By: Ryan Plinske
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 3:08pm
Both fans and players of Coal City may have more to worry about than the frigid temperatures (game time feel: 36 degrees) that are going to be surrounding tonight’s IHSA class 4A matchup of the Eagles of Aurora Christian and the Coalers of Coal City.
Aurora Christian offensively: Lenny Onsen and Coal City players have to come up with a game plan to slow down one of the most dynamic offenses in the 4A playoffs this year. Aurora Christian has one of Illinois’ most prodigious passers all-time, in Quarterback Jordan Roberts but that doesn’t mean that all of the focus will be on him tonight. Aurora Christian has the two-headed monster at wide out in Matt Morse (36 receptions for 748 yards and 16 td’s) and David Zielke (33 receptions for 457 yards and 6 td’s). Matt Morse has come on strong this year after missing the first 4 games of the season with mono and in his season debut scored 5 touchdowns and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Zielke on the other hand has been pushed to the side a little bit since then but that still doesn’t stop his explosiveness, great hands and even better instincts after the catch. Lewis Gaddis has stepped up when AC needed it most this year at the running back position. Last year AC graduated both of their top backs (Smith and O’Boyle) but Gaddis has picked up right where they left off. Gaddis is one of those power backs that isn’t afraid of running right through you if necessary. Gaddis has piled on 835 yards on 108 attempts and 5 td’s averaging just under 8 yards per carry. Many people had many questions when they found out last year that Aurora Christian was bumped up to 4A, whether their lines could hold their own and if they had enough offense coming back to compete with the likes of Driscoll, Chicago Christian, and Walther. The Eagles have answered all of the questions this year beating Chicago Christian (42-28) and Walther Lutheran (39-33). The defensive line is anchored around 317 pound Peter Kariotis who takes over in the Eagles 3-5 defensive scheme. The offensive line has done an exceptional job this year only allowing the defense to get to the prize of the Eagles, Jordan Roberts with 5 sacks all year. I also expect Luis Solario (FB/LB) to be a big contributor to the Eagles running and passing attack and providing some big hits on defense.
Coal City offensively: Coal City might not have the offensive machines like Aurora Christian has but they have many weapons that have been there all year in junior quarterback Colt Smith (58-of-105, 756 yards, 7 TDs who many in Coal City like to compare to the gunslinger manner of Brett Favre. They have a double threat at running back with juniors Bobby Kroeger (92 carries, 495 yards, 4 TDs; 8 catches, 111 yards) and Rankovich (45 carries, 208 yards; 8 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD) and Smiths favorite receiver in Junior Kevin Gabehart (20 catches, 205 yards, 3 TDs). He also is part of the Coalers special teams with 12 punt returns for 151 yards and a touchdown much like that of Devin Hester.
I expect this game to be a pretty explosive one in the air for the Eagles but if the weather begins to play a factor with the frigid temperatures expected to be around 38 degrees, be on the lookout for Lewis Gaddis to just transform into a beast out there and rack up huge numbers against Coal City’s defense which is weak against the run. Another thing in AC’s favor is the right foot of newly found kicker, Jake van Gilse. van Gilse this summer went to many kicking camps to improve and be able to contribute when (head coach) Beebe called on him. Last week Jake booted an astonishing kick of 43 yards and then another one of 40 yards. Looks like the Eagles are a never ending offensive powerhouse, but don’t tell the defense that.
With that all said I expect Aurora Christian to capitalize on the weather condition and the home field atmosphere at their newly finished state of the art field.
Prediction: Aurora Christian 35, Coal City 7
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