By Ed Muniz-Photos by Renee Kaspar
** Additional Photos are Available for purchase at https://justallsports.zenfolio.com/p729010481 **
GILBERTS— Expectations- a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
In 2024, Coach Chris Ciepley’s 8U Algonquin Argonauts were an impressive group They played at a such a high level they managed to come away with a Pop Warner Division 2, State Championship, defeating the Elmhurst Bears and followed that up with a Regional Championship, defeating the Hobart Brickies In Chesterton Indiana.
They accomplished all they could as Pop Warner starts National Championships at 9U, hence they were ineligible.
Preparing for the 2025 season and now eligible as a 9U team, expectation are set high. From coaching staff to every player, their goals are to exceed last years successes.
Opening the 2025 Chicagoland Pop Warner schedule at home, the Argos welcomed the Addison Cowboys to Gilberts Elementary on August 23.
Showing no signs of pressure to do well, the now 9U Argos picked up where they left off last year and overwhelmed their visiting opponent with a “never quit” running game and a top-notch defense that gave very little in the 24-0 shutout shellacking of the Addison Cowboys.
“We’re a super-aggressive team. We have most of our kid back from last year,” said Coach Ciepley. ” We just got to refine a little bit, there were a few first game jitters, it’s great that we won 24-0 but that’s a team we should have put 50 on. It was awesome overall, just little things we need to fix. Next week is a rematch of the state championship, thats going to be some tough calls, so we have to work oot the small kinks this week.”
“I’m absolutely happy with the results today, our backs Caden (Druger) and Gannon (Root) were running hard and our line was doing everything right. That was an A-minus performance, winning 24 -0 is amazing.”
Coach Ciepley also spoke of some of his players.
“Maddox Hopp is a monster, he’s our pulling gaurd, does an awesome job, he’s amazing. Gavin Brink also did a great job at center, we didnt have any issues with the snap all game, no over-snaps or any problems there. Just good play. No pressure here.”
Druger was quite special on this day, not only was he grabbing tackles and making stops but offensively, he was the Argos star, scoring three touchdown. He scored on a run of 27-yards, returned a punt 37-yards for a touchdown and also caught a pass for 76-yards for his third sccore of the day. He did it all!
“I think today we had the best blocking ever,” said Druger. ” I couldnt make the runs today without my team, we need blocks and good defense to win games. Today we did that all game. For me on defense, I was able to quickly see where the ball was going and no going offsides, I was trying to be a team leader by helping my teammates out. I feel I have good knowledge of the game and so you gotta watch and see where the football is going.”
As good as his game was on both sides of the ball, he still felt he could improve.
“I think at times I was over-pursuing, I’ve got do better because we have high expectation and want to go to Nationals this year.”
Druger also had a teammate excel throughout the game. He too was a force during the game. His ability, like Druger, to give his all on every play saw him rush for a 24-yard touchdown. Using his speed to get to the side-line, Gannon Root simply out ran everyone.
“The blocks were awesome today,” said Root. “Personally, I have to thank Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity and keeping me from getting hurt. I got to thank my teammates too, they were making some pretty good blocks out there and it really helped me on my runs.’
“I get bothered a little bit wen we make a big play or runs and it gets called back becuase of a penalty behind it, but I shrug it off because I feel we will make it up on anther play and recover. I too need to improve on defense, maybe shed more blocks. I think I have really good vision so that helps me make tackles too.
The duo tandem will be trouble for every opponent this year. Each had a spectacular run that went to the endzone after breaking tackle after tackle, refusing to be taken down, bouncing off numerous attempts by the Cowboy defense only to be brought back on a penalty behind the play. Those two runs were easily the best of the day only to not count.
Both mentioned how the great blocking upfront was key to their success. Two of those helping and doing all they could were Left-tackle’ Maddox Hopp and Center’ Gavin Brink.
Hopp was a bulldozer on the snap. He qickly engaged his opponent and plowed the road with him. He didn’t get pushed back once in the game and was beyond dominant on the offensive side.
Brink is undersized in stature when it comes to the center position, but that didnt affect his play. More than likely, he will face opponents that are larger in size but he’s up to the challenge. After getting the snaps off, he was engaging whomever came his way, picking up the defender and maintaining his block. He too refused to give an inch on the ossensive line.
