Gold, Silver markets vary in WSC
The more things change in the Gold, the more they stay the same in the Silver.
In terms of West Suburban Conference football, that'll be the story again this season.
While Glenbard West enters the season as a heavy favorite to win its fifth straight outright Silver title, the Hornets look to become the fourth different Gold champion in as many years.
"I know we've had a good run here, but I really think it's up for grabs," said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet. "I don't know how we've done it. I think we've played well, but I also think we've gotten lucky a couple of times."
The Hilltoppers have played incredibly well in the Silver, winning 24 straight conference games and at least a share of the last seven titles. While the rest of the division looks tough as always, it's still going to be a tall task beating Glenbard West.
"It's one of the toughest conferences in the state," said Hinsdale Central coach Dan Hartman. "Glenbard West is always sitting up there at the top until someone's able to knock them off."
The Hilltoppers return one of the state's elite running backs in Vanderbilt-bound Sam Brodner, who last season rushed for 1,950 yards and 27 touchdowns. With three starting linemen returning, the ground game should be scary good this year.
Offensive firepower fills the Silver. Hinsdale Central graduated many of its top skill players, but the Red Devils will reload behind linemen Matt Allen, committed to Michigan State, and Doug Kramer. Oak Park's explosive offense took a major hit with the graduation of quarterback Lloyd Yates, now at Northwestern, but the Huskies return 800-yard rusher and third-year varsity member Antonio Cannon.
Lyons Twp. and sophomore quarterback Ben Bryant look to build on the momentum from the end of last year when it nearly knocked out Class 8A champion Stevenson in the opening round of the playoffs.
York, under second-year coach Matt Monken, seeks improvement behind a punishing ground game headed by Lucas Alexander. Downers Grove North, with its entire offensive line returning from last year, also will pound defenses with the run.
"Glenbard West is so good, I mean, you've got to give it to them," Monken said. "It's not easy but you like to face that competition."
Michigan State-bound defensive lineman Josh King, the state's top-rated senior recruit by Rivals, is a main reason why Hinsdale South is among the Gold favorites. The Hornets also return running back Marcus Curry and standout defensive back Robert Hall.
"We look to be in contention," said Hornets coach Mike Barry. "If we can start fast we can carry that momentum into the conference."
Defending Gold champion Addison Trail graduated significant talent, especially on defense, but its running game will be strong with returning back Mike Hundley. District 88 rival Willowbrook hopes to bounce back from a down season and reach the playoffs for the third time in four years.
Downers Grove South, for years a perennial power in the Gold, will try to return to form behind Michigan-bound fourth-year starting offensive lineman Erik Swenson.
"You have a bull's-eye on your chest when you're the defending champion," said Addison Trail coach Paul Parpet Jr. "It's something I think we can accomplish again."
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