Senior linebacker Kellen Younie understands there can be strength in numbers when it comes to building a football team, but quality goes a long way as well for West Aurora.

It’s why Younie, a third-year varsity starter and the leader of the defense, is excited about entering a 2025 season featuring a more challenging nonconference schedule for the Blackhawks.

Despite heavy graduation losses, West Aurora has a core of six seniors who gained varsity playing time as sophomores, ranging from full-time starters to rotation players to one late-season addition.

“Our defense looks really good,” said Younie, who has added 15 pounds of muscle. “We have a strong bond that helps and we have a lot of people who pick up easy on what they’re doing.”

It includes a group of juniors who went 7-2 last

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