2007 Season Preview
A year after winning the MSFA Midwest conference title and boasting a perfect
10-0 regular season, the 2007 Fighting Bees return a variety of experience along
with some new faces. With Coach Sturdy leaving to Eastern Washington, the reigns
of the program have been turned over to new Head Coach Mike Magistrelli.
Magistrelli was the league’s assistant Coach of the Year and also coordinated
the MSFA’s top defense one year ago.
Magistrelli returns 11 starters from last year’s team and looks for his
experienced players to bring along their newcomers.
“We have a good group of guys that are returning and a lot of players that just
haven’t had a lot of opportunities yet,” Coach Magistrelli said. “They will get
a chance to show what they can do, and we really have a good balance of rookies
and veteran returners.”
The Fighting Bees do lose two major impact players from the defensive side of
the ball. Andy Wulf, a first team All-American defensive end, and Ben Sacco, an
MSFA all-conference selection, will leave a gap at the defensive ends positions.
Both Wulf and Sacco rank in St. Ambrose’s Top 10 in career tackles for loss and
sacks. Wulf is the school’s all-time sack leader (17) and Sacco ranks second in
tackles for loss (32).
“Every year, we return outstanding players and every year we are going to lose
some outstanding guys,” Coach Magistrelli said. “That is just the sign of a
strong football program.”
Quarterback
One of the most deeply talented positions for St. Ambrose will be the
quarterback position. Despite only throwing two passes in his sophomore
campaign, Jim Dupage (6-1, 215, Sr., Pekin H.S.) led the Fighting Bees to
their first undefeated regular season in over 70 years. A 10-game winner in
2006, DuPage threw for 2,040 yards and 14 TDs in his junior season.
“I look for Jim to have a strong senior season and to continue to improve the
program each day,” Coach Magistrelli said.
Backing up DuPage will be senior quarterback Karl Conger (6-4, 210, Sr.,
Pasadena (TX)). “Karl is a very capable senior and has a lot of experience
in our system,” Magistrelli said. “While he has seen limited reps in games, I’m
very confident in his abilities.”
Rounding out the Quarterback position is Michael Hayward. (6’3, 200,
So., Bettendorf H.S.). “We are grooming Michael to be the quarterback of the
future and he is gaining more experience this season,” Magistrelli said.
Running back
After a breakthrough junior season, Vernon Reed (5’10, 200, Sr., Osceola H.S.)
has solidified himself as one of the top backs in the conference. A year ago,
Reed was a 1st team All-MSFA selection after leading the league with
1,418 yards rushing and 16 TDs.
“Vernon is one of those special kinds of players,” Magistrelli said. “You don’t
always have to block everyone when Vernon is in the game and he brings a lot of
balance to our offense. His teammates have a lot of confidence when he is on the
field.”
Joining Reed in the backfield are Tristan Contrino (5’10, 185, So., Sandwich
(IL)), Josh Jackson (5’11, 190, So., Bolingbrook (IL)) and Brennan
McCarron (5’6, 178, Jr., Wahlert H.S.), a transfer from Loras College.
Contrino switched sides of the ball from free safety to running back and Jackson
netted a 130 yards and a TD in his freshman season.
Leading the way for the running backs will be senior fullbacks Kurt Kleeman
(5’9, 210, Sr., Joliet Catholic H.S.) and Sean Rizzo (5’8, 200, Sr.,
Bettendorf H.S.).
“Both guys have played a lot of football for us,” Magistrelli said. “They will
be leading the way for our tailbacks and will make contributions on special
teams, too.”
Wide Receiver
Probably the biggest loss in the Fighting Bees offense occurs at the wide
receiver position. With the graduation of Tim Turkowski, Brandin Smith, Brett
Van Hove and DeQuinn Watford, the receivers have some major shoes to fill.
The Fighting Bees leading returning receiver, Kyle Korth (6’2, 205, So.,
Stockton H.S.), gained a lot of experience in 2006. Korth hauled in 27
passes for 385 yards and 4 TDs a year ago.
Although designated as the quarterback of the future, Michael Hayward. (6’3,
200, So., Bettendorf H.S.), will get some reps at wide receiver this season.
