Scouting Wheeling: Wildcats intend to draw strength from select numbers
It is a numbers game for Wheeling this season.
The Wildcats have seven returning senior starters from last year's 2-7 squad. Wheeling coach Brian Hauck says he has a unique blend of players on his team this season and hopes they add up to improved results.
"It is an interesting mix," Hauck said. "We have a small roster, and like everybody we are struggling with numbers. We have a good core of varsity players with a lot of experience and heavy commitment."
Wheeling also could at times be a true ironman football team, with all its players staying on the field to switch from offense to defense or vice versa.
"Almost all our players are looking for time on both sides of the ball," Hauck said. "We are trying to find ways to balance that."
Hauck says his underclassmen are going to need to mature in a hurry.
"We have some juniors who will be key contributors filling in some spots," Hauck said. "And we have some sophomores that are going to have to grow up quickly and fill in the holes we have."
The strength of the Wildcats last season was their veteran offensive line. This year, Hauck will look to replace most of that group.
"It is going to be young," Hauck said. "We lost a lot of good people last year. That was the core of our team.
Aidan McCoy, the lone returning starter, will be the cornerstone of the offensive line. Kenny Yoshino, Conor Osterman, Justin Hall, Luis Gonzalez and Brian Berrera will make up the rest of the Wildcats' offensive group up front.
Fortunately for the Cats, they will have a veteran group operating behind them.
Michael Best returns at quarterback. A three-sport athlete, Best threw for nearly 350 yards last season while rushing for another 200.
"It is always a good start to have a returning starter at quarterback," Hauck said. "Mike is right back in it. He is dependable and reliable and a positive influence on this team. He is just doing great."
Wheeling also has running back Ryan Glassberg returning. Now a senior, Glassberg rushed for over 400 yards last season. He will be joined in the backfield by Jonathon Panganiban.
The wide receiving group should be athletic and talented.
Led by Brandon Zettek, the Wildcats will also look to Danny Provost, John Quintero, Tyler Johnson and sophomores Paul Ufir and Kyle Kong.
The defense will employ a 3-4 scheme with Gyrones Carroll, Hall, Gonzalez and Yoshino rotating up front.
At linebacker, Zettek and McCoy will anchor the group. John Smith, Glassberg, Panganiban and Austin Hembd will be moving in and out to supply some depth.
Best will be just that for the Wildcats at defensive back. Johnson, Provost, Quintero, King and Ufir will also be in the group.
"We are going to try to coach up those other kids to give us some depth," Hauck said. "We have to grow them up quickly."
The Wildcats open their season at home with Glenbrook North. Wheeling has 4 of its first 5 games at home, and Hauck would love it if that helps his younger players become more comfortable.
"Hopefully, it will help us build some momentum," Hauck said.