Scouting the Glenbard West Hilltoppers
Scouting the Glenbard West Hilltoppers
Few teams can recover from the graduation losses suffered by Glenbard West’s football team.
But few teams have talent like the Hilltoppers.
A program that’s gone 45-5 since 2008 will show no signs of slowing down in 2012. The talent may be tweaked a bit, but it’s still top-notch with Vanderbilt-bound receiver Nathan Marcus, defensive lineman Ruben Dunbar, who boasts multiple scholarship offers, and many other experienced winners.
Ten starters return and a terrific junior class bolsters a group ready to defend the West Suburban Silver title and challenge for the Class 7A title.
“I’m pretty excited,” said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet. “We’ll be as good as we’ve been offensively, but we graduated a ton of defense. That’s where we’ll have to pick up the pieces.”
Don’t feel too sorry for Glenbard West with Dunbar, who last season had 11 sacks. Hayden Carlson is among the area’s top defensive backs and linebacker Erik Strittmater is a third-year starter. Joe Marconi also returns at linebacker.
With experience at each level of the defense, the Hilltoppers should be able to absorb the graduation loss of defensive lineman Tommy Schutt, now at Ohio State. Marcus, running back Joe Zito and third-year lineman Nick Garland also will see time on defense.
There are no concerns with an offense that should be every bit as dynamite as last season. Henry Haeffner was 4-0 as a starting quarterback, and he’s backed by junior Drew Vogg. Hetlet is extremely high on junior running back-receiver Scott Andrews, who scored 28 touchdowns on the sophomore team.
Marcus had 28 catches for 360 yards and 6 touchdowns, while running back Devante Toney returns from injury. Linemen Garland, Jake Brodner, Max Bruere and Jack Manzella offset the graduation of Johnny Caspers, who is now at Stanford.
Regardless of the losses, Glenbard West isn’t about to take a step back.
“If we can fill in some spots we’ll be in good shape,” Hetlet said.— Kevin SchmitThe breakdown
Coach: Chad Hetlet (sixth year, 51-10; ninth overall, 69-22).
2011 record: 10-1, 6-0, first in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Ruben Dunbar (DL, 6-3, 255, sr.); Nathan Marcus (WR, 6-5, 220, sr.); Nick Garland (OL-DL, 6-2, 230, sr.); Hayden Carlson (DB, 6-0, 180, jr.); Erik Strittmater (LB, 6-1, 190, sr.); Joe Marconi (LB, 6-0, 190, sr.); Scott Andrews (RB-WR, 5-8, 170, jr.); Joe Zito (RB, 5-9, 185, sr.); Henry Haeffner (QB, 6-2, 185, sr.); Drew Vogg (QB, 5-10, 170, jr.); Devante Toney (RB, 5-10, 200, jr.).
Schedule
Sat, 8/25, WW South at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m
Fri, 8/31, Glenbard West at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/8, Lyons Twp. at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Glenbard West at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/22, Oak Park River Forest at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Glenbard West at Proviso West, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/6, Addison Trail at Glenbard West, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Glenbard West at York, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 10/20, Downers Grove North at Glenbard West, 1 p.m.