Previewing: Glenbard East

It's safe to say the vast majority of the DuPage Valley Conference has grown tired of Jack Merrithey.

Sorry to disappoint, but the crafty Glenbard East quarterback is back for one final run.

Merrithey, the lone junior selected to last year's all-DVC offensive football team, returns for a third varsity season after throwing for 942 yards and rushing for a team-high 508 yards.

Other playmakers return as well. Six-foot-six receiver Lee Skinner is back after catching 25 passes for 325 yards. Fullback Matt Clark was second on the team with 476 rushing yards.

With so many key returners in the fold, confidence is growing with the Rams.

"There's a definite sense of confidence with this group," said Glenbard East coach Dennis Lueck. "We're going to try and make things happen."

Six of the team's 10 returning starters are on defense, including the entire secondary of Ryan Pokrywka, John McNamara, Kevin McGarry and Matt Bellock. Tackle A.J. Kolar and linebacker Larry Lloyd also return.

Because of Merrithey's experience, expect to see the Rams' Wing T offense expand. Traditionally, Glenbard East is a dominant running team, but this year should see more balance.

More than in the past few seasons, the Rams have big-play potential with their skill players. The Merrithey-to-Skinner combination could be quite potent.

A major factor, though, is the rapid development of an inexperienced offensive line. Two hundred, eighty-five pound tackle Spencer George is the lone returning starter up front.

Crafty and slippery as he is, Merrithey is still going to need some protection to be fully effective. If he gets it the Rams will be a dangerous team.

"He's the key," Lueck said. "He gets everything started. He's got a lot more command of the offense, and he can make plays. He's an exciting player to watch."