Editor's Note:An earlier copy of this article stated that almost all of the Wildcats' offensive line was returning. However, only one member of the offensive line is returning this season. We apologize for any confusion.
After a disappointing year last year, where the Wildcats only managed a few wins, LHS looks primed to improve and contend this year led by second year starting quarterback A.J. Schurr.
New Look Offense
After running an offense the last few years that relied primarily on the running back triumvirate that was James Zotto,Kevin Penny, and Nick McDowell, the coaches made the decision to swtich to the spread offense.
The spread is a more pass-oriented scheme than the previously used offensive system, which primarily used the running game to set up the passing game. The spread offense is gets its name from spreading the opponent's secondary out by utilizing different packages of receivers and routes. When executed to perfection, the spread becomes very difficult to stop.
Adding to the complication of learning a new offensive scheme, the offense has also became a no huddle operation,something designed to keep the opposing defense on their heels.
The spread is used by numerous teams in college football, including well known programs at the University of Illinois,University of Florida and the University of Missouri.
The spread isn't used as much in the NFL. However, both teams in the previous Super Bowl, the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, used a variant on the spread. Numerous teams in the pros utilize a no-huddle style offense.
Up Next: Barrington (0-0)
The Good
Any time you can return numerous offensive and defensive starters you've already got a leg up on the opponent. The Wildcats have their quarterback,number one receiver, and good chunk of their secondary and linebackers returning this season. The development of the aformentioned Schurr and senior Jeremy Birck will be huge. Barrington's offense is gonna need to step it up a notch, they only put up more than thirty points once last season, and got shut out by Palatine,something almost unheard of in high school football. Turnovers are also an issue for the Broncos, they coughed up the ball four times last year against the Wildcats
The Bad
Last year's defense was just average for the Wildcats, but average won't cut it this year. The defense needs to-literally-patch up the holes, and keep the opposing offense on the field long enough for the offense to catch their breaths.Barrington's got a strong offensive line, with some lineman being scouted by Northwestern and Wisconsin. The Broncos' running game is solid too. They'll both be key if their defense struggles to handle the spread.
The Ugly Truth
The first game of the season is always interesting because it's hard to predict what'll happen. Both teams are eager to beat the other after a long summer of two a days, and both teams are coming off disappointing seasons. Last year's game was close really really really close with both teams battling it out till the very end. If the spread offense doesn't work for the Wildcats,there's a very high chance this game will be similiar to last year's. If it comes anywhere close to working, the Broncos won't stand a chance.
Wildcats 27, Broncos 10
photo by Matt Kalish