Scouting the WW South Tigers
Wheaton Warrenville South's theme of "Better than yesterday" says it all.
It speaks to the history of the legendary football program and it references last season's run to the Class 7A title when the Tigers became the first team in IHSA history to win a championship in four different classes.
If WW South is, in fact, better than yesterday, that's really bad news for the DuPage Valley Conference and the rest of the state.
"We're looking forward to being a team with high expectations," said Tigers coach Ron Muhitch. "We've talked about it and we know teams are going to be gunning for us."
The Tigers boast one of the state's top players and leaders in quarterback Reilly O'Toole, who committed to the University of Illinois. Last season he completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,111 yards, 24 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.
Muhitch believes O'Toole, who will enjoy a bevy of talented receivers in Titus Davis, Travis Kern, tight end Jason Schuman and others, is even better than he was a year ago.
"He's going to be fun to watch," Muhitch said of O'Toole. "Reilly will be a factor in everything we do."
Eight starters return for the Tigers, including Kansas-bound offensive lineman Luke Luhrsen and running back Matt Rogers, who last season rushed for 856 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Even with different personnel at seven positions, expect the Tigers to look similar on defense. Will Davis is fierce coming off the edge, and Sparty Chino also returns to the line. With linebacker Jack Eshleman and safety Caleb Bednarz back, the Tigers look defensively solid.
A tough nonconference schedule, a wicked DuPage Valley Conference and a brutal 7A field presents a huge test to the Tigers, but, like last year, they have the talent to handle it.
"We've got some fun games," Muhitch said. "I think we've got the kind of group that can handle the pressure."
The breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (ninth year, 82-17).
2009 record: 13-1, 7-0, first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Reilly O'Toole (QB, 6-3, 210, sr.); Matt Rogers (RB, 5-11, 185, sr.); Luke Luhrsen (OL, 6-5, 285, sr.); Will Davis (DL, 6-3, 200, sr.); Jack Eshleman (LB, 6-1, 210, sr.); Sparty Chino (DL, 5-10, 165, sr.); Caleb Bednarz (DB, 5-9, 150, sr.); Titus Davis (WR, 6-2, 175, sr.); Jason Schuman (TE, 6-7, 225, sr.); Travis Kern (WR, 6-0, 165, sr.); Dom DeAngelis (OL-DL, 6-4, 220, sr.); Eric Luhrsen (OL, 6-5, 225, sr.); Casey Armbrust (DB, 6-0, 175, sr.); Mike Monterrubio (LB, 5-11, 190, sr.); R.J. Hoshell (LB, 6-1, 200, sr.).