Entering his third season as head coach, Mike Boehm realized if De La Salle was going to turn the corner as a program, his players had to become more than student-athletes attending the same school.
They had to genuinely care for one another.
“They had to become better teammates,” Boehm said. “They had to be more supportive of each other. The biggest thing was they had to believe in each other.”
Don’t look now, but De La Salle (4-0) is undefeated and two wins away from locking up a playoff spot, something that’s happened just once in the past six seasons.
Boehm’s plan to cultivate a tighter bond between his players appears to have worked. Senior receiver Eric Rooks, a three-year varsity member, acknowledged as much.
“We have a much closer bond than the last two years,” Rooks said. “In past years, it felt like guys were playing for themselves. We’re more together this year.”
So what brought the players together?
“We’ve spent a lot more time with each other,” Rooks said. “We got to know each other better on and away from the field. In order to do great things, we had to put in a lot of work together.”
Still, Boehm is aware there are people looking at De La Salle’s perfect start with a raised eyebrow. The Meteors’ first four opponents have a combined 2-14 record.
But Boehm remains unwavering in his team’s legitimacy. He correctly points to the Meteors’ dominance, having outscored opponents 161-40. His confidence, though, goes much deeper than numbers.
“They don’t get down on each other when something happens,” Boehm said. “They believe they can win.”
De La Salle should have no trouble improving to 5-0 Friday against winless St. Francis. But after that, we’re going to find out what the Meteors are made of.
The final four games on the schedule consist of six-time state champion Montini, 12-time state champ Mount Carmel, Marmion and Fenwick.
Montini may be 1-3, but Boehm knows better than to take the defending Class 6A state champs lightly. Mount Carmel, Marmion and Fenwick are a combined 11-1.
“Montini is dealing with some injuries and I hope the injuries are still present when we play them,” Boehm said with a laugh. “Don’t ever count out Montini.”
And Boehm insists, don’t count out De La Salle in any of those final four games or for the top spot in the Catholic League Green.
The Meteors are led by running back Devin Michicich, quarterback Dorian Woods, receivers Ryan James and Frank Ramundo and linebackers Joe Bonds and Jim Guttillo. Depth could be an issue.
“As long as we stay healthy, we can beat anybody,” Boehm said.
Rooks found the silver lining in having to play four outstanding opponents the final four weeks of the regular season.
“It prepares you for the playoffs,” he said.
Smart kid.
What about people questioning the legitimacy of the Meteors’ undefeated record?
“We don’t really care,” Rooks said. “We don’t pay attention to anything on the outside. We listen to one person — coach Boehm.”
Boehm hopes some talented junior high players are noticing De La Salle’s success.
It’s a jungle out there trying to attract skilled kids. Especially in the Southland, where perennial powers such as Mount Carmel, Marist, St. Rita and Brother Rice offer storied traditions and more convenient locations.
De La Salle sits at 34th and Wabash, but its alumni base has a strong presence throughout the Southland.
Boehm is willing to work seven days a week to keep the Meteors on the right track. The guy spent 18 years at De La Salle before landing the gig as head coach.
“Our biggest challenge is to get kids to come to this school, not secondary kids, but kids who can help us beat Mount Carmel, Rice and St. Rita,” Boehm said. “We need to get those kids.”
Twitter @disabato
