PREVIEW OF EVERGREEN PARK

Last when Kaneland went to Evergreen Park to play the Mustangs they controlled every aspect of the game and came away with a 49-0 victory. This year however may be a little different.

Althought the Mustangs showed a limited offense and porous defense against a very highly rated Marmion Academy team in the first game of the season, they turned around their play the following week against Morris. The Mustangs came within one yard of tieing the Redskins at the end of the game only to be kept out of the end zone on a pair of penalties.

Following the loses to Marmion and Morris both teams ranked in the top 25 of the state, the Mustangs whipped Westmont 34-0 in their first SPC contest of the season last week.

EP which very well could have the toughest first half of the season schedule in the state, opening with Marmion, Morris and Kaneland in 3 of their first 4 games, may still be good enough to make the playoffs.

They are returning 6 starters from last years 3-6 team, lead by running back (#31) Jim Cacciatore a 5-8, 180 pound hard nose senior and fullback (#44) Pat Mckeown (5-11, 170), who was an all-conference performer last season. This year they had added yet another quality running back in junior (#28) Steve Cieslewicz who carried the ball 17 times against Mamion.

Junior quarterback (#5) Tom Marsan (6-3, 150) also returns from a 800 yard passing season and he may find the young Kaneland secondary to his liking.

Defensively the Mustangs could be the toughest team Kaneland has faced this year. After allowing Marmion to score 28 points in the first half in game one, EP has held Marmion to only 7 points in the second half, Morris to just 13 and shutout Westmont.

Key to the Mustang defense is Middle Linebacker Cacciatore who seems to be everywhere on the field.

EP Coach Brett Nelson says, "We have some really nice kids off the sophomore team. This team has a good blend of solid kids and experience."

So, everything points to a friday night game that could go a long ways in determining the conference championship.