West Chicago opens with a victory

Fans of West Chicago football will be on the edge of their seats all season long if the first game is any indication of things to come.

Coach Ted Monken's team came out firing Friday night on the road against East Aurora and hung on for a 26-24 victory. Despite leading 26-8 in the third quarter, the Wildcats' defense held strong late in the game, forcing crucial turnovers to ice the win.

The West Chicago offense showed flashes of brilliance with big play capability. Quarterback Peyton Seidler connected twice with Alex Mitchell for touchdowns and scampered in for one of his own. Combined with a defensive touchdown, the Wildcats had all the points they needed by midway through the third.

Four interceptions, 3 in the second half, allowed East Aurora to crawl back in the game.

"We got to be able to pitch and catch," Monken said. "Our offense rellies on us being able to throw the ball. We're not overly big upfront and we've got to be able to throw the ball and if we can't we are going to struggle at times."

Monken's team coaching style was pedal to the floor all game long. The tone was set wtih a successful onsides kick to start the game and continued with passing well into the final quarter.

With the defense getting the final stop and returning the ball to the Wildcats with two minutes to go, the game was sealed.