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lender Lack of depth Schlender's only major concern By Chris Juzwik Plaindealer sports editor . Guarded optimism/ That's probably the best/way to describe the manner in which McHenry High ^School football coach Joe Schlender is ap- ' proaching the 1984 season. Schlender has reason for high hopes, with senior all-Fox Valley Conference quarterback Craig Hill returning after a sensational junior year, along with a husky offensive line, and a strong offensive backfield, led by the likes of Pat Dunne, Jim Shaver and Mike Schultz. On the opposite side of the coin, however, Schlender has just 34 players on this squad, and only 13 are seniors. A strong bench is not the Warriors' strong suit. "WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF DEPTH," Schlender said. "It would be real tough on us if one of the seniors went down right away. Injuries really scare us." Schlender said whereas most teams have senior back-ups, the Warriors won't have that luxury. "When we get someone hurt, we have to go to a junior, and their inexperience can hurt. But it's difficult to predict what they'll do in that type of situation. So far, in the pre-season, the Warriors have been injury-free. ^'We've been working on conditioning, and that's about all you can do," Schlender said. "So far, we've been successful in avoiding injury problems. But ... it's a rough game." Speaking of rough, Schlender has a rugged offensive line to smooth the path for Hill and Co., led by 6'3" 248 18. Pat Gorniak, whom Schlender labeled "a prototype lineman." * GORNIAK, WHO ALONG WITH HILL will be a Warrior co-captain this season has, Schlender said, really worked on his strength during the off­ season. "He's a strong .kid. Real strong," the Warrior mentor said of Gorniak. "He's a real leader too. Always stressing the positive. The rest of the kids really look up to him." Schlender said Gorniak will play both offense and defense for McHenry, but added, "we'll try to spell him a little." Along with Gorniak, the all- senior offensive line includes tight end Greg Garde, quick guard Mike Woo, and Brad Snyder at quick tackle. Gorniak will man the strong guard slot. HILL WILL BE THE FIRST two-year quarterback for Schlender, who is in his sixth season as the Warrior head coach. The left-hander threw for over 1,000 yards last season, and Schlfender said McHenry will put the ball in the air 20-2^ times a game this season. v "Craig's an outstanding of­ fensive player, and he's a smart player, too. He's also a great kid." "We'd like to throw 50 percent of the time, but it will probably be more like one-third to a hjajf," Schlender said. Hill will have junior Shaver at the tailback position. As a sophomore, Shaver was brought up to the varsity and showed flashes of greatness, scoring six touchdowns." Schultz, a senior, will fill the wingback slot, and Dunne will, man the other tailback hole. Hie Warriors will, according to Schlender, have two players handle the kicking chores, a problem for recent Warrior teams. Dunne will do the placekicking, while Schultz will be the punter. "Schultz has been punting in the 35-40 yard range so far," Schlender noted. * "THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING GROUP," Schlender said. He added this year's squad is only the second team he's had at McHenry that had a winning underclassmen record. "The seniors this year were 8- 1 as sophomores, and the juniors were 5-4 as sophomores. It's the best two groups I've ever had together, and there's no question it's one of the best teams I've ever had at McHenry." The Warriors will attempt, to vault over the cream of the FVC, namely, Woodstock, Crystal Lake South and Crystal Lake Central. "South looks strong, and Central is always outstanding. Woodstock was the state champ (in Class 4A) and how successful they'll be remains to be seen," Schlender said. "This is a strange c onference. There are no games you can look jtt say, 'there's a win. here's a I urn to next pane MCHENRY COACH JOE SCHLENDER "HAVE A SUPER SEASON" LITTLE CHEF RESTAURANT 1332 N. Riverside Dr., M( Henry 385-9752 "HAVE A GREAT YEAR!" CUD . CHILDREN'S GENTLY USED APPARtl 1260 N. GREEN ST., McHENRY 3858555 GOOD LUCK FOR THE 1984 FOOTBALL SEASON! McHENRY OPTICIANS 1301 N. Riverside Dr. McHenry 385-9240 BEST WISHES FOR THE '84 SEASON! BRAKE PARTS CO. MM N. INDUSTRIAL M. McHENRY 315-7000 CO TEAMS CO! » McHENRY MARKETPLACE I -- -- • • M»'l ' Ul'l • !M !V J " " l.i/'t nnrVft AfM)! M nrerrv7rm:.-»rr i nnw- -- Mc HAVE A GREAT YEAR TEAMS AMMS ENTERPRISES 3017 W. Rt*. 120 McHenry 385-5970 MAY ALL YOUR VICTORIES BE SWEET! RIVERSIDE BAKE SHOP 1309 N. RIVERSIDE DR. McHENRY 365-0044 BEST WISHES FOR A WINNING SEASON! WlcHettty <Auto Sodff Co., One. 4704 WEST ELM, McHENRY, 305-0444 JIM MESSINA. Owst*r CHUCK MOTEJZIK. Manog.r