Rochelle Hubs have stacked roster; hopes are high for 2024

ROCHELLE, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Rochelle Hubs have stacked together three straight terrific football seasons. The best might be yet to come this season.

The Hubs check a lot of boxes, a returning quarterback, a returning 1,000-yard rusher, four returning offensive linemen, 17 returning starters overall, and six of them are returning three-year starters.

Any coaching staff would be fired up to have a group like this.

“I think we’re pretty excited about the group that we’ve got coming back. [] It’s a very unique situation to have so many starters coming back,” said head coach Kyle Kissack. “Ultimately at the end of the day they still have to play well, I think that’s the challenge to the kids, and I think they know that.”

The returning quarterback is senior Carson Lewis. He passed for 634 yards and seven touchdowns last season even though the Hubs are all about the run game.
“I feel smarter than last year,” said Lewis assessing his improvement. “I’ve built my arm strength. I’ve watched a lot of film and know where the ball is supposed to be, be on time, and I just feel great about the season.”

The returning 1,000 yard rusher is senior wingback Grant Gensler. He averaged eight yards a carry last year, and he was named Honorable Mention All-State. Electric sophomore Dylan Manning is also back at wing back. Senior Roman Villalobos returns at fullback.

The most exciting aspect of this offense could be the offensive line. Four starters return there including Kaiden Morris, and they’re joined by new right tackle Adam Cobos, a sophomore who shows a lot of promise.

“I was talking with coach Olson, it’s probably in the time we’ve been here together, it’s probably the offensive line and defensive line we’ve had,” said Kissack.

Senior tight end Jack Pavlak is the last piece that brings this offensive puzzle together.

“We’ve got six three-year starters coming back,” said Pavlak. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and even our new people, we’ve got a new right tackle, he’s been looking good so far. Our backs are better than ever.”

Ethan Goodwin, Villalobos, Eli Harley, Brode and Brandyn Metzger and Alex Pemberton are some of the guys who are set to lead the defense.

The Hubs were champions of the Kishwaukee River/Interstate Eight Blue Conference last year. This year they’re in the new Interstate Eight. They have a tough schedule, but Pavlak says they prefer it that way.

“I want the tough schedule. We’ve been in the weight room since June 5th, putting in the work every single day. I think the guys have got what it takes.”

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