By Bobby Narang
York High School head football coach, Mike Fitzgerald, is hoping to keep to keep his program’s momentum continuing into the Fall.
Under Fitzgerald, the Dukes slowly have been piling up signature victories in hopes of building sustained success, which is important element to be a contender in the rugged West Suburban Silver Conference.
The Dukes have been a sleeping giant for several decades in the Conference, with Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West taking most of the spotlight in recent years. Fitzgerald, set to start his fourth season in August, notched his first winning season by guiding the Dukes to a 4-2 record in the abridged season.
York defeated Willowbrook, Oak Park-River Forest, and Romeoville in its final three games after two straight losses, combined 40-0, to Glenbard West and Hinsdale Central.
“I think this is deepest team that I’ve had here,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s competition at a lot of different spots, which will only make us better because we’re a deeper football team. We have four of out of five offensive linemen returning, so that’s good. We have most of our front seven on defense back. Our team speed and physicality on defense are good. But we did graduate a lot of skill players. I feel good about the kids coming up.
“We’re excited to have a normal season. We’re back to normal the Summer, and we’re looking forward to some team-bonding. This is a weird year, with two years (of football) being thrown together really quick.”
• Wheaton Warrenville South is on the other end of the spectrum. The Tigers are one of the best programs in the State, but are entering a new era following the retirement of head coach Ron Muhitch in the Spring. Former Wheaton North all-State quarterback Sean Norris takes over for Muhitch. The Tigers are aiming to build off an impressive showing in a seven-on-seven contest at Lyons July 1. The Tigers defeated Marist, Lyons, and York. The Tigers, similar to York, have to groom a new quarterback. Senior quarterback Matt Sommerdyke is slated to be the starter.
“(Matt’s) really made a lot of steps,” Norris said. “We’ve challenged him with leadership and leading the offense. He’s getting and better each day, and did good today, so that was good to see.
“We’ve had a really great two weeks of Summer camp, with eight practices. We’ve focused on our individual skills and installing our offense and team-bonding. We have a lot of room still to grow, but proud of the way they have responded. We’re excited. It’s like climbing a mountain, but right now, we’re still at base camp.”