Piekarski Ready for Challenge

Chandler Piekarski has gone from blocker and sometime receiver to the go-to-guy in the Bolingbrook passing game. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound junor tight end talks about his increased role, Lincoln-Way East and recruiting.

Tight end Chandler Piekarski was brought up to the varsity for the play-offs his freshman year and had valuable varsity experience as a sophomore but tonight in what most are calling the biggest football game this season in Illinois high school football his role can be much larger.

At the beginning of the season, Bolingbrook wide receiver Xavier Perkins was one of the best-kept secrets in the state. An exceptional talent with speed, great hands and leaping ability but Perkins went down in week 2 against Belleville East and Chandler Piekarski has to step up.

“I’m looking forward to being the go-to-guy,” Piekarski said. “Before I was would just get one or two balls thrown my way during a game. I was used mostly for blocking, now I’m going to featured receiver. I’m still going to have to block for our running backs but I’m excited have a bigger role.”

The 2013 grad is starting to receive mail from colleges but he hasn’t paid much attention.

“I think Coach (John) Ivlow has some letters he’s been holding for me but I haven’t asked to see them.” Pierkarski said. “I’m going to wait and see how the rest of the season goes and I’ll sit down with coach (Ivlow) and talk about recruiting.

“I’d really like to take a closer look at Wisconsin. They do a great job with their tight ends. I’ve heard from Nebraska and I they have a great tradition. Illinois is another favorite but to tell you the truth, I’d be willing to look at any school that has an interest in me.”

Piekarski and his teammates take on undefeated rival Lincoln-Way East tonight in Bolingbrook.

“Coach Ivlow and the rest of our coaches have us prepared,” said Piekarski. “We had a great week of practice. We’re focused and ready to go. Coach Ivlow told us that this game is so big that he’d like to be playing in it. Our place is going to be packed tonight and we can’t wait.”