Previewing: Glenbard West

Now that Glenbard West football is back on top, the goal is to stay there.

The program posted a 45-3-2 record last year, including a 12-1 varsity season that ended in heartbreak with a 27-20 semifinal loss to eventual Class 7A champion East St. Louis.

Ten returning starters are back to defend the West Suburban Silver title and try to carry the Hilltoppers down to Champaign for a shot at the 7A title.

"The team last year took the initiative that they wanted to prove something," said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. "These guys have to go out and create their own identity."

After rushing for 3,900 yards the Hilltoppers graduated a huge chunk of that output including all-state lineman Chris Watt. Hetlet, though, believes he has a tackle who could end up being just as good in 6-foot-3, 275-pound junior Jordan Walsh.

Six-foot-six quarterback Tyler Warden, who played every third series last year, is getting a bunch of college looks. Despite the graduation of a pair of 1,000-yard rushers, Adam Bruere returns 432 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns as part of a deep and talented crew of running backs that includes Pierre Washington-Steel, who enrolled at Glenbard West when Driscoll closed in June.

The Hilltoppers will still emphasize the run, but Warden, third-year tight end Will Caspers and returning receiver Justin Mesch will help balance the load.

"I think we've got some weapons spread throughout the field," Hetlet said. "I think we'll definitely be more balanced."

Linebacker Connor Loftus is attracting Ivy League interest while Hetlet calls junior Mike Laning perhaps the best defensive back he's had.

It's a team completely capable of matching and exceeding last year's accomplishments, although Class 8A power Hinsdale Central, the Week 3 opponent, won't make it easy in the Silver.

"We're a little untested in spots," Hetlet said. "But we look like a solid football team."