Glenbard North ready for time in spotlight

With external expectations at a minimum heading into this football season, Glenbard North slowly emerged from the background of the DuPage Valley Conference race.

The Panthers can't hide anymore.

Notching eight regular-season wins for the first time since 2003, No. 3 Glenbard North (8-1) enters the Class 8A playoffs as a contender to reach the state title game for a fourth time. It's a journey that starts at 7 p.m. today in Carol Stream against No. 14 Andrew (6-3).

"We lost some key guys from last year, and I think that might have lowered the expectations of some people," said Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens. "The guys have really done a nice job executing so far."

The formula this season has stayed consistent for the Panthers. A steady dose of running mixed with the play-action passing of first-year starting quarterback Tom Traficanti and play-making receivers Mike Carev and Jason Spencer.

Junior running back Evin Natick burst on the scene in the season's first three weeks, rushing for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns before getting hurt. Ben Hester, Phil Jackson and Donte Parker also added 100-yard rushing games, and Natick notched another 200-yard effort in last week's win over Naperville Central.

It's a credit to a talented and experienced offensive line led by Mike Partipillo, Nick Wozniak and Bobby Dunn.

Of course, no conversation about Glenbard North is complete without talking about the defense that notched four straight shutouts. Lineman Nick Abbate, linebackers Chris Wahrman and John Pullia, and defensive back Brandon Salemi lead a group attempting to slow an offense similar to the Panthers'.

Behind Minnesota-bound offensive lineman Mark Lenkiewicz, Andrew will try to do the same thing as Glenbard North - control the ball and control the game.

"We're obviously used to seeing this kind of offense, so that helps," Wilkens said. "We'll be ready."