Repeat champs could be in West Suburban's future
Glenbard West and Downers Grove South dominated their way to last year's West Suburban Conference football titles.
Don't be surprised if it happens again this season.
While Glenbard West went unbeaten in the Silver Division, the Mustangs did the same in the Gold. A repeat could be in the works, especially for the Hilltoppers who enter the season as one of the favorites to win the Class 7A state title.
"I don't think anybody is going to beat Glenbard West," said Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo. "Their talent is ridiculous. They're one of the top teams in the state. The rest of us are playing catchup, but we still plan on competing with them."
Glenbard West, winner of 13 straight conference games, returns 10 starters in its quest for a third straight Silver title. The Hilltoppers will dominate from the line with Iowa-bound Jordan Walsh and Johnny Caspers on offense and Tommy Schutt, perhaps the state's top recruit in the Class of 2012, and Zack Marshall on defense.
From running back-receiver Nick Burrello and receiver Mark Hiben on offense, to linebacker Beau Warden and safety Mike Laning on defense, Glenbard West's talent is unmatched in either division of the WSC.
"This is one of the toughest conferences in the state, and everyone's going to want to beat us," said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. "We're a marked team."
Hinsdale Central graduated all-state quarterback John Whitelaw, but the Red Devils' strength lies on the offensive line with Michigan State-bound center Jack Allen and tackle Scott McDowell. York, with eight returning offensive starters, is also banking on its line with four returning starters and running back Ryan Kent, who rushed for 500 yards last year.
Downers North took its lumps last season by going winless in the Silver, but it will rebound with 15 returning starters.
Downers South, meanwhile, is again heavily favored to win the Gold Division. The Mustangs graduated three-year quarterback Chandler Whitmer, but eight starters return to the offense led by running back Josh Williams, receiver Ryan Oruche and the entire offensive line.
Addison Trail should be much improved with 14 returning starters. Quarterback Anthony Catanese is part of an immensely talented junior class that forms the core of this year's team.
"Downers needs to reload a little bit, but they're the team to beat," said first-year Blazers coach Paul Parpet Jr. "Our guys are used to success and they expect to play Downers tough."
Leyden went 5-1 in the Gold last season but graduated 16 of 22 starters. Only receiver Adrian Ruiz and tackle Elmer Guzman return to the offense.
The Eagles played Downers South to its closest Gold game last season, but the margin was still 17 points. The Mustangs beat the other five teams by an average of 34 points.
"On paper it'd probably be us and Addison Trail, but you never know what's going to happen," said Downers South coach John Belskis. "We've lost to teams in past years that we were expected to beat."
Hinsdale South and Willowbrook hope to rebound from down seasons in 2009. Competing with perennial power Downers South would be a great start for both teams.
"It should be an interesting year in the conference," said Willowbrook coach Mark Olson. "I think there are some teams that could challenge Downers."