Scouting the Neuqua Valley Wildcats
Neuqua Valley coach Bryan Wells was driving back from Blackhawk College, where daughter Kayla is starting her studies in equine science.
That provided a fitting metaphor.
"Our horses are pretty good. I'm excited to get them to the gate," Wells said. "I think we have some thoroughbreds, to be honest. Gone are the days of our big draft horses up front, but I think we have some guys who can run."
Typical of the Wildcats' revamped offensive line is 235-pound returning starting guard Joel Lange. If things work out Lange & Co. will protect quarterback Jeff Samuel, a good-sized kid himself, to find several returning receivers, including Yoel Wonsey and, out of the backfield, Trent Snyder. In 2009 Snyder gained 222 yards rushing and 375 receiving.
Emerging when defenses sniffed out graduated All-Area quarterback Joey Ippolito's keepers, Samuel passed for 427 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"He won't be the leg threat that we had with Joey," Wells said, "but our offense will look like it did a few years ago more so, where we were throwing the ball more."
If it improves even a little Neuqua should be in fine shape. The 3-5 defense returns nine starters, including top tacklers middle linebacker T.J. Rhattigan and strong safety Mike Festa. Back too are the entire defensive end rotation and two of Wells' all-time favorite cornerbacks, Ryan McDermott and Alex Malandro, who had 4 interceptions.
Despite outgaining foes by well more than 600 yards last season, an 0-3 start by a 13-point cumulative margin took wind out of Neuqua's sails. Anticipated improvement in the game's three phases has Wells breathing easier.
"When the defense isn't helping the offense and the offense isn't helping the defense and the special teams are not helping, it leads to (opposing points) and it leads to low scoring," the coach said. "With this veteran defense I would expect to hold on to some of those leads."
The breakdown
Coach: Bryan Wells (13th years, 58-57).
2009 record: 3-6, 3-3, tied for sixth in the Upstate Eight Conference.
Top players: Mike Festa (DB, 5-11, 175, sr.), Michael Ippolito (DL, 6-3, 200), jr.), Joel Lange (OL, 6-1-235, sr.), Alex Malandro (DB, 5-11, 185, sr.), Ryan McDermott (DB, 5-11, 165, sr.), Dan Menendez (TE, 6-4, 231, sr.), Leif Munson (DL, 6-2, 215, sr.), Jack Norgaard (WR, 6-2, 200, sr.), T.J. Rhattigan (LB, 5-11, 185, sr.), Jeff Samuel (QB, 6-3, 210, sr.), Andrew Skowronski (DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.), Trent Snyder (RB, 5-9, 170, sr.), Dylan Strack (DB, 5-9, 174, sr.), Yoel Wonsey (WR-DB, 5-10, 191, sr.).