Returning Rockford Boylan players are convinced they can bounce back this season

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Boylan High School very rarely goes through head coaching changes, but the Titans are this year. Joel Beard is the guy now, a coach with a lot of college coaching experience in his background at the junior college level. There are two things that we do know about Beard already. He is fired up to be coaching the Titans, and he’s known for overseeing explosive, high-scoring offenses in the past at the College of DuPage. That’s the type of offense he ultimately wants to have at Boylan. “We like to be explosive. Make some explosive plays and get everybody involved. We like to be multiple that way and keep defenses guessing.” “He’s working us really hard,” said Boylan senior linebacker/tight end Nick Polivka of his new head coach. “This is going to be my fourth year, and this is probably the hardest summer since I’ve been here. I’m really excited.” The coaching change from former coach John Cacciatore to Beard, and a 2-7 season last year for Boylan, led to several key players transferring to other NIC-10 schools. The Titans are ready to roll though with who they have, and they believe there’s more than enough talent here to have a bounce-back season. “We’re going to rock with who we’ve got,” said Polivka. “We’ve got, I think, the best guys. I’m very confident in our team with what we’ve got going.” Polivka is part of a linebacker unit that should be very strong. Eyzaiah Campos will be one of the other outside linebackers, and in the middle will be junior Keaton Hampl. He missed some time last year with an injury. Hampl is ready to roll. He has the size and aggressiveness to be a beast. “He’s going to anchor our defense,” said Bear. “It feels great to be out here 100 percent,” said Hampl who missed most of last season with an injury.” The Titans also have an experienced safety in Henry Maier, and a couple linemen up front who will be impact players on defense, Erick Becerra and Edy Espinoza. On offense, senior Michael Davenport takes over at quarterback. He has some good targets in Jake Fowler and athletic receiver Mikele Sims. Basketball has been Sims’ sport, but now he is giving football a shot, and he looks like he could be one of those explosive playmakers that Beard wants. When the Titans run the ball, Sam Bland and Campos will be doing most of the work. Espinoza, Becerra, Peyton Kirchner and Caleb Gork will provide the blocking up front. For coverage of the Titans and high school football in the 815 this season, watch ‘Overtime’ Friday nights on FOX 39 in Rockford, also on the MyStateline+ app, and on our digital media platforms.

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