Marian’s Streveler accounted for 43 TDs, named POY

Marian Central’s Chris Streveler has been selected as the Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year. The junior quarterback led his team to an 11-1 record and the Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division championship. (Lauren M. Anderson – landerson@shawmedia.com)

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Chris Streveler admits his competitive nature borders on fanatical.

When it involves Marian Central’s football team battling in a close game, or lifting with teammates in the weight room, that’s a good thing.

There are other times, however, when it might not be so advantageous.

“They asked our players to play in a volleyball game for breast cancer awareness,” Hurricanes coach Ed Brucker said. “I went to Chris and said, ‘You better not play. You’d get into it too much and you might get hurt.’ ”

Marian’s quarterback understood and heeded his coach’s advice.

Streveler was the most irreplaceable Hurricane this season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior quarterback was a dynamic dual threat who accounted for 43 touchdowns while leading Marian to an undefeated regular season and an 11-1 record.

For his efforts, Streveler is the Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Richmond-Burton fullback-linebacker Jack Dechow, who set the Class 4A state championship game rushing record, and Prairie Ridge running back Jordan Getzelman also received consideration.

Streveler is the first Hurricane to receive the honor since 2006, when Bryan Bulaga became the only lineman ever chosen. Bulaga, now Green Bay’s right offensive tackle, was on bye the week Marian opened in the Class 5A playoffs against Chicago Robeson. Bulaga was so impressed with Streveler’s dazzling 66-yard run in that game that he gave Streveler his Player of the Year vote right there.

Brucker switched the offense to more shotgun spread formations over the summer to better utilize Streveler’s talents at quarterback. He was ideal for the offense, completing 174 of 281 passes (61.9 percent) for 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Streveler also rushed for 970 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“The quarterback always plays big role in a spread offense,” Streveler said. “This is a team award, a testament to how well everyone played. Our line was very good, Sam [Calderaro] was a great running back and I had some stud receivers to throw to. I give a lot of credit to my teammates.”

Streveler’s teammates definitely appreciated what he brought, whether it was in offseason workouts or in tight situations.

“It was always being competitive with him. He would never step down,” said tight end Scott Stochl, who caught 46 passes from Streveler. “It’s a great feeling to play with him because you always know he’s putting himself out there to win. Anything he does, ping pong or anything, he has to win.”

Streveler tries to channel that competitiveness into his role as a leader.

“I try to will my team to win,” he said. “I have that nature where I always want to stay positive and keep everyone going.”

That became evident in the Marian’s opener at Oswego, a 47-41 victory. Streveler rallied the ‘Canes from a 41-18 deficit in the third quarter for the victory.

Streveler’s competitive side also comes out in the weight room, where he often lifted with two-way tackle Scott Taylor, who will play at Northern Illinois University. Streveler tried to keep up with Taylor, who weighs 75 pounds more, in squats. The players worked out with 455 and maxed at 505.

“I never want to lose at anything,” Streveler said. “I want to be as strong as the linemen.”

But what Brucker may love most about his quarterback is his infectious nature. Streveler would lift with receivers too and grow close to all his teammates.

“He has that charisma,” Brucker said. “He treats everybody equal. He’s just a natural-born leader, one of the better ones I’ve ever had. It’s inspirational to the other guys.”

Marian’s season fell short of the ultimate goal when the Hurricanes lost to Montini, 52-27, in the Class 5A quarterfinals. Montini advanced to win its third consecutive state championship.

“Looking back at it, we’ll be able to say it was a very successful season,” Streveler said. “We were able to win the [Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division title], and we have a lot of key players coming back. I hope we can make it a little bit farther next year.”