Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers hope for stronger start
After losing four of its first five games last season, Wheaton Warrenville South recovered to claim a share of the DuPage Valley Conference title and advance to the Class 7A quarterfinals.
Exhilarating as it was to make that amazing run, it may have been a little too exhilarating. With a less-experienced football team, the Tigers would prefer not to dig another hole for themselves.
"It was a great testimony to that senior class, and you hope the kids this year see that and learn from it," coach Ron Muhitch said. "But they're going to have to learn how to win right away."
WW South has a mix of strengths and unknowns, but a definite strength exists on the defensive line where the Tigers return edge rushers Solomon Jackson and Jack Bucholz, who last year combined for 13 sacks. Returning linebackers Will Bach and Paul Monaco will help offset the loss of Tom Vitale, now at Northwestern.
Tim Dalton's the lone returner to the secondary, but that group performed well in the summer 7-on-7 circuit.
"I feel pretty good with what I saw this summer," Muhitch said.
The running game is another strength. J.J. Johnson rushed for a team-high 723 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Owen England adds depth behind a line with potential even though it's thin on experience beyond Liam Garcia.
Quarterback Mike Stebbins was a part-time starter last year and notched wins against Naperville North and Glenbard North. Matt Dohse also could see time behind center.
Additional skill comes from the receiving corps - also inexperienced - that includes Tyler Hamilton and big-play tight end Jaylin Carter.
"We've got a bunch of kids who are green, but given some time they could be pretty special," Muhitch said.
The breakdown
Coach: Ron Muhitch (14th year, 125-34).
2014 record: 7-5, 4-1, tied for first in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: J.J. Johnson (RB, 5-10, 194, sr.); Solomon Jackson (DL, 6-4, 223, sr.); Jack Bucholz (DL, 6-1, 227, sr.); Mike Stebbins (QB, 6-0, 175, sr.); Matt Dohse (QB, 6-0, 185, jr.); Will Bach (LB, 6-3, 230, sr.); Paul Monaco (LB, 5-11, 195, sr.); Tim Dalton (DB, 6-1, 178, sr.); Liam Garcia (OL, 6-2, 286, sr.); Dom Bellocchio (OL, 5-10, 262, jr.); Owen England (RB, 5-11, 191, sr.); Tyler Hamilton (WR, 6-1, 175, sr.); Jaylin Carter (TE, 6-4, 247, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
WW South
Fri, 8/28 Wheaton North at WW South, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/4 WW South at Lake Park, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/11 WW South at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/18 Neuqua Valley at WW South, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/25 WW South at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/2 WW South at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/9 Metea Valley at WW South, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/16 WW South at West Chicago, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/23 Naperville North at WW South, 7:30 pm