Scouting the Metea Valley Mustangs
Metea Valley has rarely lacked athletic, skill-position players. What really excites Mustangs coach Ben Kleinhans this year, though, is the status of the offensive and defensive lines.
"I feel comfortable saying that those are deep positions for us, a lot of strength going into the season," Kleinhans said.
In its 2010 debut season Metea's roster showed six players at 200 pounds or more. This year's roster lists 20 big boys, including 300-pound center Bobby Papiernik and 270-pound left tackle Bryce Effner.
Or they're just plain solid, like defensive linemen Charles Anderson and Michael Robinson, who made 50 tackles with 8 for loss and 7 sacks to earn all-DuPage Valley Conference honors.
A goal, then, is to limit teams on first down and get off the field; in 2015 foes converted 42 percent of third downs and ran for 202 yards a game.
In the skill positions and at linebacker Metea remains senior-based but does not bring much experience.
Exceptions include linebacker Evan Woods and receiver Ben Loutsis, who returns a team-high 33 receptions, 385 yards and 3 touchdowns. Sadly Metea's second-leading receiver, Alec Dodson, is injured and won't return until October if at all.
At running back reigning DVC 100-meter dash champion Alonzo Taylor-Jones succeeds graduated power back Maurice Burkley. Jones ran for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns a year ago and will use his speed to slash off Effner and right tackle Will Hanegan.
Quarterback is interesting. Last year's backup, senior Ryan Kriceri, and sophomore Payton Thorne might both play to start the season. Thorne is the son of North Central College coach Jeff Thorne, grandson of retired Wheaton Warrenville South and North Central legend John Thorne.
Veterans or newcomers, Kleinhans speaks for all when he calls this team "hungry."
"I think they're really focused on being a winning team," he said.
- Dave Oberhelman
The breakdown
Coach: Ben Kleinhans (fifth year, 15-22).
2015 record: 4-5, 3-5, seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Charles Anderson (DL, 6-1, 225, sr.), Bryce Effner (OL, 6-5, 270, jr.), Kidane Falconer (DB, 6-1, 167, sr.), Will Hanegan (OL, 6-1, 210, sr.), Johnny Jones (DB, 6-0, 185, sr.), Ben Loutsis (WR, 5-10, 170, sr.), Bobby Papiernik (OL, 6-2, 300, sr.), Jayden Reed (WR-DB, 5-11, 152, jr.), Michael Robinson (DL, 5-10, 185, sr.), Alonzo Taylor-Jones (RB, 5-6, 165, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/26, Metea Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Metea Valley at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/9, Naperville Central at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, Wheaton North at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, Metea Valley at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Metea Valley at Lake Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, WW South at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, Glenbard North at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Metea Valley at Lincoln Way Central, 7:30 p.m.
One to watch: Week 1
Metea Valley beat Waubonsie Valley last season, its first win over a District 204 rival. The Mustangs never have beaten Neuqua Valley.