Pearlman trying to find right mix for Wheeling
Brent Pearlman can see the ingredients for success at Wheeling.
Mixing in what it takes to make the Wildcats successful is the challenge for Pearlman. He was able to make it happen at Prospect by turning a perennial doormat into a three-time state champion during his 12-year tenure that ended in 2010.
“There is no question the athletes we have aren’t any different than the athletes I’ve worked with before,” said Pearlman, who was an assistant last season at Lake Zurich last esason. “It’s the same size, speed and athletes.
“Some of the kids are telling me this is the hardest thing they’ve done in their lives. They’re putting a lot in and getting better in a lot of ways, but they’re not totally cashing in on it yet.”
Pearlman likes the fight he’s seen from some of his younger players such as tailback Isaac Branch and receiver-quarterback Armani Dennis. He’s also been impressed with quarterback Mike Yoshino and linebacker-receiver Sam Yoshino.
“There are definitely kids here where you feel you could build a team around these guys,” Pearlman said. “We’re not doing a good job of dealing with several different adversities that come with trying to put together a football team.”
Yoshino will run the offense with certain packages for Dennis and Branch and Chad Mikocz are both good tailbacks. Dennis, Mikosz and the Yoshino are part of the receiver mix and Tim Shover and Jesus Rodriguez return up front.
“Those guys are as capable as any line I’ve had,” Pearlman said.
Wheeling will switch to the 4-3 defense Pearlman has traditionally used with linemen Sal Dominguez and Mike Martinez and the Yoshinos playing key roles. Henry Gonzalez will run things at middle linebacker.
“The kids have done a pretty good job (picking it up),” Pearlman said, “but everything comes with the ingredient of how much are you willing to put in to make it work.
“I want this team to compete and give themselves the best possible chance to leave the field with pride and dignity and to feel they waged the best possible battle they could.”
Wildcats at a glance
Coach: Brent Pearlman (first year; 13th year overall,104-34)
Last year: 2-7, 1-4 (5th East)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Mike Yoshino 5-9/150 Sr.
TB Isaac Branch 5-9/160 So.
OL Tim Shover 6-2/230 Jr.
OL Alex Parra 5-10/250 Sr.
OL Jim Cook 6-0/215 So.
OL Matt Greenberg 6-2/230 Jr.
OL Jesus Rodriguez 6-2/235 Sr.
WR Armani Dennis 5-9/130 So.
WR Sam Yoshino 5-11/190 Jr.
WR Chad Mikocz 5-10/160 Sr.
WR Noah Ihde 6-1/175 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DL Sal Dominguez 5-8/210 Sr.
DL Jesus Rodriguez 6-2/235 Sr.
DL Mike Martinez 5-11/185 Sr.
DL Noah Ihde 6-1/175 Jr.
OLB Jim Grady 5-10/170 Jr.
MLB Henry Gonzalez 6-1/195 Sr.
OLB Sam Yoshino 5-11/190 Jr.
CB Nick Randazzo 5-11/160 Jr.
CB Tyler Urban 5-10/150 Jr.
S Chad Mikocz 5-10/160 Sr.
S Mike Yoshino 5-9/150 Sr.