Variety of reasons for excitement at Wheeling
There is a wide range of reasons for optimism at Wheeling.
All-area quarterback Tyler Brady returns for his third varsity season. Winning the final two was a nice way to go into the offseason.
The Wildcats would like to give head coach Dave Dunbar a nice send-off in his 11th and final season before he retires. And they will christen a home facility that has brand new Field Turf, a new set of lights and a new brick and wrought iron entranceway.
“It’s going to be nice,” said Dunbar, who has been at Wheeling for 25 years.
So is having seniors such as Brady, Jeremy Fredrick and Eddie Scanlon providing more than just talent. Offensive coordinator Brian Hauck said their leadership is similar to the 2007 team that won a share of the Mid-Suburban East title.
“These guys have put in a ton of work in the offseason,” Hauck said. “You can see things coming together, all the hard work coach Dunbar put into building this program. The system and people being accountable based on character and hard work.
“I’m really excited. A lot of good things are going on right now.”
Starting with Brady, who threw for 1,373 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and rushed for 565 yards and 6 TDs. Scanlon battled injuries to rush for 320 yards and 5 TDs and catch 20 passes and Fredrick caught 15 passes for 153 yards.
Leo Giordano also returns at the slot and 6-foot-4 Charlie Kirk is a nice target. Mike Schalz (6-2, 325 pounds) and Jeremy Stanton (6-2, 275) are back on a bigger-than-usual line.
“It’s a matter of them coming together as a unit and coach (Matt) Weber did a great job with the guys last year,” Hauck said. “We’ve got a lot of good skill and a lot of options.”
Dunbar, who runs the defense, sees an experienced crew of linebackers in Brandon Yacu, Peter Kim and Sam Rosengarden and “cat” backs Giordano and Chad Mikocz in the 3-5-3 helping an inexperienced front.
A hip injury kept cornerback Curt Gaynor from playing much last year. Junior free safety Mike Yoshino also figures to help Dunbar have a successful finale after guiding the program through some of its toughest times.
“Once in awhile Brian will say something and you can’t help but not think about it, but you try to keep things in perspective,” Dunbar said. “This is our kids season and the focus is on making sure it’s the best season for them.”
Wildcats at a glance
Coach: Dave Dunbar (26-66, 11th year)
Last year: 3-6, 2-3 (T3rd East)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
QB Tyler Brady 5-11/185 Sr.
TB Ed Scanlon 5-11/175 Sr.
Slot Jeremy Fredrick 5-11/170 Sr.
Slot Sam Yoshino 5-10/175 So.
LT Kyle Stanton 6-2/275 Sr.
G Mike Schalz 6-2/325 Sr.
C Dan Crabbe 5-11/185 Jr.
G Tim Shover 6-2/215 So.
RT Jesus Rodriguez 6-1/230 Jr.
WR Charlie Kirk 6-4/205 Sr.
WR Kevin Gross 5-10/160 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht./Wt. Yr.
DE Mike Martinez 5-9/215 Jr.
NT Sal Dominguez 5-7/190 Jr.
DE Derrick Wiase 5-10/215 Jr.
OLB Peter Kim 5-7/180 Sr.
MLB Brandon Yacu 6-0/180 Sr.
OLB Sam Rosengarden 5-9/185 Sr.
Cat Leo Giordano 5-8/160 Sr.
Cat Chad Mikocz 5-7/150 Jr.
CB Curt Gaynor 5-10/150 Sr.
CB Marc Gonzalez 5-9/150 Sr.
FS Mike Yoshino 5-9/165 Jr.