I really enjoy competition in everything I do, but kicking is definitely my passion. I am very focused on kicking and punting and attend South Elgin High School. I have had the honor to kick and punt for the varsity as a freshman (2008), sophomore (2009), junior (2010), and senior (2011) seasons. I have had the pleasure of being coached from some of the best kicking coaches in the country. I have retained knowledge from all of them. I understand the physical, mental and technical aspects of kicking and each coach has been similar in teaching me.
I have equally strong goals with my academics and hope to obtain my degree with high honors from a College or University that provides me the finest education within my interest. I have a special capacity for mathematics and I am undecided between Business Economics and Accountancy. A degree in either field would provide and build a strong career for my family's future. I thank God for the talent he has given me and I have a strong desire to do my best with these gifts.
This past summer had included many college specialist camps and invitational kicking camps. I always look forward to Jamie Kohl's regional and national events. There are many great kickers who attend. Then, I have the pleasure of heading to the west coast LA and to Las Vegas for Chris Sailer's national events and "Top 12" Invitational. There I find a different group of great competitors. In this recent LA "TOP 12" event I won the Field Goal Bracket against 31 other great competitors.
In all of these competitions and charting sessions with Chris Sailer Kicking, Kohl's Kicking and Kornblue Kicking, all of the kicks are OFF THE GROUND and ALL KOs ON 1" TEE. Please visit their websites for additional video and comments found in the reference section. They all give a 5 Star Rating and Top Ranking.
Chris_Sailer tweeted The 6th Member of the SR/JC "TOP 12" is David Reisner. David is great off the ground, kicks well under pressure, and KO's are D1 ready!3 days agofrom Echofon
Jan- David Reisner one of the best combo prospects in the country from South Elgin High School in IL has committed to Navy. David will have the ability to compete early on and should have a great chance once he gets there to get some playing time. David Has shown well at Numerous Kohl's events over the past 3 years. We are excited and happy for David and the Reisner Family. Congratulations and best of luck at the Naval Academy!
Jamie Kohl
Please contact me: 1119 Preserve Trail, Bartlett, IL 60103
Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association All State Team as Honorable Mention for the second consecutive season.
Coach Bob Monken, Selection Chairman
All-Area Football: First-team offense
DAVID REISNER
K, South Elgin, Senior, 6-0, 195
Reisner wrapped up a stellar four-year varsity career by earning a spot on the C-N All-Area team for the third straight year.
By Erik Jacobsen ejacobsen@stmedianetwork.com November 15, 2011 11:04PM
All-Conference Award Football Kicker 2011-12
Awarded by Upstate Eight Conference Coaches for the second consecutive season. Reisner is the first player to have played all four years for the Varsity Football Team at South Elgin High School.
David is an excellent kicker. A great athlete with a strong leg that kicks with great consistency. Field goals and kickoffs are ready for D1A ball right now. Punts are also coming along. Could be a 3 position star in college. A great competitor. A scholarship pick. OFFER NOW!!!
College Interest:
D1
10/29/2011 Air Force Academy Offer
01/22/2012 US Naval Academy Offer
Additional Information
CSK History:Student Since: 2009
Last Evaluation: 6-11
Major Accomplishments: Member of the "TOP 12"
8th Annual National Kicking Event Punt Initial Round Punt Champion (Class of 2012)
2010 IL Nike Summer Camp Champion
"TOP 12" Field Goal Champion (June 2011)
David Reisner Awarded All-State Academic Class 8A Football 2011
Academic All-Conference 2011-12
Reisner has maintained a 4.0 plus GPI throughout his football career at South Elgin and has been recognized for the third consecutive year as Academic All-Conference.
All-State Academic Team 2010
David Reisner Awarded All-State Academic Class 8A Football 2010
Academic All-Conference 2010-11
Upstate Eight Conference Honors David Reisner for Academics. This junior year having a curriculum that includes Honors Physics and Honors Calculus.
Illinois High School Football Coaches' Association All State Team as Honorable Mention for the second consecutive season.
Coach Bob Monken, Selection Chairman
All-Area Football: First-team offense
DAVID REISNER
K, South Elgin, Senior, 6-0, 195
Reisner wrapped up a stellar four-year varsity career by earning a spot on the C-N All-Area team for the third straight year.
By Erik Jacobsen ejacobsen@stmedianetwork.com November 15, 2011 11:04PM
All-Conference Award Football Kicker 2011-12
Awarded by Upstate Eight Conference Coaches for the second consecutive season. Reisner is the first player to have played all four years for the Varsity Football Team at South Elgin High School.
David is an excellent kicker. A great athlete with a strong leg that kicks with great consistency. Field goals and kickoffs are ready for D1A ball right now. Punts are also coming along. Could be a 3 position star in college. A great competitor. A scholarship pick. OFFER NOW!!!
College Interest:
D1
10/29/2011 Air Force Academy Offer
01/22/2012 US Naval Academy Offer
Additional Information
CSK History:Student Since: 2009
Last Evaluation: 6-11
Major Accomplishments: Member of the "TOP 12"
8th Annual National Kicking Event Punt Initial Round Punt Champion (Class of 2012)
2010 IL Nike Summer Camp Champion
"TOP 12" Field Goal Champion (June 2011)
Other Notes:
Combo Player K/P Kickoffs 4.0 HT+
2011 SEASON AFTER 9 GAMES KICKING STATS
41 KO / 31 Touchbacks (Avg. 69 Yards, Long 80)
Please review video for actual KO distances.
Kickoffs Average Hang Time 4.0 plus (unofficial)
3-Onside Kicks
24 PATS / 25 ATTEMPTS
5 Field Goals
39 TOTAL POINTS
2010 SEASON AFTER 11 GAMES KICKING STATS
65 KO / 51 Touchbacks (Avg. 69 Yards, Long 80)
Please review video for actual KO distances.
1-Onside Kick and 1-Pooch Kick in 6th game
46 PATS / 47 ATTEMPTS
5 FG
61 TOTAL POINTS
26 PUNTS for 883 yards (34 y/avg.)
63 Yard longest punt & 5 inside 20
All-State Team Honorable Mention Illinois 2010
David Reisner All-State Team Honorable Mention Kicker 2010
Varsity Letter Football 2010-11 & 2011-12 (4th VL-FB)
Varsity Kicker and Punter for 4 consecutive years. For the 4th year, Varsity recognition in the form of "Bars".
1st Team All-Area 2010
David Reisner is awarded First Team All-Area Kicker
All-Conference Award Football Kicker 2010-11
Upstate Eight All-Conference Kicker has been awarded to David Reisner for 2010-11 Football.
Varsity Letter Football 2009-2010
Varsity Kicker and Punter. Coaches Player of the Week, week 1. Made Game winning kick in OT to put our team into the playoffs for the first time in school history.
