Scouting the Waubonsie Valley Warriors
Uncertainty, as well as excitement, applies to any new football season.
"'I guess we'll find out' might be the quote of the season," said Waubonsie Valley coach Paul Murphy.
One thing's certain: the Warriors' spread offense has explosive potential.
Tanner Westwood used his arm, legs and the best quarterback field vision Murphy has coached at Waubonsie to account for 1,982 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2016. Tailback Nate Ashford ran for 949 yards and 7 touchdowns. Sophomore Bryce Logan may add that third ground threat that last year proved elusive.
The clincher: Charles Robinson, a 2016 Class 8A All-State tight end who's earned a multitude of Division I offers after catching 35 passes for 671 yards and 8 touchdowns. He's a matchup problem, which helps returning wideout Eric Esch and newcomers Julian Cain and Harper Cole.
Murphy experimented with Robinson on defense last season. Robinson enters the fall as probably the Warriors' sole two-way starter.
"He's too good an athlete to have him off the field. He'll get his rest on special teams," Murphy said. Speaking of which, kicker Cross Holmes is back after clinching a playoff berth with a Week 9 field goal.
Only three-year starter Connor Forrest and Alex Lemmons return to the offensive line, joined by many juniors.
Graduation took a toll on the 4-3 defense, but Nick Lamoso and Harvard commit Derric Lee are set at cornerback. Like Lee a three-year starter, linebacker Kyle Schroeder recorded 131 tackles in 2016. Prospects Avante Rogers, Eric France and Garrett St. Clair look to retool up front.
A contender for the DuPage Valley Conference title, Waubonsie Valley certainly has skill, speed and desire.
"The biggest thing in this senior class is they don't show any quit," Murphy said.
- Dave Oberhelman
Game to watch: The annual War of 204, Week 3 at Neuqua Valley, is one of DuPage County's top rivalries.
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Murphy (13th year, 86-42; 28th year overall, 180-97).
2016 record: 6-4, 4-4, tied for fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Nate Ashford (RB, 5-8, 170, sr.), Eric Esch (WR, 5-11, 170, jr.), Cross Holmes (K-P, 5-9, 190, jr.), Nick Lamoso (DB, 5-8, 170, sr.), Derric Lee (DB, 6-0, 170, sr.), Charles Robinson (TE-OLB, 6-4, 225, sr.), Avante Rogers (DL, 6-2, 240, jr.) Kyle Schroeder (ILB, 6-0, 170, jr.), Tanner Westwood (QB, 5-10, 160, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/25, Lake Park at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/1, Glenbard North at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/15, Naperville Central at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Waubonsie Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, Wheaton Warrenville South at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Lincoln-Way Central at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, Waubonsie Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, Waubonsie Valley at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.