Falcons ready to fly

Wheaton North, DuPage Valley

Outlook: New coach Joe Wardynski, who spent the last four seasons as the defensive coordinator at rival WW South, said Wheaton North “has got a lot work to do.” Nonetheless, the Falcons return star running back Mike Trumpy, a Northwestern recruit, and have a talented junior quarterback in Taylor Graham. Look out for cornerback/kick returner Jack Deano, who Wardynski calls “a special player.”

Players to watch:

RB Mike Trumpy, 6-0, 197, sr.

OL Andrew Sorgatz, 6-4, 245, sr.

LB John Sambo, 6-2, 205, sr.

CB/KR Jack Deano, 5-10, 165, sr.

QB Taylor Graham, 6-4, 195, jr.

Juniors? Graham has “a big-time arm” and will be the starting quarterback, Wardynski said. Graham is the son of former Player-of-the-Year Kent Graham. Other juniors to watch include fullback Jhamal Johnson (5-11, 240) and receiver/running back Ivan Tamba (5-9, 170).

Quote: “Just being new, I really want to get off to a good start. It is really important.” – Joe Wardynski

Did you know? Wheaton North has won three state football titles (1979, 1981, 1986).

Last year’s record: 5-5, 3-4 DuPage Valley

Adam L. Jahns