Goss: Everything rosy with Lincoln-Way West 'D'

Before the high school football playoffs began, we discussed how important defense is in the postseason.

How often we have seen offensive machines with the gaudy offensive numbers get shut down by quality defenses? Sometimes, the conditions play into that, but usually it merely is a case of the defense winning the battle.

That brings us to Lincoln-Way West (10-2), the only semifinalist representing the Joliet area. The Warriors will play their Class 5A semifinal at 2 p.m. Saturday against Champaign Central (11-1) at the Champaign Centennial field.

After coach Dave Ernst’s team came alive in the second half to put away Dunlap, 35-12, in the opening round, the Warriors have faced two opponents with those impressive offensive numbers.

The first was Troy Triad, whose triple-option attack featured 1,600-yard rusher Adam Nelson. He was limited to minus-1 yard in 10 carries as the visiting Warriors wrapped up a 31-7 victory.

Then it was on to the quarterfinals, where Peoria arrived in New Lenox averaging 47 points a game. The Lions mounted some offense, but not nearly enough, as West zoomed into the semifinals with a 40-13 victory.

So far on the playoff trail, the Warriors’ quickness on the defensive side of the ball has been in control.

“What our defense did last week to Peoria was huge,” Ernst said. “We have a bunch of tough guys over there who play hard.”

Even more impressive, the Warriors are dominating with a liberal dose of youth. Inside linebacker Ryan Robbins, outside linebacker Jake Price and cornerback Matt Murphy are sophomores. Junior linebacker Danny Allen is in his second year as a varsity starter.

“We have another sophomore, Nick Skentzos, who has been rotating in on the defensive line,” Ernst said.

Junior Trevor Schmidt starts in the defensive line; junior Josh Bohne sees action in the secondary; and the “name” player on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker/lineman Trey Telez, also is a junior.

Mix in the seniors who have been so outstanding – ends Dan Wainwright and Deven Reed, lineman Cortez Michalski, safety Cam Gavin and cornerback Cody Conry among them – and the secret to the defensive success is no secret at all.

Or, perhaps it comes from behind the scenes. Yes, West’s defensive coaching staff deserves to take a collective bow.

Luke Lokanc is the defensive coordinator; and his dad, Larry, assists. Mike Villa coaches the defensive backs, Mike Franta the defensive line, and Eric Doornkaat and Steve Bauer the linebackers.

“We have an excellent defensive staff,” Ernst said. “You would be hard-pressed to find any better.

“Luke Lokanc does a great job putting it all together, and Larry Lokanc is the best. He’s been coaching high school football for 40 years. Mike Franta coached the defensive line at Lincoln-Way East when they were turning out those Division I defensive linemen. Eric Doornkaat was an assistant at East, too.”

For yet another week, the West defense will face a potent ground attack. In Champaign Central’s wing-T scheme, Josh Parker, Brad Dee and Matt Brown have combined to rush for nearly 300 yards a game. Brown broke loose for 225 yards in last week’s 28-0 victory over previously unbeaten Washington.

“They have good team speed on offense,” Ernst said of the Maroons. “They are a lot like Bradley [West’s SouthWest Suburban Red rival, which also is alive in the playoffs] in how they play. They play hard and run the ball. They do good things in the running game.”

It will be interesting to see how the weather affects Saturday’s game. There is a good chance of rain changing to snow in chilly Champaign, probably while the game is in progress.

West, of course, also has a strong running game featuring tailback Gabe Montalvo. It may become a game where both teams rely on their strength even more than usual.

• Dick Goss can be reached at dgoss@shawmedia.com.