MAPLE PARK – Zack Martinelli snagged Kaneland’s first touchdown during last season’s Week 9 trip to Morris.

He’s equally eager to make a play when the Knights host the Redskins tonight, but also knows he could help decide the Northern Illinois Big 12 East title another way.

Being a Kaneland wide receiver in 2012 brings a slightly different job description. While the Knights still pass effectively with their vaunted spread attack, coach Tom Fedderly has ramped up the running emphasis behind a veteran offensive line. For Martinelli, that means touching the football about as often as he clutches a defensive back – legally, of course – as he helps spring a running back into the secondary.