Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats
In his first year coaching West Chicago's football team, Paul Reinke recognized the immediate priority.
"Physically, we need to compete much better," he said. "We needed to get closer to everyone else in the conference, and I think we've closed the gap a little bit."
With 14 returning starters the Wildcats, young a year ago, should be in much better position to compete. Seven starters are back on each side of the ball, highlighted by an experienced defense looking to shore up a unit that allowed more than 200 rushing yards a game last season.
West Chicago is especially strong up front with Ed Carlos, Luis Guzman and Darryl Thomas. Chris Simanonis and Kevin Stolzman return at linebacker, while Matt Zajac and Nick Kmiecik are back in the secondary.
"We feel like we've got a good group on that side of the ball," Reinke said. "We've got some size and some speed. It's a good, experienced group."
The defense is not only experienced, it's also deep. It's bolstered by Brad Wilson and Evan Bernard, who will be crucial to the offense.
Bernard, who threw for 427 yards last year, is joined at quarterback by Josh Stein. Wilson led the ground game with 452 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kyle Molskow is another experienced running back.
The Wildcats didn't throw the ball much last year, but they return their top receiver in Sean Paler, who had 12 catches for 118 yards. Expect similar situational passing this season.
"We'll pass the ball, but to be successful we'll have to be able to run it," Reinke said. "The run is going to have to set up the pass."
After reaching double-digit points only twice last season, the Wildcats obviously aim to boost their scoring. With an improved defense, though, there should be less pressure on both sides of the ball.
Literally and figuratively, the Wildcats are in much better shape to compete.
"We're trying to take that next step," Reinke said.
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Reinke (second year).
2009 record: 0-9, 0-7, eighth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Josh Stein (QB, 6-2, 181, sr.); Evan Bernard (QB, 5-11, 175, sr.); Chris Simanonis (LB, 6-0, 225, sr.); Matt Zajac (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Ed Carlos (DL, 5-10, 236, sr.); Leo Bartyzel (OL, 6-2, 186, sr.); Matt Rayos (OL, 6-1, 210, sr.); Kyle Molskow (RB, 5-9, 176, sr.); Brad Wilson (RB, 6-2, 196, sr.); Sean Paler (WR, 6-1, 170, jr.); R.J. Kobriger (LB, 6-3, 196, sr.); Kevin Stolzman (LB, 6-0, 195, sr.); Nick Kmiecik (DB, 5-5, 135, sr.); Luis Guzman (DL, 6-0, 190, sr.); Darryl Thomas (DL, 5-9, 185, sr.).