Muhitch, Parpet trying something new this weekend

Venerable football coaches Ron Muhitch and Paul Parpet have been scouting teams and poring over game tape the last few weeks.

And this is long after their own seasons ended.

Addison Trail's Parpet and Wheaton Warrenville South's Muhitch will be teaming up on television this weekend for the Class 5A through 8A state title games.

All eight games Friday and Saturday are being broadcast on WPWR Channel 50, which shows up on Channel 8 on most area cable systems. The dynamic duo will serve as analysts during pregame, halftime and postgame of the four Saturday showdowns.

For Parpet this marks his third trip to Champaign with microphone in hand.

For Muhitch, well, let's just say it's a rare area in which he's a rookie.

"I'm excited to see football from a different perspective," Muhitch said. "I don't know that I'm nervous, but it'll be a good experience."

Jim O'Boye, producer for the IHSA's broadcast, contacted Muhitch the week after WW South suffered an upset loss to Downers Grove North in the opening round of the Class 7A playoffs.

Muhitch, whose team claimed the Class 8A title in 2006 and was the 7A runner-up last year, soon realized why he was tabbed.

"It's an honor bestowed on people who get knocked out in the first round," he said with a laugh. "I'd rather be coaching, but I truly appreciate the opportunity."

State experience is one of the main things that drew O'Boye to Muhitch and Parpet. Same with Hall of Fame coaches Jim Covert, a state-title winner at Glenbard West, and Jack McInerney, a former head coach at Westmont and Oak Park and an assistant on Downers South's 2001 8A title team. They'll tag team on color commentary during Saturday's games.

In addition to their general expertise in the subject of high school football, they'll also be able to give an accurate description of how the teams will approach one the biggest games of their lives.

"I think that's a big part of it," Parpet said. "They want people who have experienced what it's like down there. It's a unique experience."

Parpet coached Addison Trail to the 6A title game in 1983 and 1997. Muhitch was an assistant or head coach on five WW South title teams and three runner-up teams.

Their state experience, however, just scratches the surface in terms of being TV ready.

Muhitch went to six games the last few weeks, watching teams from all four classes he'll be analyzing. He admits, though, that scouting 8A finalists Maine South and Hinsdale Central came with a selfish side - WW South will play both 8A powers in nonconference play next season.

Parpet also has been busy scouting the finalists. It's all part of proper presentation because you never know who might be tuning in.

"You don't realize how many people watch these games," he said. "A cousin I hadn't talked to in 20 years contacted me and said he watched me on there."

The potential element of surprise led Muhitch to call Parpet to find out what he was getting himself into. It may not be brain surgery, but it's certainly not a comfort zone.

"I asked Paul what it was all about," Muhitch said. "He just told me to wear a dark suit, a tie and just roll with the questions. It should be interesting."

They'll have plenty of time to discuss the details as they ride down to Champaign together. Two old-school coaches trying something new.

Afterward, maybe they'll even break down the tapes of the broadcast.

"I really enjoy doing it," Parpet said. "And I'm sure Ron will do fine. I'll take care of him."

kschmit@dailyherald.com