Scouting the Metea Valley Mustangs
Word on the street is Metea Valley has improved.
Headed by seniors who went 8-1 and 7-2 as freshmen and sophomores, this summer the Mustangs finished in the top five at Wheaton Warrenville South's 7-on-7 competition.
Even better considering a weakness spanning its brief football history, Metea placed fourth at West Aurora's Lineman's Challenge.
In 2013 the Mustangs beat Upstate Eight Valley foes South Elgin and Bartlett for the first time to help remain playoff-eligible in Week 9 also for the first time.
Although coach Ben Kleinhans said perception matters little, he knows Metea won't sneak up on anyone.
"Our goal is to let people know we are for real and we've got to show that in the first couple weeks of the season," he said.
Running the ball and stopping the run is key. Metea has been effective running the ball, but this season the hope is lineman Matt Fitzgerald, all-conference defensive end Erin Morgan and a linebacker corps that offers Mitch Waller, Ben Belskis and newcomer Grady Raines will trim last year's average of 257 rushing yards allowed.
Similarly, third-year center Fitzgerald, tackle Brett Boddy, a Holy Cross recruit, and college prospect Mark Konkle come off solid junior seasons to anchor a promising offense.
Quarterback Kyle Mooney competed all last season with graduate Blaise Bell and is now in command. Kleinhans said the strong-armed Mooney makes the right decisions.
The Mustangs graduated all-conference running back Jay Parker but return two other honorees in shifty back Bryson Oliver and receiver Nick Dodson, who caught 42 passes for 657 yards and 11 touchdowns and has a Dayton offer. A third all-conference skill player is receiver and kicking specialist Michael Sfikas, who averaged 36 yards a punt and made 7 of 9 field-goal attempts.
This is a team still learning how to win. Early success may dictate a lot.
"We've got to come out of the gate right away this season," Kleinhans said.
The breakdown
Coach: Ben Kleinhans (third year, 6-12).
2013 record: 4-5, 4-2, third in Upstate Eight Valley.
Top players: Ben Belskis (LB, 6-3, 225, sr.); Brett Boddy (OL, 6-4, 295, sr.); Nick Dodson (WR, 6-0, 170, sr.); Ron Edwards Jr. (DB, 5-9, 150, sr.); Matt Fitzgerald (OL-DL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Mark Konkle (OL, 6-6, 240, sr.); Kyle Mooney (QB, 5-11, 170, sr.); Erin Morgan (TE-DL, 6-2, 205, sr.); Bryson Oliver (RB, 5-6, 150, sr.); Mitch Waller (LB, 5-8, 170, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 Plainfield North at Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 Metea Valley at Glenbrook South 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/12 Bartlett at Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 West Aurora at Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/27 Metea Valley at South Elgin 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Metea Valley at Waubonsie Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 East Aurora at Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/17 Metea Valley at Glenbard East 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/24 Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley 7:30 p.m.