Shepard Football Looks to Make Third Time a Charm

Shepard Astros

Coach: Dominic Passolano (13-7, 2 years).

Last year: 6-3 overall, 5-1 in South Suburban Red, good for second place.

Opener: at Walter Payton Prep Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m.

Outlook: The Astros last made back-to-back playoff appearances in 1993 and 1994. That also was the last time they made three consecutive playoff appearances. So, the goal is to three-peat.

"Like every year, we want to compete for a conference championship and have winning seasons at all three levels," coach Dominic Passolano said. "We then want to qualify for the IHSA playoffs and this year we want to take the next step and win a playoff game."

Offense

Backs: At quarterback, the Astros lost two good ones in Dontae McCoy and Nick Davis. A.J. Porter, the Astros offensive coordinator, has developed both Jimmy McClinton and Steve Martinez for the upcoming season.

"Both are athletic kids who just need the benefit of getting some game experience," Passolano said. "Besides their athleticism, we also like the fact that they are 3.0 GPA students, which translates to leadership and smart, heady players."

Senior running backs John Kotas and Cortez Miller are returning starters. Payton Thomas and Bryan Tellado will push for playing time behind them.

Line: "The strength of the team this year is the experience returning on both the offensive and defensive lines," Passolano said. "They aren’t going to stand out because of their size, but (when) they come off the ball, (they) are very physical and will hit you, and do a good job of maintaining their blocks with consistency."

Returning starters include Rob Davis (6-3, 205, OT), an all-conference selection a year ago; Shaquille Dickson (5-11, 215, OG), James Graves (6-0, 210, OT), Max Woronicz (6-0, 215, C) and Cam Foreman (5-9, 180, OG).

Two newcomers to watch: Henry Green (6-1, 230, OG, Jr.), Kentrell Luckett (6-0, 205, OG, So.).

Tight ends/receivers: "This group has a good mixture of experience as well as young players who will step up and gain recognition really quickly," Passolano said. "There are potentially big playmakers in this group."

Brandon Lucas (6-0, 190, Sr., WR), Martice Weatherspoon (6-3, 200, Sr. WR) and Richard Bean (6-0, 200, Sr., TE) are returning starters. Weatherspoon is a two-sport standout who earned all-conference honors last season.

Two to watch: Bill Cipolla (5-8, 165, Sr., WR), Londell Lee (6-0, 170, Jr., WR).

Placekicker: Tommy Eyer, junior. He will help dictate field position and can hit the three-ball from long distance.

"Tommy came out after an outstanding varsity soccer season as a freshman," Passolano said. "He kicked for us last year as a sophomore and kicked field goals of 46, 47 and 48 yards. Division I schools are beginning to take notice."

Defense

Linebackers: "John Kotas will be the leader of this group," Passolano said. "He was the leading tackler and started every game last year."

John Kotas (5-11, 200, Sr., ILB), Bryan Tellado (5-10, 185, Sr., OLB), Jordan Brewer (6-3, 200, Jr., OLB) and Cam Foreman (5-9, 180, ILB) are returning starters. Brewer started ever game on the varsity level as a sophomore.

Two to watch: Kentrell Luckett (6-0, 205, JR., OLB) and Kevin Martin (6-0, 195, Sr., OLB).

Line: Rob Davis (6-3, 205, DE) is a returning all-conference player, Shaquille Dickson (5-11/215 Sr., DT) and Demetrius Taylor (6-1, 255, Sr., DT) also return.

Three to watch: Richard Bean (6-0, 200, Sr., DE), Harry Green (6-1, 230, Jr., DT) and Killyle Jones (6-3, 210, Jr., DE).

Secondary: Brandon Lucas-CB (6-0, 190, Sr., CB), Martice Weatherspoon (6-3, 200, Sr., FS), Cortez Miller (5-8, 160, Sr., CB), Bill Cipolla (5-8, 165, Sr., CB), Londell Lee (6-0, 170, Jr., FS), Jimmy McClinton (6-1, 170, Jr., FS) and Payton Thomas (5-9, 170, Jr., CB) will be the mainstays.

Punter: Tommy Eyer will double in this role.

Coach Dominic Passolano said: “We want the reputation as a blue-collar, lunch-pail football team that outhustles and outworks people. We tell our kids that there are other teams out there who have better athletes, better 40-yard dashes, a more elaborate playbook, and probably smarter coaches. But, at the end of the day, we are going to outwork and outhit people. Every year, we want to be the most physical football team on that field whether it's offense, defense or special teams. We want people to leave playing us knowing that they have been hit. If we are going to be successful this year, we are going to rely on a physical style of football in those three areas. This team is going to be an enjoyable team to coach because it is filled with more NAIA/D-III type kids than five-star athletes. This is a team of Grabowskis.”