Jackson Lewandowski Shaping Up as Key Player for Lake Zurich

As a player on the Lake Zurich football team, junior defensive end Jackson Lewandowski stands out. His father, Joe, was an offensive lineman in the Arena League and now serves as an assistant for the Bears. Jackson sports a trim buzz cut and has a strong 6-foot-3, 235-pound physique.

“From my earliest memories, I remember playing football,” Lewandowski shared. Growing up, he played every position and constantly engaged with the game, illustrating his deep passion for football.

“I think about football all the time. There are so many things to think about,”

he said.

Following the previous season’s narrow 24-21 defeat against Nazareth in the Class 6A quarterfinals, Lewandowski has caught the attention of college coaches. Visits and showcase camps have given him platforms to display his football skills. He has received offers from both Toledo and Miami of Ohio, highlighting one quality he believes crucial: his speed. “I feel like for what I am, I’m pretty fast,” he stated.

Shifting from the offensive line to a defensive end before last season enabled Lewandowski to focus and improve significantly. During his first varsity year in a new position, he achieved a team-high of five sacks and recorded 27 tackles, with eight being for a loss. These statistics indicate he is only beginning to tap into his potential.

Lake Zurich senior linebacker Brock Rubicz commented on his versatility. “He’s the biggest guy on the field and makes it easy for our coaches to scheme around, especially when facing strong opponents. We can adjust him to disrupt key plays,” Rubicz noted.

The previous season opened with a challenging matchup against Fremd, where Lewandowski faced off with Northwestern recruit Owen Jakubczak. It was a formidable test, reflecting his first varsity plays at defensive line. The 35-3 loss to Fremd, powered by quarterback Johnny O’Brien, was a learning experience.

“He gave me a good look, and that was a wake-up call,”

Lewandowski said of Jakubczak. This challenge helped him grow.

A week later, Lewandowski earned his first varsity sack after initially moving offside during a 33-0 victory over Antioch. “My false start messed up the whole thing, but I got a sack going the other way,” he mentioned, underlining its significance.

Besides playing at defensive end, Lewandowski contributed as a tight end, potentially enhancing his role this season. With his blocking skills and speed, he is a strong asset in both offensive and defensive roles.

“I was put into a spot to succeed on both sides of the ball by coaches because everything was new for me,” Lewandowski shared, acknowledging the support he received from coaches and senior players.

His tight ends coach last season, Dragan Teonic, now leads as the head coach following Ron Planz’s departure. Teonic emphasized the community’s toughness. “The kids here have that hard-nosed mentality, and there’s an innate toughness,” he said. This existing foundation aligns well with his vision for success.

With six key defensive players returning, including leading tacklers Rubicz and Arturo Zarinana, the team still has Lewandowski as a critical component. Teonic praised Lewandowski’s explosive nature and knack for reaching the football, indicating a bright future.

Joe Lewandowski views his son’s prospects positively, anticipating further growth in size, strength, and speed. “He seems to have a pretty good football IQ,” Joe remarked, highlighting his potential for future success at higher college football levels.