Glenbard West Hilltoppers combine speed, power
After piling up 1,950 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior and committing to Vanderbilt in June, Sam Brodner won't sneak up on anyone this season.
He won't have to.
Led by the senior running back's devastating combination of speed and power, Glenbard West's football team is primed for another dominant campaign. Eighty-two wins, five semifinal appearances and a state title the last seven years clearly show the expectations for one of the state's premier teams.
"The veterans are aware of the expectations," said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet. "They understand we'll be ranked high and they know it's their job to carry that torch and uphold that tradition."
Brodner averaged 20 carries a game last season, and he'll be a workhorse again behind a line returning three starters in Darien Kaufmann, Chris Minnec and Tyler Kraus as well as tight end Adam Zybko, who will be a big part of the passing game for new quarterback Brian Cochrane.
Running backs Isaiah Skinner and Dom Ficarella will get some carries to ease the load on Brodner. Receiver Chrystian Maciorowski is another target for Cochrane.
Glenbard West's defense will be typically stout starting with a line that averages 240 pounds, led by returning starter Joe DeGrace and Evan McTaggart, who shifts from the offensive line. Linebackers Ross Andreasik and Nico Gagliano were among the team's leading tacklers last season, while Kobe Easley and Danny Riley return to the secondary.
Brodner's only the beginning for a group capable of carrying the Hilltoppers to another state title.
"The pieces of the puzzle are coming together pretty well right now," Hetlet said. "It's probably one of the most talented teams we've had."
The breakdown
Coach: Chad Hetlet (ninth year, 88-13; 12th year overall, 106-25).
2014 record: 12-1, 6-0, first in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Sam Brodner (RB, 6-0, 215, sr.); Ross Andreasik (LB, 6-2, 210, sr.); Nico Gagliano (LB, 5-11, 190, sr.); Darien Kaufmann (OL, 6-2, 260, sr.); Brian Cochrane (QB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Joe DeGrace (DL, 6-0, 235, sr.); Evan McTaggart (DL, 6-1, 240, sr.); Isaiah Skinner (RB, 5-9, 175, sr.); Kobe Easley (DB, 5-10, 145, sr.); Danny Riley (DB, 5-9, 170, sr.); Adam Zybko (TE, 6-4, 205, sr.); Chris Minnec (OL, 6-4, 210, sr.).
- Kevin Schmit
Schedule
Glenbard West
Sat, 8/29 Bolingbrook at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm
Sat, 9/5 Hinsdale South at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm
Sat, 9/12 York at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm
Fri, 9/18 Glenbard West at Downers Grove North, 7:30 pm
Sat, 9/26 Glenbard West at Lyons Township, 1:30 pm
Sat, 10/3 Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm
Fri, 10/9 Glenbard West at Oak Park-River Forest, 7:30 pm
Sat, 10/17 Proviso West at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm
Fri, 10/23 Glenbard West at Addison Trail, 1:30 pm