The Rochester Rockets, coached by Derek Leonard, have gone a dizzying 76-7 over the last six seasons:
2014: 12-2
2013: 13-1
2012: 13-1
2011: 12-2
2010: 14-0
2009: 12-1
(That lone defeat in 2009 was by only one point, 41-40, against Metamora in the semifinals. The Redbirds then went on to beat Geneseo in the 4A final, 41-7.)
Is this guy the best coach in Illinois?
The Rockets will open the 2015 season tomorrow night at Decatur Eisenhower, a team that went 2-7 last year.
Here's their full schedule:
August 28: @ Decatur Eisenhower
September 4: Springfield
September 11: @ Lanphier
September 18: @ Glenwood
September 25: Springfield Southeast
October 2: @ Lincoln
October 9: @ Jacksonville
October 16: MacArthur
October 23: Sacred Heart-Griffin
While Glenwood (7-4 last year) should be the Rockets' first big test of the year, the finale against Sacred Heart-Griffin may be worth the drive down to Springfield. The Cyclones, coached by Leonard's father, Ken, were the undefeated (14-0) 5A champs last year. SH-G also handed Rochester one of its only two losses in 2014, a lopsided 56-13 drubbing in Week Nine. You don't suppose the son would like to get even with his father, do you? (Read this for a little more color on the two coaches.)
Will Rochester be back in the 4A final again this year?
I asked Coach Leonard for a scouting report and his was brief and understated:
Quarterback Dan Zeigler and Coach Leonard. |
That's it -- from the loquacious (Loyola) to the laconic.
See you in DeKalb, coach.
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