New coach, Glenbard South Raiders ready

With a new coach at the helm, Glenbard South's football team expects the same standard of success.

Ryan Crissey, a nine-year veteran in the program, takes over for Jeremy Cordell, who left the Raiders to become the coach at Lincoln-Way Central. Having a familiar face lead the way created a seamless transition for the defending Metro Suburban West champions hoping to reach the playoffs for a fifth straight season.

"The transition's been going very well, very smooth," Crissey said. "The expectations aren't going to change. We want to keep winning."

Considering the talent returning at the skill positions, it's no wonder the transition's been smooth. Kyle Carli is back at quarterback after throwing for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushing for 274 yards and 2 scores. Six hundred of running back Sean Cooke's 800 total yards came on the ground.

Six-foot-six tight end Billy Bair, who holds offers from Illinois State, North Dakota and South Dakota, led last year's team with 28 catches for 368 yards and 8 touchdowns. Combined with an experienced line, this year's offense could be more explosive than last year's that averaged 31 points.

"The skill we have is great," Crissey said. "It's really exciting because it's going to be pick your poison for defenses."

The defense also returns top talent in linebackers Dillon Valdez, Ryan Willis and defensive back Jimmy Ebbole, who will see time at receiver. The Raiders need to develop support up front for Joharri Weatherspoon as the lone returner on the line, but overall athleticism with the unit is strong. As tough as it was last season to beat Glenbard South in the MSC West, this season may be even tougher.

"I think we're farther along than we were at this point last year," Crissey said. "We should be able to hit the ground running."

The breakdown

Coach: Ryan Crissey (first year).

2013 record: 8-3, 5-0, first in Metro Suburban West.

Top players: Kyle Carli (QB, 6-2, 195, sr.); Dillon Valdez (LB, 5-10, 193, sr.), Ryan Willis (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Sean Cooke (RB, 5-9, 185, jr.); Billy Bair (TE-WR, 6-6, 210, sr.); Jimmy Ebbole (DB, 6-1, 179, sr.); Michael Ashe (OL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Mitch Pohlman (OL, 6-0, 225, sr.); Nick Lane (OL, 5-10, 240, sr.); Jordan Drake (OL, 6-0, 205, sr.); Joharri Weatherspoon (DL, 6-0, 205, sr.); Javonis Hawkins (WR-RB, 5-7, 181, sr.); Johnny LaPonte (LB 6-4, 182, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Glenbard South

Fri, 8/28 Addison Trail at Glenbard South, 7:15 pm

Fri, 9/4 Glenbard South at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Elmwood Park at Glenbard South, 7:15 pm

Fri, 9/18 Glenbard South at Ridgewood, 7:15 pm

Fri, 9/25 Fenton at Glenbard South, 7:15 pm

Sat, 10/3 Glenbard South at Wheaton Academy, 1 pm

Fri, 10/9 Aurora Central Cath. at Glenbard South, 7:15 pm

Sat, 10/17 Glenbard South at IC Catholic Prep, 1 pm

Fri, 10/23 Glenbard South at Riverside-Brookfield, 7:15 pm