Previewing: Wheaton North

Wheaton North quarterback Taylor Graham had a tremendous off-season while accepting a football scholarship from Ohio State.

Emerging from an arduous recruiting process focused and healthy, Graham's also eyeing a tremendous in-season.

"Going through this whole recruiting process, I think he's come out of it more confident," said Falcons coach Joe Wardynski. "He's anticipating having a good year. We just have to protect him."

Fully recovered from a broken ankle that cut his junior year in half, the 6-foot-5 senior leads a strong cast of skill players in what could be an explosive offense. Graham threw for 469 yards and 6 touchdowns in limited junior action. Justin Swider, who filled in at quarterback last year, and 6-6 tight end Hunter Thorson return to boost the passing game.

The running game graduated dominant back Mike Trumpy, now at Northwestern, but the backfield maintains talent with the return of Ivan Tamba and Jhamal Johnson.

Only one starter, guard Jack Gibbs, returns to a thin line. Regardless, the Falcons have high hopes with a healthy Graham at the helm.

"He's focused on the task at hand," Wardynski said. "We've got some skill kids around him. The key is finding some people up front."

Only three starters return on defense, including nose guard Sam Weatherred, safety Carson Rajcan and cornerback Mark Evangelista. While the secondary should be solid, the inexperienced Falcons need to mature quickly in their front seven.

Senior linebackers Ryan Coleman, Kevin Farley and Connor Loehrke will be key.

"It'll depend on how the seniors play," Wardynski said. "I think we'll be OK defensively.

"I like this team a lot," he said. "We need to get off to a good start and get some momentum going for the (DuPage Valley Conference)."