Joining Korth and Hayward on the outside will be Nick Smither (6’2, 185, So.,
Whiteland (IN)) and Matt Mulvania (6’2, 200, Sr., Pleasant Valley H.S.).
“With this group, we have a great chance to be as good as last year’s receivers
or even better,” Magistrelli said. “That really says a lot about the quality of
these guys.”
Tight end
The Fighting Bees return 1st-team All-Conference tight end Tyler
Driscoll (6’1, 215, Sr., Dewitt Central H.S.). A season ago, Driscoll moved
from running back to fill the void at tight end. Driscoll caught 21 passes for
200 yards and a TD in his junior season.
“Tyler has played ever since he was a freshman and he has made a great
transition to tight end,” Magistrelli said. “He has over thirty starts under his
belt and is a very versatile athlete. Tyler is effective because his athleticism
allows us to use him in a variety of ways on offense.”
Backing up Driscoll at tight end will be John Howard (5’10, 195, Jr., West
Burlington H.S.), who moved to tight end from defensive back this spring.
Offensive Line
One of the biggest question marks early in the season will be the new offensive
line after losing three interior linemen to graduation. Fortunately, after four
years as the starting center, 2006 Draddy Trophy Finalist Brad Cook has stayed
as a graduate assistant for the offensive line. Mike Iazetto (6’0, 260,
Downers Grove South H.S.), will have some big shoes to fill at center.
“We lost a lot with Brad having started all 4 years and making all of our line
calls. Mike will be taking over his responsibilities and we have very high hopes
that he will be comparable to Brad.”
Sean Dominick (6’3, 270, Sr., Providence H.S.)
will be moving over to guard from offensive tackle. Dominick started a number of
games as a sophomore and is expected to be a strong hold on the line.
Scott Berg (6’1, 260, Jr., Moline H.S.)
will start opposite of Dominick at the other guard position.
“Scott really stepped up in spring ball and earned his spot,” Magistrelli said.
Russ Monk (6’1, 290, Sr., Monticello H.S.)
and Dru Filkins (6’4, 270, Downers Grove South) are expected to be the
leaders of the offensive line at the two tackle positions.
“Russ brings in experience at the tackle position and is an All-Conference
caliber player,” Magistrelli said.
A first team All-conference selection in 2006, Filkins will anchor the offensive
line.
“Drew is our best O-lineman and might be one of the best in the country,”
Magistrelli said. “He has a lot of experience, is an excellent pass and run
blocker and will be protecting our quarterback’s blind-side, which is a very key
position.”
Defensive line
The defensive line will have the difficult task of replacing Andy Wulf and Ben
Sacco at the defensive ends positions. Mike Walter (6’2, 240, Jr.,Dewitt
Central H.S.) and Addam LeDoux (6’1, 237, Sr., Holy Cross H.S.) will
be asked to take over at the ends.
“Mike got some opportunities last year and did great,” Magistrelli said. He will
have a great season before it’s all said and done. Adam has a lot of experience
in the program but not a lot of game reps. He has had a great spring and earned
his spot.”
Jake Jakaitis (6’3, 225, Jr., Marist H.S.)
who moved from linebacker to end this spring, will help contain the outside for
the Fighting Bees.
“Jake has made an excellent transition from linebacker to defensive end and has
done a really tremendous job this spring,” Magistrelli said.
Jason Colley (5’10, 240, So., Wheaton North)
will also be in the mix at defensive end.
Vince Filipp (5’10, 275, Jr., Cary-Grove H.S.) will anchor the Fighting Bees defense
at nose tackle.
“Vince keeps getting better and better. He is an All-Conference caliber player
so look for big things out of him this year.”
JaMarlon Figgs (6’0, 265, Sr.,Waukegan),
Joey Carioti (5’8, 250,So., Providence H.S.), and Michael Gealy (6’0,
270, So., Bettendorf H.S.) will all see a lot of time inside the ends.
Linebacker
At inside linebacker, the Fighting Bees return experience with Jesse Weygand
(5’10, 210, Sr. Crystal Lake South H.S.) and Kevin Linn (6’2, 215, Sr.
Pleasant Valley H.S.).
“Both of these guys will be outstanding for us,” Magistrelli said. Last season,
Kevin was playing outstanding until he tore his ACL. They both had a great
camp.”
