Team ‘D’ keys Plainfield Central

Updated: October 11, 2011 6:49PM

Long before Plainfield Central was celebrating a 33-21 homecoming victory Saturday, its first snap on defense revealed one reason why the Wildcats aren’t likely to miss the playoffs this season.

Defensive end Mike Farr blew into the backfield for a sack, nose tackle Bryce Douglas recovered the fumble and Central’s offense was back on the field at Plainfield East’s 37-yard line. Five plays later, the Wildcats led 7-0.

“The defense we run is a team philosophy,” said Douglas, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound junior. “I’m just working my butt off. It’s not all about just making tackles, it’s a team philosophy. My job is to come 100 percent every time.”

A sack and a well-aimed punt by Douglas on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter kept East pinned in its end, leading to the touchdown that put Central ahead for good. The Wildcats (5-2) have rebounded from a 2-7 record last season and need one win to clinch a playoff spot.

“I remember last year how we got embarrassed,” Douglas said. “We want to be playoff-eligible. None of us have ever been there. We’re playing every game like it’s our last.”

Central went 4-5 in 2009.

“I don’t think a lot of people thought we would be in this position,” Central coach John Jackson said of the Wildcats’ resurgence. “Based on our nonconference games, point-wise we’re OK. But I think we’re going to need to get another win.”

Central hosts Southwest Prairie Conference co-leader Oswego (5-2) on Friday and finishes the regular season Oct. 21 at Romeoville (2-5).

With running backs Jordan Ellingwood, Gino Giarratano and Tyler Erdman, quarterback Tim Blake has plenty of help moving the ball.

“That’s the beauty of our offense,” Jackson said. “If you stop one or two of them, we’ve got another one.”

Interstate Eight

Versatility has helped I-8 Small Division champ Wilmington win six in a row after a season-opening loss to Manteno. Take lineman Will Jansen, for example.

Fullback/linebacker Jayson Conlin was sidelined with a sore leg, so Jansen played fullback in Friday’s victory over Westmont.

“He’s been our wild card,” Wilmington coach Jeff Reents said. “He’s played center, he’s played guard, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, defensive end.”

Speaking of defensive linemen, Wilmington used seven against Westmont: Joe Kerulis, Brad Koester, Max Lyday, Kyle Bardel, Derrick Romano, Alex Peterson and John Lundberg.

“We try to keep our defensive scheme a little simpler so we can rotate a lot of kids,’’ Reents said.

Next for Wilmington on Friday is a game at Coal City (6-1), runner-up in the I-8 Large.

“I know the I-8 is Large and Small, but for me and the staff it’s the I-8 still,’’ Reents said. “Coal City, that’s a huge rivalry.”

Catholic Blue

Thanks to points from its strong schedule, Providence (4-3) will likely be in the playoffs after a one-year absence with a victory Friday over St. Ignatius in the Celtics’ home finale.

Linebackers Mike Valentino and Brian Fordon are the team’s leading tacklers, and Valentino added to his numbers with an interception return for a touchdown Saturday against Lake Forest Academy. St. Ignatius should also watch out for No. 25 — defensive back Troy Sheppard has eight picks.

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