The goal at Wheeling: Keep getting better
Successive success is the goal at Wheeling.
Now the Wildcats believe they can achieve it after ending an 11-year playoff drought and winning a share of the Mid-Suburban East title last fall.
"I think we changed the mindset of everyone," said Wheeling senior safety Mike Zimmer. "The success we've been having changed everyone's way of thinking. We can play with anyone."
Hanging tough with eventual 7A champion Lake Zurich in last year's first round wasn't enough for the Wildcats.
They want to become the first team in school history to make consecutive playoff trips. And they want to join the 1994 team that has the school's only postseason win.
"The sky is the limit," said quarterback Matt Holmes. "It looks like we should be a good ballclub."
Holmes rebounded from an opening night injury to throw for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also has a premier target in James Kurtz, who set Wheeling records with 53 catches for 811 yards and 12 TDs.
"If you get the ball around him there's a good chance he's going to make the play," said offensive coordinator Matt Mishler. "We'll see what people do to him this year."
It could open up opportunities for other receivers and running backs such as Joel Rangel, whose brother Abel was a multi-purpose all-area threat last year. The key will be the development of a line where junior left tackle Tim Schalz is the only starter back.
The Wildcats are also well-schooled now in their 3-5-3 defense led by Zimmer, who is getting Division I interest.
"He can be a game-changer," said defensive coordinator Brian Hauck.
Free safety Mike Barton is also a playmaker. Linebacker Danny Vargas has a lot of ability, middle linebacker Garrett Pohlmeier has made big strides and Tony Brzezniak is another impact player.
"It will come down to the way we practice and how good we want to be," Kurtz said.
All signs so far are very good for Wheeling.
Wildcats at a glance
Coach: Dave Dunbar (eighth year, 15-49)
Last year: 6-4, 4-1 (T1st East, 7A playoff qualifier)
Probable starters
OFFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr. QB Matt Holmes 5-8/170 Sr. WB Joel Rangel 6-0/165 Jr. WB Weston Ross 6-0/180 Jr. RB Brendon Pozniak 6-0/175 Sr. or Leo Hicks 5-7/165 Sr. LT Tim Schalz 6-2/230 Jr. LG Dan Gutierrez 5-9/190 Jr. C Jack Hurley 5-10/170 Jr. RG Chris Johnson 6-2/210 So. RT Mike Galarza 6-4/235 Sr. WR James Kurtz 6-1/205 Sr. WR Edgar Banuelos 5-5/145 Sr. DEFENSE Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr. DE Omar Escobar 6-1/185 Sr. NT Joan Naverez 6-1/245 Sr. DE Lucas Bledsoe 5-11/245 Sr. LB Danny Vargas 6-1/185 Sr. MLB Garrett Pohlmeier 5-10/180 Sr. LB Jordan Stephani 6-2/190 Sr. Cat Mike Zimmer 6-3/205 Sr Cat Anthony Brzezniak 5-8/160 Sr. CB Matt Splon 6-1/160 Jr. CB Frank Frasco 5-6/135 Sr. FS Michael Barton 6-1/155 Sr.