Preview capsule: Plainfield Central football

Veteran Plainfield Central coach John Jackson noticed something about a week ago that made him feel good.

"We did a lot of good work in the offseason, but just this week, a lot of the young guys caught up quickly," he said. "It's like the light bulb lit up. All of a sudden they were getting their reads and reacting better."

That may not be good news for the rest of the Suburban Prairie Conference. The Wildcats won the title last year with a 7-0 record, finishing 8-2 overall, and return a stable of experienced running backs -- Brian Meeks, Alonzo Morgan and Brock Douglas -- to help get this season started in the proper direction.

"We want to pick up where we left off with the seniors," Jackson said. "We have 67 kids, which is a lot, and our talent is pretty good. The big question is the inexperience, where we have to fill holes. But isn't that the same every year?"

Backfield : The names should be familiar. But if they aren't, they will be soon. Meeks rushed for 825 yards in 2008, Morgan for 435 and Douglas for 250. They combined to average more than 6 yards per carry for a Wildcats offense that again will employ variations of double-wing, I-formation and spread alignments.

"Meeks is a power back," Jackson said. "He's in his third varsity season. Alonzo (Morgan) may be our most versatile player. He starts at fullback, is one of our best linebackers and can line up at a wing or wideout. Brock (Douglas) runs misdirection well. Meeks is the fastest of the three, but Alonzo is right there with him. All three are outstanding blockers, too."

Senior Zach Warren takes over at quarterback after backing up Alex Parks last season. "Zach sees things well and runs the option well," Jackson said. "He has good command of our offense. A downside is that he is on the short side (5-10)."

Linemen : Senior guard Matt Schnecke, a good trap and drive blocker, is a returning starter and senior center Nick Curtin did a good job when called upon to fill in last season. Junior guard Troy Bendoraitis, the team's best drive blocker, has had swelling in the knee, but Jackson was hoping to have him available to open the season. Senior Dillon Gloster and junior Matt Rinehart are the tackles. Ed Vicich, one of the team's better junior linemen, has been out with torn cartilage but may be ready by Week 2 or 3.

Receivers : Ty Mangino, Alce Smith and Dominique Neloms provide three good senior wideouts, and junior Brendan Zullo is in the mix. "Neloms progressed well over the summer," Jackson said. "He is a heck of a target. If we go tight, he will be the guy. And Mangino and Smith can play in the slots, too, if a back needs a rest. I'm pleased with all of them."

Linemen : Seniors Nick Trevino, also a backup linebacker, and Jeff Onken will be defensive ends. Pablo Sanchez and Lavelle Howard are the tackles, though Eddie Glover and Cody Bourland are pushing for playing time. "We have a lot of options, a lot we can do, in the defensive line," Jackson said.

Linebackers : Division I prospect Ryan Carr, a 6-3, 235-pound senior and returning starter, is the defensive leader, with Morgan or perhaps junior Jeff Kazak lined up next to him. "Carr is a D-I type prospect," Jackson said. "He fills well. We can move him into the line for special circumstances, too." Jackson is comfortable with any of senior Josh Ellingwood or juniors Justin Scanlen or Mark Young at the outside linebacker slots.

Secondary : Vito Cerino is set at safety, with Kyle Wright and Mark Hardman at the corners, backed by junior Henry Thigpen.

Incumbent Evan Engelsen and junior running back Mike Lancor are battling for kicking and punting duties. "Evan will do the long kicking, and it depends on who is more accurate in close," Jackson said. "Mike (Lancor) also will be the first one to go in if I have to replace a wing(back)."

After sweeping through the SPC a year ago, the Wildcats have a target on their back. But with good numbers, decent physical size, the three returning running backs and Carr to anchor the defense, they will be difficult to knock off their perch.