2010 Players of the Year Awards Walter Payton's Roundhouse
Week 5 Winners Upstate Eight Conference: South Elgin High School
David Reisner - (K) 5 Kickoffs for Touchbacks, 2 PAT's, 2 Field Goals
Andre York - (DE) 4 sacks, 4 QB knock downs, 6.5 tackles
David Reisner Awarded All-State Academic Class 8A Football 2011
Academic All-Conference 2011-12
Reisner has maintained a 4.0 plus GPI throughout his football career at South Elgin and has been recognized for the third consecutive year as Academic All-Conference.
All-State Academic Team 2010
David Reisner Awarded All-State Academic Class 8A Football 2010
Academic All-Conference 2010-11
Upstate Eight Conference Honors David Reisner for Academics. This junior year having a curriculum that includes Honors Physics and Honors Calculus.
ACT Score 25:
Academic All-Conference 2009-2010
Upstate Eight Conference honors David Reisner, South Elgin High School Football 2009-2010 for outstanding athletic performance, wholesome competitiveness, and exceptional sportsmanship and scholarship; and has been selected by the coaches and awarded by the Board of Control of the Upstate Eight Conference title of Academic All-Conference.
South Elgin High School Academic Varsity Letter 2009-2010
David Reisner has received the Academic Letter for High Honor Roll for all semesters through 2010 at SEHS. David has exceeded the 4.0 grade through a curriculum consisting of Honors Biology 1-2, Honors Chemistry 1-2, Honors Geometry 1-2, Honors Algebra 3-4, Honors Pre-Calc/Trig through his Sophomore year 2009-2010.
Attached please find a current transcript that has been marked unofficial as it is not available for an official purpose. It simply proof of an educational record and reason for an academic awarded school letter.
South Elgin High School High Honors 2008-2009
David Reisner was presented with the High Honors Certificate 2008-2009 for Academic Achievement with a GPI 4.00 + Higher during his Freshman year. You will also find a PE Medical Waiver in the Fall of 2009. David broke his hand during week 7 of the football season making a tackle on varsity. He played the remainder of the game with the broken hand taped. His hand was casted and he continued to kick on both varsity and freshman games to finish out his freshman season. He is fully recovered. You will also notice that he attended the high school for math during 2008 while he was in 8th grade.
Game 3: 7 Kickoffs for 6 Touchbacks (1 Squib inside the 15) average Hang Time 4.15 , 6 for 6 on PAT's ( 2 from the 25 yard line resulting from 2 penalties) 2 punts inside the 20 yard line. Conditions were rain with wind NNE 10 mph.
David is simply an oustanding kicker. He is a great athlete with a strong leg that kicks with great consistency. Field goals and kickoffs are ready for D1A ball right now. Punts are also coming along. Could be a 3 position star in college. A great competitor who kicks extrememly wel under pressure. A definite scholarship pick. Offer now!!!
College Interest
D1
Additional Information
CSK History:
Student Since: 2009
Last Evaluation: 9-11
Major Accomplishments:
Member of the "TOP 12"
8th Annual National Kicking Event Punt Initial Round Punt Champion (Class of 2012)
2010 IL Nike Summer Camp Champion
"TOP 12" Field Goal Champion
2011 IL Nike Fall Camp Finalist
Other Notes:
Combo Player K/P
All State - Academic Team
Reisner headed to Navy - 01/28/2012
South Elgin's Reisner headed to Navy
By Jerry Fitzpatrick | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 1/28/2012 1:25 AM
South Elgin kicker David Reisner's first collegiate kickoff could very well take place in Dublin, Ireland.
That's where the football team from the U.S. Naval Academy will square off with Notre Dame in the Emerald Isle Classic on Sept. 1. Reisner, an 18-year-old Bartlett resident, gave his verbal commitment to kick for Navy Thursday night.
"I would love to kick off in the Navy-Notre Dame game," Reisner said. "That would be awesome. I'm working hard right now to make that happen."
Reisner's family has a history in the armed services. His grandfather was a Navy Lieutenant, his aunt is a Navy Captain, his cousin is a U.S. Marine and his cousin's wife is also in the Navy.
Ranked No. 20 at his position nationally by ESPN, Reisner made his final decision after visiting the Annapolis, Md., campus last weekend.
"I want to make my family proud by doing something to benefit our country," said Reisner, who intends to study quantitative economics. "I think I can succeed academically, and the leadership skills I learn in the Navy will help me in business after college.
"Leadership and integrity are things you need to lead men into battle. Those values of courage and commitment are something I want to be a part of. The brotherhood they have, it's a great group of guys and it's something I feel right about."
Reisner has connected on field goals from as far as 57 yards in elite camps. He was named to the all-Upstate Eight Valley team last fall after averaging 56.4 yards on 43 kickoffs, the vast majority of them touchbacks. He hit 5-of-9 field goal attempts with a long of 35 yards and was successful on 24 of 25 point-after tries.
Reisner opted for the scholarship from Navy over preferred walk-on possibilities at Illinois, California and Auburn. He had planned to visit Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Missouri State before Thursday's decision.
"It's definitely a great feeling," Reisner said of knowing his future course. "It's been such a long process. I want to thank my dad (David, Sr.) for everything he's done, for traveling with me around the country and taking me to all those camps. Without him I wouldn't be where I am."
CHRIS SAILER'S "TOP 12" Field Goal Champion June 2011 - 06/30/2011
David is an excellent kicker. A great athlete with a strong leg that kicks with great consistency. Field goals and kickoffs are ready for D1A ball right now. Punts are also coming along. Could be a 3 position star in colllege. A great competitor. A scholarship pick. Offer now!!!
College Interest
D1
Additional Information
CSK History:Student Since: 2009
Last Evaluation: 6-11
Major Accomplishments:
Member of the "TOP 12"
8th Annual National Kicking Event Punt Initial Round Punt Champion (Class of 2012)
2010 IL Nike Summer Camp Champion
"TOP 12" Field Goal Champion
South Elgin Storm exit tunnel for Inaugural Game - 09/17/2011
South Elgin debuts new field with rout
South Elgin players run on their new field for the first time prior to Satuday's game against Metea Valley. The Storm won 33-0. | Andrew A. Nelles~For Sun-Times Media
Rising to the occasion for the most anticipated day in program history wasn’t a problem for South Elgin’s football team Saturday.
Playing on its new on-campus home field for the first time, the Storm gave a jam-packed home crowd plenty to cheer about by posting a 33-0 shutout against Metea Valley.
A key turning point in the Upstate Eight Valley contest came in the first quarter when Mustangs quarterback Jarrett House injured his right knee on the final play of his team’s first possession. House was unable to return, and Metea Valley (3-1, 1-1) simply couldn’t keep up with South Elgin (2-2, 2-0) the rest of the way.
Storm quarterback Zach Gross ran for two touchdowns and passed for another as South Elgin dominated on both sides of the ball, finishing with a 345-155 advantage in total yardage.
“We played a great game today,” Gross said. “Our defense stopped them on every series. Our offense had our little bumps to start, but we came out and really put it to them.”
