Saturday, November 27, 2010

Wheaton Warrenville South...

...has been ranked No. 1 by both the Trib and the Sun-Times all year. Defending 7A state champs, the Tigers are 13-0 this season and have won 25 games in a row since losing to Maine South in 2009. WWS will take on Lake Zurich today in a rematch of the 2007 title game, which the Bears won, 7-3.

The Tigers are coached by Ron Muhitch, above, who is 95-17 in nine years at the helm. Muhitch will be looking for his second state title in a row and third overall. Last year, WWS beat Glenbard West, 31-24, in double overtime. In the 2006 final, the Tigers defeated Mount Carmel, 44-21.


The offense is led by Sun-Times Player of the Year, quarterback Reilly O'Toole, above. The Illinois-bound senior has racked up some incredible numbers this season, including 3,005 yards passing with 40 touchdowns and only two interceptions in 229 attempts. In addition, the 6' 3", 210-pound O'Toole has rushed for 393 yards on 70 carries and six touchdowns.

O'Toole's primary receiver is Titus Davis, above, who's caught 52 passes for 1,135 yards and 16 touchdowns. But the Tigers will be without two of their best receivers, Travis Kern (44 receptions and 8 touchdowns) and Dan Vitale, who are both out with broken collarbones. Ryan Crowe (20 receptions and 5 touchdowns) will have to step up his game as a result.

O'Toole can also hand off to running back Matt Rogers, above, who has gained 1,182 yards rushing and scored 20 touchdowns this season.


While the Tigers' offense has gotten a lot of ink, averaging 43 points a game and scoring 563 points all year, its defense is every bit as formidable, allowing a mere 100 points this season. It's anchored by nose tackle Sparty Chino, above, who has 47 solo tackles and 12 sacks. He's joined by linebackers Mike Monterrubio (52 solo tackles and 7 sacks) and R. J. Hoshell (42 and 6, respectively).

At free safety is Caleb Bednarz, above, another Sun-Times All-Area first teamer, who has seven interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Bednarz also has two punt return touchdowns.

Wheaton Warrenville South's closest game all year was the opener against Hinsdale Central, which they won, 28-7. In Week 2, the Tigers demolished defending 8A state champions -- and 2010 finalists --Maine South, 44-7. After that, WWS scored at least 38 points in each of their next 11 games.

The Tigers' 2010 season in a nutshell:

Wheaton Warrenville South 28, Hinsdale Central 7
Wheaton Warrenville South 44, Maine South 7*
Wheaton Warrenville South 49, Glenbard East 0
Wheaton Warrenville South 38, Naperville Central 13
Wheaton Warreville South 41, Naperville North 13*
Wheaton Warrenville South 42, Wheaton North 14*
Wheaton Warrenville South 56, West Chicago 0
Wheaton Warrenville South 49, Glenbard North 6*
Wheaton Warrenville South 42, West Aurora 6
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Wheaton Warrenville South 49, Benet 7
Wheaton Warrenville South 44, Wheaton North 0
Wheaton Warrenville South 40, Glenbard West 20
Wheaton Warrenville South 41, Belleville East 7

* indicates playoff team.

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