Scouting the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers
Scouting the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers
Wheaton Warrenville South’s football team actually saw a bright spot in graduating every defensive starter from a Class 7A finalist.
“It’s probably the most competitive off-season we’ve ever had,” said Tigers coach Ron Muhitch. “Defensively, the whole group was wide open.”
Last year’s strength is perceived as a weakness, but Muhitch has faith in a new defense helping the Tigers make another run at DuPage Valley Conference and 7A titles. An intense summer of competition in prestigious 7-on-7 tournaments could be just the preparation the defense needed.
The line looks like a strength with Hollis Henry, an offensive starter last year, shifting to defense. Dan Chism, Charles Hohnstein and Matthew Uhiyama add to the mix up front.
The Tigers especially will miss their stellar linebackers, but R.J. Herman is poised to hold down the middle spot despite possibly being the only senior linebacker on the field. Forcing turnovers is a staple of WW South’s defense, a task Ben Bach, Jake Schultz and Kevin Giltz will try to keep going in the secondary.
The offense, despite graduating all-state running back Dan Vitale, will move the chains behind its line. Even with Henry moving to defense, the Tigers still return left tackle Kyle Joyce, center Rich Metzger, right guard Ryan McCarthy and right tackle Frank Garcia.
“Our offensive line is not only a strength, it’ll be a foundation of leadership for the whole team,” Muhitch said.
After an off-season of upheaval behind center, junior Ryan Graham is set at quarterback after throwing for 243 yards and rushing for 215 in a sophomore season ended by injury. He’ll have tremendously talented receivers with 6-foot-3 Corey Davis, 6-2 Brandon Moore and 6-6 Brian Welch.
Replacing Vitale’s 1,300 rushing yards won’t be easy. Brandon Adams, Jesse Padalik and Isaiah Campos will try by committee.
It’s a lot of unknowns, but it’s tough to doubt the Tigers after last year’s stunning run.
“Most of our job in the off-season was to figure out what we had,” Muhitch said. “I like where we’re at.”— Kevin SchmitThe breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (11th year, 106-21).
2011 record: 10-4, 6-1, tied for first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Ryan Graham (QB, 6-2, 180, jr.); Corey Davis (WR, 6-3, 200, sr.); Brandon Moore (WR, 6-2, 195, sr.); Frank Garcia (OL, 6-4, 270, sr.); Kyle Joyce (OL, 6-5, 256, sr.); Rich Metzger (OL, 6-1, 300, sr.); Ryan McCarthy (OL, 6-2, 218, sr.); Hollis Henry (DL, 6-3, 230, sr.); Dan Chism (DL, 6-2, 262, sr.); R.J. Herman (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Kevin Giltz (DB, 6-0, 175, sr.).
Schedule
Sat, 8/25, WW South at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Maine South at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, WW South at West Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Naperville North at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, WW South at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, WW South at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Glenbard North at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Glenbard East at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, WW South at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.