Naperville Central: August 2009 Archives

Here's an ambitious way to start the season: Wheaton Warrenville South -- the region's top-ranked team by the Chicago Sun-Times -- opens its nonconference schedule with Hinsdale Central and Maine South. Those programs are slotted third and second, respectively, on the same list and met in last year's Class 8A state title game won by Maine South.

According to EdgyTim, Mack Tracey will start at quarterback for WW South. The DuPage Valley Conference rotation matches the Tigers up against District 203 in Weeks 4 and 5. Wherever the versatile Tracey lines up, WW South will look to get the ball in his hands. He'll be a focus for Naperville Central and Naperville North defenses.

"Position-wise it's really no big secret now. I'm going to start at quarterback but I'm fully expecting to be moving around a bit like I have in years past," Tracey told EdgyTim.com. "I'm totally fine with doing that because if it helps us be a better team then I'm all for it. I played some quarterback and then moved over to receiver in our scrimmage last week and it went really well. Personally I just want to go out and play. If the coaches want me to be a slash type of player I'll do that as well. Whatever the team needs I'm good with as long as I'm playing."

Quarterbacks Matt LaCosse (Naperville North) and Nick Linne (Naperville Central), Waubonsie Valley wide receiver Scott Kuehn and North linebacker Nick Lifka are among the Chicago area's top 100 players, according to the list compiled by Steve Tucker of the Sun-Times.

"Naperville Sports Weekly" will be back on the air just as the prep football season begins again. The show starts its third season on Naperville Community Television on Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Viewers have three ways to watch: Channel 17; NCTV17.com through simultaneous streaming and on-demand; and iTunes podcast. The complete schedule can also be found at NCTV17.com.

The half-hour program has highlights and features from Benet, Naperville Central, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley.

After weighing all his options, Naperville Central senior Nick Linne has committed to play baseball at Northwestern.

The three-sport athlete will focus on baseball instead of actively searching for more football opportunities. The Redhawks quarterback threw for 1,711 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, later drawing an offer from Illinois State.

Linne, a versatile infielder/outfielder, said that Central baseball coach Bill Seiple and his Illinois Sparks travel team coaches did too much selling to Northwestern on his behalf to reconsider the decision.

"It's just a verbal right now, but I'm not gonna change my mind. It's not gonna happen," Linne said Thursday after football practice. "I'm really excited to get up there next year."