Sports
Bloom Township Football Looks to Bounce Back
Blazing Trojans' youngsters gained experience under fire a year ago. Now, they're ready to dish out some lumps on their own.
Bloom Township Blazing Trojans
Coach: Tony Palombi, seventh season.
Last year: 1-8 overall, 0-5 in the Southland Conference.
Opener: Aug. 27 vs. Thornwood, noon.
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Outlook: Last season, Bloom Township notched just one victory and was outscored 236-81. At one point, five sophomores were in the starting lineup. The bright side was that a lot of underclassmen gained valuable playing time and they will enter this season with experience. The Blazing Trojans have been working hard all summer and look forward to taking the season one day at a time. The Southland Conference figures to be competitive with Crete-Monee the favorite. The Blazing Trojans will close the regular season at Marian Catholic on Oct. 21.
Offense
Backs: Quarterback Lavante Blackful will be responsible for calling the shots. Kevin McGinnis figures to get most of the rushes, but Kiandre Whisentan and Randall Wade will help out.
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Line: The Blazing Trojans' line is young, all juniors, and small. The average size is 5-10 and 225 pounds. But there is quickness here. Mister Clark and Jaylen Thomas started last year and figure to lead the rest of the unit.
Tight ends/receivers: Jason Mendez is a returning all-conference wideout. Tight end Shijuan Rogers is expected to play a major role, and wideout Jatatryan Desjareau figures to be a playmaker, too.
Defense
Linebackers: Terrell Harris, Kiandre Whisentan, Mister Clark and Brandon Rockett will be looking to shut down opponents.
Line: Aaron Theodile (6-5, 265) anchors this unit. Outside of Theodile, the rest of the line is quick, but undersized, including Shijuan Rogers, Malcom Hurt and Samuel Dejaron.
Secondary: Josiah Dailey will be the free safety. The two corners are David Eubanks and Marlen Hawkings, while Tracy Bankhead will be the strong safety.
Punter: Jason Mendez will be taking care of the punting and placekicking duties.
Coach Tony Palombi said: "Were a young team, but at the same time experienced. This is the strongest team we have had in a long time. Our goal is to make the playoffs, and we have been working toward that all summer. We are hoping to be able to compete and come out strong in our first game (against Thornwood)."
