Sports
New Era in Andrew Football Set to Begin
The Thunderbolts have depth at the skill positions and linebacker slots for first-year coach Jim Malec.
Andrew Thunderbolts
Coach: Jim Malec, first season.
Last Year: 4-5 overall, 3-4 in the South Suburban Red.
Opener: Aug. 26 at Sandburg, 7:30 p.m. In a fierce district rivalry, the T-Bolts look to bounce back after falling to the Eagles 23-16 in last year’s home opener.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Outlook: After 18 years in the Andrew football program, Jim Malec looks to earn his stripes in his first year as coach of the varsity program. Malec is well-respected around Andrew, and with a veteran coaching staff in place, the transition from former coach Jim Zimmer should be relatively smooth. While the T-Bolts are somewhat inexperienced on the offensive and defensive lines, they have good depth at the skill positions, and quarterback Tyler Hook has the arm strength to get the ball out in a hurry.
Offense
Backs: Tyler Hook, 6-4, 200, senior, is the quarterback. Jarvis Franklin (6-0, 185) will be a mainstay at runinng back and linebacker. Franklin has the speed to get away from defenders and the power to break tackles.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Line: Mike Love (6-4, 300) and Cory Chojnowski (6-3, 260) are two of the T-Bolts' building blocks. Chojnowski also will play on the defensive line.
Tight ends/wide receivers: Alex Zappavigna (6-3, 210) is a tight end. Joe Sanfilippo (5-11, 165) will be one of the top wideouts. Zappavigna is also a standout basketball and volleyball player.
Placekicker: Mike Ehlers and Nick Brancato are the leading candidates here. Both are juniors. Ehlers also plays soccer.
Defense
Linebackers: Pat Elget (6-0, 180, senior) and Kevin Walsh (6-0, 215, junior) will be two of the leaders here. Walsh played on the varsity level as a sophomore. And, with Frankling serving double-duty, Andrew is set with three holders in a solid bunch.
Line: Fred Kassal (6-1, 225, junior) will need to step up his game. Kassal also played on the varsity level as a sophomore. Now, he's a year older and wiser.
Secondary: Free safety Dan Durkin and corner Steve Carrabotta will lead the way in the defensive backfield.
Punter: Senior Mike Tucker has the toe to create field position for the T-Bolts.
Coach Jim Malec said: “We are hoping the combination of good health and the solid play of several returning starters, along with some promising juniors, will allow us to compete in both our conference and non-conference games. Our kids are hard workers and they’ve got some personality.”
