For the second straight year, Normal West fell in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs to East St. Louis.

The Wildcats spent the offseason retooling looking forward to a new year. Coach Nathan Fincham says his team spent the offseason focused on getting in the weight room and making sure their scrimmage work was intentional for players stepping into new roles.

The Wildcats hang their hats on the fact they are physical, fast and put pressure on the quarterback on defense. Coach Fincham says they will spread the field on offense and then call an offense based on the strength of that year's team.

Coach Fincham was pleased with his team's preparation this offseason and credits his team's competitiveness. 

The Wildcats open the season hosting Peoria Notre Dame.