Scouting: Glenbard South at Glenbard West

Nonconference

Game time: 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Last year: Glenbard South 15, Glenbard West 14.

Outlook: Last year's victory in the renewed Crosstown Kickoff Classic between these Glen Ellyn rivals clearly sparked Glenbard South to a 7-4 record and second-round playoff advancement. Now it's time for an encore. Both sides of town look to be improved, with the Raiders' improvement likely coming on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Kevin Marshall, who last year threw for 1,400 yards and rushed for 500, leads a cast of eight returning starters. The wild card of the group is junior Trace Wanless - a threat that must be accounted for whether he's at receiver, running back or even quarterback. The spread option passing game will be tough to stop with Jon Holland back in the fold, not to mention four returning linemen. Defensively the Raiders are less experienced, although their four returners - linebackers Austin Teitsma and Louis Erkins, safety Ryan McKean and cornerback Kyle Slott - were each selected to last year's all-Western Sun Conference team. Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet made no bones about it during a preseason practice break: "We want to beat Glenbard South." No doubt. The Hilltoppers outgained Glenbard South 170 yards to 10 on the ground, came up with 3 interceptions, Chris Watt blocked a punt and they still found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard. "We just didn't finish," Hetlet said, obviously still bugged about it. What he would like this year is to have those 170 yards rushing and another 150 passing. Hetlet tabbed Chris Cochrane as his preseason starting quarterback but said junior Tyler Warden will take snaps as well. Neither is varsity tested, but with the 290-pound Watt coming back on the offensive line with guard Marty Detmer, they've got protection. Running back Robert Cook was banged up a bit last season but gets the call along with the scampering Bryant Venson, who'll consistently test Glenbard South on off-tackle runs and swing passes. Defensively, senior middle linebacker Garrett Richards looks to renew the magic that saw him make 19 tackles against Glenbard South.

Next week: Fenton at Glenbard South; Glenbard West at Leyden.