BELLEVILLE -- Few coaches in the metro-east can match the success or the integrity that Belleville East head coach Tim Funk and his staff have maintained in the Lancers' football program.
Entering his seventh year at East, Funk has led the Lancers into the postseason five times. But for Funk, there are loftier goals.
"Football and athletics at the high school level isn't about winning and losing. It's about teaching young men how to be successful citizens in society when they get older and it's about competing,'' Funk said. "I don't coach football to win games. I coach football for the sheer love of the game and to be able to compete."
Armed with a strong defense loaded with athleticism, the Lancers should compete well in the SWC this Fall.
East, which finished 7-4 and advanced to the second round of the Class 8A playoffs a year ago, opens its season on Friday at Mount Vernon.
"We're in a position right now where our coaching staff is doing a great job, and the kids are buying into what we're doing,'' Funk said. "No disrespect towards the kids we've had in the past, but this is the most talented team we've had since I've been here -- just in terms of skill (position) kids and the number of kids who can do different things. That's what makes it fun.''
East returns eight and sometimes nine starters on a defensive unit that came on strong at the end of last season.
Senior Warren Herring (6-3, 249) leads the "D." Herring has given a verbal commitment to attend Wisconsin.
Kayrell Moore (6-3, 257), Dennis Edwards (6-4, 317) and Josh Zachary (5-9, 246) fill out the Lancers experienced defensive front.
"It's a big, strong group, and I'm hoping they can cause some people some problems,'' Funk said. "We think they can control the line of scrimmage as they did last year. The last three or four games we were pretty good defensively.''
At linebacker, David Bacon (5-8, 162) returns at one outside spot. Juniors Trey Parker (5-8, 181) and Billy Ferreri (5-11, 186) will be the inside linebackers while Kevin Gettis (5-11, 183) and Matt Blaharczyk (6-0, 184) are among those in the running for the other outside linebacker spot.
Cole Collins (5-8, 178) had eight interceptions at defensive back a year ago and returns while James Pace (5-11, 189) and Ryan Herring (5-9, 189) also return in the defensive secondary.
"I think defense will be our strength.'' Funk said.
Another strength will be in the offensive backfield. Returnees Ryan Herring (5-9, 189), Darnell Stevenson (5-10, 184) and Gettis (5-11, 183) all possess breakaway speed.
The newcomer to the quartet is Keith Chism (5-7, 162). Chism is a transfer from Althoff, where he rushed for 1,075 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago.
All four -- Chism, Gettis, Stevenson and Herring -- are juniors. East also has a pair of good sophomore backs that Funk declined to name.
"Intrasquad competition is the best thing that any team can have. If you have one kid that is clearly better than everybody else, what pushes that kid?'' Funk said. "We've got a lot of talent here and I told these guys that we need to find a way to get you the football with space so that we can utilize their ability."
Senior quarterbacks Cory Schaab (6-2, 192) and Aaron Hampton (5-10, 162) are both captains and vying for the starting job. Both saw playing time last season.
"Right now ... I can't tell you who will take the first snap. In my mind, though, they're both going to play,'' Funk said. "They are pushing each other well and that makes both of them better.''
Stevenson will also see time at wide receiver along with James Pace (5-11, 189), Brandon Rice (5-8, 161) and Taylor Stevenson (5-9, 186). Warren Herring will also play tight end as will Chris Broadway (6-2, 186).
Funk's biggest concern is the offensive line, where East doesn't have a lot of experience. Funk has been impressed by what he's seen in the preseason.
"There is no doubt that it's a concern. We have just one player who has played and while I don't want to sound too optimistic, this group of kids has exceeded my expectations to this point,'' Funk said. "They are better than I thought they would be. What that means, I don't know.''
A much improved Juan Bean (6-5, 289) leads the offensive front while others include Cody Troxel (6-3, 283), Tyler Settle 6-3, 285), Renex Johnson (5-10, 224), JJ Boyle (5-10, 223), Patrick Wallace (6-1, 294) and John Spengler (6-3, 296).
"With the backs we got, we tell the line they don't have to do too much," Funk said. "Just take a couple steps in the right direction and get in somebody's way. Just as long as its not ours.''
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