Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats
When new West Chicago football coach Jack Rustman met the Wildcats in June, 36 players were in the program.
"It started out a little rough," said the Johnsburg graduate, college and Arena League lineman and former Joliet West offensive line coach.
It's gotten much better.
"We're now up to the mid-60s, it's grown, it's almost doubled in two months," he said. "From my point of view it's a lot better than 36."
No doubt. The players also seem to be enjoying themselves as Rustman cranks tunes during practices because, he said, "We're here to have some fun."
Lest one thinks this is a party, Rustman assures that practices are efficiently run.
"One of our mottos is when you're on the green you're always running - you're jogging or sprinting," he said.
"These kids are like sponges, they soaked up our offense and defense in the first or second day," Rustman said.
That's certainly beneficial. New quarterback Luke Krogh leads a new spread offense, which includes tall receivers Mike Wagner and Marko Filipovic. Quick Jordan Garcia will shift between slot receiver and running back where he'll join Alex Hey, whose identical twin, Adam, is a receiver.
Rustman identified seniors Joe Orr, Matt Gilbert and John Kurowski as anchors of the offensive line. Jeremy Grant is poised for a solid season at linebacker.
Many starters will play on both sides of the ball, nothing new at West Chicago. Experience, Rustman noted, is low with only four seniors returning significant reps.
"The biggest thing is, in a game, the kids realize their potential," Rustman said. "The coaches see it, and I think the administration sees it."
One to watch: Week 4, as Coach Rustman's mentor, Jason Aubrey, is Larkin's new offensive coordinator.
The breakdown
Coach: Jack Rustman (first year).
2017 record: 2-7, 1-4, fifth in the Upstate Eight Valley.
Top players: Marko Filipovic (WR-DB, 6-5, 170 sr.), Matt Gilbert (OL-DL, 6-2, 240, sr.), Jordan Garcia (RB-WR, 5-5, 145, so.), Jeremy Grant (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Adam Hey (WR-LB, 5-8, 160, sr.), Alex Hey (RB-DB, 5-8, 160, sr.), John Karwoski (OL, s6-1, 200, r.), Luke Krogh (QB, 5-10, 170, jr.), Joe Orr (OL-DL, 6-3, 250, sr.), Mike Wagner (WR-LB, 6-5, 185, sr.).
- Dave Oberhelman
Schedule
West Chicago
Sat, 8/25, West Chicago at South Elgin, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, West Aurora at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, West Chicago at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Larkin at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Elgin at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, West Chicago at Bartlett, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, East Aurora at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, West Chicago at Streamwood, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Glenbard South at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.