Scouting the Wheaton North Falcons
With a trio of third-year starters in quarterback Luke Anthony and linebackers Erik Mueller and Danny Walker, Wheaton North boasts some of the top individual football talent in the DuPage Valley Conference.
It's the overall team talent, though, the Falcons hope to ride into the playoffs after two straight four-win seasons.
"We've also got some depth," coach Joe Wardynski said. "If we can get off to a good start, I like our chances."
Anthony and lineman Bob Wall are the only returning offensive starters, but the unit looks to improve with a deep group of linemen and a new scheme to balance the pass and run. Anthony threw for 1,735 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, so don't expect the Falcons to drift too far from the pass.
The Falcons have about a dozen offensive linemen, far more than they've had in recent years, and they'll be running more sets with a tight end. That'll strengthen the passing game that includes receivers Jack Bennett, who last year had 19 catches for 221 yards, Michael Gehl and Tyler Johnson.
The run game must make more of an impact than last season, an effort that'll be led by running backs Sam Singleton and Reese Dickinson.
"We've been pretty predictable the last couple of years," Wardynski said. "We'd like to be more two-dimensional."
Wheaton North might have the DVC's best linebackers with Mueller, who holds several college scholarship offers, Nevada-bound Walker and fellow returning starter Bo Neidballa. Luke Bennett returns to the secondary, but beyond that the Falcons are thin on defensive experience.
"The linebackers are as good a group as we've had," Wardynski said. "They'll be leading the defense."
About that good start ... last season the Falcons opened with losses to Wheaton Warrenville South and Joliet Catholic. With the same opponents lined up again, a reversal would be ideal.
"These guys know what we're up against," Wardynski said. "They'll be ready."
One to watch: Week 1
Last year's OT loss to WW South meant no playoffs. The Falcons need a better start.
The breakdown
Coach: Joe Wardynski (ninth year, 55-31).
2015 record: 4-5, 4-4, tied for fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Luke Anthony (QB, 6-2, 190, sr.), Erik Mueller (LB, 6-2, 225, sr.), Danny Walker (LB, 6-3, 210, sr.), Bo Neidballa (LB, 6-0, 195, jr.), Bob Wall (OL, 6-3, 205, sr.), Luke Bennett (DB, 6-0, 180, sr.), Jack Bennett (WR, 6-2, 170, sr.), Ryan Lawlor (OL, 5-10, 210, sr.), Michael Gehl (WR, 6-2, 215, sr.), Sam Singleton (RB, 5-7, 160, jr.), Tyler Johnson (WR, 6-3, 225, jr.), Romel Taylor (DB, 5-9, 150, jr.), Jackson Gray (DB, 6-2, 180, jr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Wheaton North
Fri, 8/26, WW South at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Joliet Catholic at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Naperville North at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Wheaton North at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Lake Park at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Wheaton North at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Wheaton North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, Naperville Central at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Wheaton North at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.