Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats
Given Ted Monken's history of success and his pedigree, West Chicago chose wisely, hiring Monken as its football coach.
He thinks it's pretty neat, too.
"I think it's a great place," said the former St. Charles East and Metea Valley coach. "I think it's a real diamond in the rough, and if we can find a way to win a few games and get the ball rolling I think the school will respond."
Wins have been sparse, 7 in seven seasons since Bob Stone left in 2006. The past means little to Monken, whose staff includes his father, Bob, and former Wildcats coach Paul Reinke. From what he's seen West Chicago's players, parents and administration aim to please.
"Everybody's on the same team and they do anything you ask," Monken said.
He's asked his football team, which shifts to the Upstate Eight Conference's River Division from the Valley, to run an option offense and base 3-4 defense.
Offensive skill players, he's got a bunch led by dynamic Danny Lazzerini, who in 2013 ran for 642 yards, 7 touchdowns. Three-year starter Parrish Benton will do most of his damage defensively but also ran for 187 yards.
Receivers Alex Mitchell, Jake DeLuca and Mikey Bibbs and tight end Zach Ullman will be among the targets for quarterback Peyton Seidler, who as a junior was a tight end and impact defender.
"I think we have the ability to keep people from loading up in the box," Monken said.
Developing an all-new offensive line will be crucial, though 270-pounders Frank Ficarra and Zack Hrycyk are a solid start.
Defensively, tackles leader Mike Otzwirk returns, back with fellow senior linebackers Wes Kassaros and Steve Gutowski, linemen Alex Maltese and Lawrence Caputo, and physical defensive back Benton.
In 2013 West Chicago allowed 40 points a game. That must improve, no matter Monken's current satisfaction level.
"It's been great, it's been a lot of fun," Monken said. "I couldn't be more happy with the kids and the school."
The breakdown
Coach: Ted Monken (first year; eighth year overall, 41-30).
2013 record: 1-8, 1-5, sixth in Upstate Eight Valley.
Top players: Parrish Benton (DB, 6-1, 175, sr.); Mikey Bibbs (WR, 6-1, 175, jr.); Lawrence Caputo (DL, 6-1, 205, sr.); Steve Gutowski (LB, 5-9, 165, sr.); Frank Ficarra (OL, 6-3, 275, sr.); Danny Lazzerini (RB, 5-11, 175, sr.); Alex Maltese (DL, 5-9, 210, sr.); Alex Mitchell (WR, 5-7, 155, sr.); Mike Otzwirk (LB, 5-10, 170, sr.); Peyton Seidler (QB, 6-1, 185, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 West Chicago at East Aurora 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 DeKalb at West Chicago 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/12 St. Charles North at West Chicago 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 Elgin at West Chicago 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/26 West Chicago at Larkin 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Batavia at West Chicago 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 West Chicago at Geneva 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/18 West Chicago at Streamwood 1:30 p.m.
Fri 10/24 St. Charles East at West Chicago 7:30 p.m.