Preview: Glenbard North
Glenbard North's football team won't be sneaking up on anyone.
In fact, opponents will see the Panthers coming from a mile away. They'll be the ones with the targets on their backs.
A year after making a surprise run to the Class 8A state title game, Glenbard North enters this season as a favorite to win the DuPage Valley Conference title and once again contend for an 8A crown.
Two reasons for a repeat performance stand out - Evan Watkins and Tyler Doll. The quarterback-running back tandem combined for more than 4,000 yards of offense and 43 touchdowns and aim to produce similar numbers in 2008.
"It was nice coming out of nowhere to have that kind of season," said Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens. "It'll be completely different this year."
Watkins, a physical presence who committed to Northwestern, is the state's No. 11 recruit according to Rivals.com. He threw for 2,000 yards and rushed for nearly 400, but the talented quarterback will have an even bigger role this season.
At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds Watkins will be a force when he tucks the ball and runs. He's be the perfect complement to Doll, who rushed for 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns, and punishing fullback Jordan Brooks.
If the Panthers rebuild an offensive line and receiving corps decimated by graduation, the unit will be solid.
The defense returns strength on the line with Kyle Schwetz, Nick Marks and Charleston Soko. But because linebacker Steve Friedberg and safety Mike Fierro are the only other returners, look for Watkins and Doll to also play defense like they did during last year's playoff run.
With their tremendous athleticism - and with such high expectations - two-way play will be necessary for the two standouts.
"When it comes down to crunchtime we need our best guys out there," Wilkens said.