Tony Serio (6’0, 215, Sr., Brother Rice H.S.) will be backing them up at inside
linebacker and Bryant Beal (6’0, 200, So., Boylan Catholic H.S.) and
P.J. Conroy (6’0, 200, So., Immaculate H.S.) will both be in the mix.
On the outside, Dan Eble (5’9, 185, Sr., Brother Rice H.S.) and
Hank Belshause (5’11, 190, Sr., Alleman H.S.) are expected to be big-time
playmakers. Eble, currently tied for the all-time sack lead at St. Ambrose
(17), is coming back from injury a year ago.
“Dan is one of the most dynamic players in the league,” Magistrelli said. “By
his measures, he probably had a down year due to injuries, but we are looking
for big things from him this season.”
Eble finished the season with 31 tackles, five sacks and five and a half tackles
for loss, despite only appearing in eight games.
Belshause also made a name for himself last year and was a significant part of
Magistrelli’s number one conference ranked defense.
“Hank has played a lot of football for us and is much more comfortable in the
defense.” Magistrelli said.
After Eble’s injury, Brock Dodson (6’0, 205, Sr., Franklin (IN)) saw
significant minutes for the Fighting Bees. He is expected to make strong
contributions in 2007.
Defensive back
The defensive backs are led by three year starting cornerbacks Corey Overton
(5’9, 179, Davenport North H.S.) and Justin Thompson (5’10, 178, Sr.,
Pleasant Valley H.S.). Overton recorded 20 tackles, seven pass break-ups
and one fumble recover during his junior season. Thompson has 30 tackles, 1
interception and 6 pass break ups a year ago.
“This might be where we have the most experience in the conference and maybe the
country,” Magistrelli said. “We have two corners that are quick, smart football
players that know what they are doing. They have great reactions and are very
consistent.”
Behind the cornerbacks lie safeties Chance Jenkins (6’0, 210, Sr. Ellsworth
CC) and Zack Hughes (6’3, 200, So., Nequa Valley H.S.). Chance, a 1st
team All-Conference selection in 2006, led the MSFA with 7 interceptions. He
also recorded 52 tackles, eight tackles for loss and one sack. Hughes recorded
seven tackles a year ago and will play opposite of Jenkins.
“Chance is a real ‘ball-hawk’ and always has his nose around the big play,”
Magistrelli said. “He makes a lot of calls for our defense and is a big play
guy. Zack played a lot of special teams for us last season and earned a safety
spot this season.”
Special Teams
The Fighting Bees will have to replace two key personnel from last year’s
special teams. Jon James has graduated and Evan Gutierrez has left St. Ambrose
in pursuit of becoming a pilot. As a result, the Bees are looking to replace two
integral members of the special teams at the punter and kicker slot.
All-purpose player Michael Hayward is the Fighting Bees only returning punter.
Shane Johnson (6’0, 170, Fr., Davenport Central H.S.), David Weimers
(6’0, 175, Fr., Peoria Notre Dame) and Toby Cewe (6’1, 180, Jr. Riverdale
H.S.) will all be competing for the job.
“All four of them have looked good this fall so it should be interesting,”
Magistrelli said.
With the loss of Gutierrez, the Fighting Bees return only one other kicker.
Gavin Tigges (5’11, 165, Jr., Dyersville Beckman H.S.) is the most
experienced kicker of the group that includes freshman Shane Johnson and Mike
Krese (6’6, 205, Fr., St. Francis H.S.).
“All three will be competing for both the kickoff and field goal duties,”
Magistrelli said.
Linebacker Tony Serio will return as the Bees long snapper.
The Season
The Fighting Bees may have some of the most difficult early season games in
recent history. The Fighting Bees will open at Division III
Wisconsin-Platteville on September 8th.
“Platteville plays in a tremendous league so that will be a very difficult game
on the road,” Magistrelli said.
After another road game at Waldorf, the Bees return home to host National
Championship Runner-Up St. Francis (IN).
“St. Francis (IN) is a great measuring stick for our program and our players are
we are really looking forward to the match-up,” Magistrelli said.
After winning the MSFA title a year ago, the Bees know that they have to be
ready each and every game.
“The league is extremely competitive this year, and you have to be ready every
Saturday or you will end up on the short end.”
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