Scouting the Willowbrook Warriors
It seemed like Willowbrook football coach Nick Hildreth barely had a chance to meet his players before last season’s opening game arrived all too soon.
Now that the Warriors and their second-year coach have enjoyed a full off-season together, the comfort level is much higher. Time will tell whether that translates into success on the field.
“The off-season really helped us,” Hildreth said. “They learned what it takes to be dedicated.”
The core of the team rests with three third-year varsity members: running back-receiver Dom Battaglia, who led last year’s team in rushing and receiving yards, defensive lineman Nick Kilianek and quarterback Steven Ferguson, who completed 60 percent of his passes for 496 yards.
That trio represents a portion of the team’s nine returning starters. Hildreth sees improvement throughout the field, but he also knows the program still needs to work on turning the corner.
“We’re excited to see their growth,” he said. “We feel like we’ve improved. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but we are getting better.”
Willowbrook needs to be better everywhere, but improvement is most needed on defense where the Warriors allowed at least 30 points in all nine games last season. Nick Duda is back on the line while Robert Enescu and Zack Stubbs return at linebacker and Jack Wood brings experience to the secondary.
Receiver Jeremy Kucik and running back Brandon Smith offer additional offensive options for the Warriors, who can’t afford to rely on Battaglia as much as last season. Ferguson’s development also is crucial.
The West Suburban Gold looks better across the board, which makes for another challenging season. The Warriors, though, plan to be part of that improvement.
“More than anything we just want to put ourselves in a position to compete every week,” Hildreth said.— Kevin SchmitThe breakdown
Coach: Nick Hildreth (second year).
2011 record: 0-9, 0-6 West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Dom Battaglia (RB-WR, 5-9, 205, sr.); Nick Kilianek (DL, 6-3, 240, sr.); Steven Ferguson (QB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Jeremy Kucik (WR, 6-1, 185, sr.); Will Bowers (OL, 6-3, 230, sr.); Jack Wood (DB, 5-8, 170, sr.); Robert Enescu (LB, 5-10, 185, sr.); Nick Duda (DL, 5-9, 175, sr.); Zack Stubbs (LB, 5-10, 188, sr.); Brandon Smith (RB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Joe Galinsky (DL, 5-9, 245, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Glenbard East at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Glenbard West at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Willowbrook at York, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Morton at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/22, Willowbrook at Proviso East, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Willowbrook at Downers Grove South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Leyden at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Willowbrook at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Hinsdale South at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.