Previewing: Glenbard South

In so many ways, Glenbard South's football team came so very close last season.

All three losses came to teams that went unbeaten until at least the state semifinals. The Raiders had their own season end with a 1-point overtime loss to Antioch in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

Motivation with the Raiders isn't hard to find.

"I think we can do great things again," said Raiders coach Dan Starkey. "The kids expect to compete for a championship and make a run in the playoffs."

Eight returning starters are led by four core players with sights on winning the Western Sun Conference title in the league's final season.

Quarterback Trace Wanless proved pivotal in the Raiders' playoff run last year, throwing for 1,191 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 712 yards. Defensive end-fullback Austin Teitsma boasts scholarship offers from Northern Illinois, Ball State, Buffalo and Illinois State.

Two other two-way players will be crucial. Receiver-linebacker Nick Slezak rushed for 252 yards and had 241 receiving yards. Cornerback-receiver Connor Douglas had 36 tackles and 3 interceptions.

Despite that talent, though, the Raiders have some work to do. It starts with an offensive line that returns no starters. Junior running back John Hentges looks to fill the shoes left by graduated 1,000-yard rusher Curtis Ford.

As much damage as Wanless and the passing game can do, it'll take a solidified line to make it happen.

"We have some seniors who we hope can do the job," Starkey said. "They just need that game experience."

With rival Glenbard West again opening the season and the Western Sun campaign starting with Batavia and perennial champion Geneva, the Raiders must hit the ground running.

"They feel like it's their time to have success," Starkey said. "They're ready to come out and compete."