Wheeling's focus is on the moment
Wheeling coach Dave Dunbar is not too concerned about wins and losses.
"One thing I keep telling our guys is to compete and play at a peak performance and whatever happens, happens," Dunbar said. "Do what you're supposed to do and when you're supposed to do it and forget about the scoreboard."
Wheeling hopes the numbers on the scoreboard point more in its direction after it lost its last seven games last year. Brian Hauck has moved over from running the defense to the offense after the departure of Matt Mishler to coach at Rolling Meadows.
And Hauck has two talented, junior skill players to work with in quarterback Tyler Brady (687 yards passing, 3 TD) and running back Ed Scanlon in the Wildcats' spread option.
"Both of them are really good athletes and they could start both ways," Hauck said. "(Brady) has matured and is much more comfortable back there."
Senior Chris Johnson returns for his third year as a starting offensive lineman. Rob Sandoval and Matt Hoffman also figure prominently in the mix.
Wingbacks Jeremy Fredericks and Clark Jensen and receivers Kyle Batiz and Billy Jamie give Brady plenty of threats.
Dunbar will return to running the defense as he did before taking over as head coach. The big difference is the 4-3 he used to run was changed to a 3-5-3.
"The challenge is understanding all the nuances and I'm picking it up," Dunbar said.
It doesn't hurt having Johnson back at middle linebacker to lead the defense. Fredericks will also play one of the catback spots and Luke Anderson got a couple of starts.
Safety Eddie Williams also started every game and two-way lineman Matt Robbins and Chris Ramirez started up front last year.
"They're doing the things we've asked them to do defensively," Dunbar said. "They understand the concept of how we want them to play defense. Now they need to get better at doing the little things."
Wildcats at a glance
Coach: Dave Dunbar (23-60, 10th year)
Last year: 2-7, 0-5 (6th East)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Tyler Brady 5-11/175 Jr.
RB Ed Scanlon 5-11/165 Jr.
T Kyle Stanton 6-2/260 Jr.
G Chris Johnson 6-2/210 Sr.
C Matt Hoffman 5-11/175 Sr.
G Matt Robbins 6-0/223 Sr.
T Rob Sandoval 6-1/238 Sr.
WB Jeremy Fredricks 5-10/153 Jr.
WB Clark Jensen 6-1/180 Jr.
WR Kyle Batiz 6-1/185 Sr.
WR Billy Jamie 6-3/175 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Jace Wenz 5-11/210 Sr.
NT Matt Robbins 6-0/223 Sr.
DE Chris Ramirez 5-9/198 Sr.
OLB Brandon Yacu 6-1/185 Jr.
MLB Chris Johnson 6-2/210 Sr.
OLB Peter Kim 5-8/166 Jr.
CB Jesus Gonzalez 6-0/155 Sr.
CB Jorge Villalobos 5-7/141 Sr.
S Eddie Williams 5-10/155 Sr.
Cat Jeremy Fredricks 5-10/153 Jr.
Cat Luke Andersen 5-10/151 Sr.