Scouting: Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley
Nonconference
Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.
Last year: Waubonsie Valley 28, Naperville Central 21.
Outlook: Normally nails in season openers, Naperville Central has lost its last two, including last year's inaugural meeting with Waubonsie Valley. What will turn things around this year for the Redhawks? Hard to say with so many new faces, the most important one being junior quarterback Nick Linne. All he has to do is replace graduated Harrison Daniels, who threw for 2,200 yards in 2007. Other skill players return, however, to help Linne acclimate himself to the varsity level. Injury allowed running back Nick Kukuc to become a starter early last season, and he wound up rushing for 600 yards. Riley O'Toole's the team's most talented and valuable player. He caught 18 passes for 338 yards as a junior, but he'll be counted on much more this season. Defensively, he'll shore up the secondary in what should be a mighty solid defense. All-DuPage Valley Conference returner Jordan Poll, Clint Woods and Mike Kraft are all back on the line. Shane Dillon, meanwhile, is making the crucial shift from fullback to linebacker. Waubonsie Valley returning just three of last year's starters - defensive tackle Spencer Matlock would make it four, but he sprained an ankle that will probably hold him out - makes this somewhat new territory for the Warriors. Still, third-year starting quarterback Tyler Castro threw for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Redhawks a year ago, and Warriors coach Paul Murphy praises this year's receivers, Mark Hilgers and Alex Stokowski. This game also provides a live audition for the running back trio of Kendrick Clayton, Tre Clark and Chris Harris, none of whom ran for more than Clayton's 26 yards last season. Defensively, tackle Sherrod Stancil was an outright hoss in 2007, finishing fourth in tackles for Waubonsie while providing 30 quarterback hurries. If it's as close as last year's game Indiana-bound kicker Mitch Ewald may prove pivotal. He would like to make good on a missed field goal in his only try against Naperville Central.
Next week: Lake Park at Naperville Central; Waubonsie Valley at Prairie Ridge.