All signs pointed to a dogfight early on. South Elgin took the opening kickoff and marched down the field, but the Mustangs stuffed Storm tailback Adolfo Pacheco on fourth-and-goal at the 1 to force a turnover on downs.
Metea Valley quickly moved out of the shadow of its own goal line, advancing all the way to midfield. That’s where the drive stalled on back-to-back incomplete passes from House, the second of which came on fourth-and-14 and resulted in the senior twisting his knee while being hit as he stepped up in the pocket to throw.
The Storm took advantage of the short field as Gross took off five plays later for a 33-yard run that marked the first varsity touchdown on the new field with 57 seconds left in the first quarter. South Elgin pushed its lead to 17-0 by halftime with a 10-yard Pacheco touchdown run and a 28-yard field goal by David Reisner.
The Mustangs tried to hang tough in the second half, making another impressive defensive stand by turning the Storm away without points on another trip inside the 5-yard line early in the third quarter. But Metea Valley’s inability to move the ball with sophomore backup Peyton Mitchell under center proved too much to overcome.
“When you lose your starting quarterback the first series of the game it changes the whole equation, that’s for sure,” Metea Valley coach Ted Monken said. “We still didn’t play well enough to win. Defensively we had some nice stands, but offensively we kept putting (the defense) back on the field.
“We’re back to square one with our new quarterback. We’ve got to put the offense back together and make sure we’re doing things right, but it’s a frustrating day to say the least.”
Gross connected with Joe Crivolio for a 13-yard touchdown pass, Reisner booted a 32-yard field goal and Gross added a 15-yard touchdown scamper to complete the scoring for South Elgin.
Pacheco led the Storm’s formidable ground attack with 144 yards on 27 carries. Gross added 83 yards on 13 carries and completed 8-of-11 passes for 93 yards.
But it was South Elgin’s defense that stole the show. D.J. Greene recovered a fumble and Nathan Marotta had an interception in the second half for the Storm, which held Metea Valley’s dynamic rushing duo of Tre’Sean Mackey and Cameron Wilcox to a combined 46 yards on 17 carries.
“I know their quarterback went out, but I thought our defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage pretty well,” South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. “Our D-linemen and our linebackers did a really nice job in there.”
Game 4 Inauguration of Storm's Homefield Win! - 09/18/2011
Homefield advantage for South Elgin
By Jerry Fitzpatrick | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/18/2011 7:14 AM
The South Elgin football team gave the first on-campus home crowd in school history an afternoon to remember with a 33-0 victory over previously unbeaten Metea Valley Saturday.
It was a day the Mustangs would prefer to forget entirely.
Metea Valley started well enough in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division tilt, stopping South Elgin's initial drive at the 1-yard line when linebacker Donovan Rowsey and lineman Zach Wood stuffed Storm running back Adolfo Pacheco for no gain on fourth down.
Metea Valley (3-1, 1-1) took over and quarterback Jarrett House completed 4 of 7 pass attempts on the ensuing 55-yard drive. However, he was injured trying to throw a pass on fourth-and-14 from the South Elgin 44-yard line. As the pocket collapsed Storm defensive lineman Devonte Greene wrestled House to the ground awkwardly.
House was carried off the field with a knee injury and did not return. Backup quarterback Peyton Mitchell was thrust into action, but the stunned Mustangs were never effective again offensively against a fired-up South Elgin defense. They managed only 97 total yards after House left the game and were outgained 328-152 overall.
"Well, you lose your starting quarterback the first series of the game and it changes the whole equation, that's for sure," Metea Valley coach Ted Monken said. "We still didn't play well enough to win."
"I put a lot of it on me," said Mitchell, who completed 3 of 12 attempts for 33 yards and was intercepted once, "but we still have to go out there and perform."
South Elgin's offense got rolling on its next possession. The Storm needed only 5 plays to cover 56 yards, capped by a 33-yard scamper up the right sideline by speedy quarterback Zach Gross, who rushed for 83 yards and 2 scores on 13 attempts.
"We had a blitz breaker on and I just saw everyone pile up in the middle so I took it outside," Gross said. "Adolfo made a great block for me around the corner and I just took off."
Pacheco found the end zone possessions later on a 10-yard run, thanks to a strong second effort. Pacheco was a force throughout the game. He carried 27 times for 137 yards, upping his 4-game yardage total to 619 on 82 carries (7.5 avg.). David Reisner's extra point made it 14-0 in favor of South Elgin with 4:50 left in the second quarter.
The Storm took a 17-0 lead to the halftime locker room when Reisner connected on a 28-yard field goal with 1.6 seconds left.
Gross put the Storm ahead 24-0 midway through the third quarter when he connected with 6-foot-2 junior receiver Joe Crivolio on a 13-yard pass.
Metea Valley fumbled on the next play from scrimmage and Greene recovered, which led to a 32-yard field goal by Reisner.
The Storm defense held Metea running backs Tre'sean Mackey and Cameron Wilcox to 57 combined rushing yards on 15 carries.
"I know their quarterback went out, but I thought our defensive pressure controlled the line of scrimmage pretty well," South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. "(House's injury) doesn't change your running game. I thought our defensive front those D linemen and linebackers did a really good job in there.
"We all work together and everything we do we do together," Greene said. "It's a team effort and I'm happy to be a part of this defense."
A 15-yard run by Gross rounded out the scoring for South Elgin (2-2, 2-0), which has won two straight after an 0-2 start to the season.
EDGYTIM / RIVALS Rates Reisner a Top Kicking Prospect - 04/01/2011
South Elgin (Ill.) junior kicker prospect David Reisner (6-foot-0, 195 pounds) is one of a handful of top notch kicking prospects in the Land of Lincoln's Class of 2012. Reisner has been drawing steady recruiting interest and looks from several top programs so far this spring. Get to know yet another top prospect to watch here first. No one covers football recruiting in the state of Illinois better than EDGYTIM.com does daily.
David Reisner FG Competition May 21, 2011 - 05/23/2011
KornblueBrandon Kornblue
In FG competition, Reisner also connected from 60 & hit crossbar from 63 (off the ground). #offerscomingsoon
November 1, 2010 BY ERIK JACOBSEN ejacobsen@stmedianetwork.com
South Elgin senior Brad Birchfield and Elgin senior Jordan Dean headlined the area contingent on this year’s All-Upstate Eight Conference football team, which was released Monday.
Birchfield, a three-year varsity running back, was picked as the UEC Valley Division Offensive Player of the Year in voting conducted last week by league coaches. Following the Storm’s playoff win Saturday, Birchfield has 764 rushing yards, 283 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns.
South Elgin had eight players named to the All-UEC Valley team. In addition to Birchfield, senior receiver Domico Failla, junior offensive linemen Jon Slania and Christian Guerrero, junior kicker David Reisner, senior defensive lineman Jake Randich, junior linebacker Zack Marotta and senior defensive back Kyle Rodriguez also represented the Storm on the squad.
