Neuqua Valley Wildcats make conference tougher

Neuqua Valley is a big reason the DuPage Valley Conference got a lot tougher.

The Wildcats have won eight Upstate Eight Conference or UEC Valley Division titles in their brief 17-year history.

Neuqua coach Bill Ellinghaus realizes the new affiliation will provide a weekly test — and he welcomes it.

“Our goal is to win as many games as possible and get into the playoffs and compete for a state championship. That's our goal every year,” he said.

Ellinghaus sees real strength in his receiving corps, the offensive line and on defense.

Senior tight end Brett Borske collected eight scholarship offers before choosing Western Michigan in early August. Junior wideout Isaiah Robertson has offers from Iowa, Illinois and Maryland among others. He caught 30 passes for 721 yards, 5 touchdowns last season, his 24 yards a catch second in program history. He's also a special teams weapon.

Ellinghaus believes junior receiver Owen Piche also has a Division I future.

Tommy Cwiok and Jake Zieler are pillars at offensive tackle, the goal to open cracks for mainly untested backs and provide time for senior quarterback Jack Stankhoven.

“I really feel this team is going to give us a chance to take whatever the defense is giving us,” Ellinghaus said.

Defensively, the Wildcats will miss co-captain Luke Sawicki a second straight year with injury. They make up for it with returning starting linebacker Anthony Ippolito, defensive back Zach Greenberg, nose tackle Kurt Simpson, cornerback JaQuere Williams and middle linebacker Jon Rhattigan, brother of former Neuqua superstars T.J. and Joey Rhattigan.

All will get their money's worth.

“Certainly it's a new challenge going into the DVC,” Ellinghause said. “We're certainly happy to be there. We feel like it's going to be a playoff atmosphere each and every week.”

The breakdown

Coach: Bill Ellinghaus (fourth year, 28-7).

2014 record: 6-4, 6-1, tied for first in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Top players: Brett Borske (TE-DL, 6-6, 235, sr.), Tommy Cwiok (OL, 6-4, 255, sr.), Zach Greenberg (DB, 6-0, 170, sr.), Anthony Ippolito (LB, 6-0, 185, jr.), Nick Osikowicz (LB, 6-0, 205, sr.), Owen Piche (WR-RB-DB, 6-3, 200, jr.), Jon Rhattigan (LB, 6-2, 215, jr.), Isaiah Robertson (WR-DB, 6-2, 190, jr.), Jack Stankoven (QB, 6-0, 165, sr.), JaQuere Williams (DB, 5-11, 155, jr.), Jake Zeiler (OL, 6-3, 270, jr.).

Schedule

Neuqua Valley

Fri, 8/28 Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Neuqua Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Neuqua Valley at WW South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Neuqua Valley at Bartlett, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Naperville North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Neuqua Valley at Wheaton North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Lake Park at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Glenbard North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm