Scouting the Wheaton North Falcons
Scouting the Wheaton North Falcons
Wheaton North returns only two offensive starters from last year’s DuPage Valley Conference co-championship team.
The good news is that the returning starters are quarterback Johnny Peltz and running back Patrick Sharp. While Peltz accounted for 2,030 passing yards, 366 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, Sharp piled up 931 rushing yards and 6 scores.
Even with five new offensive linemen and four new receivers, the Falcons’ offense remains in good hands.
“Having an all-conference running back and quarterback back is a huge thing,” said Falcons coach Joe Wardynski. “Peltz and Patrick can make things happen, but they need something to work with up front.”
After graduating his top seven offensive linemen, Wardynski calls the situation “piecemeal” with eight players vying for five spots. If they develop into a solid unit, Peltz and Sharp aren’t the only reasons to feel confident.
Six-foot-four junior Clayton Thorson is a college prospect at quarterback, but he’ll mainly be contributing at receiver. Fellow junior Matt Biegalski played big against Jacobs in last season’s playoffs. Tom Colletti will play tight end and fullback, while Kaelen Bradford is a strong blocking fullback.
As the offense gains experience, especially up front, the Falcons hope an experienced defense with five returning starters can carry the load early. They have two of the DVC’s better linemen with Kellen Cleveland, who holds an offer from Air Force, and Jonathan Chapman.
Jaylen Howze is a top defensive back and is joined by returning starter J.D. Marconi. Luke Sahly gives the Falcons experience at every level of the defense.
Most of the pieces are in place, but Wardynski knows the Falcons need to find all of them to compete for another DVC title.
“We’ll need to lean on the defense early in the year, but the whole team needs to develop,” Wardynski said.— Kevin SchmitThe breakdown
Coach: Joe Wardynski (fifth year, 28-16).
2011 record: 8-3, 6-1, tied for first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Johnny Peltz (QB, 6-3, 210, sr.); Patrick Sharp (RB, 5-10, 180, sr.); Jaylen Howze (DB, 5-11, 180, sr.); J.D. Marconi (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Kellen Cleveland (DL, 6-4, 210, sr.); Jonathan Chapman (DL, 6-2, 210, sr.); Luke Sahly (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Clayton Thorson (WR-QB, 6-4, 190, jr.); Matt Biegalski (WR, 6-2, 175, jr.); Tom Colletti (TE-FB, 6-3, 205, sr.); Kaelen Bradford (FB, 5-10, 200, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Wheaton North at Bartlett (Streamwood), 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Geneva at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Wheaton North at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, West Chicago at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Wheaton North at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, West Aurora at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Wheaton North at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Wheaton North at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, WW South at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.