STORM'S REISNER KICKER ON THE RISE - 09/29/2010
South Elgin junior David Reisner (3) has played an important role in the Storm's 5-0 start to the season.
There's an unsung hero behind South Elgin's 5-0 record, and his name is David Reisner.
The junior kicker, now in his third varsity season, rarely gives opposing kick returners a chance. Reisner has booted 33 of his 38 kickoffs for touchbacks.
"It's pretty tough to go 80 yards all the time, but that's what happens to other teams because he's putting it in the end zone," Storm coach Dale Schabert said. "Several teams have outstanding kick returners. If you don't put the ball in their hands, that's quite an advantage."
Reisner has nailed 27 of 28 extra points and 3 of 5 field goal attempts. In Friday's 21-14 victory over Neuqua Valley, he connected for field goals of 36 and 39 yards.
He is also the punter for the Storm.
Reisner grew up playing soccer for the Bartlett Hawks travel team, but things changed when he was in seventh grade. He traveled to Dallas for a tutorial from Chris Boniol, who kicked in the NFL for Dallas and Philadelphia and spent the 1999 season with the Chicago Bears. Reisner has been a football kicker ever since.
Not surprisingly, four Big Ten schools have already sent him letters expressing interest.
"I just hope it gets me to college so I can start a career," Reisner said. "Depending on how well I do in college with kicking, maybe I can go professional."
David Reisner 10 Pts and 9 KO for 8 Touchbacks - 10/09/2010
South Elgin runs past East Aurora
October 8, 2010 BY TOM STRONG -- FOR THE BEACON-NEWS
East Aurora continued its trip through the brutal Upstate Eight Valley schedule at home on Friday, and it continues to run up against brick walls.
Brad Birchfield set the tone by returning the opening kickoff 76 yards for South Elgin, and the Storm went on to dominate the contest by a 52-8 score.
“I went to the left and saw a bunch of red jerseys, and then saw that our wall was to the right,” said Birchfield. “I followed it and they blocked well.”
Two minutes later, Birchfield struck again from nine yards as the Storm finished a quick 55 yard drive.
The floodgates opened as Zachary Gross had a 45 yard punt return for a score, and Birchfield raced 51 yards for another one. When Ken Lowden caught a 36-yard TD pass from John Menken, South Elgin led 35-0 after one quarter.
David Reisner boomed a 31 yard field goal mid-way in the second quarter (in addition to seven conversion kicks for the game), and Tommy Asa caught a 20 yard score late in the half.
SE - Birchfield 76 kick off return (Reisner kick).
SE - Birchfield 9 run (Reisner kick).
SE - Gross 45 punt return (Reisner kick).
SE - Birchfield 51 run (Reisner kick).
SE - Lowden 36 pass from Menken (Reisner kick).
SE - Reisner 31 field goal. SE - Asa 20 pass from Gross (Reisner kick).
SE - Hurschman fumble recovery in end zone (Reisner kick). EA - Moore 15 pass from Brown (2 pt conversion).
Reisner's 2 Long FG's also help defeat Wildcats - 09/25/2010
Football | South Elgin defense stops Neuqua Valley in 21-14 win
By Bob Narang
Tribune reporter
10:51 PM CDT, September 24, 2010
South Elgin won its first four games with a big-play offense that racked up touchdowns.
The No. 19 Storm relied on two different sources on Friday — their defense and kicker.
The Storm recorded seven sacks and David Reisner kicked two long field goals to key South Elgin to a 21-14 victory over Neuqua Valley in Upstate Eight Valley play.
The Storm (5-0, 3-0) recorded four sacks in the fourth quarter to beat Neuqua Valley for the second year in a row. South Elgin entered the game averaging 49.3 points a game, but struggled to move the ball after the first quarter.
"We knew we had to come out stronger in the second half," said Andre York, who had three sacks. "We wanted people to talk about the defense. All week that was our motivation."
South Elgin needed 10 plays to take an early 10-0 lead. Neuqua Valley's defense buckled down after the first quarter. The Wildcats (3-2, 1-1) keyed on stopping South Elgin's running attack, holding the Storm to minus-4 yards in the first half.
Down 10-7 at halftime, the Wildcats elected to concentrate on their running game in the third quarter. The switch in offensive philosophy worked, and Neuqua Valley's T.J. Rhattigan scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to give the Wildcats a 14-10 lead late in the third quarter.
South Elgin quarterback John Menken changed the complexion of the game with his running.
The Storm, keyed by Reisner's 36-yard field goal, scored 11 unanswered points. Menken hit Adolfo Pacheco for a 19-yard touchdown pass on third down for the game-winning score.
"Everybody was doubting us after our first four games," Menken said. "Beating Neuqua Valley makes a big statement."
Player of the game: Andre York, South Elgin, 3 sacks.
Key performers: Neuqua Valley — Trent Snyder, 28 carries, 81 yards. South Elgin — John Menken, 11-for-22, 224 yards, 2 TDs.
SE - Birchfield 82 pass from Menken (Reisner kick).
SE - Reisner 33 field goal. NV - T.J. Rhattigan 7 run (Mulhern kick).
NV - T.J. Rhattigan 3 run (Mulhern kick).
SE - Reisner 36 field goal.
SE - Pacheco 18 pass from Menken (Failla pass from Menken).
David Reisner 2 FG's, 1 PAT, 5 Kickoffs for 5 Touchbacks, 4 Punts 2 inside the 20 - 09/25/2010
South Elgin rallies to beat Neuqua, stay undefeated
By Jerry Fitzpatrick | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/24/2010 11:17 PM | Updated: 9/25/2010 12:45 AM
The football teams from Neuqua Valley and South Elgin are beginning to make a habit of playing nail biters.
For the second straight season, the Upstate Eight Conference schools battled to the end of the fourth quarter. And for the second straight year, South Elgin emerged with a hard-fought victory.
Trailing 14-10 entering the fourth quarter, the Storm scored the final 11 points and their defense stymied the Wildcats' last two drives to preserve a 21-14 victory in a contest between Valley Division heavyweights at Millennium Field in Streamwood Friday.
South Elgin, ranked No. 5 in Class 8A entering the game, improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in division play.
"This is huge," Storm coach Dale Schabert said. "You get to that point where you're 4-0 and there are still some people wondering if you're that good or if you can play. I don't know where it comes from, but kids listen to it. But they brushed it off, we all did as a staff. These kids are good football players."
Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells agreed with that sentiment after his team dropped to 3-2 overall, 1-1 in the UEC Valley.
"South Elgin's defense played well," Wells said. "We had our opportunities to get some things and didn't get it done. I've got to hand it to South Elgin. They played very well. Their defense played a whole lot more aggressive than they've shown to this point. They did a nice job."
