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Metea Valley Mustangs ready for DuPage Valley conference

On the surface it doesn't seem such a lofty goal.

"We want to win more games than we lose," said Metea Valley coach Ben Kleinhans.

That would be commendable in Year One of DuPage Valley Conference play. Still, after making the playoffs for the first time in its brief five years with a varsity schedule, the former Upstate Eight entry aims not to slip.

"That team last year kind of set the standard, and we want to continue that," Kleinhans said.

The Mustangs return neither that team's vast experience nor stars - Erin Morgan, Brett Boddy, Nick Dodson, all-state back Bryson Oliver all graduated. Kleinhans sees this season's strengths being depth, senior leadership and defense.

Much of Metea's returning experience comes on defense, a plus in the DVC. Safety Amiri Finner made 63 tackles in 2014, third on the team. Returning starting cornerback Reggie Hill made 50 tackles with 3 interceptions. Another starter, linebacker Grady Raines made 42 tackles and seniors Maurice Burkley, Blake Nicolls and Johnathan Mathison saw action.

"Really, going in for the first time here at Metea, defense is going to be a strength," Kleinhans said.

Offensively, senior quarterback Conner Lovely's presence and smarts showed the coach there was "no question" who would lead that unit. Kleinhans said Lovely's game is similar to former Mustang Blaise Bell, a strong-armed passer who can run when plays break down.

He cautioned that Lovely remains a first-year starter, and besides returning receiver Jordan Cagigal and running back Cayman Wilcox, Lovely won't be alone.

In relief of Oliver, Burkley ran for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kleinhans is high on junior receivers Ben Loutsis and Alec Dodson, Nick's brother, as he is defensively with juniors Evan Woods and Brandon Williams.

"Fundamentally, our program is getting better each year," Kleinhans said.

The breakdown

Coach: Ben Kleinhans (fourth year, 11-17).

2014 record: 5-5, 4-3, third in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Top players: Maurice Burkley (RB, 5-11, 185, sr.), Jordan Cagigal (WR-DB, 6-3, 165, sr.), Amiri Finner (DB, 6-0, 178, sr.), Reggie Hill (DB, 6-1, 183, sr.), Conner Lovely (QB, 6-2, 195, sr.), Johnathan Mathison (LB, 6-1, 195, sr.), Blake Nicolls (LB, 5-11, 175, sr.), Grady Raines (LB, 6-1, 205, sr.), Cayman Wilcox (RB, 5-10, 205, sr.), Brandon Williams (DL, 6-2, 190, jr.).

- Dave Oberhelman

Schedule

Metea Valley

Fri, 8/28 Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/4 Naperville North at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Metea Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Metea Valley at Wheaton North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Waubonsie Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Lake Park at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Metea Valley at Wheaton South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Metea Valley at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 West Aurora at Metea Valley, 7:30 pm

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