Air of anticipation surrounds Sandwich

Indians looking strong at the skill positions

SANDWICH - Nick Futrell doesn't doubt quarterback Justin Wegener, but he does have one concern about the lanky junior.

"He's definitely a varsity quarterback. I just wish he had more meat on him. He's a twig," said Futrell, a bruising 5-foot-11 senior fullback for the Sandwich football team, who has added about 10 pounds himself this summer -- pushing him to 225.

A third-year varsity player, Futrell rushed for almost 900 yards last year to help lead Sandwich to the postseason, a destination that has been pretty foreign to the program with only two other trips, in 1985 and 2002.

Wegener, who is 6-2 and 170, was promoted from the sophomore team last year by coach Derek Avery after a 35-14 loss to Coal City in Week 6 had dropped the Indians to 4-2.

"I think in his first game he threw for 40-something yards for his first TD and the second TD he ran for 40," said Futrell, recalling an eye-opening start for the youngster in what would be a 40-13 win over Peotone.

"When coach told me I was coming up I thought, 'This is gonna be awesome,'" Wegener said. "All the seniors and juniors really supported me and that helped a lot. They tell you (varsity) is gonna be a faster, just the speed. When I got in I thought, 'Wow, this is crazy.'"

He was able to adapt, though.

Three weeks later, the Indians bowed out of the playoffs with a first-round loss at Coal City. This time, though, the margin was 17-10.

Wegener was one of four sophomores contributing on varsity at season's end. Add the juniors from a sophomore team that finished out a 9-0 campaign, and it's easy to understand the air of anticipation surrounding Sandwich football for the fast-approaching season.

The Indians open Friday at Westmont.

"I know there's a lot of big expectations around here, but with that comes a lot of pressure," said Avery. "We'll see if the juniors can step up. It's a whole different level.

"It's why I worry about Westmont the most. Getting off to a good start is important. (A 3-0 start is) what helped us last year."

If it's going to happen, look for Futrell and Wegener to play key roles.

In addition to fullback, where he gets hit on every play whether he carries the ball or not in the Sandwich Wing-T attack, Futrell is penciled in this season to also start at middle linebacker.

"I love running the ball," said Futrell. "It's fun on defense, too, but I like to put the hurt (on defenders) on offense."

Avery has shied away from two-way starters the past three years. With only 35 on the squad this year, three or four are likely to pull double duty.

As for Wegener, Avery said, "I think that experience he got is gonna be invaluable."

It didn't go unnoticed.

"Futrell is good because he's such a threat, the (Tim) Schmitt kid is excellent and Wegener is gonna be an excellent quarterback," said Plano coach Jim Green, who has successfully run the same Wing-T offense.

"We saw them in 7-on-7s a couple times this summer. If they're able to throw the ball occasionally, I think they're in for a good year. Their skill positions are very good."

Prep Football