Scouting the Wheaton Academy Warriors
Every group of football players has its own identity, said Wheaton Academy coach Brad Thornton.
This year's Warriors squad delivers drive and focus - and like most teams, a bit of uncertainty.
"We're fully confident that we have players that can step up, but the inexperience, that's a question mark," Thornton said.
A playoff team last season, players like slinging quarterback David Thrasher and running back-linebacker Chase Martin have graduated. Then there are others such as receiver, safety and kick returner Harrison Taylor, whose time is now.
Taylor ran for 264 yards, caught 16 passes for 304 yards, scored 6 total touchdowns and made 53 tackles with 7 passes defended and 2 interceptions as a junior. He attended camps at Northwestern and at Dayton - which then offered him - and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at each camp. Taylor will see the ball as often as possible.
"His speed could be game-changing for us," Thornton said.
The defense returns its three-man front of ends Michael Callentine and Mitch Brunner and tackle Nori Kasai. Nice-sized two-way starter Dimitrie Skakavac, Brunner and Kasai also return to the offensive line.
Then, the question marks. Sophomore quarterback Ben Thorson has the height for a pocket passer and Thornton noted the youngster's ability to read defenses.
The situation is simply getting reps at varsity speed for Thorson and other new skill position players such as backs Tyler Jackson and Kent Harmon, who transferred in from Marmion last year.
The drive and focus, as Thornton said, is already there.
"We're trying to incorporate more competitiveness in our practices," Thornton said. "Our guys have taken that to heart and that's good to see."
- Dave Oberhelman
The breakdown
Coach: Brad Thornton (fourth year, 15-13).
2015 record: 6-4, 2-3, fourth in the Metro Suburban West.
Top players: Mikey Alfano (WR-DB, 6-2, 170, sr.), Mitch Brunner (OL-DL, 6-1, 185, sr.), Michael Callentine (TE-DL, 6-6, 185, jr.), Kent Harmon (RB-LB, 5-10, 185, jr.), Tyler Jackson (RB-LB, 5-9, 175, sr.), Nori Kasai (OL-DL, 6-0, 205, sr.), Dimitrie Skakavac (OL-LB, 6-0, 225, jr.), Harrison Taylor (WR-DB, 6-2, 180, sr.), Ben Thorson (QB, 6-2, 160, so.).
Wheaton Academy
Fri, 8/26, Wheaton Academy at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Raby at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Wheaton Academy at Chicago Christian, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Elmwood Park at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Wheaton Academy at Riverside-Brookfield, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Wheaton Academy at Glenbard South, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Wheaton Academy at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.
Sat, 10/15, Fenton at Wheaton Academy, 1 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, St. Edward at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.
One to watch: Week 1
Though they share the same town, Wheaton Academy has never played West Chicago in a high school football game.