Warriors return numerous key performers from state quarterfinalist.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
Yes, the Willowbrook football team had a season to remember in 2016 when it reached the Class 7A state quarterfinals and finished with an 8-4 record.
But Warriors coach Nick Hildreth cautions 2017 is a new year.
“Every team has a different identity,” he said. “This group is starting to form its own ID. They have placed pretty high expectations on themselves. We have a group of guys that did play the majority of the snaps last year. What happened last year doesn’t guarantee anything. Last year was a great experience, but we want these guys to be their own team and create their own identity.”
On offense, the Warriors return standout running back Jack Jessen (also a standout national-caliber wrestler), along with starting offensive linemen Brandon Loth and Edgar Quintas.
Jessen ran for 1,671 yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry. He scored 21 touchdowns and had nine 100-yard rushing games.
Also back on offense are senior lineman Tyler Guerrero, senior quarterback John Taylor and senior wide receiver Sikander Zafar, who saw a lot of time last year at that position but moves into a starting slot this season. Chris Diaz also returns after rushing for 639 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 8.1 yards per carry.
“Our skill guys, even though they all weren’t starters last year, they got a lot of playing time,” said Hildreth. “John Taylor got into varsity games and played some JV games. He did a nice job for us. We have some holes to fill on the offensive line, but it’s nice to have our running backs returning from last year.”
Willowbrook also has seven defensive starters back in the form of seniors Kevon Dobbins (defensive line), Christian Washington (defensive line), Jessen (linebacker), Loth (linebacker), Jacob Entwistle (defensive back) and Nick Sabatino (defensive back), as well as junior Matt Knudtson (defensive line). Jessen led the team in tackles with 138 and also had 12 tackles for loss.
Other key additions on defense include junior Scott Tumilty (defensive back), as well as sophomore defensive backs Sam Tumilty and Deandre Holliday.
“We lost three defensive backs, two of which had all-state awards (Jon Kelso and Khalif Copeland),” said Hildreth. “We do return a bunch of guys up front, but we do have some holes to fill in the secondary. That is giving guys the opportunity to compete and we will get better with those guys.”
Hildreth sees teams such as Downers Grove South, Hinsdale South and Addison Trail as teams that could contend in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division.
“I see all of them being in the top part of the league,” he said. “Leyden lost some guys, but they always have good lower-level programs. It will be a tough league.”
Over the summer, Willowbrook participated in 7-on-7 competitions against Riverside-Brookfield, Vernon Hills and IC Catholic Prep and concluded with a three-day, two-night team camp at Lake Forest College.
“Our energy was very good and we had a nice effort,” said Hildreth of the summer sessions. “We had an up and down summer in terms of scheme development, but the effort and the energy were there. If we approach things the same way, we will continue to develop and all the rest will take care of itself. We know the execution isn’t quite where it needs to be yet on specific skills, but it’s coming along. We’re going to keep working on getting better and we will, because the effort and the energy has been great.”
