Normal West Prepares for 3-0 Bloomington Central Catholic
Written by Nicholas Thompson on September 18, 2025
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal West Wildcats are off to a 2–1 start this season, and head coach Nathan Fincham believes his team is showing steady growth through the first three weeks.
“Taking a look at how we came out to start the season, I thought we came out very well and prepared,” Fincham said. “Week 2 we had to play our crosstown rival, Normal Community. Playing them that early in the season is always a little difficult. We learned a lot of lessons in that one about consistency, adversity, and how to go about our business. In Week 3 against Danville, we were able to fix the things we struggled with in Week 2. We’re still a fairly young team, and there’s a lot we need to learn, but I like where we’re headed.”
With the Wildcats having a younger roster this year, Fincham described his team in one word which was “dynamic.”
“We have a lot of good personalities on this team and players that care,” Fincham said. “In terms of on-the-field play, we’re fast, explosive, and have a lot of energy so I think we are a very dynamic team.”
The Wildcats identity will be tested this Friday when they play Bloomington Central Catholic, a team off to a perfect 3–0 start.
“You know, last year Bloomington played with a style we really weren’t ready for,” Fincham said. “They came out super physical with their power-counter schemes, and offensively they were really good. This time around, we have to match their physicality.”
Fincham also shared his goals for the rest of the season, noting that a Week 2 loss put his team behind in the conference race but still he believes the Wildcats have plenty left to play for.
“We’re hopeful we can still compete for a conference title, and obviously we want to finish the season on a high note and head into the playoffs with a high seed,” Fincham said.
Normal West will get its chance to prove it Friday night when the Wildcats line up against undefeated Bloomington Central Catholic at 7 p.m.
For all things IHSA football, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com
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