Scouting the Willowbrook Warriors

After losing its first two games last season, Willowbrook's football team never seemed to fully recover.

This year the Warriors plan to hit the ground running. And passing.

Shut out twice and held to single-digit points five times last season, an offensive boost is one of Willowbrook's primary goals. Last year's 21 combined points in the first two games is a stat that can't be repeated.

"I hope we're more versatile this year on offense," said Warriors coach Mark Olson. "We need to be able to stretch the field vertically and also improve our running game."

Even though left tackle Alex Liewald is the lone returning starter to the offensive line, the running game should be in good shape with backs Jabril Jones and James Bolden, who rushed for a combined 700 yards last year.

An added boost to the running game comes from the quarterback combo of Dan Fahlgren and Dan Hay. Receiver Tyler Adams is one of the playmakers hoping to stretch the field in the passing game.

Seven overall starters return, including linebacker Nick Barnes. But with only 42 players, Bolden, Liewald and others will need to play on both sides of the ball.

Olson also brought up several players from a talented sophomore class - the first class of football players to come through the Villa Park Warriors youth program. Look for lineman Kyle Pullia and linebacker-running back Dom Battaglia to contribute immediately as sophomores.

The Warriors need improvement in every phase, but depth is clearly a concern. Willowbrook must stay healthy - and get off to a much better start - if it hopes to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

"There's no doubt we can't afford too many injuries this season," Olson said. "But if we can stay healthy I think we'll be a better team. We've got some good competition out there, and that can only be good for us."

The breakdown

Coach: Mark Olson (seventh year, 22-34).

2009 record: 3-6, 3-3, tied for third in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Jabril Jones (RB, 5-6, 160, sr.); James Bolden (RB-LB, 5-8, 180, sr.); Tyler Adams (WR, 5-11, 160, sr.); Nick Barnes (LB, 5-9, 190, sr.); Alex Liewald (OL-DL, 6-1, 225, sr.); Kyle Pullia (OL, 6-4, 225, so.); Dom Battaglia (LB-RB, 5-9, 165, so.); Dan Fahlgren (QB, 6-1, 165, sr.); Dan Hay (QB, 6-4, 185, jr.); Nate Rocha (DB, 5-10, 165, jr.); Mike McMath (LB, 6-2, 200, jr.); Dan McLean (RB-DB, 5-6, 160, sr.); Daniel Harris (RB-LB, 5-9, 165, so.).