Glenbard North Panthers doesn't want to repeat last year
Glenbard North coach Ryan Wilkens' emphasis this year is putting teams away. He has his reasons.
Three of the Panthers' five losses last season were by 5 points or less. Despite outscoring and outgaining opponents, an 11-year playoff run came to an end.
"Concerning ourselves with finishing is a big priority this year," said Wilkens, who led the program to state championship games in 2007 and 2012.
Should Glenbard North get its line play squared away, a host of skilled players may ensure the Panthers aren't finished after Week 9.
Quarterback Shane Conway returns to hand off to a dream backfield of 1,100-yard rusher Devion Hodges and speedy Vittorio Tricase, lost to a broken collarbone last season by Week 2.
All-DuPage Valley Conference fullback Dillon Warnecke graduated, but a top candidate to replace him is 6-foot-1, 230-pound Robert Lee, a converted tight end.
That clears the way for 230-plus-pound senior tight ends, Miko Holt and Juan Jadue. the latter a starting lineman in 2014. Top wideout Jace James also returns.
Many of these same names will play on defense. Whether Glenbard North goes with a 4-3 or 3-5 scheme, there's a ready stock of linebackers.
They go from seniors Alex Taylor, Dom DeRosa and Brandon Fierro to fiery sophomore Jayleen Fitzpatrick.
Likewise the secondary is loaded with athletes such as James, Panthers 2014 interceptions leader Justin Pitts, and hungry sophomores Tyrik Henderson and Greg Newsome.
Returning kicking specialist Steve Adamatis plays back there as well.
The key, Wilkens said of a not-uncommon problem, is to support returning linemen John Czernek and Daniel Fletcher.
"That's the concern right now," Wilkens said. "Skill position-wise we're pretty good, and we've just got to put it together up front and get everyone on the same page."
The breakdown
Coach: Ryan Wilkens (11th year, 79-35).
2014 record: 4-5, 2-3, fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference.
Top players: Steve Adamatis (DB, sr.), Shane Conway (QB, jr.), Brandon Fierro (DB, sr.), Jayleen Fitzpatrick (LB, so.), Tyrik Henderson (DB, so.), Devion Hodges (RB-DB, sr.), Jace James (WR-DB, jr.), Greg Newsome (DB, so.), Justin Pitts (DB, sr.), Alex Taylor (LB, sr.), Vittorio Tricase (RB-LB, jr.).
- Dave Oberhelman
Schedule
Glenbard North
Fri, 8/28 Naperville Central at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/4 Glenbard North at Waubonsie Valley, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/11 WW South at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/18 Glenbard East at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 9/25 Naperville North at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/2 Glenbard North at Wheaton North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/9 Glenbard North at Lake Park, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/16 Metea Valley at Glenbard North, 7:30 pm
Fri, 10/23 Glenbard North at Neuqua Valley, 7:30 pm