By Bob Narang
Montini Catholic High School head football coach Mike Bukovsky is among coaches and players ready for a full regular season.
After the 2020 football season was delayed until the late March, and shortened to a six-game regular season without any playoffs, the State is set to resume a full slate of nine regular-season games in the Fall. High school football practices are set to start August 9.
Many teams, including Montini, are excited about the return to a normal schedule, especially those teams that played less than six games because of COVID-19. The Broncos, for example, played just five games. Downers Grove North played just four games.
Bukovsky said his players are motivated for a trip to the playoffs. Montini captured six state championships from 2004 to 2015 and finished in second place in State in Class 5A in 2013, 2014, and 2018.
“We’re doing a lot of good things, building from the bottom up after a short turnaround,” he said. “Physically, I feel we’re in a good place. We’re ready and healthy and got as much good work in the weight room as we could. We just have to catch up mentally, scheme-wise, and technique-wise.
“We had a lot of sophomores that ended up on the field last year. That will be helpful since we have a number of starters back on both sides.”
Bukovsky said he was happy by the play of quarterbacks Cole Teschner and Tre Jones this Summer. The strength of the offense lies in the running game, led by star running back Josh Robinson, Bukovsky said.
“We have a good strong group of seniors, but are still trying to sort things out,” he said. “We think we can be a very balanced offense this year. We haven’t been a balanced offense in a few years. Cole and Trey are both battling at quarterback. We have to do whatever we can do week by week to win games. We have a great running game. Josh Robinson is looking really good. Our wide receivers might be our most improved unit this year.”
• Downers Grove North head coach Joe Horeni said his team is aiming for a big season after playing just four games last year.
Horeni said he expects his offense to lead the way, especially with seven starters back. Junior quarterback Sam Reichert, wide receiver Ethan Thulin, and running back/defensive back Khalil Copeland, are among the main returning starters.
“I’m proud of the way our passing has improved,” Horeni said. “Downers Grove North historically doesn’t throw the ball a ton. The players have done a nice job with timing and route concepts. We’re hoping for a 50-50 balance with the run and pass.”