Scouting the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers
By Kevin Schmit
kschmit@dailyherald.com
After graduating the bulk of one of the best football teams in program history, Wheaton Warrenville South has one plan for this season.
Reload.
The Tigers seek a third straight Class 7A state title with more mystery than the last two championship seasons. The biggest mystery is at quarterback, where all-stater Reilly O’Toole has moved on to the University of Illinois.
Stepping in will be 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior Thaddeus Armstrong, a talented transfer from Ottawa. The Tigers also have some depth with sophomore Ryan Graham.
The strength of the offense, though, lies with Northwestern recruit Dan Vitale and the running game. Running back Patrick Garner also returns, although the offensive line graduated all five starters, including four now playing college ball.
Unlike last year, it may take some time for the offense to get its collective legs.
“With a young offense we’ll need good defense and good special teams play,” said Tigers coach Ron Muhitch. “I’m counting on the defense to be the leading edge of this team.”
Linebackers Adam Dansdill and Brandon Peterson, who combined for 21 tackles in last year’s title game against Lake Zurich, lead four returning defensive starters. Lineman Jack Lipinsky and defensive back Mike Shelton also return.
Don’t expect the same number of running-clock games as last year, but with plenty of room to grow Muhitch is counting on steady improvement. The senior class has lost only one game in three seasons, and the Tigers will lean on that winning attitude.
A key will be survival in opening nonconference games against 7A powerhouse Glenbard West and two-time defending 8A champion Maine South. If the Tigers successfully emerge from those two games, the rest of DuPage Valley Conference better watch out.
“These guys have a history of winning,” Muhitch said. “They expect to do well.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (10th year, 96-17).
2010 record: 14-0, 7-0, first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Dan Vitale (RB-WR, 6-2, 210, sr.); Adam Dansdill (LB, 6-0, 205, sr.); Brandon Peterson (LB, 6-2, 210, sr.); Thaddeus Armstrong (QB, 6-6, 215, sr.); Jack Lipinsky (DL, 6-3, 205, sr.); Mike Shelton (DB, 6-0, 175, sr.); Zach Zlabis (WR, 6-4, 190, sr.); Sam Prete (WR, 6-1, 170, sr.); Pat Wiedow-Hagene (DL, 5-11, 225, sr.); Dan Roadman (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.); Evan Welsh (DL, 5-11, 205, sr.); Zach Kyllonen (DB, 5-11, 170, sr.); Patrick Garner (RB, 5-11, 210, sr.); Frank Garcia (OL, 6-4, 260, jr.); Ryan Graham (QB, 6-1, 175, so.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 Glenbard West 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 2 @ Maine South 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 West Aurora 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 @ Naperville N. 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 Naperville Central 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 West Chicago 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 @ Glenbard North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 @ Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.