Football preview: West Chicago at Evanston
Nonconference
Game time: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
Last year: Did not play.
Outlook: Reminiscent of its days of playing Saturday homecoming games, West Chicago hits the road for a rare afternoon game. First-year Wildcats coach John Walters takes the helm after a long tenure as the team's defensive coordinator. The offense looks to improve this season behind returning quarterback Chris Wille and running back Jake Venchus. Defensively keep an eye on lineman Taylor Overman and linebacker Mason Brandstetter -- the only two returning defensive starters. If West Chicago hopes to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002, the Wildcats know they need to be successful in their two nonconference games. Evanston, seeking its first playoff berth since 2003 and only its second since 1998, is in the same boat.
Next week: Batavia at West Chicago; Lane Tech at Evanston.