“” I think getting the snap off and then blocking the defensive line is the most important thing to do as a center,” said Brink. “I thought I did a pretty good job. I think I can get into position better, stay ballanced and drive the defender better. I like making contact after the snap. I think me and my quarterback work well together too. The snap is easy but after the snap it’s the most difficut to do but not hard. I do the best I can.”
For Hopp, his strength and size work well for him. During the game, he gave nothing and was constantly pushing the Cowboy defender back on every play, creating huge holes.
“I think I’m better on offense,” said Hopp. “I try to open up holes but our running-backs like running in different holes and really like running outside because there aren’t as many people there like there is inside. I think if they follow me, they’ll get big yards; I just dont understand that. I work at getting better, I work with my dad almost every day. All I care about is winning as a team. I just want to be the best on each play and help us win. I like defense because I get to hit. but I give all I can wherever I’m at.”
The game began with the Argos on defense, the result was short work by the Argos, forcing a punt after Druger and and Steve Baum introduced themselves to the Cowboys.
Their first attempts on offense saw the Argos do what they do best: run the ball, maintain possession and finish with a big play. In this opening series, Druger provide that with his 27-yard touchdown sprint an a 6-0 lead right before the end of the first quarter.
Opening the second quarter, Root provide three straight tackles, he too forced the Cowboys to punt again as the Argos defense was stifling.
Back on offense, Quaterback ‘ Bryce Fulton was guiding the Argo attack well. Again, they ran and took yard after yard in small chunks until Root took off after taking a pitch and getting to the left edge unscathed, speeding to the endzone 24-yards away for the Argos’ second touchdown and a 12-0 lead.
With time ticking away in the first half, the Argos quickly got the football back after Kaiden Fox, Anoosh Vrda and Kayden Anderson-Monnie each grabbed tackles to force another punt.
With 23 seconds left in the first half, Caden Druger dropped back to receive the punt; fielded it, he took off, evading every Cowboy and scoring his second touchdwon of the game on the 37-yard return, elevating the Argos lead to 18-0 at halftime.
The second half began with Druger having the play of the day. He took a hand off from Fulton, dashed right, met defenders, turned back inside meeting several Cowboys, worked his way to the far sideline and didnt cease until he got to the endzone for the apparent touchdown. the great, determined run would be called back due to a block in the back penalty, but it sure showed Druger’s amazing skill and refusal to be stopped.
Nine plays later on the same drive, Root would also showcase his determined running style, equalling the same technique as his running-mate, breaking tackles bouncing of Cowboys and refusing to be stopped, finally breaking free and scoring another apparent touchdown from 27-yards out, but again, that too was called back on the same type of penalty.
The thrid quarter went scoreless and headed into the final stanza. After turning over the ball on downs, the Argo defense was still holding the Cowboys scoreless. Tackles and stops by Root, Cael Ciepley, Druger, Varda and Jaxson Ecker all grabbed tackles, but it was a hit by Fulton that caused a Cowboy fumble that ended up in the grasp of Druger for the turnover.
The Argos added another touchdown late in the game. A connection from Fulton to Druger produced a 76-yard touchdown pass completion with 14 secods left in the game. The late touchdown elevate the score to 24-0. Two plays later, the game was over, giving the 9U Argos the first step needed in their quest for a National title.
There were also other Argo players contributing in the decisive win, showing the home crowd their talents on offense, defense and special teams. They included TJ Langley, Miles Lobo, Jacob Skzypczak, Mason Wasilewski, James Kieras, Parker Benaka and Oliver Cottrell. Leo Colella was there in support unable to perform.
Also showing their support of the team and entertaining the home crowd at halftime and along the sidelines were the Argonauts Mitey Mite Cheerleaders. The young cheer unit displayed their skills and even after the game concluded as they lined up and made a traditional tunnel along wth the parents to escort the players off the field. They include Brooklyn Aguilar, Evelyn Benitez, Nina Blakey, Elena and Gabriella Campobasso, Isabelle Guzman, Marissa Jensen, Anyah Jones, Emi Loza, Colbie and Whitney Lucas, Quinn Moran, Leah Ovalle, Liliana Quatroke, Michelle Rivera, Abi Ruston, Genesis Sanchez, Harper Savage, Evie Trejo and McKenna Walczak
