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Scouting the West Chicago Wildcats

West Chicago is rebuilding.

Literally.

A portion of the school built in 1965 was targeted for restoration this summer. By the time school opens Sept. 6 the Wildcats will have played two games. They'll have extra practice time without all that nagging classwork.

Like two-a-days, extra lifting and walk-throughs? You got 'em, "just like the old days," coach Ted Monken said.

"Our kids are going to get that for four weeks, they're going to get the whole month of August to focus on (football). I guess that doesn't give us many excuses, either," he said.

Monken has no use for excuses despite the program missing the playoffs each year since 2002. He sounds energized, directing a group of players cut from his cloth.

"I think our strength is going to be the dedication and leadership of our senior group," Monken said. "They've done a great job over the last nine months."

Returning starters include two-way lineman Justin Ross and Devonte Pascal, whose skill set includes running the ball, catching it and hitting people. At linebacker in 2015, Pascal recorded team highs of 54 solo tackles, 19 assists and 7 tackles for loss.

Joining Ross on the offensive line are fellow returning starters Noah Kotke and Tommy McDonald, in charge of protecting quarterback Zach Stefan, who took some snaps last season. With Stefan and receivers such as Alex VanDoren, Monken believes the Wildcats can be explosive throwing the ball.

They'll need to shore up a defense that allowed an average of 198 yards rushing, but armed with team-first players, leaders by example, Monken believes they'll give it their best shot.

"Defense at the high school level is really about doing your job more than it is about great talent," he said. "And if we have guys willing to get lined up properly and do their job we have a chance to be successful."

- Dave Oberhelman

The breakdown

Coach: Ted Monken (third year, 4-14; 10th year overall, 45-44).

2015 record: 1-8, 1-4, fifth in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Top players: Jeremy Grant (FB-LB, 6-0, 175, so.), Noah Kotke (OL-LB, 6-0, 225 jr.), Tommy McDonald (OL-LB, 6-2, 220, sr.), Devonte Pascal (FB-TE-LB, 6-3, 185, sr.), Justin Ross (OL-DL, 6-0, 275, sr.), Zach Stefan (QB, 5-9, 165, sr.), Tyler Toman (WR-DE, 6-3, 165, sr.), Alex VanDoren (WR, 6-1, 165, sr.), Andrew Velazquez (RB, 5-6, 150, sr.).

West Chicago

Fri, 8/26, Wheaton Academy at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/2, West Chicago at Streamwood, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/9, Bartlett at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/16, West Chicago at Larkin, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/23, East Aurora at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/30, West Chicago at South Elgin, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/7, West Aurora at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/14, West Chicago at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/21, Crystal Lake South at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

One to watch: Week 1

Bartlett's a crucial UEC Valley foe in Week 3, but Wildcats coach Ted Monken looks to get the season off on the right foot.

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