Scouting the Metea Valley Mustangs

Metea Valley, the area's freshest football program, will hit the ground running.

Literally.

"We did a ton of plays," said Mustangs coach Ted Monken. "You figure 50-60 plays in a game on either side of the ball, we estimated we got in over 12 games in eight days (of summer camp)."

The newbie in Indian Prairie School District 204 and the Upstate Eight Conference, like all upstarts Metea Valley's challenge is reaching varsity game speed after last year's 6-3 sophomore-level record.

"These young guys are going to have a rude awakening in their first varsity game," Monken said. "They have to learn to get up to that speed or they're going to be in trouble."

It won't be for lack of instruction. As raw as speedsters like quarterback Jarrett House and running back Tre'Sean Mackey may be, Metea brings about 200 years of coaching experience.

Along with Ted Monken - the eighth Monken to be a head football coach in Illinois - the staff features his 70-something father, Hall of Famer Bob Monken; longtime Waubonsie Valley assistant Dr. Jim Braun; and defensive coordinator Jeff Cherry, a veteran of Glenbard North and St. Charles East, where Ted Monken produced four playoff appearances in five seasons, including a 2005 quarterfinal berth.

Helping flatten the learning curve in the spread offense will be receiver Raysean Parker with big-time lacrosse recruit Zach Wood getting reps at tight end and defensive end. Defensive lineman Justin Pruitt, with Wood among six Mustangs breaking 200 pounds on the 49-man roster, earns Monken's kudos for leadership.

Without senior experience and size, Metea Valley will rely on speed, execution and a wealth of direction.

"The No. 1 thing is we do have a great coaching staff, and I think the kids will be well coached," Monken said. "And if we don't do horrendous things to hurt ourself, I think we'll be in the game."

The breakdown

Coach: Ted Monken (first, sixth overall, 36-17).

2009 record: 6-3 at the sophomore level.

Top players: Jarrett House (QB, 5-11, 170, jr.), Tyler Janczak (OL, 6-1, 205, jr.), Sam Kim (RB, 5-9, 175, jr.), Tre'Sean Mackey (RB, 5-8, 155, jr.), Preston Mitchell (DB, 5-8, 150, jr.), Raysean Parker (WR, 6-1, 170, jr.), Justin Pruitt (DL, 6-0, 210, jr.), Alan Williams (DB, 5-9, 150, jr.), Zach Wood (TE-DE, 6-2, 215, jr.).