Lisle chasing Wilmington

Lisle defensive coordinator Ron Jaegle plainly states conditions in the Lions' division of the Interstate Eight Conference.

"Wilmington is the team to beat in the Small school (division)," Jaegle said. "I think the Large schools are up for grabs."

That's how it's been the past two seasons in the Interstate Eight, which switches Plano out of the Small Division for Reed-Custer based on enrollment.

Lisle, which enters the season with the dual-quarterback look of Anthony Ventrella and Nick Saul, is hoping for a bounce from its fifth-place standing. Though the Lions reached the playoffs six straight seasons from 2001-06 while never winning conference, after they missed the postseason in 2007 they returned in 2008.

"Hopefully that kind of follows the script here," Jaegle said.

Wilmington's script has been to reload year in and year out. After a three-win season in his 1994 debut, coach Jeff Reents' Wildcats haven't won less than five games in the last 15 years. Wilmington went 11-1, 5-0 each of the last two seasons.

"We return only three back on defense, but on offense I feel a little better with six," Reents said. "Pretty much the whole offensive line is back."

So is senior running back Jeremy Bailey, a 2009 All-State pick who ran for 1,100 yards. Bailey has 24 career rushing touchdowns and with a banner year behind that line will aim for the program-record of 47 set in 1997 by Damien Anderson.

In a Small Division that also includes challenger Dwight, Westmont and now Reed-Custer, Reents believes Seneca is also in the mix.

The Fighting Irish capped a late-1990s heyday with an 11-1 record in 2000 then struggled as its numbers plunged, a plight that Westmont, under former Lisle player and assistant coach Mark Orzula, is experiencing.

Reents feels Seneca all-conference running back-defensive back Tyler Hovious and coach Ryan Reade will have the Irish ready.

In the Large Division, Peotone broke through to win the league last year, but always tough Coal City was a game back and rejuvenated Sandwich returns all-conference picks. Former back-to-back state titlist Plano will have a say as will both Herscher and Manteno, featuring running back Josh Simeur.

As far as Lisle goes, Jaegle said, "If we want to make the playoffs we're going to have to finish among the top couple teams."

"The thing with Lisle," Reents said, "as the year goes on they continue to get better and better."