Yahya Johnson likes what he has seen and, more importantly, what he has heard from his Rich South teammates this summer.
“The seniors are a lot more vocal,” said Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker/running back. “We have much better leadership. There were a lot of cliques last year. We weren’t all together as a team. This year, we are working together and have formed a brotherhood.”
Whether that transforms into more success remains to be seen.
What was seen was Rich South’s performance at the recent Homewood-Flossmoor Battle of the Border 7-on-7. And if that is any indication, a playoff appearance is not entirely far-fetched.
The last time the Stars qualified for the postseason was 2006, and it was a one-and-done experience.
The encouraging news, beyond improved leadership, is that numbers are up dramatically. Approximately 45 players arrived for summer camp, which is about 15 more than a year ago.
Rich South coach Andre Taylor isn’t ready to predict a playoff season for the Stars although, like every other team, qualifying for the postseason is the goal. Taylor is extremely optimistic Rich South will improve upon its 2-7 mark of 2014.
“We have a lot more talent on the field,” Taylor said. “Our goal is to be a playoff team. But we have to be patient, continue to grow and get better every day.”
Patience likely will be required if Tyler Sutton wins the starting quarterback job. At 6-5, he has great size and a strong arm. However, he’s a freshman and it’s going to take some time for Sutton to get acclimated to the speed and physicality of varsity competition.
Senior Tashawn Brown-Smith is competing with Sutton for the starting job.
“Tyler’s footwork is a little shaky at this point,” Taylor said. “We’re going to keep working with him. He has all the tools. Tashawn is a little more polished. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Whether it’s Sutton or Brown-Smith under center, they’ll have a top target in senior Latrell Garrett, who also will start in the secondary. Playing both ways can be physically and mentally demanding, but Garrett is ready for the challenge.
“Going both ways is tough, but I have to do what I have to do for the team,” Garrett said. “We have a lot more confidence this year. We’re definitely more together as a team. We’re fast and quick to the ball. A big thing is, we have to keep our heads up when things don’t go our way.”
Opponents should keep their heads up when they’re in the vicinity of safety Jaylen Peoples, a hard hitter who relishes physical contact. A 6-2, 200-pound junior, Peoples has been getting some attention from Division I programs, according to Taylor.
“Garrett might be our best all-around player, but Peoples is an excellent defensive player,” Taylor said. “So is Johnson. We have good size, especially at our skill positions.”
The Stars, who open up the season at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at Tinley Park, have their sights set on competing for the Southland Conference championship. Crete-Monee, though, remains the favorite.
“We hope to make a run in conference,” Taylor said. “We have a lot of work to do, but I believe we can put together a successful season.”
Twitter: @disabato
