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Westmont Sentinels starters ready to right last season's wrongs

Westmont knows it let a golden opportunity slip away at the end of last season.

Two chances to clinch the football program's first playoff berth since 2006 ended in two losses and a long off-season filled with "what ifs" for 10 starters returning to 16 positions.

Don't expect that opportunity to slip away again.

Quarterback Kyle Domin, receiver Marquis Thomas and lineman Bubba Griffiths head the list for a dynamite offense that'll light up scoreboards for coach Otto Zeman and his pass-heavy schemes.

"We know we had a great opportunity last year," Zeman said. "The biggest thing this year is we have kids who are experienced."

Domin's ready to vault past the 1,387 yards he threw for last year, and Thomas, who caught 16 passes for 455 yards and 5 touchdowns, is the main reason why. Kyle Casper and Dimitrios Latsonas are additional options in the passing game.

Quinton Brown's graduation leaves a gaping hole in the ground game, although Domin also rushed for 988 yards. Running backs Jackson Arias, Manny Harper and Robert Russo will help keep the offense balanced.

Strong line play will dictate success on both sides of the ball. Six-foot-three, 265-pound Griffiths is a standout, and he's joined by a slew of returners, including Sam Soltwisch and Luis Prado.

The offense should be potent, but getting that elusive playoff berth depends on the defense vastly improving from last season when the Sentinels allowed an average of 42 points.

"We know we've got to play better defense, and we can," Zeman said. "The kids have to believe they can win. They've got to have that confidence."

The breakdown

Coach: Otto Zeman (third year, 5-13; 31st year overall, 167-129).

2014 record: 4-5, 3-2, third in Interstate Eight Small.

Top players: Kyle Domin (QB, 6-4, 200, sr.); Bubba Griffiths (OL-DL, 6-3, 265, sr.); Marquis Thomas (WR-DB, 5-10, 157, jr.); Luis Prado (OL, 5-11, 207, sr.); Sam Soltwisch (OL-DL, 6-0, 240, sr.); Colton Blaine (OL-LB, 5-11, 175, sr.); Chris Doll (DB, 6-3, 170, so.); Kyle Casper (WR-DL, 6-4, 190, so.); Dimitrios Latsonas (WR-DB-K, 5-11, 170, sr.); B.J. Zakhem (DL, 6-3, 185, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Westmont

Fri, 8/28 Westmont at Chicago Christian, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Westmont at Marquette Academy, 7 pm

Fri, 9/11 Herscher at Westmont, 7 pm

Fri, 9/18 Westmont at Lisle, 7 pm

Fri, 9/25 Westmont at Wilmington, 7 pm

Fri, 10/2 Seneca at Westmont, 7 pm

Fri, 10/9 Westmont at Reed-Custer, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Westmont at Manteno, 7 pm

Fri, 10/23 Sandwich at Westmont, 7:30 pm

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