Oswego East football

Oswego East

Coach: Mark Green.

Conference: Southwest Prairie.

2008 record: 2-7

Postseason advancement: None

Returning starters: Derrick Moore (DE), Chris Fagan (DT), Josh Wagner (DT), Adam Rittmanic (MLB), Calvin Underwood (OLB), Oza Jackson (OLB), Johnny Savu (S-WR), Ryan Beverka (TE), Antoine Allen-Jackson (RB).

Key newcomers: Matt Hildner (C), Justin Lante-Harris (FB), Tyler Palmatier (OL), Anthony Pendleton (OL), Mike Keeling (OL), Ian Town (OL), Nick St. Clair (DL).

What to watch for: Strength of the team, early on at least, will likely be its 4-3 defense featuring seven returning starters. The returnees include three linemen and all three linebackers, led by junior Adam Rittmanic in the middle. Safety Johnny Savu, a three-year starter in the secondary, will be the only two-way starter (WR). Key to the offense could be the health of RB Allen-Jackson who missed a few weeks in the middle of the season last year and the development of a line featuring two sophomores and untested quarterbacks. Three-player battle at QB includes sophomore Dakoda Skenandore, junior Bob Smith and senior Tyler Clark.

Coach says: "I'm real pleased with participation in our offseason camp and strength program. Attendance was very good and we've got 73 on the varsity roster, the most we've ever had. Our defense, as a whole, is very athletic."

Key games: "I think opening night against Benet Academy at home will be an important game for us," said Green. "We'll have a lot of people starting a varsity game for the first time and we're looking for a good start." In week 3, the Wolves open league play with crosstown rival Oswego.

Schedule:

8/28 Benet Academy, 7

9/4 at Larkin, 7:30

9/11 at Oswego, 7

9/18 at Plainfield Central, 7

9/25 Minooka, 7

10/2 at Romeoville, 7

10/9 at Plainfield North, 7

10/16 Plainfield East, 7

10/23 Plainfield South, 7