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Willowbrook Warriors determined to cut mistakes

A 4-point loss one game, 6 second-half turnovers the next. A last-second field goal for a 1-point loss.

Willowbrook's football team endured a lot of pain during a five-game losing streak that started last season and ended hopes for a third straight playoff appearance.

Coach Nick Hildreth believes if the Warriors can simply minimize the mistakes of a year ago, they'll be in much better position to return to the postseason.

"These seniors saw those playoff runs as freshmen and sophomores, and last year we couldn't do it," Hildreth said. "We had some games slip away, and we know we can't let that happen again."

What will happen again is Willowbrook's no-huddle offense piling up yardage in bunches. Billy Degnan threw for 1,870 yards last year despite missing three games due to injury. In addition to M.J. Ranieri's experience in those three games, Joe Strem was the program's starting quarterback at the lower levels.

The Warriors' quarterback depth is balanced by inexperience elsewhere. A three-year starter, Kyle Martyniuk is the lone line returner. Ron Reitz caught 38 passes for 460 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Newcomers fill the field elsewhere, including at running back, where Josan Murphy, Freddie Clay and Jack Jessen could get carries.

Last season Murphy and Clay saw time in the secondary on defense. Joey Palumbo and Elijah Rochel played some at linebacker, but the rest of the unit lacks varsity experience.

"It's tough to tell right now what we'll look like, but we're getting there," Hildreth said. "We're still trying to find our identity. We're enjoying the competition and letting it sort itself out."

The breakdown

Coach: Nick Hildreth (fifth year, 15-23).

2014 record: 2-7, 2-4, tied for fourth in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Billy Degnan (QB, 5-10, 170, sr.); M.J. Ranieri (QB-WR, 5-11, 178, jr.); Joe Strem (QB, 6-2, 190, sr.); Josan Murphy (RB-DB, 5-9, 186, sr.); Freddie Clay (RB-DB, 5-11, 165, jr.); Jack Jessen (RB-LB, 5-9, 185, so.); Joey Palumbo (LB, 5-9, 205, sr.); Elijah Rochel (LB, 6-1, 205, sr.); Kyle Martyniuk (OL, 5-9, 235, sr.); Ron Reitz (WR, 6-1, 185, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Willowbrook

Fri, 8/28 Willowbrook at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Willowbrook at Proviso West, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Addison Trail at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Willowbrook at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 York at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Willowbrook at Morton, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Proviso East at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Downers Grove South at Willowbrook, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Willowbrook at Leyden, 7:30 pm

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