Nazareth has a monster task ahead this season. The Roadrunners must replace two of the most decorated, productive, winningest players in state history: defensive stalwart Gabe Kaminski and quarterback Logan Malachuk.
That’s the natural progression of high school football, and Nazareth coach Tim Racki knows how to maneuver it. Racki has won 10 state championships, including the last three Class 5A titles.
“You can tell that these guys in the summer were searching for their own identity,” Racki said. “It usually takes the summer for me to shake it out of them in our leadership meetings. We had a breakthrough at our overnight camp. We did some heavy talking about what it is going to take and the leadership it is going to take on the field and off the field.”
Wide receiver Trenton Walker and cornerback Johnny Colon have stepped into the leadership positions for the Roadrunners, who are ranked No. 7 in the preseason Super 25.
“It is the program at Nazareth that makes the players great,” Walker said. “Being coached by one of the greatest to ever do it.”
Walker, a 6-8, 170-pound senior, has offers from six colleges, including Iowa State and Toledo. He had 77 catches for 1,420 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.
“Winning state is great,” Walker said. “But football is going to come to an end. Building memories with the people you’ve become close with and the people you love is awesome.”
Illinois State recruit Jake Cestone joins Walker in the receiver corps.
“The best thing about Trenton is each year he’s improved,” Racki said. “He’s such a grounded kid. He works his butt off. He’s really come out of his shell and taken on the role of captain.”
The Roadrunners are still figuring out who will replace Malachuk. The two contenders are senior Frankie Nichols, who had some major moments on special teams last season, and senior Jackson Failla, a transfer from Pennsylvania.
“Competition makes everyone better,” Racki said. “We are comfortable with both of them right now. If I have to play both of them to see who takes it then I will play both of them for as long as it takes.”
Nearly a dozen starters return overall, with several playing both ways for Nazareth. The offense has a strong returning core on the lines with Christian Malachuk, Luke -Injaychock, Nathan Sefcik and Chris Kasky.
Racki and Colon mentioned senior safety Ben Lukes and junior safety/receiver Henry Sakalas as likely breakout players.
Nazareth will move up to Class 6A this season. The Roadrunners play 8A and 7A powers during the season. The schedule is no different from past years. The major change comes in the playoffs, where powerhouse East St. Louis looms in Class 6A.
“That’s not really a thought,” Racki said. “We’ve won 5A, 6A and 7A before. It is about your growth and you are going to find your growth together. What do we do well and what do we need to work on? You don’t make it rocket science.”
@michaelsobriensports Trenton Walker, one of the best receivers in the state, will lead No. 7 Nazareth this season. #ihsa #football #nazarethacademy ♬ original sound – michaelsobriensports