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Wheaton North has many weapons

A quarterback headed to Northwestern and a receiver who averaged 18 yards a catch last season.

It’s pretty clear how Wheaton North plans to move the football.

Quarterback Clayton Thorson may not have started a game last season, but he’s still considered one of the state’s top signalcallers after splitting time as a junior with all-DuPage Valley Conference pick Johnny Peltz. Matt Biegalski led the team with 43 catches, 759 yards and 11 touchdowns,

Although only one other offensive starter returns in center Jesse Dean, the Falcons plan to compete for their second DVC title in three years behind their potent passing combo.

“(Thorson’s) as good as anyone out there,” said Wheaton North coach Joe Wardynski. “I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. They both had good summers. They’re both healthy and ready to go.”

Thorson, healed from last season’s broken collarbone, will find help beyond Biegalski in 6-foot-4 tight end Hank Bowen, 6-6 Jake Heggeland and J.P. Forcucci, last year’s sophomore quarterback who will play receiver.

A big question comes at running back where the Falcons graduated three-year varsity member Patrick Sharp. Dom Garza, Dee Alexander and Brandon Torres are the top candidates to carry the ball.

There’s good depth on the offensive line, although two juniors may start there. That depth allows Kendall Anderson to shift from the offensive to defensive line to shore up an area with little experience.

Linebacker Beau Martin, one of three returning defensive starters with defensive back Mike Cerone, was fifth on last year’s team in tackles.

Like at running back, the lack of experience on the defensive line turns a strength from last year into an unknown heading into this season.

Like last year, though, expect the Falcons to figure it out in time to make another DVC title run.

“We’ve got some pieces to put together, but it’ll get done,” Wardynski said. “Kids will have to step up just like they did last year.”

Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_schmit

Schedule

Fri, 8/30 Cary-Grove at Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/6 Wheaton North at Geneva 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/13 Wheaton North at WW South 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/20 Naperville North at Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/27 Wheaton North at Lake Park 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/4 Glenbard East at Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/11 Wheaton North at West Aurora 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/18 Naperville Central at Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/25 Glenbard North at Wheaton North 7:30 p.m.

Wheaton North blanks Bartlett

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Falcons find their own pace

Images: Wheaton North at Naperville North football

Wheaton North routs West Chicago

Wheaton North rolls over Glenbard East

Falcons finish off West Aurora

Wheaton North routs Naperville Central

Glenbard North wins in final seconds

Images: Wheaton North at Glenbard North football

Wheaton North ends WW South’s season

Images: Wheaton Warrenville South at Wheaton North Friday night Football

Falcons make it look easy

Peltz drives Falcons past Prospect

Images: Wheaton North vs. Prospect, playoff football

High school football ‘beautiful’ spectacle at Glenbard West

Falcons can’t muddy Hilltoppers’ future

Images: Wheaton North at Glenbard West IHSA football quarterfinal action.

Images; DuPage County All-Area Football Team

For Thorson, NU is the right pick

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