Normal West was challenged early on in its season this fall, but after some close games, the Wildcats feel primed for the playoffs when they begin on Saturday.

Coach Nathan Finchum indicates his team went up against four playoff teams in the first five weeks and feels the close games they were able to win are starting to pay off for them.

The Wildcats were carried early by their offense, but Coach Finchum says a trend you like to see is the defense starting to get better with the playoffs on the horizon.

Coach Finchum and the Wildcats have had some tough draws in the first couple of rounds of the 6A playoffs in the last few years. He is hoping his team can draw on those experiences this year.

Normal West will host South Holland-Thornwood on Saturday at 1 pm.