The Storm defense held the Wildcats to 222 total yards and sacked Neuqua Valley senior quarterback Jeff Samuel on seven occasions, including twice apiece on the Wildcats' final 2 drives.
South Elgin led 10-7 at halftime, but the Wildcats took their first lead of the game with 2:32 left in the third quarter, when T.J Rhattigan followed Joey Rhattigan's seal block for a 3-yard scoring run.
The Storm answered on its next possession with a 36-yard field goal by junior kicker David Reisner. His boot, center cut, capped a 10-play drive.
The South Elgin defense held the Wildcats to three-and-out, thanks to a pass breakup by Kyle Rodriguez, who knocked the ball out of the hands of senior Dan Melendez (5 catches, 75 yards) as the two fell to the turf. Rodriguez also made an interception in the first half.
The Storm offense went back to work following a punt and drove 57 yards in 6 plays for what proved to be the winning touchdown. With Neuqua Valley's defense playing Cover-2 against South Elgin's five-wide formation, quarterback John Menken (9-of-21, 235 yards) found room to run. The senior rushed three times on the drive for 38 yards, including a 20-yard draw play.
"They were so worried about that deep ball that I just saw the middle of the field open up, and I just took off," Menken said. "Coach told me if they vacate the middle of the field, just take off with it and I did."
"We were trying to stay two-deep over the top," Wells said. "I might have, could have gone one-deep. At some point in time it's pick your poison. Either way, I didn't like it."
Menken capped the drive with a play-action pass to running back Adolfo Pacheco. The junior was wide open and rumbled past one defender 18 yards with 8:42 left in the game. Menken connected with Domico Failla for the 2-point conversion pass and a 21-14 lead.
The Storm stopped the Wildcats' ensuing drive, thanks to back-to-back sacks by senior defensive end Andre York.
"I just kicked it up because we needed a stop," York said. "It was tough. They were big and they were strong."
Samuel was thinking the same thing.
"They were fast," he said. "I've never been hit like that before. There was nothing I could do."
South Elgin had a chance to put the game away but lost a fumble at the Neuqua 36-yard line with 1:34 to play.
But the Wildcats couldn't gain any traction on their final drive due to consecutive sacks by DeVonte Green and Jake Randich. An illegal procedure penalty pushed the Wildcats back to their own 37-yard line on 4th-and-26 with 11.6 seconds remaining. Samuel launched a deep pass for Melendez, but the timing pattern fell incomplete.
Menken took a knee to end the game and start the celebration on South Elgin's homecoming night.
"Some people were doubting us, saying 'You haven't played anyone, you beat Metamora and they're (Class) 4A,'" Menken said. "When you beat Neuqua Valley, especially on your homecoming, I think that's making a statement right there, going 5-0."
Reisner 5 for 5 KO / TB and 4 PAT's as South Elgin Loses a close one. - 10/20/2010
The comeback from a 21-6 third-quarter deficit extended Geneva’s winning streak to six on a night when the Vikings (6-2) clinched a playoff berth and the UEC River title outright because of second-place Batavia’s loss to St. Charles North.
South Elgin (6-2) led 28-21 and was on the verge of making it a two-possession game with 8:35 to go when Geneva senior Kyle Bender tipped South Elgin kicker David Reisner’s 28-yard field goal attempt, deflecting it wide.
Geneva faced a 14-6 halftime deficit after having difficulty corralling South Elgin speedster Bradley Birchfield throughout the first half. Birchfield rushed 16 times for 112 yards in the half, including a 5-yard touchdown run for the Storm’s first score early in the second quarter.
South Elgin went ahead 14-6 when a breakdown in the Vikings’ secondary resulted in Storm receiver Domico Failla sprinting all alone underneath a 41-yard touchdown heave from quarterback John Menken (9 for 12, 197 yards passing, two TD passes, one TD run).
Geneva started the game’s scoring on a 14-yard touchdown strike from Williams to junior Tyler Hickey late in the first quarter. Moore’s PAT was no good.
Both teams suffered key injuries in the second half. A hobbled Birchfield gave way to Adolfo Pacheco (12 carries, 118 yards) for most of the second half, while Vikings defensive lineman Andrew Mariotti missed much of crunch time with an apparent ankle injury.
GENEVA 31, SOUTH ELGIN 28
South Elgin 0 14 14 0 – 28
Geneva 6 0 15 10 – 31
First quarter
G – Hickey 14 pass from Williams (kick failed), 2:38 Second quarter
SE – Birchfield 5 run (Reisner kick), 9:29
SE – Failla 41 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 3:12 Third quarter
SE – Pacheco 5 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 6:49
G – Acton 61 pass from Williams (Quinn run), 5:19
SE – Menken 1 run (Reisner kick), 3:43
G – Quinn 2 run (Moore kick), 2:26 Fourth quarter
G – Acton 9 pass from Williams (Moore kick), 2:43
G – Moore 35 field goal, 0:00
South Elgin is 5-0 in Illinois 8A Football - 09/25/2010
STREAMWOOD — South Elgin found itself in an unfamiliar spot Friday, trailing in the second half for the first time all season.
The state-ranked Storm eventually rose to the challenge, rallying past Neuqua Valley for a 21-14 Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division victory in front of a large and raucous homecoming crowd at Millennium Field.
South Elgin (5-0, 3-0) hadn’t been held to fewer than 48 points through the first four weeks of the season, enjoying an average margin of victory of 36.3 points prior to Friday night. Things didn’t come that easy against the Wildcats, but a Storm defense that recorded seven sacks — including four in the fourth quarter — helped keep the perfect season alive.
“Neuqua is a great ballclub and they are always going to put up a fight,” South Elgin quarterback John Menken said. “We really, really needed that because we needed to come back down to reality and know that every win isn’t going to be by 20 points. Sometimes you have to grind it out.”
Momentum was squarely in Neuqua Valley’s favor after TJ Rhattigan scored on a 5-yard run to give the Wildcats a 14-10 lead with 2:32 left in the third quarter. South Elgin put a dent in that deficit when junior kicker David Reisner drilled a 36-yard field goal on the ensuing possession to pull the Storm within 14-13 with 11:54 to play.
Neuqua Valley (3-2, 1-1) was forced to punt after three plays on its next drive, and South Elgin took advantage.
Following a pair of lengthy runs for first downs by Menken, the Storm faced third-and-3 deep in Wildcats territory. South Elgin lined up in an I-formation, but a play-action pass from Menken to junior Adolfo Pacheco resulted in a 19-yard touchdown with 8:42 remaining. Menken then hit Domico Failla for a two-point conversion to make the score 21-14.
“We don’t pass out of the I much, so we knew when we showed them that formation they had a good chance of biting on the run,” Menken said. “Coach (Dale Schabert) called a great play fake, Pacheco was wide open and all I had to do was put it on him.”
