Burlington Central hoping to continue its successful ways
Burlington Central coach Aaron Wichman likes to lean on his seniors.
So far, the Rockets upperclassmen have been plenty steady.
(Michael Smart/Staff Photographer)
• 2006 record: 10-2
• Coach: Aaron Wichman (20-12 in 4th season at Central; 23-18 career)
• Playoff appearances: 13 (Equaled school's furthest trip in postseason ever by advancing to quarterfinals in 2006)
Central schedule
Aug. 24 at Kaneland
Aug. 31 Sycamore
Sept. 7 at Byron
Sept. 14 Oregon
Sept. 21 Marengo
Sept. 28 Richmond-Burton
Oct. 5 at North Boone
Oct. 12 at Hampshire
Oct. 19 at Harvard
"We really hit the ground running (during the preseason)," said Wichman. "And as a coaching staff we've liked the senior leadership we've been getting. We've pushed them and they've been ready to go from the beginning."
Headlining the returnees from the Rockets' 10-2 season and run to the state quarterfinals of a year ago are three All-Big Northern Conference selections. Senior defensive end Bryan Bell (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), senior offensive lineman Jason Shallcross (5-10, 235) and senior linebacker Jason Wagner (6-1, 200) are back. Wagner also mans the fullback position. Wichman said Shallcross could line up at center or guard.
"I think Bell and Wagner could play at any of the (Fox Valley Conference) schools," said Wichman. "They're both very talented."
Senior offensive tackle Matt VanAcker (6-1, 225) started last season and seniors Greg Dickson (5-11, 180, LB), Dan Hagberg (6-1, 175, S) and Jordan Romano (6-4, 270, DT) also have starting experience.
Hagberg will take over for the graduated Justin Lee at quarterback. Lee was The Courier News Player of the Year in 2004 and '06, but Wichman says Hagberg is a capable playmaker and faster than Lee.
Dickson could get some playing time at fullback and junior Tommy Gast (5-7, 135) will play wing back. Seniors Tim Martens (6-1, 200), Wally Swenson (6-7, 205), Zach Klein (5-10, 145) and Aaron Straub (5-10, 170) comprise the receiving corps.
Joining Shallcross and VanAcker on the offensive line are seniors Cody Frederick (6-0, 200, C/G) and Tim Colby (6-1, 180, TE), while junior guard John Khamo (6-0, 240) and sophomore tackle Tim Seyller (6-1, 220) could also contribute.
The Central defense, which surrendered an average of nine points per game in going 5-0 and winning the BNC East Division title, returns four starters. Hoping to join the fun is senior Curt Mastio, a 5-11, 170-pound linebacker. Hagberg, Colby and Martens will be joined in the secondary by junior Nick Smith (5-11, 165), sophomore Kevin Kellish (6-0, 175) and freshman Tim Maroder (5-10, 170) -- the first prep rookie to play for Wichman's varsity in his four-year tenure at Central. The Rockets defensive line will also include Swenson.
Team speed could again be an asset for the Rockets, who figure on defending their BNC East title.
"We're not going to be slow," Wichman said with a smile. "But these seniors are going to carry us. We're anxious to get out there. They want to leave their mark here.
"Success breeds success."
