Outlook: With 13 returning starters, including QB Ryan Mroz, Wheeling should top the division. But Palatine could prevent a runaway in a division with no noticable weak links.
1993 state qualifiers: Palatine (second round), Buffalo Grove (first round).
Quotable: Hersey coach Bruce Glover: “I would think everybody in this league likes their team.”
Players to watch: John Gatta (RB/LB, 5-9, 185), Ryan Mroz (QB, 6-1, 180), Steve Schalk (RB/LB, 5-11, 189), Wheeling; Mike Burden (TB, 6-1, 200), Frank “Bubba” Mariani (TB, 5-8, 154), Matt Marzec (QB, 6-0, 171), Palatine; Bill Bey (RB, 5-9, 175), Barrington; Brendan Doyle (QB, 6-2, 175), Buffalo Grove; Tim Eaton (QB, 5-11, 175), Fremd.
Key games: Wheeling at Barrington, Sept. 30; Wheeling at Palatine, Oct. 15; Palatine at Barrington, Oct. 21.
Predicted ’94 finish: Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Fremd, Hersey.