Neuqua Valley answered by marching to South Elgin’s 44-yard line, but a holding penalty and back-to-back sacks of quarterback Jeff Samuel forced the Wildcats to punt. They got another chance when the Storm’s Brad Birchfield lost a fumble at the Neuqua 37-yard line with 1:34 to play, but two more South Elgin sacks helped seal the outcome.
Seniors Andre York and Brandon Vongsaga led the defensive attack up front for the Storm, which held the Wildcats to 214 yards of offense.
“I’ve never been hit like that before,” Samuel said of South Elgin’s defensive pressure. “They were fast. There was nothing I could do.”
Added Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells: “South Elgin’s defense played well. We had our opportunities to get some things done and didn’t get them done. But I’ve got to hand it to South Elgin. Their defense played a whole lot more aggressive than what I think they’ve shown to this point.”
Menken finished with 224 passing yards. He connected with Birchfield for a highlight-reel 82-yard touchdown pass on the first possession of the contest as Birchfield jumped over Neuqua’s Andrew Shonkwiler near midfield to make the reception before taking off for the end zone.
The Storm pushed its lead to 10-0 on its next possession when Reisner split the uprights on a 33-yard field goal. South Elgin couldn’t muster much offense the rest of the half, and the Wildcats trimmed their deficit to 10-7 on Rhattigan’s 7-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter.
Rhattigan finished with 55 yards on 13 carries and Trent Snyder added 75 yards on 27 carries for Neuqua Valley. Penalties proved costly for both teams as both squads finished with at least 100 penalty yards.
South Elgin, which entered the game ranked fifth in the Class 8A state poll, finished with 295 yards of offense while improving to 5-0 for the first time in program history.
“You’ve got to give the kids credit because that’s the first time we’ve been behind late in the game,” Schabert said. “(Neuqua) was a quality opponent, and I thought we played great tonight.”
Reisner 8 KO for 8 Touchbacks & 6 PATs - 09/18/2010
South Elgin rolls past Metea Valley
September 18, 2010 By ANDY ROHR For Sun-Times Media
AURORA – A dominant first-half performance on the ground set the stage for South Elgin's 48-13 victory over Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division foe Metea Valley on Friday night.
The Storm (4-0, 2-0) rushed for 236 yards on 25 carries in the first half on its way to a 41-0 lead with 4:37 left in the second quarter.
Up 41-6 at the break, South Elgin added another score on its opening possession of the second half to push the game into a running clock.
The undefeated Storm, which entered Friday's game ranked ninth in the Class 8A state poll, has scored at least 48 points in all of its contests. South Elgin didn't punt until the second half.
"First week of the year we ran the ball a ton that game and we wanted to get back to (that)," South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. "They're a good group of kids that want to play physical. We kind of challenged them during the week. It was a great first quarter. We really blocked well and the backs ran excellent.
"(Metea) came up with a real heavy front to start the game. All of sudden they have eight or nine guys in the box. Give a lot of credit to the offensive line to do that well against that heavy front."
The wide margin allowed South Elgin to rest most of its regulars in the second half and even late in the second quarter.
South Elgin 48, Metea Valley 13
South Elgin 21 20 7 0 -- 48
Metea Valley 0 6 0 7 -- 13
SE -- Birchfield 70 run (Reisner kick), 10:40
SE -- Failla 30 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 3:44
SE -- Birchfield 1 run (Reisner kick), :39
SE -- Birchfield 1 run (Reisner kick), 10:12
SE -- Pacheco 37 pass from Menken (kick failed), 7:11
SE -- Gross 50 run (Reisner kick), 4:37
MV -- Parker 1 pass from House (kick blocked), :21
SE -- Gross 49 run (Reisner kick), 8:33
MV -- Mackey 1 pass from House (Wood kick), 11:20
David Reisner has 8 KO for touchbacks along with 6 PAT's (see Video) - 09/12/2010
The South Elgin Storm Blows by Lake Park 48-0 to go 3-0. South Elgin is ranked #9 in Illinois Class 8A Football.
SE - Birchfield 79 kickoff return (Reisner kick). SE - Gross 13 run (fumbled snap for no kick attempt).
SE - Gross 34 run (Reisner kick). SE - Gross 4 run (Reisner kick). SE - Birchfield 1 run (Reisner kick).
SE - Failla 39 pass from Gross (Reisner kick). SE - Siazon 38 run (Reisner kick).
David Reisner has 7 PAT's and 5 Touchbacks - 09/05/2010
M - Fay 44 run (VanMieghem kick).
SE - Birchfield 5 run (Reisner kick). M - Tracy 45 pass from Fay (kick failed).
SE - Menken 81 run (Reisner kick). M - Fay 1 run (run failed).
SE - Lowden 65 pass from Menken (Reisner kick). SE - Pacheco 45 pass from Menken (Reisner kick). SE - Birchfield 68 pass from Menken (Reisner kick). SE - Menken 60 run (Reisner kick).
SE - Failla 26 pass from Menken (Reisner kick).
M - McKinney 76 pass from Fay (VanMieghem kick).
Team Statistics
M
SE
First downs
13
18
Yards rushing
269
198
Yards passing
162
315
Total yards
431
513
Passes (comp.-att.-int.)
6-11-1
11-17-1
Fumbles-lost
4-0
0-0
Penalties-yards
4-45
3-15
INDIVIDUAL STATS
PUNTING: M: Fay 2-66-33; SE: Reisner 1-37-37.
South Elgin Season Opener 8/27/10 (See Video Kicking Clips) - 08/28/2010
David Reisner, Season opener: 10 pts. (1FG & 7 PATs), 7 KO's total for touchbacks (Avg/69 yards) , 2 punts (Avg. Net/ 41 yards). - 08/28/2010
STREAMWOOD – South Elgin got its revenge and then some Friday night.
The Storm put a record-setting whipping on St. Charles North in the season opener for both teams, rolling to a 52-13 victory at Millennium Field.
The non-conference affair featured a rematch of last year's Class 7A first-round playoff contest, which the North Stars won. There was no doubt about which team was superior this time around.
The 52 points scored by South Elgin set a single game school record and represent the most points allowed by North in its 10-year program history. The Storm also racked up a school-record 326 rushing yards.
South Elgin pushed its lead to 10-0 by the end of the first quarter thanks to a 23-yard David Reisner field goal. The floodgates then opened in the second quarter as the Storm piled up 28 points on a 31-yard scoring reception by Kenny Lowden, a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown by Brad Birchfield and two additional touchdown runs.
South Elgin's dominance even extended to special teams as seven of Reisner's kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.
The North Stars didn't record their initial first down until midway through the second quarter but eventually found a rhythm in the second half.
SOUTH ELGIN 52, ST. CHARLES NORTH 13
St. Charles North 0 7 0 6 -- 13
South Elgin 10 28 7 7 -- 52
SE – Pacheco 5 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 4:51
SE – FG Reisner 23, 0:19
SE – Lowden 31 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 11:01
SE – Birchfield 56 punt return (Reisner kick), 9:05
SE – Birchfield 3 run (Reisner kick), 2:35
SCN – Elliott 63 pass from Shiltz (Eickert kick), 1:14
SE – Birchfield 65 run (Reisner kick), 0:08
SE – Pacheco 62 run (Reisner kick), 10:27
SCN – Schmitt 3 pass from Shiltz (pass failed), 5:56
STREAMWOOD – South Elgin proved once again that it might get down, but it can never be counted out.
