PREVIEW OF THE LEMONT INJUNS

While Kaneland was whipping Marengo and Sycamore in the first two games this year, the Lemont injuns were taking it on the chin against Burlington central 24-19 and last week against Montini 31-7.

The Injuns are coming off a disappointing 4-5 season in 1997. But they have 12 starters returning from last season.

"We definitely took some lumps last year," new Lemont coach Jim Driscoll said. "But the young kids will be seasoned this year."

So what this game stacks up as is a game within a game. That is the game of the Knights trying to extend their record setting shutout string to 6 regular season games.

But Lemont super speedy junior running back Nick Bromberek will have a lot to say about that. Bromberek will light up when he sees Kaneland's young and reconstructed defensive backfield. With sophomore safetys and with starting corner Shaun Wenz out with an injury, a break away run by Bromberek could very well lead to a touchdown. Maybe two or three.

Not only do the Injuns have Bromberek but a good passing combination of QB Elliott Kaye and receiver Corey Tack.

So early indications are the Injuns like most everyone else will have a tough time stopping the Knights offense. The real game may be when Lemont has the ball. And the real question may be can the young Knights contain Bromberek? And if they do, can they also stiffle quarterback Kaye?

Like Coach Driscoll's comment of, "We need the juniors to step up for us," Kanelanad Coach Joe Thorgesen is probably thinking the same thing and adding the word "sophomores". At least on defense.