Lincoln-Way Central defensive end Mike Cepolski loves to play football.

Competition. Teamwork. Hard work. Striving to be the best.

All of it plays a part in his passion for the sport.

But nothing brings him greater pleasure than making a tackle — something he's done with regularity this season.

“It's a ton of fun to get to tackle people all the time,” said Cepolski, who's a two-year starter. “There is no other feeling like it. Especially with 10 guys strong behind you trying to do the same thing.”

The combination of strength, speed and long arms has allowed the 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior to total 45 tackles, including 20 solos, nine tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.

Cepolski intends to add to those totals Friday when the Knights (6-3) travel to Reavis (7-2) for a Class 7A playoff opener. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

While the individual statistics are impressive, Cepolski's impact on the Knights stretches beyond numbers, according to Lincoln-Way Central coach Jeremy Cordell.

“Mike is the ultimate teammate,” Cordell said. “He is dedicated and loyal to his craft, his teammates, his coaches and the program. However, he will voice his wisdom and take command of a situation when it is merited.

“Mike's high-level performance, as well as his humble, yet strong presence makes him a great football player and an even better person.”

Cepolski's success isn't limited to the football field. He boasts a 4.6 GPA and scored 29 on the ACT.

With a heavy load of advanced placement courses, Cepolski has made it a priority to budget his time.

“It's a mix for me,” Cepolski said. “Some things do come easily to me. At the same time, I'm not the type of kid who doesn't have to study to ace a test. You have to balance things out. I put in the time.”

Cepolski has dedicated a ton of time to the football field over the years. He's been a lineman going back to his days as a fourth-grader on the New Lenox Mustangs.

By the end of his sophomore season, he was promoted to the varsity. As a junior, Cepolski and the Knights finished one win from qualifying for the playoffs.

The disappointment from that experience provided motivation during the offseason.

“We stressed and preached to each other that we're not satisfied until we get to the playoffs,” Cepolski said. “It's definitely a great feeling to be able to get into the playoffs.”

The closing of Lincoln-Way North gave the Knights additional manpower.

As part of the redistricting, Mokena residents who attended Lincoln-Way East now attend Lincoln-Way Central.

The transition has been a smooth one.

“I walked into the situation with an open mind,” he said. “The kids that were coming over were open right back. We got to know each other early on and we have been a team.”

Cepolski credited Cordell's coaching with making sure all the players were on the same page.

“Coach made a huge impact,” Cepolski said. “He was right there with us the whole time. One of our motto's is ‘Enter the Black.' Kind of entering the unknown. He said for us to take every rep, every game, every play as the most important.

“We started with not knowing each other to now becoming a team competing in the playoffs.”

Cepolski intends on playing college football. Like deciding on a major, he's just not sure where yet. Wherever he goes, Cepolski wants to make a difference.

“The determining factor for me choosing a college is going to be a mix of the football program and a place I can find things I relate to,” he said. “I like physical therapy. Maybe I'll want to be a teacher. I like engineering. I'm going to wait and see.”

pdisabato@tribpub.com

Twitter @disabato