CP-U quarterback Wilkin ready to write final chapter

CENTER POINT - Few high school quarterbacks can match the resume of Center Point-Urbana's Ryan Wilkin.

Three-year starter? Check.

Four-point grade-point average? Check.

Thirty-two out of a possible 36 on the ACT exam? Check.

This stellar resume may land him a spot in the Ivy League. The Harvard Crimson, among other universities, are ramping up their recruitment of the senior quarterback.

"I've got a lot of interest in Harvard," Wilkin said. "It's nice knowing you can go there academically since they have so much history there."

Stormin' Pointers Coach Dan Burke could not say enough about his quarterback.

"He never misses practice, he's quiet, he never gets hurt," Burke said. "You could write a book about that kid.

"He's just a leader by example."

Wilkin passed for 1,284 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He also picked up 183 yards on the ground and scored six touchdowns.

Despite the list of accomplishments, Wilkin has a few more chapters to write.

"I'd like to make it farther than we did the last couple of years, because we lost in the first round of the state playoffs," he said.

That run to the playoffs will start up front for the Stormin' Pointers. CP-U has to replace three starters along the line from last season's team.

The idea of being the weakest point on the team does not sit well with the new seniors on the line.

"We just work hard in practice and show everyone we can do it," guard Reed Sagert said.

"It's definitely a motivator to make us work harder," tackle Jon Krogmann added.

The seniors won't have to wait long to make a statement. CP-U squared off against Class 4A Linn-Mar in a scrimmage before it begins the season at Union.

"We can get a good look at ourselves," Sagert said. "Knock ‘em in the mouth and see if we can make a name."

Nick Dighton looks to be the benefactor of the revamped offensive line. Dighton rushed for 475 yards on the ground and five touchdowns in 2012.

"We lost a lot of linemen, but we have guys stepping up," Dighton said. "It's going to be different. It will effect team chemistry. We have to work together well."

Center Point-Urbana also lost its leading receiver from last season, Josh Jirak, who hauled in 45 catches for 791 yards and nine touchdowns.

Burke said the Stormin' Pointers are up to the challenge.

"Everybody thinks we lost everybody," Burke said. "But I like where we're at." 

Center Point-Urbana Stormin' Pointers

Coach: Dan Burke (6th season, 21-27)

Last year: 8-2 (5-1 2A-4)

Key returners: OT John Krogmann, C-DE Reed Sagert, QB-LB Ryan Wilkin, RB Nick Dighton, WR-S Nick Thibault, K Brayton Brandt

Key losses: WR Josh Jirak, OL-DL Sawyer Krotz, DT Gus Gifford, LB Gage Silker

Key to making playoffs: Replacing lost offensive linemen

Game to watch: Showdown in Dyersville on Sept. 27, defending district champion Beckman

Schedule

Aug. 30 - Union

Sept. 6 - at Benton

Sept. 13 - Camanche

Sept. 20 - at East Marshall

Sept. 27 - at Beckman

Oct. 4 - Monticello

Oct. 11 - at Northeast

Oct. 18 - Cascade

Oct. 25 - at Mount Vernon

Roster

2 Alec Burke, jr., QB/WR

3 Ryan Wilkin, sr., QB

5 Mason McCauley, jr., WR

9 Nick Thibault. sr., WR

11 Tyler Shaffer, jr., TE

14 Strad Houtakker, jr., WR

18 Jesse Brooker, jr., RB

23 Tate Sullivan, sr., TE

32 Nick Dighton, sr., RB

36 Brandon Kinsey, jr., RB

39 Wyatt Sadler, jr., FB

42 Logan Holtz, sr., FB

45 Brayton Brandt, sr., K

48 Zach Fuessley, jr., FB

50 Reed Sagert, sr., OL

53 Michael Seibert, jr., OL

54 Trent Holst, sr., OL

58 Dalton Cress, sr., OL

65 Quincy Kay, sr., OL

66 Duel Pettit, jr., OL

67 Davis Benton, sr., OL

70 Joe Gosnell, sr., OL

71 C. Franzenburg, jr., OL

73 Grady Karr, jr., OL

74 Jon Krogmann, sr., OL

75 Ryan Oliver, jr., OL

76 Triston Randall, jr. OL

78 Hunter Wilhelmi, jr. OL

81 Dylan Boevers, sr., WR

86 J. Vander Veen, sr., TE