Warriors trying to forge an identity

Waubonsie participates in linemen challenge

BOLINGBROOK -- You coach what comes through your doors. That pretty much sums up Paul Murphy's flexible philosophy. It begins to explain why Waubonsie Valley went from a smash-mouth offense in 2007 to the spread in 2008.

As for the 2009 season, the Warriors -- like everyone else -- are still trying to figure it out some six weeks before the opening kickoff. Waubonsie brought 26 players to Bolingbrook's linemen challenge on Wednesday, one of 25 contact days allowed by the IHSA in the summer.

Waubonsie plans to use 21 of those days, a dramatic increase from the 12 taken in previous offseasons. That's because in District 204 classes will start earlier this year (Aug. 20) and cut into two-a-days.

"We're looking at four days of double (sessions) in August and three of those are helmets-only," Murphy said. "You're talking about one day of doubles in pads, so it makes the summer that much more important (to) teach what you want to teach.

"When they come back in August, you hope they've retained it, so you don't have to start over from scratch."

District 203 has been using a similar academic calendar, so it shouldn't be a major issue for a team that opens on Aug. 29 against Naperville Central at Benedictine. More pressing will be finding a replacement for Tyler Castro, a three-year starter at quarterback who'll now play for Drake.

Senior Kenny Clay, a part-time starter at tailback last season, and junior Tom Kolzow are expected to compete for the job.

"They may not have the accuracy Tyler had throwing the ball, but they all can run," Murphy said. "It makes the spread even more of a natural (fit) for us. Plus, (we) didn't run any option last year. It gives us a chance to run (that)."

That will help form an offensive identity because, as Murphy said, "We're not in college. We don't get to recruit. We get to recruit our own hallway."

Wednesday's event drew 49 teams from 35 schools, according to organizer Phil Acton, the former Bolingbrook head coach. Naperville North and Wheaton Warrenville South were among the programs participating in seven events, including bench press, the 40-yard dash and tug-of-war.

"It's definitely motivation," said Waubonsie senior offensive tackle Andrew Szott. "It kind of gives you an idea of how good other teams are, so it pushes you to be that much better."

Linemen typically like to go unrecognized. If they're noticed, it's for a holding penalty or getting beat by a defensive end. But Wednesday brought some individual attention in strength and agility drills. Every program in the gym knows that it doesn't matter how talented your skill-position players are if they don't get any time or protection.

"I think we have a pretty well-rounded team," Szott said. "We saw last year what it took to make the playoffs. (We) definitely have a lot of talent. It's just all about working as a team and bringing it together."