West Carroll Football Aims Higher After Promising 8-Man Debut

The West Carroll Thunder are setting their sights on greater achievements as they enter their second season in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association. After breaking a challenging 24-game losing streak that dated back to 2019, the team finished last season with a commendable 8-3 record and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Coach Abelardo Sustaita is optimistic about the team’s potential for further growth.

Sustaita emphasized the importance of self-belief among the players last season. “My focus was on just getting the kids to believe in themselves,” he stated. The Thunder faced a difficult four-year period, but Sustaita recognized their athleticism and capability to win once they gained confidence. He noted that last year’s seniors established a new standard, paving the way for the incoming group, who are eager to build on that success.

“We’re going to be a little bit smaller, but we’re quicker, we’re faster, and the kids understand the game now,” Sustaita remarked. This season, the emphasis will be on solidifying the team’s identity. The Thunder focused on weightlifting during the offseason and hosted a summer camp, which allowed them to compete against teams they had not faced before.

The team’s debut in the 8-man playoffs was marked by a thrilling 20-17 victory over Flanagan-Cornell-Woodland, although they faced a tough second-round loss to Polo, finishing 66-0. Sustaita is determined to enhance the team’s fundamentals to better compete against the league’s strongest teams. In the regular season, West Carroll suffered defeats of 44-0 against Milledgeville and 52-6 to Polo, both of which are considered top contenders in the league.

“We feel that we are going to give them a better game this year,” Sustaita asserted. He acknowledged that Milledgeville and Polo have consistently dominated the league, and he believes that hard work will be essential for West Carroll to reach that level.

The upcoming season looks promising with the return of key players, including junior running back Aiden Buchholz, who recorded over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The Thunder will benefit from nine returning seniors and four starters on offense and five on defense, which positions them well for a competitive season.

Revitalizing the football program in a new league has been an exciting journey for Sustaita, who previously served as an assistant coach at Amboy. “I worked the kids hard. I told them, ‘to come from losing, you have to put in double the work,'” he explained. The joy of the players was palpable during their first game last season, a resounding 64-14 victory over River Ridge, when the entire student section rushed the field in celebration.

As West Carroll continues to build on its recent successes, the Thunder are eager to establish themselves as a formidable presence in the Illinois 8-Man Football Association. With a focus on discipline, teamwork, and athletic development, the team is poised to take the next step in their evolution as a competitive force in the league.