Tigers fullback shines in opener

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CRYSTAL LAKE – Adam Smyth knows a tough task awaits him this season.

A Crystal Lake Central junior fullback, Smyth must help make up for the loss of premier rusher Anthony Degani to offseason shoulder surgery.

Smyth and the Tigers got off and running in their season opener Friday night, with Smyth’s 118 rushing yards keying a 32-6 rout of Streamwood in non-conference action.

“It was kind of nerve-wracking for me,” Smyth said. “Having a home opener, and just all the support of the fans, really helped me out. And obviously starting the game off on a good run, it was definitely what I needed.”

The “good run” was a 45-yard gain on the Tigers’ second play from scrimmage. Five plays later, Smyth’s 20-yard touchdown scamper, his first of two scores, gave Central a 7-0 lead.

The 45-yard gain was a good showcase for the Tigers’ multiple-option rushing attack, which totaled 282 yards Friday night.

“Our offense is based a lot on trickery, making the defense think we’re doing different things,” Smyth said. “The one big run I had was set up by a trap, where I’m hiding behind the quarterback and the defense is going one way and I’m going up the gut.”

Central’s defense was as dominant as its running game, holding the Sabres to 153 total yards before a meaningless 40-yard pass in the final minute. Tigers defensive linemen Chanse Potesta and Dallas Bogle were frequent presences in the Streamwood backfield.

The defensive highlight was linebacker Trevor Parlberg’s 60-yard interception return for a touchdownin the second quarter. Parlberg read the screen pass from Sabres quarterback Noel Rivera, then made a nifty move to juke Rivera in the open field.

“I thought the effort was outstanding from our kids,” Central coach Jon McLaughlin said.

Everything started with the rushing game.

“Our offensive line has been working their butts off, as have the rest of us,” Smyth said. “It’s definitely just a work ethic. We really want it this year, so I think we’ve definitely stuck to the philosophy of pounding the ball.”