Enjoying the View

There’s been a complete culture shift in the Illinois football landscape. 25-years ago, Lemont High School was little more than just an afterthought when it came to football. Most of the talent that lived in Lemont left the city limits to play for the catholic school powers. No more. Now the Indians are on top of the mountain.

Lemont, led by Eric Michaelsen, is now a football power. Lemont is a regular participant in the state play-offs with a goal of playing for the state championship.

Here are the records for the Indians the past four years. 13-1, 10-2, 11-1 and this season they are 11-0 and are a #1 seed and favored to get to the big game in Champaign after Thanksgiving.

Michaelsen doesn’t take the success of his program for granted.

“I think it’s always a surprise when you have success,” Coach Michaelsen said. “Our kids work very hard in the off-season and during the summer. We play in a pretty good conference and our goal is always to make to the play-offs.

“We have a good feeder program now and a program where the kids who live in Lemont want to play for their hometown school. It’s important for us to keep our kids here.”

Lemont takes on (Chicago) Hubbard on Saturday night in quarterfinal play. In order for the Indians to move on to the semis, they will need to lean on junior offensive lineman Ethan Pocic.

Pocic, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound, tackle is already one of the most sought after juniors in the country. Lemont should run behind Pocic early and often. Running behind Pocic will be tailback Mike Anzalone, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound senior.

Damon Aleman (6-1, 170) has been outstanding at quarterback for Lemont this season. The defense is led by senior linebacker Kyle Krull (6-1, 215) who is a three-year varsity starter.