MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Harlem Huskies had a dynamic team last season. They appear to be positioned to be even more dynamic on the football field this season.
It could be tempting for any group of teenagers to gaze too far down the road at what this season could ultimately look like. For now, the Huskies are trying to stay focused on the here-and-now which currently means practices.
“They’re pretty locked-in,” said head coach Jim Morrow at a recent practice. “They come to work every day. We haven’t set any lofty goals for ourselves. We’re just going to come out here and do the best we can for 120 minutes or whatever we have to work with and come out of it a better football player.”
The Huskies check a lot of boxes at the skill positions. There is junior returning starting quarterback Braxton Fausett. All he did last year was pass for 22 touchdowns while throwing only one interception.
What’s the next step in his progression?
“The next step, you know he only threw one pick last year, so if he could get it to zero…,” said Morrow cracking a smile.
Zero interceptions, that might be far-fetched, but what isn’t far-fetched is the likelihood of an even better version of Fausett this season.
“I think he’s added 15 more pounds of muscle for him to be able to run the ball now with a little bit more force and a little more consistency and durability,” said Morrow.
The Huskies graduated speedy running back Dwayne Broom, but they bring back equally explosive Ladarrius Foster and Tykeese Duncan. Duncan helped a sprint relay team go to state in track last spring.
Cristian Serrano brings some size and power to the backfield.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find two better receivers in the conference than Lebron McClelland and Jackson Cook. Now add in tight end William White who looks like he’s going to be a good one.
“I’m super excited, especially with what we did last year, bringing back a lot of seniors and juniors from last year,” said Cook.
The Huskies don’t simply have talent at the skill positions. They’re loaded on the lines.
“This class is phenomenal in regards to the depth, the quality of linemen that we have,” said Morrow.
The offensive line returns tackles Paul Wyman and Jacob Ortiz, and massive guard Tyson Hill. He was First Team All-Conference last year. He appears more physically fit this season.
I wouldn’t say I’ve dropped weight, but I’ve got more muscle. I think I lost fat, so yea, I’m a lot stronger than I was last year.”
The defensive line also has returning size and talent led by Noah Crandall, and Jasavion Foy.
The Huskies are set at cornerback with that same great receiver duo McClelland and Cook. Griffin Reinecke is the leader to take over at safety.
The area that got hit hardest by graduation was the linebacker unit where the Huskies lost some good ones Bryar Krieg, Brenyn Brickson and Elliot Cross.
“It’s a competition (at linebacker) right now,” said Morrow. “We’re waiting for two guys to kind of emerge from that. We’ve got some quality kids.”
Follow the Huskies and high school football in the 815 all season with ‘Overtime.’ Our half-hour high school football show airs Friday nights on FOX 39 in Rockford. It’s also available on the Mystateline+ app, and on all of our other digital platforms.
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