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Scouting the Wheaton Academy Warriors

In a strong conference like the Metro Suburban Blue, it's good to have experience. Wheaton Academy does.

Of the Warriors' 15 returning starting positions, five players are three-year starters - Jay Callentine, Cristian Carstens, Derek Johanik, Noah Jones and Ben Thorson.

"You hope that investment in sophomore starters pays off as seniors," said Warriors coach Brad Thornton.

Except for quarterback Thorson, who last fall passed for 1,458 yards, all likely will play on both sides of the ball, not uncommon in the Metro Suburban.

The passing combination of Thorson to Jones was potent last season, Jones catching 37 passes for 645 yards and 5 touchdowns. Carstens ran for 660 yards, 10 touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

An emphasis will be getting the offensive line up to speed. Aside from returning starters Sebastian Pares and Johanik - a V-cut beast who on defense made 9 tackles for loss with 3 sacks from the interior line - varsity reps and sheer size are lacking.

The graduation of All-Area linebacker Dimitrie Skakavac will be hard to replace. Still, Wheaton Academy returns eight starting defensive positions, including linebacker Callentine, who made 78 tackles last season, and all four defensive backs - Jones, Carstens, Gerald Blackmon and Michael Cortez.

A good start is key on a quirky schedule with six home games including the first five, a Thursday, Oct. 4, homecoming, and three familiar foes due to league realignment.

"A huge key for us, as it is for most teams, is to stay healthy because our top-shelf talent is really solid," Thornton said. "With all that's new on the schedule, that's going to be a point of interest."

One to watch: It's news whenever Wheaton Academy faces St. Francis. It happens Week 4, in West Chicago.

The breakdown

Coach: Brad Thornton (sixth year, 25-22).

2017 record: 4-5, 1-4, fifth in the Metro Suburban Blue.

Top players: Gerald Blackmon (WR-DB, 6-2, 170, sr.), Jay Callentine (RB-LB, 6-2, 180, sr.), Cristian Carstens (RB-DB, 5-10, 170, sr.), Derek Johanik (OL-DL, 6-0, 250, sr.), Noah Jones (WR-DB, 6-3, 190, sr.), Christian Pares (OL, 6-3, 230, jr.), Sebastian Pares (OL-DL, 6-5, 240, sr.), Steven Ryan (WR-DB, 6-4, 180, sr.), Ben Thorson (QB, 6-3, 190, sr.).

- Dave Oberhelman

Schedule

Wheaton Academy

Fri, 8/24, Thornridge at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 8/31, St. Edward at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/7, IC Catholic Prep at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/14, St. Francis at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/21, DePaul at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/28, Wheaton Academy at Bishop McNamara, 7:15 p.m.

Thurs, 10/4, Aurora Central Catholic at Wheaton Academy, 7 p.m.

Fri, 10/12, Wheaton Academy at Riverside-Brookfield, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/19, Wheaton Academy at Aurora Christian, 7 p.m.

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