Returners eager to turn program around

Senior quarterback Josiah McDermit rolls to his left at Westosha Central High School's first contact held at the school last July (Jason Arndt/The Report)
Senior quarterback Josiah McDermit rolls to his left at Westosha Central High School’s first contact held at the school last July (Jason Arndt/The Report)

Central opens season Friday

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

After a humbling 2015 football season, the Falcons have returned to camp with a renewed spirit, according to Westosha Central High School coach Tyson Mengel.

Westosha Central, who went winless at 0-9 a year ago, brings back all of its offensive leaders from a year ago.

The Division 2 Falcons open its season at home Friday against non conference opponent Milwaukee Washington, a Division 1 squad that finished 5-5 (4-2 Milwaukee City-Blackbourn Conference).

“This has been the best camp we have had the past four years,” said Mengel, who enters his fourth season. “Our guys are flying around the field with more confidence and an eagerness to turn this program around.”

The eagerness, Mengel said, parlayed into the community and in the classroom, where he reported the squad increased their GPA and put in extra work in the weight room.

As they work to turn the program around, another positive sign are the return of quarterback Josiah McDermit, offensive threats Austin Kurylo, Tre Williams, Logan Hughes and Anthony Capelli.

McDermit, who threw for 1,180 yards a year ago, completing 67 of 177 passes with nine touchdowns and four interceptions, could have a stronger offensive line.

A year ago, the quarterback struggled to stay in the pocket, leaving him to roll out continuously during the season.

During the off season, Mengel reviewed the team’s pass protection scheme, and believes the adjustments during camp could pay off.

“We evaluated our offensive line’s pass protection and tweaked it this year,” Mengel stated. “After the scrimmage against Bradford and Milwaukee Hamilton, Josiah had the most time to throw in the pocket.”

In addition to pass protection, the offensive line could break more holes open for returning letter-winner Logan Hughes, an honorable mention all-Southern Lakes Conference last year.

Last year, Hughes had 450 yards rushing on 86 carries and scored four touchdowns. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark on two occasions, including an Oct. 9 contest at cross-town rival Wilmot, producing 137 yards on 20 carries.

“Logan has been our workhorse the last two years and will continue to be this season,” said Mengel, who also plans to use sophomore newcomers Sammy Greco and Niko Lemke.

Meanwhile, McDermit’s two main targets are coming back, Kurylo and Capelli.

Kurylo, who earned honorable mention all-SLC as a defensive back, had 23 catches for 450 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns.

Furthermore, the McDermit-Kurylo connection came together Oct. 2, with Kurylo snagging five receptions for a season-high 208 yards and three touchdowns against Delavan-Darien.

Capelli, however, had seven receptions for 204 yards.

Along with the duo of Capelli/Kurylo and the return of Williams, a multi-purpose threat on kick and punt returns, Mengel has confidence in his receiving corps.

“Our deepest position is wide receiver this season,” Mengel said. “Austin returns with more speed and confidence in the passing game.”

As the Falcons look towards the 2016 season, they will have to replace departing seniors Denver Frahm, an honorable mention defensive lineman, offensive lineman Colton Durkin and defensive lineman James Manring.

Mengel looks to install Hunter Danielowicz as the center while Jared Adams is currently the defensive end.

Although the Falcons went winless last year, Mengel’s goal is to reach the post-season, which requires a minimum four wins on the SLC slate.

“The Southern Lakes Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the state,” Mengel said. “We know the task ahead of us and are ready to climb the mountain and play for 10.”

SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 – Milwaukee Washington
Aug. 26 – Zion Benton (Ill.)
Sept. 2 – Union Grove
Sept. 9 – at Lake Geneva Badger
Sept. 16 – Burlington
Sept. 23 – Waterford
Sept. 30 – at Delavan-Darien
Oct. 7 – Wilmot
Oct. 14 – at Elkhorn


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