Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats
By Kevin Schmit
kschmit@dailyherald.com
If it’s true that football teams win with defense, West Chicago’s about to find out.
With the linebacker tandem of Nate Sudnick and John Ragano leading a list of four returning starters on defense, the Wildcats hope to shore up a unit that struggled to stop opposing offenses last year.
“We’ve got to make plays this year on defense and force some turnovers,” said Wildcats coach Paul Reinke. “We have to be able to consistently get stops.”
Returning safeties Brian Baids and Alex Weier bring strength to the secondary. Junior nose guard Nick Sanzeri leads a defensive line that lacks experience.
After being outgained by nearly 100 yards per game in total offense last season, the Wildcats know how much work needs to be done on both sides of the ball. While the defense looks improved, the offense also should look better in the third year of Reinke’s triple option.
Matt Green takes over at quarterback after playing receiver last season. Anthony Venen emerged with 184 rushing yards in limited time, and he’s joined in the backfield by fullback A.J. Seidler and running back Miguel Flores.
Linemen Alex Santillan, Peter Eterno and Ragano add to the offensive confidence in the running game, although the Wildcats would like to balance the load with a more effective passing game. Alec Strachota, who caught a pair of touchdown passes last year, will help.
“There were opportunities on offense last year, we just didn’t take advantage,” Reinke said. “We need to do a better job this year.”
That holds true for both sides of the ball. If it happens the Wildcats will be much more competitive in the meat grinder of the DuPage Valley.
“We’ve got some speed, we’re a lot stronger than we’ve been in past years,” Reinke said. “They’ve been in it for three years now so they’re more comfortable in the system. It should be a better year for us.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Paul Reinke (third year).
2010 record: 1-8, 0-7, eighth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Nate Sudnick (LB, 6-3, 231, sr.); John Ragano (LB-OL, 6-4, 255, sr.); Anthony Venen (RB, 5-10, 169, sr.); Matt Green (QB, 5-10, 170, sr.); Brian Baids (DB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Alex Weier (DB, 5-8, 175, sr.); Alex Santillan (OL, 5-11, 238, sr.); Peter Eterno (OL, 5-10, 220, sr.); Alec Strachota (WR, 6-0, 180, sr.); Nick Sanzeri (DL, 5-10, 208, jr.); A.J. Seidler (RB, 5-10, 184, jr.); Miguel Flores (RB, 5-7, 155, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 @ Addison Trail 7 p.m.
Fri, Sep 2 Larkin 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 @ Glenbard North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 @ Naperville N. 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 @ WW South 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 West Aurora 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 @ Naperville C. 7:30 p.m.