When South Elgin sophomore David Reisner connected on a 27-yard field goal in overtime, the Storm had a 10-7 victory and its fourth second-half comeback of the year.
The triumph also clinched South Elgin's first-ever trip to the postseason. Meanwhile, the North Stars saw their Upstate Eight Conference title hopes take a major hit in the lowest scoring game of the season for both teams.
"This has been going on since Week 1," South Elgin coach Dale Schabert said. "The personality and the character these kids have taken on is just unreal. You just don't feel like you're out of any ballgame."
South Elgin (6-2, 3-2) wasted no time building on the momentum.
Reisner trotted on the field and delivered the game-winning field goal on the first play of the Storm's ensuing possession.
For North, the defeat spoiled a big effort from junior Dirk Schmitt, who ran for 127 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He also caught a pair of passes for 30 yards.
The North Stars limited the Storm only 67 rushing yards on 33 carries. South Elgin managed just 46 yards in the first as both teams went scoreless during the first two quarters.
"I thought our defense played great," North coach Mark Gould said. "For the most part they did every thing we asked them to do, except for one big play."
SOUTH ELGIN 10, ST. CHARLES NORTH 7 (OT)
North 0 0 7 0 0 -- 7
South Elgin 0 0 0 7 3 -- 10
SCN – Schmitt 4 run (Harmon kick), 3:41
SE – Failla 80 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 6:58
SE – FG Reisner 27
Sophomore kicker David Reisner with 28- yard FG in Storm Win over Bartlett - 07/01/2010
Sep 16, 2009 ... Sophomore kicker David Reisner routinely boots his kickoffs to the end zone for touchbacks, as he did five times last week. ...
Storm has solid start 2009 - 07/01/2010
Storm beats Marmion in solid start
August 30, 2009
By SCOTT MILLER For The Sun-Times News Group
STREAMWOOD -- From the start of practice, South Elgin football coach Dale Schabert has sensed something different about his team this year. A lot of it has to do with the winning aura the incoming junior class has brought to the team.
As underclassmen, the juniors went 16-2, and on Saturday they showed why they have been so successful. The Storm fell behind 14-0 early on in the season opener against visiting Marmion Academy. But behind a junior contingency led by quarterback John Menken, tailback Bradley Birchfield and defensive back Robbie Green, along with some big time help from seniors Sean Kolber and Jake Kumerow, the Storm rallied for a 24-14 win. It's the first time South Elgin has won its season opener and also marks the first time in school history that the Storm is above .500.
"When we got down early on, I was thinking 'Here we go again,' " Schabert said. "But this team has a different demeanor. We have guys on this team that know how to win. They want to win, and they showed today they are going to fight to win. This is huge for us. Winning that first game is the greatest medicine in the world. I'm really starting to see things come together for us."
Kicker David Reisner added a 33-yard field goal just before the half to pull South Elgin to within 14-10.
SOUTH ELGIN 24, MARMION 14
Marmion 14 0 0 0 — 14
South Elgin 0 10 14 0 — 24
MARM — Andres 16 run (kick failed), 5:28
MARM — Winkel 2 run (Pircon from Stearne), 0:39
SE —Birchfield 5 run (Reisner kick), 9:36
SE — Reisner 33 FG, 0:02
SE — Kumerow 34 pass from Menken (Reisner kick), 7:33
Aug 28, 2009 ... Another offensive weapon will be sophomore kicker David Reisner (6-0, 175), whose range extends to 50 yards and can put the ball in the end ...
Storm Eyeing Breakthrough Season 2009-2010 - 07/22/2010
With several key seniors returning to the fold, the infusion of the junior class might just be enough to turn the tide. ... Last but not least, sophomore kicker David Reisner (6-0, 175) returns as a notable member of the special teams after an impressive freshman season.
LANSING -- No word yet, but it's safe to assume South Elgin won't be invited back to Thornton Fractional South to participate in any more homecoming games.
The Storm, which entered the game sporting a 1-3 overall record, shocked the previously undefeated Rebels 20-19 on Friday night in a game that featured big plays, big hits and big kicks.
"These kids are growing up and I am so proud of them," Storm coach Dale Schabert said. "We are becoming a better football team. The kids responded last week (vs. Elgin) and we had a great week of practice and we just carried that over to tonight. They were ready when we got off the bus."
South Elgin built a 20-0 lead before a feverish 19-point, fourth-quarter rally by T.F. South (4-1) got the home team back within a single point of tying the game with 2:47 remaining, pending the extra point. However, the Rebels instead elected to fake the extra-point attempt and pass for the two-point conversion -- and presumably the victory.
That decision didn't work out. T.F. South holder Jacob Reynolds, the team's starting quarterback on this night, rolled left but was picked off in the end zone by South Elgin junior linebacker Sean Kolber.
"(The defense) needed to step up. The offense did all game," Kolber said. "As soon as they lined up I knew they were going to fake that (PAT kick) and I was just sitting back. I was ready for it."
T.F. South then was unsuccessful on its ensuing onside attempt after South Elgin's Michael Oskorep recovered the ball after it squirted loose from beneath a pile of players. Previously, the Rebels had recovered an on-side kick leading to their final touchdown.
South Elgin was then able to chew up the clock with two first downs behind tough running from Trevor Hansley, Chris Ciccone and Bradley Birchfield (13 rushes, team-high 84 yards), who alternated carries on the drive and helped keep the Rebels' defense on its heels all night by helping the normally pass-happy Storm finish with 176 yards rushing on 45 carries.
"The offensive line was outstanding tonight," Schabert said. "We were able to run and pass the ball effectively."
South Elgin got off the bus with an extra pep in its step following the nearly two-hour ride. The Storm went 11 plays and 73 yards on its first possession to set up a 10-yard touchdown strike from Patrick Rae (11-for-17, 120 yards, 2 TDs) to Josh Smith (4 catches, 36 yards).
On T.F. South's first possession, Kolber sacked Reynolds -- who was replacing injured quarterback Josh Titus -- on fourth-and-1, forcing a turnover on downs at the T.F. South 37-yard line. Seven plays later, Rae hooked up with Shawn Ryan on a 9-yard touchdown pass.
"After last week we made the turn," said Rae, whose team earned its first win last Friday against Elgin. "We are more confident now after beating Elgin. We knew we were going to win."
South Elgin increased its lead to 17-0 late in the second quarter on a 36-yard field goal by freshman David Reisner. Later in the third quarter, Reisner booted a 38-yard field goal to put the Storm up 20-0 with 6:16 on the clock.
