Streaks coach Blackwell more confident as season opens Friday
GALESBURG — At first glance, the differences in Galesburg Silver Streaks football this season might not stand out compared to 2021 but they will be there when they travel to Dunlap on Friday to open the 2022 season.
Although the roster changes year to year, the Streaks split-I offense will be basically the same and defensive four-man front won't change.
More:Galesburg fall sports schedules
Second year coach Derrek Blackwell says "As far as effort and attitude, they will always be the same. There's skill needed in football, but at the high school level most of it is effort."
The major differences will be internal and involve the man at the top.
"I feel more confident," said Blackwell, a first-time head coach a year ago. "Last year I just went with the flow, and I had to try to grasp everything. And there was a lot to grasp.
"The big difference will be coaching. Definitely coaching," he continued.
The Streaks started 0-3 before finishing 4-5.
"The kids were playing their hearts out. It was my coaching," Blackwell said.
"Once we came together, we got on the right track and started rolling. We need to continue that."
Streaks football:Ready for some football? Here's how Galesburg High School is preparing for the season
Players to watch:
Senior quarterback Tristan Legate, junior runningback Amarie Richardson, junior fullback Nicholas Curtis and senior defensive whirlwind Nolan Carl.
Legate was thrust into a starting role as a sophomore due to an injury to Grant Aten and has seen his confidence grow each year.
Carl is another in a long line of brothers to have played for the Streaks and Blackwell says "I wish I had another one."
Listed as a tight end on offense, where will Carl line up on defense? "Anywhere we need him to," said Blackwell.
Special weapon:
Blackwell says his junior kicker/punter Samuel Satisky ranks with the best in the state.
"He was perfect on PATs and he only missed one field goal, a 37-yarder against Moline in the rain and wind and on their grass."
More:Fall sports schedules for area schools
About Dunlap:
The Streaks lost a 7-6 heartbreaker in last year's opener when their attempt to go for a 2-point conversion and the win failed in the fourth quarter.
Coached for six years by Brett Cazalet, the Eagles have made the playoffs in all six of those years. Members of the Mid-Illini Conference, they were 5-5 in 2021.
"They play in a very good conference," said Blackwell. I compare their conference to the Western Big Six Conference. They're both meat grinders.
"They play very fundamental football. We're very evenly matched."
What's ahead:
Galesburg will host Harvey Thornton at 7 p.m. next Friday and Sterling the week after that to open the Western Big Six Conference season.
Who's on the Streaks' roster?
Nolan Carl, TE/OLB, Sr.; Michael Eiker WR/DB, Sr.; Jon Sibley III, RB/DB, Sr; Eugene "gino" Williams, WR/DB; Jr. Tristan Legate, QB/ILB, Sr.;Amarie Richardson, RB/DB, Jr.; Adrien Phillips, WR/DB, Jr.; DeAmiyn Elston, WR/OLB, Soph; Markis Lewis, WR/DB, Jr.;
Darius Walker, RB/DB, Soph; Easton Reed, QB/OLB, Soph; Lyxander Cauthon, WR/DB, Soph Caden Ashby, WR/DB, Soph;
Kenneth Ward, RB/ILB, Soph; Izaiah Coleman, RB/ILB; Jr.; Cameron Aguirre, RB/LB, Sr.; Saxen Patrick, WR/DB, Soph; Jamar Range, RB/DB, Soph; Nicholas Curtis, RB/OLB, Jr.; Don Patrick Jr., WR/DB; Soph Josiah Carter, WR/DB, SophAshton Bane, OL/ILB, Soph;
Keaton Bane, OL/ILB, Soph; Samuel Satisky, K, Jr.; Bryce Harter, RB/ILB, Sr.; Keyondre Harrison, TE/OLB, Jr.; Carter Clary, OL/DL, Sr.'
Noah Wright, OL/DL, Sr.; John Willis, OL/ILB, Jr.; Nathan Maloy, OL/DL, Soph,; Gavin Kaden, OL/DL, Jr.;Masen Iams, TE/OLB; Soph,
Grant Rees, OL/DL, Sr.; Aaron Kelley, OL/DL, Sr.; Jamari McDonald, OL/DL, Jr.; Dishon Nolen, OL/DL, Sr.; Gavin West, OL/DL, Sr.;
Schuylur Sturgeon, OL/DL, Soph; Gilbert Lemus, OL/DL, Soph; Bradley Pearce, OL/DL, Jr.; Asher Whitcomb, OL/DL, Soph; David Bernhart Jr., OL/DL, Soph; Treyson Hardges, WR/DB, Sr.; Sal Kisler, OL/DL, Soph; Mason Kimmitt, WR/DB, Sr.; Graham Peterson, WR/DB, Sr.;
Xavier VanDyke, TE/DE, Sr.; Jerry Taylor, TE/OLB, Sr.
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Galesburg IL football opens season at Dunlap IL Friday: IHSA football
