Team at a glance
NICKNAME Lancers
COLORS Navy blue and white
STADIUM West Campus stadium, 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Roselle
ENROLLMENT 3,075
CLASS 8A
COACH Andy Livingston
2007 RECORD 4-5
CONFERENCE 3-4, 8th

TOP RETURNERS
Larry Nawrot    jr.    QB
Will Kalish    sr.    LB
Kevin Thomas    sr.    RB/LB
Chris Buonovolanto    sr.    LB/RB
Nick Wiley    sr.    DB/RB
Chris Jasinski    jr.    RB
Kyle Bieschke    sr.    RB/WR
Kyle Steiger    sr.    WR
Michael Wartan    sr.    OL

PROMISING NEWCOMERS
Austin Rott    sr.    DL
George Mack    sr.     OL
Matt Kaiser    jr.    DL
Matt Koczwara    jr.    LB
Artie Monaco    jr.    RB

2008 schedule
Aug. 29    Conant    7:30 p.m.
Sept. 5    at Naperville C.    7:30 p.m.
Sept. 12    Neuqua Valley    7:30 p.m.
Sept. 19    Bartlett    7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26    at St. Charles East    7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3    at Waubonsie Vall.    7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10    at Streamwood    7:30 p.m.
Oct. 17    East Aurora    7:30 p.m.
Oct. 24    at Elgin    7:30 p.m.

Games to watch
Aug. 29 vs. Conant Home win to start season goes long way to boost team’s confidence
Sept. 12 vs. Neuqua Valley UEC opener and first chance at revenge for foe that began shutout streak in 2007
Sept. 19 vs. Bartlett Another shot at payback and win would be big with team  on road for next three weeks

five-year record
    overall    conf.    playoffs
07    4-5    3-4
‘06    5-5    3-3    1st Rd.
‘05    4-5    3-3
‘04    4-5    3-3
‘03    10-3    5-1    Semis


Cannot have too many cooks
One of the signatures of Lake Park’s 2007 season was the use of a large number of people on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, expect the Lancers to bring back a multi-headed attack.
“With our double-wing we have three backs and two receivers all the time so the ball gets pitched a lot,” said Livingston.
The responsibility of compiling those rushing yards falls mainly on the bruising Thomas (5-foot-8, 200), Jasinski (5-10, 190) and the speedy Monaco (5-8, 150).
But don’t be surprised to see defensive standouts like Wiley and Kalish carry the ball now and then.

QB hopes 2008 is a laugher
It’s hard to find someone who had a tougher 2007 than Nawrot.
With just two years of experience, one as QB of the freshman team, the 6-2, 185-pound sophomore was named starting varsity QB and took his lumps, literally, getting a concussion near the end of the first half against St. Charles East.
“The difference for Larry between this year and last year is huge,” Livingston said. “He’s a man, rather than a boy, playing the game. It’s become much more clear to him. The game has slowed down.”
Teammates also notice the change.
“Last year he had a good arm but now he knows where to put it,” said senior Will Kalish. “He’s laughing because it’s so much easier this year.”

Team wants to learn, forget
When asked what games are key, Livingston gives an honest, if unusual answer.
“The first six games will be crucial because we’ll have two nonconference and then four straight conference games and know where we stand,” Livingston said.
After a three-point win at Conant, the Lancers ran into five teams that each won their first-round playoff game. Five losses later, the last four by shutout, left Lake Park tottering against the ropes. But the team averaged nearly 39 points in its three-game win streak to end the season.
“There was a definite carryover effect from how we ended the season because all the younger guys saw that we could put points on the board and win games,” Kalish said. “Our offseason workouts  were great.”

He bleeds Lancer navy blue
Injuries are part of football and no one on the team may have dealt with tougher ones than Steiger.
The 6-1, 170-pound wide receiver missed the team’s win streak after badly breaking his ankle during a game.
Then, while doing some speed work in January, he tore cartilage in his knee.
Defying conventional wisdom, including medical, Steiger is not only a team captain, he looks ready to go.
“The doctors and trainers were concerned about him being ready for summer camp, let alone games,” Livingston said. “He’s at full speed now. What he’s done is impressive.”
Steiger is one of nearly 20 players who started at some point last year.

Senior Says
Will Kalish
How tough was the shutout streak?
“After the first loss, we went in thinking we’d lose. None of us had ever been through something like that.”
What will be keys to success?
“If we can pressure the other QB and keep Larry (Nawrot) upright, we’ll win. And if we all come together, we’ll be fine.”
Which position do you prefer, linebacker or running back?
“I’ll play anywhere just to get on the field but I definitely prefer defense. It’s just the mentality of wanting to hit someone.”

By the numbers
13 Total points Lancers scored last year during five-game losing streak, which ended with four consecutive shutouts against teams that each won a first-round playoff game

116 Total points Lancers scored in three-game winning streak to end the season

18 Number of returning players who started at some point for Lake Park last season