Scouting the Glenbard North Panthers
Football coaches are quick to note that only so much stock can be placed in the summer.
But what to make of Glenbard North’s off-season performance in the Red Grange 7-on-7 Classic? The Panthers — a program known for ramming the run down the throats of opponents — finished a surprising second at the Grange as quarterback Brian Murphy continually connected with receiver Ryan Storto and running back Justin Jackson.
Are we seeing a change in philosophy? No chance.
“Are you going to see Glenbard North throwing the ball 30 times a game?” Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens asked rhetorically. “That’s not going to happen.”
Not with Jackson — with offers from Illinois, Northwestern, Boston College and Purdue — returning as one of the state’s top running backs after rushing for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. And not with Murphy, committed to Michigan to wrestle, returning as one of the DuPage Valley Conference’s best dual-threat quarterbacks after 464 of his nearly 1,300 total yards came on the ground.
Add in three returning linemen led by 6-foot-3, 285-pound D’Angelo Hodges, and you can bet the Panthers will keep churning yards with the run game in their quest for a DVC title and a chase for the Class 8A crown.
“We’re better at the receiver position, Murphy’s better, and I don’t think there’s any question (Jackson’s) in for a great year,” Wilkens said. “Our offense looks pretty good but we’ve got some work to do on defense.”
After so many seasons of strong defense, it’s tough to worry about that unit even though only a few experienced players return. Mario Rodriguez will see less time running the ball, especially with Shawn Lenahan at fullback, to lead the linebackers.
Andrew Mulshine returns to the line while Jackson will be a lockdown cornerback on opponents’ best receivers. Murphy may see limited time at safety.
It’s a combination that could lead to a DVC title, although that’s the last thing on Wilkens’ mind right now.
“The opener against Batavia is our focus right now,” he said. “There’s no way I’m looking past that.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Ryan Wilkens (eighth year, 54-26).
2011 record: 9-4, 4-3, tied for fourth in DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Justin Jackson (RB-DB, 6-0, 175, jr.); Brian Murphy (QB, 5-10, 170, sr.); Mario Rodriguez (LB, 5-9, 165, sr.); Andrew Mulshine (DL, 6-3, 220, sr.); Ryan Storto (WR, 5-10, 165, sr.); D’Angelo Hodges (OL, 6-3, 285, sr.); Mitch Siver (OL, 5-10, 280, sr.); Chris Edwards (OL, 6-1, 285, jr.); Kendall Holbert (WR, 6-1, 185, jr.); Sam Kriese (DB, 5-9, 170, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Batavia at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Glenbard North at Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Glenbard North at West Chicago, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Glenbard East at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Glenbard North at West Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Naperville Central at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Glenbard North at Wheaton Warrenville South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Wheaton North at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Glenbard North at Naperville North, 7:30 p.m.