Scouting the Westmont Sentinels
Good things can come from small packages.
If memory serves, before IC Catholic started winning three state football titles it once fielded 17 healthy varsity players. That's not to say Westmont will follow suit, but with 22 varsity players in his first season as Sentinels coach, Dan Woulfe embraces the journey.
"It's all about commitment. Let's just say I'm completely changing the culture," said the native of Healdton, Oklahoma, hired out of Metea Valley in March.
"We are starting over," said Woulfe, a teacher who will benefit the program simply by being in the building.
Maybe it's a fresh start but the Sentinels do have some solid, established players.
Last year Tanner Plowman would have been a probable all-Interstate Eight Small pick had a knee injury not stolen his season before it even began. The senior looks to solidify his resume directing the offensive line at center, and at strongside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
Returning starting quarterback Brenton Baldwin will target 6-foot-3 Michael Thompson, last season's second leading receiver with 40 catches for 357 yards. Newcomer Troy Schlicher, Westmont's basketball point guard, owns Woulfe's main criteria for a running back in a zone read offense - field vision.
Returners also include defensive sparkplug Jaden Phelps, who made a team-high 58.5 tackles last season, another tall receiver in Ishmay Kone, cornerback T.J. Bueser and Chris Doll, newly installed at offensive tackle.
Numbers preclude depth, with rawness felt particularly on the offensive line. Woulfe's primary goal is to see his boys play with spirit and to the best of their ability.
"I need to see these guys believe in themselves and go out and compete," he said.
- Dave Oberhelman
One to watch: New coach Dan Woulfe's schemes will be quickly tested Week 1 at Lake View.
The breakdown
Coach: Dan Woulfe (first year).
2016 record: 1-8, 0-5, sixth in the Interstate Eight Small.
Top players: Brenton Baldwin (QB, 5-10, 145, sr.), T.J. Bueser (DB, 5-9, 150, sr.), Chris Doll (OL-DL, 6-2, 185, sr.), Ishmay Kone (WR, 6-3, 160, jr.), Jaden Phelps (DL-LB, 5-9, 150, sr.), Tanner Plowman (OL-LB, 6-0, 210, sr.), Troy Schlicher (RB, 5-7, 155, jr.), Michael Thompson (WR, 6-0, 165, jr.).
Schedule
Sat, 8/26, Westmont at Lake View, 9 a.m.
Fri, 9/1, Chicago Tech Academy Charter at Westmont, 6:45 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Westmont at Wilmington, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/15, Seneca at Westmont, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Westmont at Reed-Custer, 7 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, Peotone at Westmont, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Westmont at Lisle, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, Westmont at Streator, 7 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, Plano at Westmont, 7 p.m.