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West Aurora an underdog no more

To say that West Aurora's football team enjoyed a memorable season in 2016 would be quite an understatement.

Led by the Cross brothers - DaQuan and DaVion - the Blackhawks claimed their first Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division title, posted a 9-0 regular-season record and reached the Class 8A state playoffs for the second consecutive year - a feat that hadn't been accomplished since 1983-1984.

"I don't think anyone was going into the season expecting to go 9-0," said Blackhawks coach Nate Eimer. "We had some things bounce our way so you need a little luck but it was a special year with a special group of kids."

Thanks in part to the play of since-graduated DaQuan Cross, the Blackhawks' all-time leader in rushing yards (2,609), rushing touchdowns (35), points scored (300), all-purpose yards (4,643), interceptions (6) and kick returns for touchdowns (4), West Aurora outscored its first four opponents by a staggering 154-18 margin last season.

While the season ended with a heart-stopping 42-40 loss to eventual 8A state champion Maine South in the opening round of the playoffs, there is no doubt that the bar has been raised at West Aurora.

"We're not the underdog anymore," said Eimer. "It's a little different feeling but our motto is taking it day by day. We rarely talk about last year at all because it has zero to do with this year. Every team is different with its own set of different challenges. It's another group and another chapter."

Eimer admits this year's group may not possess as many headliners from the recent past but the Blackhawks' 7th-year head coach expects team depth to be a source of strength.

"We had four guys who were 3-year varsity football players last year," said Eimer. "We may not have that this season but it's all part of the fun."

Senior Dayshawnn Rogers, junior JaQuan Buchanan and sophomore Trevon Tittle head the list of running backs in the wing-T offense, while sophomore Will Tammaru and junior Adrian Ruiz vie for the starting quarterback spot.

"I think everybody will know JaQuan Buchanan's name pretty quickly this season," said Eimer. "He is one of our hardest workers at practice and in the weight room."

Other returnees include 6-3, 260-pound junior right tackle Owen Thomas, guard Eddie Fowler, defensive linemen Cameron Lewis-Walker, Fabian Barth-Alonzo and Jose Ferrer, receiver-defensive back Dylan Bernal, safety Zachary Jacobson, and multipurpose threat Camron Donatlan.

"Cam is one of the better athletes to ever come through West High," Eimer said of the 2-time high jump state champion. "He's gifted."

Eimer expects plenty of production from his offensive and defensive lines, bolstered by the addition of transfers Braxton Mayes (6-4, 290) and Denver Warren (6-3, 295).

The Blackhawks lost all 5 starting linebackers to graduation, leaving Evan Mackey, Lesrion Tittle, Jerritt Gutierrez, Johnny Acevedo, Ian Deisher, Davon Brooks and Buchanan competing for playing time.

West Aurora kicks off its season Aug. 25 at Yorkville.

"South Elgin is still the class of the conference," said Eimer. "We've only done it one year."

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