PREVIEW OF THE HERSCHER TIGERS

Look out Kaneland. The Herscher Tigers are coming to town and they have one thing on their mind - "Beat Kaneland". This is the real deal! It's winner take all. The team with the highest score will become conference champion, will most likely finish the season undefeated and will be the favorite to win the Class 3A IHSA state championship.

Think this game isn't big? Well, think again.

Herscher like the Kaneland is 7-0 and has grandiose dreams of knocking off the winningest team in the state while Kaneland meanwhile still want's to play "King on the Mountain".

Both teams have played four common opponents. While Kaneland smacked Sycamore 42-0, Herscher had a harder time in the rain, winning 7-0. Two weeks before Kaneland handled Yorkville 41-14, Herscher kicked a last second field goal to just get by the Foxes 24-21. A third opponent, Elmwood Park, was overwhelmed by Kaneland 49-6, while Herscher found them not quite as easy, winning 27-0.

However, the key opponent was Ridgewood. The Rebels were beaten soundly by the Tigers 42-21 in a game that was tied a halftime. A few weeks later the Knights barely escaped Ridgewood with their football lifes winning 20-19 in the closest game the Knights had played since last year's Ridgewood game.

But in all fairness, when the Knights played at Ridgewood they were coming off an extremely emotional week and were really not themselves. On the other hand the Rebels admit they were not ready for Herscher, as Ridgewood running back Louis Mezzano states, "We really didn't come to play that game. We thought we were indestructible, and were slapped for it."

So what are there Tigers really like?

First of all they're a complete package with only one full time player playing both ways. They are by far the biggest team the Knights have faced and are solid both defensively, offensively and special teams.

But surprisingly the Tigers team may start with the place kicker! Number 17, senior B.J. Doss, who is also the team's punter, may have the best toes in all of 3A and can be the one single guy who could be the deciding difference in a close game.

But the Tiger field general #13 senior Justin Marti is probably the key to Herscher's successes this season. Not because he's great (and he is a darn good athlete), but as the teams quarterback he has improved so much over last season. His passes at times can be pin point accurate.

Marti directs a backfield made up of feature back #31 all-conference senior Matt Kapchinske (5' 11" 166) and #34 junior fullback Chris Scanlon (5' 10" 192). While neither will dazzle with their speed, they are both physical backs. Kapchinske has about 900 yards so far and Scanlon has rushed for about 400.

"Matt doesn't have great speed," says coach John Wakey of Kapchinske. "But when he gets in the open field, he's great at cutting."

Marti's Receivers are decent, but none really stand out. The two main go to guys, are #94 Greg Gross and #33 Dan Ortman. But the Tigers best receiver might be the tight end #40 Jeremy Bauer (6' 2" 200), who has speed and hits like a Mack truck.

The offensive line can be described in one word -BIG. The Hersher coaches are still tinkering with it a little bit. #79 Chad Ziller (6' 1" 258), #60 Adam Gregoire (6' 4" 302) and #70 Aaron Piggush (6' 1" 230) are the main stays. #78 Adam Fisher (6' 3" 210) is another, but he has been hurt, but should be ready by game time. As far as the 5th lineman, the Tigers appear to be settling on #74 Nick Pankey (6' 5" 230).

If you figure it out, that's an average offensive line off nearly 250 pounds that stand 6' 3". Also known as a quarterback's delight.

The defensive line is also big, but more importantly it remains fresh with few lineman going both ways. Tackles #73 Chris Legacey (6' 3' 240) and #55 Derrek Dykiewicz (6' 3" 220) anchor the middle, while #59 Bryan Johnston (6' 1" 198) and a rotation of the offensive lineman Ziller and Gregoire take care of the outside.

Senior middle linebacker #26 Chad Koelling (6' 1" 188) and his pal Jeremy Bauer (the only full time guy that plays both ways) are outstanding LB's. #44 Josh Berns (5' 9" 195) and #45 Joe Richie (6' 1" 175) round out the linebacking crew. Newcomer #93 Brad Johnson has started the last few games giving Bauer a breather and has played very well.

The defensive secondary may be the Tiger's weakest point. One area Kaneland QB Eric Delaney and team will be sure to test. #91 Brent Peterson and #29 Brent Strawson are the regular defensive backs. After that Herscher will rotate players in and out primarily using QB Marti and RB Kapchinske.

#86 Steve Wilkins is the punt returner. Watch this kid, he will not fair catch the ball.

And what should you expect to see? Herscher is a team that will run first and pass just enough to keep the defense honest. While not real quick, by the end of the night it will be clear that Herscher will be the most physical team Kaneland will have seen all year.

Probably the best chance for a Herscher victory is to wear the Knights down, like they did against Ridgewood. Something the Kaneland coaching staff will have to keep an eye out for, especially with so many Knights going both ways.

And as for the Knights - there best chance for a win will be via the air with Delaney rolling out to avoid the slow but big Tiger linemen. And if the Tigers blitz, the Knights could post some big numbers on the scoreboard real fast.

This is one game you just won't want to miss!