the offensive coordinator, which he also was at Evergreen Park. In 2010, the Mustangs scored at least 40 points in three games and at least 21 in two others. Nate Wolkow remains as defensive coordinator, but the Hornets will use a different 3-5 base scheme (3 linemen, 5 linebackers).
The Hornets return 2010 All-WSC Gold selections King and Hynek and 10 other returning full-or part-time starters.
“We felt we had a real successful summer where installed our base offense and defense. We’re running the same thing at all levels. We’re hoping to develop a successful program as a result,” Barry said.
“I think definitely our overall team speed is a positive. I don’t know if we’ll ever be the biggest team out there but we’ll be able to compete with anybody athletically. I think what we do maximizes the opportunity for guys to make plays. Overall, strengthwise it’ll be pretty much be defense because it’s pretty senior-dominated so that’s something to look forward to. Then we want to be consistent in special teams.”
Deolitsis takes over as quarterback after being the starter for last year’s sophomore team. He has a strong corps of receivers led by King, returning starter Williams, Ferguson and juniors Ward and Andrews.
Hall also returns at running back. Ferguson is a transfer from Proviso West who helped the 2010 Panthers reach the playoffs for the second time in a row.
"We are shotgun, no huddle, 100 percent of the time (on offense)," Barry said.
“I’m very impressed with (Deolitsis). He’s not the prototypical 6-5 quarterback, but when comes down to getting the job done, he can do it. He can make decisions quickly and effectively. If it breaks down, he has the ability with his feet to make it happen.”
The offensive line's progression will be important. Returnees are Okendo and center Guritz, a tackle in 2010 who was injured most of the season. Galiniak, who moved into a starting role, is injured this season.
Defensively, Davis and Marsh return on the line along with linebackers Hynek and Cross, who was moved from the secondary to quarterback last year after starter Jackson Panice suffered a season-ending injury. King and Hayes return at cornerback.
Football newcomer Sauer, who previously lived in Germany, will handle the punting and kickoffs, and Ward will be the placekicker. King and Ferguson also should provide excitement on kickoff and punt returns.
Hynek, King and Ferguson will serve as team captains. Barry said a fourth captain will be added weekly.
“(Hynek is) a guy real smart guy. Look at his GPA, what he does in the classroom,” Barry said. “He’s kind of the lifeline of that defense, tremendous leadership. He’ll call a guy out and put him on the spot so, in some regards, he’s like a coach in that respect.
“D.J. (King) is a vocal leader but he also leads by example. He does all of the right things for us. (Ferguson is) kind of that quiet leader but he commands the respect of his teammates.”
KEY TO SUCCESS: “Staying healthy. We’re not real deep,” Barry said. “I think ultimately we have to have a couple of things go our way. I think if we can taste success, it definitely helps us in the long run.”
