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Scouting the Neuqua Valley Wildcats

The word has gained traction and admiration in the sports world, Neuqua Valley football included.

"We have a bunch of grinders," Wildcats coach Bill Ellinghaus said. "I love the grinding aspect of the sport and we have a bunch of them this year that love to grind."

They include returning defensive ends Josh Krajacic and Matt Quinn, who ground a few people into the turf; and running back Cameron Raupach, Neuqua's top 2016 ground gainer with 838 yards rushing, 12 touchdowns.

Jake Eskoff is the Wildcats' distinct No. 1 quarterback. Last year he shared the job with since-graduated Jack Bastable to help Neuqua win a share of the DuPage Valley Conference title.

Unanimously voted offensive captain, Eskoff completed 63 percent of his passes for 945 yards and 8 touchdowns.

"He understands what we're looking for offensively and can make every throw on the field," Ellinghaus said.

Noah Herdman - Neuqua's sole male three-sport athlete in the Class of 2018, the coach said - is the top returning receiver. While Ellinghaus likes his grinders there's plenty of speed in the likes of backs Will Chevalier and Myles Gascon, who shares Neuqua's 100-meter dash record.

Tight end-sized all-DVC kicker Stephen Ruiz is a Division I prospect who in 2016 made 41 of 42 extra points and all 4 field-goal tries.

Krajacic, Quinn, linebacker Mike Baumgardner and returning defensive backs Ryan Wheeler and Trevor Tesmond tilt the experience slightly to the defensive side. Kenny Schultz and Alex Waldinger look to pace an offensive line with no returning starters.

Neuqua inevitably seeks an eighth straight playoff berth and to end this chapter of the DVC on top.

"There's a lot of competition at a lot of spots. I feel good about that," Ellinghaus said.

- Dave Oberhelman

One to watch: Talk about a grind ... including Week 6 against defending DVC co-champ Naperville North.

The breakdown

Coach: Bill Ellinghaus (sixth year, 43-13).

2016 record: 8-2, 7-1, tied for first in the DuPage Valley Conference.

Top players: Mike Baumgardner (LB, 5-8, 190, sr.), Jake Eskoff (QB, 6-1, 195, sr), Noah Herdman (WR-P, 6-1, 185, sr.), Josh Krajacic (DE, 6-2, 210, sr.), Matt Quinn (DL, 6-3, 215, jr.), Cameron Raupach (RB, 5-8, 175, sr.), Stephen Ruiz (K, 6-5, 235, sr.), Kenny Shultz (OL, 5-11, 225, sr.), Trevor Tesmond (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.), Ryan Wheeler (DB, 5-10, 170, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/25, Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/1, Neuqua Valley at Naperville Central, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/8, Waubonsie Valley at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/15, Neuqua Valley at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/22, Thornwood at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/29, Naperville North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/6, Neuqua Valley at Wheaton North, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/13, Lake Park at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/20, Glenbard North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 p.m.

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