Football: Indians ready to hit reset

Derek Murphy doesn't need reminding.

Murphy and the rest of Sandwich's seniors have not experienced much winning. The varsity program is on a three-year playoff dry spell following four straight postseasons. Sandwich has posted back-to-back 2-7 seasons.

It's Murphy's last shot, and he's determined to reset the program's fortunes.

"It's a huge year," Murphy said. "Coach has preached to us seniors that this is the last time we'll be able to do this stuff. A lot of the seniors want to leave a legacy and put our stamp on the season. This is the team we think can put Sandwich football back on the map."

If the Indians do turn things around, it will probably start up front.

Murphy leads a group of three returners on the offensive and defensive lines, which includes Zach Hix and Levi Franklin.

Sandwich must replace Zach Bosek, who set a single-season rushing record last year, and is also breaking in a new quarterback. The Indians also have to find two new receivers.

It will help to have the beef up front.

"Most of our O-line comes back, which is good," Sandwich coach Chris VanDyke said. "Derek Murphy is a returning starter on offense and defense. He has a big body, 6-foot-5 and close to 235 pounds."

The Indians have been busy this summer.

Sandwich competed in 7-on-7s last week at Mendota and Huntley, and host Marengo this week. Next week the Indians go to Kaneland. Several Sandwich players attended a leadership conference at Naperville Central, and Murphy and the rest of the linemen will compete in the West Aurora linemen challenge this week.

"It's usually a fun time – I'm excited to go to it," Murphy said. "Linemen are sometimes forgotten about, especially this time of year. It's nice to get that recognition, to show off our talent and speed."

Murphy certainly has talent – and not just in football.

A three-sport athlete, Murphy was a conference champion in the shot put this spring. It runs in the family. Murphy's mom, Sarah Kidd, won a state shot put championship at Leland. Murphy also plays basketball.

"I've never been inactive my whole life," Murphy said. "In my opinion the variety helps."

Playing three sports does offer a challenge in maintaining weight. Murphy was at 225 pounds after football last fall, but dropped to 211 by the end of basketball season.

Football is likely where his future lies. He went to camps at North Central and Northern Illinois this summer, and has talked to St. Cloud State from Minnesota. Wyoming has come to see him work out.

If anything, Murphy and the Indians will boast a deeper roster this year.

Seniors Sam Brunoehler, Evan Taxis, Zach Reyes and James Schweingberg and juniors Jimmy Roop and Dylan Baumbach all return with varsity experience.

Sandwich has close to 18 seniors and close to 18 juniors, the most depth VanDyke has enjoyed in his tenure.

"There's a lot more competition at most positions and not as many kids playing both ways," VanDyke said. "We're trying to put our kids in the best position to succeed."