Boot Camp: Dunlap poised for big year with bigger line

DUNLAP, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — As usual, the skilled positions are getting lots of attention at Dunlap.

But coach Brett Cazalet’s eyes are on his line.

“It’s probably the biggest line I’ve had here at Dunlap,” Cazalet said.

His line is anchored by 6-7, 315-pound left tackle Isaac Foster. Joining Foster as returning starters on the line are center Ethan Chen and right tackle Colton Barlow.

“We are the center of the team, the linemen are the center of the team. If we can’t do our jobs then nobody else can do their job,” said Foster. “We have to set a good example for the rest of the team to get their jobs done. We are going to work hard at it.”

Dunlap has playmakers. Junior John Bargen is in his third year as a starting quarterback. But in his first two seasons he’s split time with fellow junior Mack Sutter.

However, Sutter is mainly being used as a tight end and he has nearly three dozen college offers to play that position after high school. Among his suitors are Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan.

Returning running back Jackson Oldham and wide receiver Dawson Marmion will also likely benefit solid Eagles line play.

“It’s great. I’m trying to play college ball myself. It definitely has a college football feel with as many college-level guys we have,” Bargen said. “Mack (Sutter), Isaac, Ethan Chen our center has offers. We have a lot of dudes that can play big time ball at the next level.”

They hope they can create big time high school football this fall in Dunlap. The Eagles, who’ve made eight straight playoff appearances under Cazalet, open the season at home against Galesburg on Aug. 30.

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