Reents looking forward to season opener where he played

Death, taxes, playoff football in Wilmington.
Those are the constants in life. Well, at least they have been for 28 straight years for the purple and white. With the WHS enrollment officially listed at 406, the ‘Cats very well could be bumped down to 2A again.
With six home games on this year's schedule, number 29 appears to be a sure thing. In the last 25 years, the Wildcats have compiled a 144-18 record in front of the home faithful at Jeff Reents Stadium.
"Our kids have high expectations, and they want to keep the tradition going. They want to make memories for themselves, and obviously, we're working hard to try to get that done," Coach Reents said.
"Having all that extra practice time during the playoffs, particularly with the younger kids, is very helpful."
The numbers are always strong for the Wildcat program and this year is no exception with close to 88 kids.
"We had great attendance all summer long, so I was really happy with our coaching staff and everybody that put in the time over the summer," said Reents.
"A lot of our kids are busy not just with football, but with other sports, so we really appreciate all the time and the effort that they do put into football."
Wilmington competed in a few 7-on-7 scrimmages over the summer, traveling to Eureka and Bradley Bourbonnais, and Reents thought both sessions were very helpful.
Defensively, the 'Cats return eight out of 11 starters and offensively six starters are back.
"We have some nice kids back, but we also have to replace some good kids, but that's something I think that happens every year and we're looking forward to getting the season started," commented Reents.
Seniors: quarterback/defensive back Billy Moore (5-8,145), running back/defensive back Ryan Kettman (6-3, 185) and offensive lineman/linebacker Zach Ohlund (5-11, 240) and Jack Cutter (6, 225) and offensive/defensive lineman Logan Van Duyne (6-1, 210) bring a lot of experience, entering their third varsity seasons.
"Ohlund has done tremendously for us on the o-line and at linebacker and Van Duyne has been integral on both lines."
Juniors: tight end/linebacker Declan Moran (6-3, 190) and offensive/defensive lineman Will Wilson (6, 208) played as sophomores last year and Reents is looking for big things from them.
Senior tight end/defensive lineman Decklan Proffitt (5-7, 195) and senior running back/defensive back Nate Cupples (5-9, 170) will be counted on as well.
Replacing the all-time rushing leader in Kyle Farrell is not something that one guy can do. It takes a collective effort.
At linebacker, juniors Nash Rink (6, 184) and Colin Van Duyne (6, 190) are vying for a starting spot and at running back, Cupples, sophomore Hunter Kaitschuck (5-11, 180) and senior Jay Nevels (5-9, 160) will form a committee behind Kettman.
"We think Kaitschuck will not only help us running the ball but also on defense at the linebacker spot."
Moore and junior Brysen Meents (6, 160) are battling for the starting quarterback nod.
"Moore started the year for us and then Lucas Rink came in and did a really good job. Meents started for the junior varsity team so both those guys are competing for that spot."
The Wildcats will be tested right out of the gate with a trip to Class 5A semifinalist Morris Friday.
"You’re not just talking about a bigger school but one of the best programs in the state so it's a huge, huge game for us and we're excited about the opportunity," said Reents.
"In your non-conference games, you want to get tested. You want to see where you're at. It will be a great, playoff-type atmosphere at Morris."
Lisle's low numbers forced them to just have a junior varsity team so Wilmington had to try to find a week 6 opponent and fortunately, Thornton agreed to come to town.
"I appreciate our athletic director Brian Goff finding that for us. We got on the phone quickly, and they were one of the only schools with an opening for Week 6. For us to find one, I'm ecstatic."
"Granted, they are a really big school with a ton of athletes, but we're also glad to be home too. I would never want to shortchange our seniors and only have eight games."
Six of the nine games will featured the greatest pregame show around at Becker Field, which is an obvious advantage.
They will close the regular season hosting rival Coal City in a game that likely decides the conference title.
"Coal City is going to be really good. They return their entire o-line and most of the d-line. Manteno made the playoffs last year and will be tough with their quarterback returning."
"Peotone is a hard-nosed team that always plays us tough. Herscher has numerous kids back and then you throw in our rival in Reed-Custer. You need to be ready to play every Friday."