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I'M* UI.AINDKAliN N GAZHTTK. SWfKMKK 7 * V l<W4 '83 success stories breed '84 dreams The monumental successes of Woodstock and Marian Central high schools last football season brought instant visions of glory to the coaches and players in the area. As the Blue Streaks and Hurricanes zipped through the competition en route to Class 4A and Class 2A titles, respectively, northern Illinois football spur other area schools on to equal greatness. "We all realize they put their pants on one leg at a time," Schlender said. "If they can do it, so can we." The 1984 season will be in­ teresting in that regard. Cer­ tainly, the Fox Valley Con­ ference, of which Woodstock is a part, and the Northwest Chris Jvzwik Sports Editor received the recognition it has long deserved. Woodstock and Marian both realized the dreams that every high school athlete and coach have, and it's really amazing when you think that both schools achieved those goals in the same season. McHENRY HEAD COACH JOE SCHLENDER said the success of the two schools could Suburban Conference, of which Marian is a member, will be much more closely watched this season as a result of last year's rise to power. Tins campaign could prove to be quite interesting coifie playoff time. Will there be another state champ? How about two? Of course, that's all a ways off. * THE FOX VALLEY LOOKS TO BE AN extremely com­ petitive circuit. Woodstock returns some key players, and both Crystal Lake schools ap­ pear, on the surface, to be solid, quality football teams. And Schlender may have his best team in his six years here at McHenry. The preview of the Warriors in this section will tell you more, but suffice it to say that if McHenry stays healthy, the Fox Valley title could well be theirs. A key game for the Warriors, which Schlender readily admits, is the conference opener against Crystal Lake South. The Gators have a superb two- way player in Paul Prentice, and a lightning fast tailback in Greg Schulz. McHenry has the advantage of playing this contest at McCracken Field, and surely the victor will have the upper hand in the FVC race. THE WARRIORS WILL MEET THEIR other two tough opponents on the road. The game at Central is set for Sept. 29, while the Woodstock game will be pet. 26. Both games should have a direct bearing on the league's outcome. The FVC's other three teams - Jacobs, Cary-Grove and Dundee-Crown - shouldn't be a factor, but as Schlender says, "on any given day ..." McHenry does have five home games in '84, whereas they hit the road only four times. But only three of the home games are conference tilts. 'If they {(Woodstock) can * do it, so can we." . Joe Schlender In non-league match-ups, the Warriors will face Morton East of Cicero, - Immaculate Con­ ception of Elmhurst and Fox Lake Grant. Schlender says he likes to test his team's mettle against the best, and with that schedule, he Will have the opportunity to do so. • r IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBAN, Marian Central looks to be a shoo-in to retain their crown. As for the state honor, well, it's always very tough to repeat. A team needs a lot of breaks. Although Marian was good enough last year to not need those little advantages, they may not be quite as for­ tunate this time around. But with Andy Hartlieb and Dan Fortin running wild out of the backfield, Marian could well make another run at the prestigous title. Johnsburg and coach Randy Oberembt are coming off a fine 7-2 season, but the loss of some key players will hurt. The Sky hawks have some big shoes to fill, but should win their share in '84. Richmond comes off its third consecutive Big Eight cham­ pionship, and coach Randy Hofman is in search of yet another title. But the leadership of senior quarterback Craig Komar should help Richmond to produce a lot of points. 1984 has all the makings of an outstanding prep football campaign for the area. If it's half as good as last year, somebody will be pleased. Real pleased. • WARRIORS • SKYHAWKS • HURRICANES * ROCKETS You're In Our Hearts! From Our Winning Team To Yours.... GOOD LUCK * Throughout The 1984 Season! • Member FDJC FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF 3814 WEST ELM STREET, P.O. BOX 338 • McHENRY, ILLINOIS 60050-0338 ---- 815-385-5400