The difference between mediocrity and greatness on the football field comes down to fractions of a second. Football is a game of organized chaos, a game of twenty-two moving parts that coalesce into an end product that belies the complexity of the reality on the field. The distinction that defines truly great football players is an ability to sift through the chaos and execute the split-second reactions that have been practiced, hundreds of times, in the pressure and noise of the game. Ilan Gressel is one of those great players.

Football, despite its reputation, arguably tests the brain’s perception and improvisational skills more than any other sport.

“Most people don’t realize how complicated and how much practice it takes for the defense simply to line up and call the right play, given that we only have a few seconds to react to what we see in the offense,” said Ilan.

Ilan plays middle linebacker, a position often described as the “quarterback of the defense.” It is the middle linebacker’s responsibility to identify, on every down, the formation and plan of the offense and adjust the defense accordingly.

“After the play starts your job is rarely defined, like a lineman’s, which is to blitz or a corner’s which is to cover. The position is really based off instinct,” said Ilan. “Ten other guys and the success of your defense depends on you making these quick decisions.”

On film and in-game, the instant mental decisions that Ilan has to make become very apparent. For example, in one play on Ilan’s highlight video, the opposing offense lines up and runs a counter play to the left side, a play designed to confuse the defense by running in the opposite direction of the initial step. Quickly recognizing the trap, Ilan immediately cuts to his right and makes a perfect tackle on the JFK running back, stopping the play for no gain.

“He just hits so well. It’s textbook. His techniques are always on-point and he never gets tired or lazy on the field.” said senior Derek Rosenzweig.

Defensive planning in football is an under-appreciated facet of the game. With the rise of fantasy football and five-second highlights packages, the defensive aspects of the game have been diluted in the public mind while remaining as important as ever in football.

“I prefer defense,” said Ilan, when questioned about which side of the ball he enjoys the most. Ilan plays offensive line and, occasionally, running back, easily transferring his speed on defense to the offense.

“If you can stay in the game and play both ways without getting tired or giving up on any plays, that’s impressive.” said Derek.

To add to his leadership responsibilities in-game, Ilan is also a returning captain this season, appointed captain at the beginning of his junior season.

“I think the greatest aspect of being a captain my junior year was making me a better captain as a senior. Having a year to learn on the job when I didn’t have to be the most vocal has given me a lot of confidence to step up and lead this year. When it’s time to get hyped before a game and you have forty faces looking at you to lead them it’s helpful to have some experience.”

“He plays with a lot of passion… everyone on the team listens to him and respects him,” said senior starter Jack Hogan.

During the offseason, Ilan lifts in the gym and plays rugby in the spring to keep himself in excellent condition for football in the fall. Heading into his final season as a Hackley football player, his goals are simple.

“I want Sumail to get his name back. I want to get Winston to talk to a girl for the first time. And I want to go undefeated.”

After a convincing 40-29 victory on the road against Chester, the football team returned for its first home game against Cardinal Spellman. On the first play of the game, Hackley’s suffocating defense immediately sacked the Spellman quarterback, forcing a fumble, and setting a tone for a magnificent defensive performance. Cardinal Spellman failed to score a single point, and Ilan Gressel punched in the first touchdown of Hackley’s 14-0 homecoming shutout, well on his way to achieving his goal of staying undefeated.