Scouting the Waubonsie Valley Warriors
Waubonsie Valley has won eight or more games each of the last five seasons. Moving to the DuPage Valley Conference provides a stiff challenge to continue that streak.
"Obviously, you're stepping up the level of competition that you're playing at, because you're not going to have a breather from Week 1 through Week 9," said Warriors coach Paul Murphy.
He hopes his offense can take some wind out of their sails.
"I think we can wear some people down," said Murphy, a 2015 inductee into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Murphy is confident in senior quarterback Jack Connolly, well-drilled in running Waubonsie's option. The coach sees an inside-out run game of returning fullback Max Ihry, tested tailback Rodney Gee and potential field-stretcher Quaid Gill.
Six-foot-two tight ends Richie Puls and Charles Johnson add to the power game
Perhaps the highlight is four returning starting offensive linemen. Third-year center Tyler Caldwell anchors returning tackles Quinton Zielke and Brandon Porter and guard Corey McKnight.
"I think we're more of a grinding team on offense. I think we can bludgeon some people," Murphy said.
The coach's main concern is a defense returning only Ihry as a starter. In 2014 the downhill linebacker recorded 120.5 tackles, 6 caused fumbles and 4 interceptions. Names to watch include the Dominiak brothers - 290-pound junior lineman Dan and sophomore linebacker Josh - who transferred from Montini.
Getting an inexperienced defense up to varsity speed is the Warriors' focus entering the brave new world of the DVC.
"I think it'll be exciting for our kids because you play in front of big crowds every week," Murphy said. "It's what you want your players to experience because they're going to have a ton of memories when the season's over."
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Murphy (11th year, 72-32; 26th year overall, 166-87.
2014 record: 9-2, 6-1, tied for first in the Upstate Eight Valley.
Top players: Tyler Caldwell (OL, 6-1, 270, sr.), Jack Connolly (QB, 6-2, 200, sr.), Dan Dominiak (OL-DL, 6-1, 290, jr.), Mike France (WR, 6-3, 180, sr.), Rodney Gee (RB, 5-8, 170, sr.), Quaid Gill (RB-WR, 5-9, 170, jr.), Max Ihry (RB-LB, 6-0, 210, sr.), Trevon Moore (DB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Brandon Porter (OL, 6-0, 250, sr.), Quinton Zielke (OL, 6-4, 220, sr.).
- Dave Oberhelman
Waubonsie Valley
Fri, 8/28 Lake Park at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/4 Glenbard North at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/11 Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/18 Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley. 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/25 Waubonsie Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/2 WW South at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/9 Waubonsie Valley at East Aurora, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/16 Waubonsie Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/23 Waubonsie Valley at Wheaton North, 7:30 pm