West Carroll Aims Higher After Impressive 8-Man Football Debut

West Carroll’s football team is poised to build on its successful debut season in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association. Following a challenging four-year period that included a 24-game losing streak, the Thunder achieved an 8-3 record last year, marking a significant turnaround. They not only broke their losing streak but also advanced to the second round of the playoffs, showcasing their potential and resilience.

Coach Abelardo Sustaita, now in his second season, is focused on further developing the team’s confidence and identity. “My focus was on just getting the kids to believe in themselves,” Sustaita reflected on the previous season. He noted the team’s struggles, saying they had the athleticism to win but needed to cultivate self-belief. The seniors from last season established a new standard, and now the incoming group is eager to continue that momentum. “We’re going to be a little bit smaller, but we’re quicker, we’re faster, and [the kids] understand the game now,” he added.

To enhance their performance, the team has emphasized weightlifting during the offseason and participated in a summer camp, which was a departure from last year when they did not engage in 5-on-5 games. “We got to see some teams that we didn’t get to see, so that was big for us as well,” said Sustaita. The team benefited from a new weight room at their upgraded high school facility, which has helped them prepare effectively for the upcoming season.

Last season, West Carroll marked its playoff debut with a narrow 20-17 victory over Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland before facing a tough 66-0 defeat against Polo in the second round. Sustaita acknowledges that improving fundamentals will be crucial for competing against the league’s top teams. The Thunder also experienced significant losses during the regular season, falling 44-0 to Milledgeville and 52-6 to Polo. “We feel that we are going to give them a better game this year,” he stated, highlighting the need for hard work to reach the level of these established teams.

The Thunder’s roster returns key players, including junior Aiden Buchholz, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns last season. With nine seniors and several returning starters—four on offense and five on defense—Sustaita is optimistic about the upcoming season.

Sustaita expressed excitement about revitalizing the football program in its new league, particularly after his previous experience as an assistant at Amboy. “I worked the kids hard. I told them, ‘to come from losing, you have to put in double the work,’” he said. The joy on the players’ faces during their opening game, a decisive 64-14 win over River Ridge, was a testament to their efforts. “The whole student section ran on the field immediately. It’s been awesome,” he concluded.

As West Carroll prepares for the 2023 season, the emphasis will remain on hard work, teamwork, and establishing a strong identity. Sustaita and his players are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and strive for even greater accomplishments in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association.