Livatino, Kits Seek Return To Football Playoffs

Colin Livatino knows most of the numbers --- the ones compiled by previous Evanston quarterbacks for single game, single season and career passing records.

But a big season for the ETHS senior could bring more than just records.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound signal caller is aiming even higher in his second season as a varsity starter for the Wildkits, who open the 2024 football season Friday at Zion-Benton. He’s hoping to lead the program to some postseason success and end a drought that began back in 2003, the last time the Kits won an Illinois High School Association state playoff game.

Evanston is coming off a 3-6 season and has only qualified for the playoffs once in the last five years, in 2021. But with an improved receiving corps at his disposal this fall, Livatino thinks the Kits are poised to make some noise.

“I’m really excited about this season,” said the QB after a recent preseason practice. “The Monday after the Maine South game last year (a season-ending defeat) we had 30 guys here (at Lazier Field) because we wanted to attack a lot of stuff and get ready for this year.

“I don’t think we’re just going to make the playoffs, I think we’re going to go in and win a playoff game this year. The vibe is a lot different. We know what we need to do and I see a lot of promise in this team.”

As a junior, the sturdy senior completed 60 percent of his passing attempts and threw for 1,504 yards and 14 touchdowns. Included in that yardage total was an ETHS single game record of 406 yards through the air in a loss to Glenbrook South, which shattered the previous mark by more than 100 yards.

He’s already halfway to the career record for yards passing --- 3,008 by Bryan Kelly from 2001 to 2004 --- and if the offense really clicks, could approach Kelly’s single season (27) and career (37) marks for TD tosses.

He’ll be joined by several returning starters on both sides of the ball including defensive back/wide receiver Jace Meeks, a 3-year regular, and offensive linemen Owen McElhatton (6-2, 240), Chris Fargo (6-1, 265) and Ian Sims (6-0, 235).

Veteran head coach Mike Burzawa believes the best is yet to come with Livatino in charge of the offense, although a successful balance with a running game that will feature senior Enijel Shelton (5-7, 207) and junior Michael Pryor (5-11, 215) is also a ticket to the postseason.

“I think one of Colin’s biggest strengths is his mind,” Burzawa noted. “He has a really good understanding of our playbook. He also has that running clock in his head that tells him when to get rid of the ball. He’s sound mechanically --- he can make any throw --- and he’s able to make decisions at the line of scrimmage to help us out.

“He always keeps his eyes down the field when he’s in the pocket. He was very good at that last season, and he’s been working hard with the receivers on their timing because getting that chemistry with them is so important.”

To say that Livatino is consumed by the game of football might be the understatement of the upcoming season. He’s spent the past two years honing his skills playing 7-on-7 football with one of the elite clubs in the country, Midwest Boom, in the off-season. He led the Naperville-based program’s No. 2 team to a top 15 ranking in the United States and saw two of the top-ranked quarterbacks in Illinois, Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way East and Jack Elliott of Mount Carmel, compete at a high level for Boom’s No. 1 team.

“Last February we played in tournaments in Texas, New Orleans and Tampa. It was one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had,” Livatino said. “Seeing live defenses really helped me a lot. Now processing what happens in a game comes a lot smoother for me, and I know how to fix the mistakes I make right away.”

Evanston’s returning receivers only accounted for a total of 9 receptions a year ago. Yet there’s speed to burn in a group that includes Meeks, senior Ryan Wambo (5-11, 190), senior Dallas Amos (6-0, 160) and rising sophomore Justin Johnson (6-2, 180). Johnson captured the Central Suburban League South division indoor 50-yard dash championship as a freshman and has posted a best 40-yard dash in the 4.45 second range. All four of those potential targets have been clocked under 4.7 in the 40.

Tight ends Sam Shure (6-1, 220), Evyn Bell (6-2, 250) and Logan Fields (6-1, 220) are multi-skilled players who will contribute to the passing game along with solid blocking for the run game.

“I really like our tight ends,” Burzawa said. “Shure is physical and strong out there and, as a senior, he’s done a great job of mentoring the other two (sophomore Bell, junior Fields). He’s helping them out with a lot of the little things at that position. Bell is going to help us in the defensive line, too. We’re expecting a lot from the tight end position.”

Holdovers McElhatten, Fargo and Sims will likely be joined as starters in the O-line by juniors Dae’Shaun Williams (6-2, 305) and Towan Jackson (6-3, 270), although challenges will also come from juniors Jeremy Marshall (5-11, 270) and Sonny Vega (5-11, 255).

Defensive coordinator Eddie Conley’s primary task will be to shore up a defensive line that was burned for big rushing totals in three games last year. The Wildkit defensive scheme is to funnel opposing runners into the guys who will actually make the tackles --- linebackers like Pryor, Ryan Abrams (5-10, 175) and Jamarcus White (6-0, 190).

Help up front should come from a rotation featuring senior Jayden Rodriguez (6-3, 200), who came on strong the second half of last year; senior Caleb Gutierrez (5-9, 225); senior co-captain Daryl Harmon (6-0, 220); Williams, Bell, Fields and others.

Pryor could be a game-changer this year after earning a promotion to the varsity (and a subsequent starting job at linebacker) as a sophomore. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the 2023 season opener and played through the pain while being limited just to snaps on the defensive side of the ball after the injury. He carried 16 times for 68 yards and a couple of touchdowns in limited offensive action.

“I think this year could be Mike’s coming out party,” predicted Burzawa. “It’s a credit to his toughness that he was able to play through that injury last year. He’s a special football player. He’s a throwback with the toughness he shows you and he has that competitive spirt that shows a lot of fight.

“We expect big things from No. 2.”

The secondary will be improved once Johnson adjusts to varsity competition at cornerback. He’ll be mentored by seniors Meeks and Amos, and another senior, Avan Teuer (5-9, 160), figures to line up with junior Owen Maman (6-0, 170) at safety. Also in the mix is junior Brian Maday (5-11, 160).

Junior Jasper Barney returns to handle the placekicking duties.