Scouting the Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers
Wheaton Warrenville South had little interest in celebrating the 28 points a game it averaged last football season.
Not while the Tigers were allowing 38.
"We had a real consistent offensive output and we were 2-7," coach Ron Muhitch said. "We couldn't stop anyone last year. I think we're better equipped to do that this season."
Especially in the secondary. Cornerbacks Jake Healy and Parker Robinson are experienced pass defenders, as is returning safety Dan Schricker, who last season had 3 interceptions.
Returning linebacker Brian Haw moves from outside to the middle, and more experience returns up front with Hayden Fischer, Max Wilson and John Cooper.
Two junior newcomers to watch are lineman Isiah Brown-Dietzman and defensive back Cedric Rowzee.
"We're hoping the experience pays off for us," Muhitch said. "We took some lumps last year in that learning curve."
The Tigers hope to avoid the learning curve on the offensive side of the ball.
Ryan Young, who last year rushed for 668 yards, is one of the area's top running backs. He'll be aided by returning linemen John LaBelle and Ramiro Ferrer.
Quarterback Zach Harris is coming off a strong summer, but this season he'll attempt his first varsity pass. The receiving corps is stacked with Jacob Odom, Chase Stebbins, Kendall Simpson, Nick Arthurs and Alex Herrera.
If the defense improves as expected, the Tigers gladly will take another 28 points a game.
"I don't know if we're the best team in the (DuPage Valley) conference," Muhitch said, "but we'll be able to compete with everyone if we're playing better defense."
One to watch: Nonconference DVC games - especially the Tigers' Week 8 trip to Lockport - are critical.
The breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (16th year, 129-48).
2016 record: 2-7, 2-6, tied for seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Ryan Young (RB, 5-11, 205, sr.), Brian Haw (LB, 6-0, 200, sr.), Jacob Odom (WR, 6-1, 190, sr.), Jake Healy (DB, 5-11, 165, sr.), Parker Robinson (DB, 5-11, 165, sr.), Dan Schricker (DB, 6-1, 180, sr.), Zach Harris (QB, 6-3, 190, sr.), John LaBelle (OL, 6-1, 245, sr.), Ramiro Ferrer (OL, 6-0, 235, sr.), Hayden Fischer (DL, 6-2, 250, sr.), Max Wilson (DL, 6-0, 210, sr.), John Cooper (DL, 6-3, 260, sr.), Isiah Brown-Dietzman (DL, 6-1, 220, jr.), Cedric Rowzee (DB, 5-9, 150, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Fri, 8/25, Wheaton North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/1, Wheaton Warrenville South at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/8, Wheaton Warrenville South at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/15, Neuqua Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/22, Wheaton Warrenville South at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/29, Wheaton Warrenville South at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/6, Metea Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/13, Wheaton Warrenville South at Lockport, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/20, Naperville North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.