Scouting the Glenbard East Rams

Coaches will tell you one of the best things about juniors is they become seniors.

That's the status at Glenbard East. Coach John Walters returns quarterback Philip Abruzino, five receivers who combined for 16 of the Rams' 17 touchdown receptions in 2014 and, overall, 15 players who either started or saw much time.

It's a senior class that as sophomores went 7-2 playing a DuPage Valley Conference schedule. Moving into the Upstate Eight they started 3-1 before turnovers and close losses denied a possible playoff berth despite Glenbard East outscoring its opponents.

"We use 'unfinished business' (as a motto)," Walters said.

The coach believes two-year starting receiver Karon Keyes "may be the most electric player in DuPage County." The skittering senior ran 4.44 at Penn State and last year led the Rams with 39 receptions for 543 yards, 5 touchdowns, second to returning wideout Zach Walsh's 6 TDs on 33 catches, 522 yards. Receivers Mitch Luttrell and Conor Glennon also return.

Like Keyes, three-year starter Joey Moore will move between halfback, slot and split receiver and special teams to maximize their touches and gain matchup advantages.

Abruzino's 327 yards rushing (on 4.5 yards a carry) and 6 touchdowns lead all returners. Thrust into full-time quarterback duty last season due to injury, he threw for 1,804 yards, 17 TDs.

"He looks pretty dang good," Walters said. "He's got a year under his belt, he understands the game better, he reads coverages better."

Glenbard East returns defensive starters at each level, including defensive backs Moore, Darrel Wilson, Davontae Smith and linebackers Louis Mogavero and Anthony Allen, who made 48 tackles in 2014. Walters seeks to develop East's lines around tackle Dominick Wroblewski.

"Our team goal is to win the day, whatever day that is," he said.

The breakdown

Coach: John Walters (fifth year, 7-29; sixth year overall, 9-36).

2014 record: 3-6, 1-6, seventh in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Top players: Philip Abruzino (QB, 5-11, 175, sr.), Anthony Allen (LB, 6-0, 210, sr.), Karon Keyes (WR, 5-7, 155, sr.), Matt Mihic (DL, 6-1, 215, sr.), Louis Mogavero (LB, 5-10, 180, sr.), Joey Moore (WR, 5-10, 185, sr.), Davontae Smith (DB, 6-0, 160, sr.), Zach Walsh (WR, 6-2, 180, sr.), Dominick Wroblewski (OL-DL, 6-1, 275, sr.).

- Dave Oberhelman

Schedule

Glenbard East

Fri, 8/28 Willowbrook at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

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

Fri, 9/11 East Aurora at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Glenbard North at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Glenbard East at West Chicago, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 South Elgin at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Geneva at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Glenbard East at West Aurora, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Bartlett at Glenbard East, 7:30 pm