Reavis looking to improve to 4-0
By Pat Disabato pdisabato@southtownstar.com September 13, 2012 6:16PM
Updated: October 15, 2012 9:23AM
Reavis may have a new coach in Tim Zasada, and a new attitude.
But few, if anyone beyond the Rams inner circle, expected a 3-0 record to date — not from a program that was a combined 1-17 the past two seasons.
Don’t look now, but all that stands in the way of a 4-0 start for the Rams is a Friday encounter with winless Oak Lawn in the SouthtownStar’s Season Pass Spotlight Game.
Of course, the Spartans’ 0-3 mark may be deceiving. Zasada noted that Oak Lawn’s first three opponents are a combined 6-3, while Reavis’ are just 2-7.
“They played some pretty good schools,” Zasada said of Oak Lawn’s losses to Niles North, Oswego East and Shepard. “Their O-line looks like Wisconsin’s O-line. We don’t have linemen that big, but we think we have speed and toughness.”
Behind those big linemen, Oak Lawn has a trio of quality running backs in Ray Howard (36 carries, 134 yards), Ahamad Shatat (23-132) and Darius Smith (22-104).
“They have kids that run the ball very hard,” Zasada said.
But the effort hasn’t translated into many points for the Spartans, who have been outscored 96-38.
On the flip side, Reavis has outscored its three opponents 93-50. Even more encouraging, the Rams demonstrated resiliency in a Week 3 win over Argo, rallying from a 12-0 second-half deficit to claim a 30-20 victory.
Quarterback Jose Romero led the way against Argo with four touchdowns. In all, he’s completed 28-of-58 passes for 477 yards and six touchdowns, and has rushed for 177 yards and five TDs.
“Jose is doing a very good job both running and passing,” Zasada said. “He’s our leader.”
Romero’s favorite target has been Kenny Castillo (17 caches, 325 yards, 3 TDs).
Kassim Masad (24 carries, 98 yards) is another threat on the ground for the Rams.
