Scouting the Glenbard South Raiders
As Glenbard South's football team raced to a program-record 10 straight wins to start last season, nothing seemed to slow an explosive offense.
This season the early focus shifts to the defense.
"They're well-prepared. They're students of the game," said Raiders coach Jeremy Cordell. "It allows them to play fast and be successful. I really believe we have good pieces in place."
Seven starters return on defense, including a group of linebackers - Andre Steiger, Jake Kapp, Dillon Valdez and Matt Schlipper - epitomizing the strength of the unit. Jack Curtis and Andrew Wrona are back in the secondary, although the Raiders need to fill in multiple spots on the line beyond experienced Marcel Matthews.
Two-way players won't be the norm, but spot duty is expected among players like Curtis, returning junior running back Jimmy Ebbole and members of the line. You may find Curtis behind center among a group of quarterback possibilities that includes Dylan Brambora and Kyle Carli.
While it'll be a task replacing graduated quarterback Alex Jeske and other skill players on offense, Cordell has confidence in the upcoming players.
"We may not have the offensive guys coming back, but we have some talent," Cordell said. "Naturally people knew about our weapons last year because they knew them as juniors. This is going to be a good group. I think it'll be a deeper group with the skill players."
Ebbole, running back Jake Straza and receiver Tyler Scott return a total of 1,100 rushing and receiving yards. They won't be alone in the yardage quest. The Raiders have talented juniors and sophomores looking to step up.
The development of a new line is critical to success, although the Raiders are more than willing to lean on the depth of a program that posted a cumulative 27-4 record last season.
Clear goals include defense of the Metro Suburban Conference title and a fourth straight playoff berth.
"They've put in the hard work," Cordell said. "Now they have to go out there and get the job done."
The breakdown
Coach: Jeremy Cordell (fifth year, 27-14).
2013 record: 10-1, 4-0, first in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Jack Curtis (DB-RB-QB, 6-1, 175, sr.); Andre Steiger (LB, 6-0, 215, sr.); Jake Kapp (LB, 5-10, 185, jr.); Tyler Scott (WR, 6-2, 175, sr.); Jimmy Ebbole (RB-DB, 6-1, 175, jr.); Jake Straza (RB, 5-11, 195, sr.); Andrew Wrona (DB, 6-0, 165, sr.); Matt Schlipper (LB, 5-9, 175, sr.); Dillon Valdez (LB, 5-9, 185, jr.); Marcel Matthews (OL-DL, 6-0, 265, sr.); Dylan Brambora (QB, 6-1, 170, sr.); Kyle Carli (QB, 6-0, 180, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/29 Glenbard South at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/5 Antioch at Glenbard South 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/12 Glenbard South at Elmwood Park 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/19 Ridgewood at Glenbard South 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 9/26 Glenbard South at Fenton 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/3 Wheaton Academy at Glenbard South 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/10 Glenbard South at Aurora Cent Cath 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/17 IC Catholic Prep at Glenbard South 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/24 Riverside-Brook at Glenbard South 7:15 p.m.