Scouting the Glenbard West Hilltoppers
One play.
That's how close Glenbard West came to winning the 2009 Class 7A football championship, but instead the Hilltoppers fell 31-24 in double overtime to Wheaton Warrenville South.
Back with a team that could be better than last year's, the Hilltoppers are ready for another run.
"That's one thing for sure, the kids are hungry," said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet. "They're biting at the bit to get back at it."
Division I college talent fills the field for the Hilltoppers. It starts on the offensive line with Iowa-bound Jordan Walsh and junior Johnny Caspers. Defensive lineman Zack Marshall holds offers from Ball State and Buffalo, while safety Mike Laning - one of the best in the state at his position - is looking at the Ivy League.
Perhaps the biggest talent, though, joins Marshall on the defensive line. Junior Tommy Schutt is regarded as one of the state's top recruits from the Class of 2012.
"You don't get many kids who are 300 pounds and that athletic," Hetlet said. "He's a freak of nature, athletically."
Ten starters return from last year, which leaves plenty of spots to fill. Mike Matthew, whom Hetlet lauds for his strong arm and accuracy, takes over at quarterback, while Trace Sorey will help rekindle a ground game that averaged more than 250 rushing yards per game last year.
With playmaker Nick Burrello, receiver Mark Hiben and WW South transfer Justice Odom in the mix, the Hilltoppers have the talent to once again be explosive.
Both lines should be phenomenal, especially defensively, where they'll free up linebackers Beau Warden and Justin Mesch.
Winning a third straight West Suburban Silver crown is an obvious goal, as is a return to the 7A final.
Winning it all, of course, is the ultimate goal.
"You just don't go out there and suddenly you're in state championship form," Hetlet said. "This is something we're going to work at all season."
The breakdown
Coach: Chad Hetlet (fourth season, 31-7; seventh overall, 49-19).
2009 record: 13-1, 6-0, first in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Jordan Walsh (OL, 6-4, 290, sr.); Johnny Caspers (OL, 6-3, 270, jr.); Tommy Schutt (DL, 6-3, 285, jr.); Nick Burrello (WR-RB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Zack Marshall (DL, 6-3, 230, sr.); Mike Laning (DB, 6-1, 185, sr.); Beau Warden (LB, 6-1, 215, sr.); Justin Mesch (LB 6-2, 175, sr.); Trace Sorey (RB, 5-10, 200, sr.); Mark Hiben (WR, 6-5, 195, sr.); Mike Matthew (QB, 6-2, 215, sr.); Justice Odom (WR-DB, 6-2, 185, jr.).