Expect Glenbrook N. to deliver in CSL North
Big things are expected from Glenbrook North.
Especially since the Spartans are one of the biggest teams around and regarded as the favorite in the Central Suburban North football race.
"GBN is probably this year's team to beat," said Niles North coach Scott Smith.
"GBN will be dominant," said Maine West coach Chris Hare. "They're big, huge, fast and they have great experience."
The Spartans (6-4, 3-2) finished behind Highland Park (7-4, 5-0) and Deerfield (6-4, 4-1) in the CSL North last year.
But this year they have junior tackles Mike Ermel (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) and George McCurdy (6-4, 305) anchoring a big line. Quarterback Zack Hilgendorf runs the spread offense for the second year and running back Grant Rushing is dangerous.
Filling spots defensively is a key where CB Sean Kamin and lineman Kyle Wagley return.
Highland Park recovered from losing its first 3 games last year to make the second round of the playoffs in coach Hal Chiodo's first year. Cole Stern (WR-FS) and Josh Kallin (RB-LB) are the top returnees and QB Cody Pantle started half of last year's games.
Deerfield has been a perennial contender under coach Steve Winiecki and should be in the mix again with senior LB JR Rothing leading the way.
Niles North (3-6, 1-4) didn't have the breakthrough season it hoped for last year but Smith thinks it could happen this time around.
The Vikings are small in numbers with 29 players but Smith said the strength and speed is improved thanks to strength and conditioning coach Mark Feldner, a former St. Viator basketball player.
Three-year stater George Newhouse is an anchor at linebacker and center and Dan Egan is back for his third year as a starting linebacker.
There is decent size up front for backs Sam Sharples and Oshanye Brown and quarterback Bo Bradarich in the wing-T.
"The biggest plus is the O-line, that's where we're head and shoulders ahead of last year," Smith said. "It's the most mobile and physical group of linemen I've had since I've been here."
Maine West (2-7, 1-4) also hopes its fourth year under Hare is one where it makes a run at the top half of the division. Hare has seen a different feeling with WR-LB Mike Cardamone, QB-S Ziggy Krycka and RB-DE Calvin Williams leading the way.
"They have that determination," Hare said.
And Maine East (2-7, 1-4) is also on the upswing as Gabe Corey starts the second year of his second go-round as head coach. Lineman Alex Jurney (6-5, 240) is one of the building blocks of the turnaround.