Scouting the Wilowbrook Warriors
By Kevin Schmit
kschmit@dailyherald.com
When Nick Hildreth helped lead Willowbrook to the state football playoffs in 1999, it marked the Warriors’ first postseason appearance in five years.
As the Warriors’ new coach, Hildreth is hoping to break another drought.
Willowbrook turned to one of its own in the off-season with the goal of bringing the program back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Hildreth, the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons, knows it won’t be an easy process.
For Hildreth, though, it’s personal.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to coach the team you played for,” he said. “We’re going to work hard and build pride in the program.”
The Warriors return seven starters, but that number is a bit deceiving because four of the players are two-way starters. Depth remains an issue despite varsity numbers increasing to 50 players.
Junior Dom Battaglia is a mainstay in the lineup at running back and safety. He’ll also be a major contributor in special teams who will rarely leave the field. Mike Sumang, a linebacker and offensive lineman, and Raphael Garcia, a defensive back and running back, are among the many other key two-way players.
Offensively, the Warriors plan to abandon their traditional double-wing run-oriented game in favor of a diverse, up-tempo style. Quarterback play will rely on Steve Ferguson and Dan Hay, while Armani Williams leads the receiving corps.
The Warriors need effective running backs to emerge from the pack to help balance the load. The offense managed only 200 yards per game last season, a number that must improve for Willowbrook to enjoy any level of success.
“I expect good things out of the offense,” Hildreth said.
The defense will get a jolt of talent midseason with the return of linebacker Daniel Harris, last year’s leading tackler, from a knee injury. With so many two-way players, health and depth are major issues as the Warriors rebuild.
“We’re going to be young and inexperienced,” Hildreth said. “But the kids have bought in and they’re working hard.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Nick Hildreth (first year).
2010 record: 2-7, 2-4, tied for fifth in West Suburban Gold.
Top players: Dom Battaglia (RB-DB, 5-9, 190, jr.); Mike Sumang (LB-OL, 5-11, 200, sr.); Raphael Garcia (DB-RB, 5-8, 160, sr.); Armani Williams (WR, 6-2, 160, sr.); Dan Hay (QB, 6-5, 200, sr.); Steve Ferguson (QB, 5-10, 165, jr.); Daniel Harris (LB, 5-10, 190, jr.); Nick Interante (DL-OL, 6-1, 260, sr.); Nick Kilianek (OL-DL, 6-3, 225, jr.); Ryan Splan (LB, 5-9, 170, jr.); Brandon Smith (RB, 5-11, 170, jr.); Jack Wood (RB, 5-8, 155, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 @ Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Sep 3 @ Glenbard West 1:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 York 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 16 @ Morton 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 23 Proviso East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 30 Downers South 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 @ Leyden 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 14 Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 @ Hinsdale South 7:30 p.m.