Introduction to York’s Football Success
The same schools traditionally make up the preseason Super 25 year after year, just shuffled in a slightly different order. That’s even more true near the top, where a handful of programs dominate high school football in Illinois. It’s extremely difficult to carve out a spot in either that group, but that’s what York has done over the past three seasons. The Dukes have accomplished the feat under two different head coaches and with a new starting quarterback each year. York’s success appears built to last.
Recent Performance and Rankings
The Dukes are 34-6 over the past three seasons. They lost to Loyola in the Class 8A title game last year. The Ramblers beat York in the semifinals in 2023 and 2022. It’s possible that Loyola is the only team that has been better than York in 8A over the past three seasons. York opens the season at No. 9 in the preseason Super 25.
The Bedrock of Success: Offensive Line
The offensive line is the bedrock of the Dukes’ recent success. “Team culture has to start with the offensive line,” Dukes offensive tackle Costa Kampas, a Georgetown recruit, said. “We have four seniors that have played with each other since eighth grade. It is such a close unit.”
York’s Henry Duda (26) works a drill during football practice.
Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times
New Quarterback and Experienced Players
Senior Dominic Alfano won the starting quarterback job over the summer. He isn’t as fast as graduated star Bruno Massel, but few players are. “[Alfano] runs track, and he’s pretty quick, but he’s more of an all-around quarterback,” Gelsomino said. “Dom has prepared well. He learned the last couple years and worked really hard. We have confidence in him.” Hunter Stepanich, a 6-8, 230-pound senior, will be one of York’s standouts on both sides of the ball. The Princeton recruit plays tight end and defensive end.
Focus and Mindset
Stepanich’s take on Loyola is the same as the other senior leaders. Despite the Ramblers ending York’s season the last three years, the team’s focus remains internal. “Every game we play, we are competing against ourselves,” Stepanich said. “The biggest thing is playing as good as we can play.” The mood around York isn’t of a team beating its head against the wall of private school dominance. The Dukes’ players and coaches are proud of what they’ve built over the past few seasons and ready to take another step forward.
Private vs. Public School Debate
Gelsomino, who played and coached in the Catholic League, has a balanced take on the private vs. public school football debate. “Yeah, the recruiting is getting crazy,” Gelsomino said. “That has trickled down from college. We can be honest about that. But I also have 3,000 kids at this school. I should be able to find some kids that can play football and coach them. It’s a tough conversation to have. I don’t know if our state will ever have a perfect solution for it. I don’t mind where it is at.”
Conclusion
York’s football team has established itself as a state power over the past three seasons, with a 34-6 record and consistent appearances in the Class 8A title game. With an experienced offensive line and a new senior starting quarterback, the Dukes are looking to take the next step forward. Their focus remains internal, competing against themselves to play as good as they can. As they navigate the private vs. public school debate, York’s players and coaches are proud of what they’ve built and are ready for another successful season.
FAQs
Q: What is York’s ranking in the preseason Super 25?
A: York opens the season at No. 9 in the preseason Super 25.
Q: Who is York’s new starting quarterback?
A: Senior Dominic Alfano won the starting quarterback job over the summer.
Q: What is the key to York’s recent success?
A: The offensive line is the bedrock of the Dukes’ recent success, with four seniors who have played together since eighth grade.
Q: How does York approach the private vs. public school debate?
A: Coach Gelsomino has a balanced take, acknowledging the challenges of recruiting while being proud of the talent and coaching at York.
