West Aurora has reasons for optimisim
By the numbers, West Aurora looks improved.
Veteran Blackhawks coach Roger "Buck" Drach annually assigns his players numbers 1 through 4 according to their skill level at a position. This preseason the numbers have skewed toward the top.
"Finally we have some '2's'. We've had '1's' and '4's'," Drach said.
"We're getting new, tough kids that have been dedicated and want to put the time in," he said. "That's a pleasant change. We've always had a few but we're starting to get more."
The depth starts at running back, essential given the graduation of Leon Spears, the 2009 DuPage Valley Conference co-offensive MVP who ran for 1,021 yards and 15 touchdowns.
A "running back by committee" features 2009 starting linebacker Marcus Waller, sophomore Booker Ross, fullback Brandon Warren and three others who returned to Aurora after time away: Shon Enoch, Brandon Jackson and Tyson Lassiter, a sophomore starter at Naperville North.
The quarterback position also starts out with several candidates who will each probably see playing time behind 220-pound center Austin Beebe, one of West's bigger linemen at 220 pounds; returning starter Cal Wagner and 2009 letterman Glenn McCarthy, at 250 pounds the Blackhawks' largest probable starting lineman.
Juniors Curtis Townsend, Richie Renner and Josh Campbell will each get cracks at quarterback, Drach said.
"They each bring something different to the table," said the coach. "We're not afraid to start any of them."
The defense is led by returning starter Matt Souvannasing at cornerback, and two juniors Drach praised for playing every game as sophomores in the grueling DVC: linebacker Brandon Warren, 2009 tackles leader with 77; and Nate Zinzer, all 130 pounds of him, at free safety.
Zinzer and Souvannasing, both track sprinters, will also get reps at wideout. In addition to picking off 2 passes last year, Zinzer caught 11 passes for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns, second in each category to the graduated Aviance King.
To best utilize his many quick athletes Drach has tinkered with offensive and defensive schemes to get players in space - and keep them fresh - rather than try to win mano-a-mano.
As always the overall goal is to nab that elusive playoff spot. The Blackhawks open with East Aurora then Elgin before entering DuPage Valley play. Good news is these current juniors were 6-3 as freshmen.
"I think we're going to look a lot more athletic than we have in the past," Drach said. "I hope that translates to more stops on defense and more yards on offense - and maybe a couple more victories."