"Give credit to the freshman kicker," Schabert said. "It's nice to have a kid that can kick field goals and give you that option. Those were huge points in the end."
Following a quarterback switch, T.F. South finally got on the scoreboard with 8:41 left in the game after a 29-yard pass play. The extra-point snap, however, was high and the attempt was botched. That failure would later prove big.
The Rebels then cut the lead to 20-13 less than three minutes later after a quick South Elgin possession and a 63-yard touchdown pass from Benjamin Berridge (7-for-12, 182 yards) to Ryan Mizgate (5 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs). After the onside recovery that put the ball at South Elgin's 29-yard line, the Rebels pulled within 20-19 after a 6-yard touchdown run.
In the first half, South Elgin held a 230-18 edge in total yards. South Elgin held a 14-0 advantage in first downs through the opening two quarters. Also during that time, Rae completed 10 of his first 12 pass attempts for 117 yards.
"Everything we did in that first half seemed to work," Schabert said.
South Elgin Plays the Inaugural Game on their own field - 09/18/2011
South Elgin's varsity football team and marching band prepare to play Metea Valley at the new South Elgin Booster Stadium Saturday.
Money Magazine last month named South Elgin No. 98 among the top 100 small towns in America in which to live. The village of approximately 22,000 residents probably would have finished higher had the judges waited to consider Saturday's events.
The criteria for Money's rankings include leisure activities offered by a given town. Well, the throng of approximately 3,000 students, parents and alumni on hand to celebrate the coming-out party for the much-anticipated South Elgin Stadium nearly 14 percent of the population, by the way can attest to the fact there's a great new way to spend leisure time in this Fox River town.
South Elgin principal Melanie Meidel, beaming like a proud parent, searched for the right word to describe the facility's debut, which went off without a hitch under sunny skies.
"Perfection, but it's better than that," she said. "I've been speechless all day. It's like a college atmosphere in a high school."
Part of the credit for that rollicking atmosphere goes to the student section, the South Elgin Superfans, who populated an entire face-painted chunk of the new stands. The Superfans always turn out in big numbers to support their teams, but their ranks were undoubtedly swollen due to the fact so many kids were simply able to walk to the game in town rather than worry about catching a ride to Millennium Field in Streamwood, where the Storm played their football and soccer games for the past five seasons.
"Going to Millennium was kind of a hassle, but coming home and playing here this is awesome," said Superfan Eric Stazy, a basketball and baseball player.
No offense to Millennium Field. It's a wonderful facility and District U-46 is lucky to have it. But it never belonged to South Elgin and the kids felt the disconnect.
"When we would go to Millennium, you really didn't have a sense of pride," senior drum major Simon Tehle said. "Having this stadium is quite a grand experience because it gives you a new sense of home, a new sense of spirit. It brings a level of pride, honor and tradition. This year alone we've started so many new traditions. It's really brought the band and the school as a whole together as one."
One new South Elgin tradition is tailgating at home games. The large parking lot, nearly full 45 minutes before kickoff, was brimming with students and parents alike grilling hot dogs and burgers. The school was abuzz shortly after sunrise.
"I got here at 6:30 in the morning and this place was already a beehive of activity," Storm football coach Dale Schabert said. "I caught myself a couple of times we tell the kids to never do it but I looked around up in the stands as we were waiting for kickoff, just taking in all the sights and seeing everything. What a great day for the people who have worked for this and the community that has waited for this."
One of the people who worked diligently on the stadium project was SEHS booster president Mike Bersani, who was among the many dignitaries honored before the game for their contributions.
"We were just a bunch of crazy parents with some crazy ideas," Bersani said. "Nobody said it could be done, but we did it with the help of our business community."
The varsity players prepared for their first home game by watching an ESPN documentary about high school football called "Boys of Fall." They wouldn't have had time to watch such a motivational film in past years because there was always a rush to get on those busses to Millennium.
"It was awesome from the start," quarterback Zach Gross said of the entire experience. "Just coming out of our own school to watch the sophomore game was great. Then to be able to walk to our own locker room to put our pads on to get ready to warm up was an amazing feeling."
The new stands were literally shaking as the dancing, full-throated Superfans welcomed the football team through the tunnel and onto their home field for the very first time.
"They really got us fired up," two-way lineman Jon Slania said of the support. "And it lasted, too. They were loud all day and kept giving us energy into the fourth quarter."
As if scripted, the Storm sophomore team opened the day with a 31-16 victory to improve to 3-1. The varsity followed suit with a 33-0 win over Metea Valley to improve to 2-2.
The boys soccer team won on the same field on Thursday, making South Elgin athletes 3-for-3 on their new home field.
"Soccer wins, the sophomores win, the varsity wins that's better than perfect," Meidel said.
David is an excellent kicker. A great athlete with a strong leg that kicks with great consistency. Field goals and kickoffs are ready for D1A ball right now. Punts are also coming along. Could be a 3 position star in colllege. A great competitor. A scholarship pick.
David is the "Top 12" Field Goal Champion for 2011
OFFER NOW!!! - CSK
Chris Nendick • (630) 730-7181 • email
Professional Kicker & Instructor, Chicago Slaughter Kicker
I have kicked for NIU, Chicago Slaughter, and have coached with Chris Sailer's group. I have seen many kickers and David Reisner may be the strongest that I have ever had the pleasure to coach. David is a hard worker, shows great eyes, has a smooth technique and will get results with his desire to improve.
His leg strength also makes him a powerful punter. He needs to refine his punting technique but this additional skill makes him a valuable, highly rated combo kicker/punter.
David is a D1 kicker and definitely one of the best for Class of 2012 in the nation. Please contact me at WindyCityKicking@gmail.com.
5 Star Kicker / #2 Fab 50 Rank
David Reisner / Illinois.
David is one of the nation’s top kickers in the class of 2012. He impressed with strength and accuracy at the May 2011 Chicago Fab 50 Camp. David won the FG competition by crushing 8/9 FG’s including kicks from 55, 60, and 62 yards off the ground. He narrowly missed from 63 yards, as it bounced off the crossbar. His best KO charted at 77 yards/3.8 Hangtime.
Rankings and Recruitings/National Rating System Class of 2012/Kickers
5 Stars "Reisner, David IL Hit 57 yard FG at Midwest Showcase in 2009, Competed at Underclassman Challenge, he had an outstanding National Scholarship camp in both kicking and punting in 2010, Punting could be very good, KO's were huge in Orlando, hit a 5.0 hang-time during punting competition as well, caught our eye with KO in Orlando, FG off the ground are strong, Impressive charts at the National Scholarship Camp in July of 2011" Jamie Kohl
David Reisner II (Jr.) • (630) 768-7044 • email • website
Student Athlete
South Elgin High School • (847) 289-3760
760 E. Main St., South Elgin, IL 60177
Guidance Counselor, Andy Holmes, Ext: 3477,
Email: andyholmes@u-46.org
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