Outlook: Coal City’s run of nine straight playoff appearances may be in jeopardy. After a 10-1 season last year, the Coalers graduated 17 starters. Coach Ken Miller will rebuild his offense after losing all 11 starters. Coal City’s loss may be Wilmington’s gain. With “Mr. Everything,” RB/S Damien Anderson, leading 19 returning lettermen, the Wildcats appear to be the team to beat.
1995 state qualifers: Coal City (second round).
Quotable: Wilmington coach Jeff Reents, when told his fellow conference coaches think his team is the one to beat: “They’re on drugs.”
Players to watch: Jack Leffler (OT, 6-1, 270), Coal City; Vince Gavin (OL/DL, 6-6, 285), Matt Johns (RB, 5-10, 175), Travis Martinez (FB/LB, 6-1, 210), Raul Torres (QB, 5-11, 165), Shane Finch (RB, 5-8, 170), Mike Davis (QB, 6-3, 180), Plano; Eugene Verly (FB, 5-7, 160), Seneca; Damien Anderson (RB/FS, 5-10, 193), Tim Welch (OL/DL, 6-3, 208), Mike Deninger (LB/OL, 5-10 200), Ryan Alexander (QB 6-1, 180), Wilmington.
Key games: Wilmington at Coal City, Sept. 20; Seneca at Wilmington, Sept. 27; Seneca at Coal City, Oct. 11.
Predicted ’96 finish: Wilmington, Coal City, Seneca, Lisle, Plano, Dwight, Sandwich, Reed-Custer.
