Sussex Hamilton Chargers

OUTLOOK

Player to watch: It's a family tradition for Drew Patterson, inheriting the reins of lead back from brother Nick, who was the Offensive Player of the Year in the Greater Metro Conference last year. Drew has already impressed as a first-team all-conference fullback during his sophomore year.

Date to circle: The Chargers have a two-week stretch to open GMC play against Marquette and Brookfield Central, with whom the Chargers were tri-champions last fall.

Strength: Talent is abundant for the Chargers, and it comes at a variety of positions. Most notably, Joe Eggert might be one of the best linemen in a league full of great linemen.

Weakness: The Chargers have always been able to produce strong linebackers, and this year will be a test with the loss of Kyle Schiedemeyer and Dan Herriges from that position.

We say: With nine players back who made all-conference lists last year, this should be an exceptional squad, one that should absolutelycompete for the Greater Metro title with Brookfield Central, Marquette or anyone else. The Chargers made Level 3 of the playoffs last year and can aim for at least that high once again.

A GLANCE BACK

Record

Overall: 10-2

Greater Metro Conference: 6-1

Outcome: Reached Level 3 of D1 playoffs

All-Conference returnees

First team: Tony Gumina (TE), Drew Patterson (FB)* and Joe Eggert (DL)

Second team: Sufyan Hamouda (OL)

Honorable mention: Dan Demler (DB), Jake Knueppel (DB), JoeMichaelson (DL), Aaron Mushall (AP) and Aaron Zagorski (LB)

First-team losses: Nick Patterson (RB, AP), Cody King (OL), J.J. Flor (DB), Dan Herriges (LB) and Kyle Schiedemeyer (LB)

Coach: John Damato

*junior

SCHEDULE

home games in bold

LAST YEAR

COACH'S CORNER

"We're all excited about this football team. They have a lot to work on but at the same time they have a lot of potential."

John Damato

Hamilton head football coach