Scouting the Glenbard West Hilltoppers
By Kevin Schmit
kschmit@dailyherald.com
In the last three seasons Glenbard West has won 10 playoff football games.
Adding five more postseason victories and the program’s first state title since 1983 is the clear goal for 2011.
“I think we’re as talented as we’ve been in the last few years,” said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. “I don’t see a lot of weaknesses.”
Eleven returning starters tell only half the story for an 80-player team set to receive a boost from a junior class that hasn’t lost a high school game. And last year’s sophomore team actually went unbeaten with five players up on varsity.
Glenbard West boasts tremendous depth topped by immense individual talent. Third-year starting defensive lineman Tommy Schutt recently verbally committed to Penn State, while fellow third-year starting offensive lineman Johnny Caspers is weighing multiple college offers.
Junior speedster Kendall Johnson, who rushed for 700 yards last year but will miss the first three weeks of the season, brings game-breaking ability along with receiver Nathan Marcus and dual threat quarterback Justice Odom.
Junior Nick Garland adds a third returning starter to the offensive line to feed into the Hilltoppers’ traditional strength of pounding the running game with Joey Zito, Avery Balogh and sophomore Devante Toney. With Odom, a state qualifier in four track events last spring, Glenbard West also will lean on some option play.
“We have so many options on offense,” Hetlet said. “We need to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.”
Schutt, who will see time at tight end, is the clear and dominant leader of the defense. He’s joined by four other returning starters headed by linebackers Erik Strittmater and Andrew Larkin, and cornerbacks Matt and Mike Marston. The team’s second sophomore, Hayden Carlson, is expected to contribute at safety.
“We’ve got two real talented classes and an unreal amount of depth,” Hetlet said. “There’s no doubt this group wants to go a lot farther than last year.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Chad Hetlet (fifth season, 41-9; eighth overall, 59-21).
2010 record: 10-2, 5-1, tied for first in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Tommy Schutt (DL-TE, 6-3, 290); Johnny Caspers (OL, 6-4, 285, sr.); Kendall Johnson (RB, 6-1, 185, jr.); Erik Strittmater (LB-RB, 6-1, 175, jr.); Andrew Larkin (LB, 6-1, 210, sr.); Justice Odom (QB, 6-2, 195, sr.); Joey Zito (RB, 5-10, 180, jr.); Nick Garland (OL, 6-2, 220, jr.); Nathan Marcus (TE-WR, 6-5, 210, jr.); Avery Balogh (RB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Devante Toney (RB, 5-9, 195, so.); Matt Marston (DB, 5-10, 170, sr.); Mike Marston (DB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Hayden Carlson (DB, 5-10, 160, so.).
Schedule
Fri, Aug 26 @ WW South 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Sep 3 Willowbrook 1:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 9 @ Lyons Twp. 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Sep 17 Hinsdale Central 1:30 p.m.
Sat, Sep 24 @ OPRF 1 p.m.
Sat, Oct 1 Proviso West 1:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 7 @ Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.
Sat, Oct 15 York 1 p.m.
Fri, Oct 21 @ Downers North 7:30 p.m.