Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats
When West Chicago began its search for a new football coach, the goal was to find someone familiar with competing in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Bill Bicker certainly qualifies.
The Wildcats’ new leader is a 1994 graduate of Wheaton North who coached at various levels for seven years at West Chicago. Last season Bicker coached at Glenbard East.
Bicker’s familiarity with the landscape is already paying dividends.
“It’s something as simple as, I know where the equipment room is,” he said. “When the job opened at West Chicago, I was definitely interested.”
Bicker also understands the challenges of taking over a program that traditionally struggles in the DuPage Valley Conference. With limited experience, and with the implementation of a run-based spread offense and 5-2 defense, there may be some growing pains with this year’s group.
Retooling the offense begins with junior quarterback Jordan Lelito and two solid receivers in Colin Lelito and Dean Paulie. A crew of junior linemen must get their varsity legs quickly.
“We’re just trying to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers,” Bicker said. “They don’t have much experience, but they’ll need to step up.”
Bicker helped the defense by sending over Sam Rylowicz, an offensive lineman last year, to play linebacker. A.J. Seidler is another talented linebacker who also will play running back.
“I’m starting to see a lot of progress on that side of the ball,” Bicker said.
After watching game tape from last season and understanding the program from his own experience, Bicker knows the primary concern is staying healthy with limited depth. And with his experience in the DVC, he knows mistakes must be limited.
“We need to maximize on the opportunities we have during games,” Bicker said. “We can’t give teams extra plays or extra downs, and we have to prevent big plays while creating our own.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Bill Bicker (first year).
2011 record: 1-8, 1-6, seventh in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Dean Paulie (WR, 6-0, 175, sr.); A.J. Seidler (LB-RB, 5-9, 195, sr.); Sam Rylowicz (LB, 6-3, 215, sr.); Jordan Lelito (QB, 5-8, 165, jr.); Colin Lelito (WR, 5-8, 150, jr.); Shon Tibbs (DB, 5-8, 165, sr.); Chance Coats (LB, 6-3, 220, sr.); Ryan Weier (DB, 6-0, 160, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Addison Trail at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Larkin at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Glenbard North at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, West Chicago at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Naperville North at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, WW South at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, West Chicago at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, West Chicago at West Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Naperville Central at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.