Scouting the Wheaton Academy Warriors
After beating a No. 1 seed in its first state football playoffs, what's Wheaton Academy got for an encore?
Time to reshuffle the Decker.
As in Tommy Decker. This senior quarterback, like many from last year's Class 5A No. 16 seed that beat No. 1 Hillcrest, looks to emerge from the shadows of graduated All-Area Warriors Brian Pell and Anthony Ritchie.
"We're just trying to build off last season and pick it up where we left off, continue to improve as a program and get to the next level," said coach Ben Wilson, whose spread offense and base 4-3 defense each returns seven starters, though up to eight boys will be playing on both sides of the football.
The next level would include a Suburban Christian Conference Gold championship against the likes of Immaculate Conception and St. Edward. Wilson feels he's got a quarterback who could lead the way. In 2009 Decker saw time in five games, spelling the record-setting Pell for 17 completions in 31 attempts with 246 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
"He had some game experience and this summer was looking like he has a shot to have a great season both throwing the ball and running the ball," Wilson said.
Third-year starter Kai Libby led the Warriors in rushing and rushing touchdowns, with 366 yards and 3 more touchdowns receiving. He'll shift to free safety after two years at cornerback.
Wheaton Academy - the senior-based unit's theme is "Band of Brothers" - also returns receiver Jimmy Johnson, two-way starters Sam Cote, Nate Jones and Luke Thorson, and 6-foot-2 defensive end Jake Heidorn, among others.
A big push is improving a defense, especially against the run, that in 2009 gave up an average of 28.5 points.
"We know we can score points on offense," Wilson said. "It's just up to our defense to rise up to the occasion and stop people."
The breakdown
Coach: Ben Wilson (fourth year, 12-17).
2009 record: 6-5, 3-2, tied for second in the Suburban Christian Conference Gold.
Top players: Tyler Bosse (DL, 6-1, 210, sr.), Sam Cote (RB-LB, 6-0, 210, sr.), Tommy Decker (QB, 6-2, 200, sr.), Seth Gasick (OL, 6-3, 220, sr.), Jake Heidorn (DL, 6-2, 190, sr.), Jimmy Johnson (WR, 6-1, 195, sr.), Nate Jones (OL-DL, 5-11, 230, sr.), Kai Libby (RB-DB, 5-11, 170, sr.), Kevin Mann (DB, 6-0, 160, jr.), Howie Mill (DL, 6-2, 250, sr.), Aaron Pell (OL, 5-8, 190, sr.), Luke Thorson (WR-DB, 6-5, 190, sr.).