NBCSportsChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Starting July 30, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPreps Top 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 24.
School: Neuqua Valley
Head coach: Bill Ellinghaus
Assistant coaches: Rodney Jones, Jason Berry, J.R. Niklos, Clayton Figi, Joey Michals, Tom Trayser, Tim companey, Jack Smilanic, Mike Parton, Billy Ellinghaus, David Ricca, Dominic Pisciteillo, Bill Miller, Jeff Wynne, Nico Vittori
How they fared in 2017: 5-4 (4-4 DuPage Valley Conference), Neuqua Valley failed to qualify for the 2017 IHSA state playoff field.
2018 regular season schedule:
Aug. 24 vs. Glenbard North
Aug. 31 vs. Stevenson
Sept. 7 @ Waubonsie Valley
Sept. 14 @ Normal Community
Sept. 21 @ Jacobs
Sept. 28 vs. Waubonsie Valley
Oct. 5 @ Naperville Central
Oct. 12 vs. Metea Valley
Oct. 19 vs. Naperville North
Biggest storyline: Can the Wildcats get back to the top of the DuPage Valley Conference and back into the state playoff field in 2018?
Names to watch this season: RB Will Chevalier, DL Matt Quinn
Biggest holes to fill: Neuqua Valley welcomes back 10 returning starters (5 offense 5 defense) and have a handful of spots in need this summer including quarterback and offensive line.
EDGY's Early Take: Neuqua Valley and head coach Bill Ellinghaus missed the 2017 state playoffs, a rarity these days for the Wildcats program. Look for a much more focused programs this season that will rely on a strong group of offensive skills including RB Will Chevalier, WR Brandt Stare plus WR Patrick Hoffman. The Neuqua Valley defense also has talent back this fall and includes senior DL Matt Quinn along with senior OLB/DE Kyle Borske. If the Wildcats can settle on a quarterback from a strong group of potential starters this summer look out for Neuqua Valley this fall.