Scouting the Glenbard South Raiders
As Glenbard South debuts a new turf field, a new scoreboard and other stadium improvements, Raiders football coach Jeremy Cordell senses something else.
“The culture is completely changed,” Cordell said. “We’ve had some success, established ourselves. We took a great step last year.”
Not only did the Raiders sweep through their first year in the Metro Suburban Conference, they also advanced to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs before bowing out to eventual state champion Prairie Ridge.
With the program riding that success, Glenbard South plans to keep it going despite the loss of key personnel, including All-Area running back Wes Sanders. Riding the motto of “Take the next step,” the Raiders expect big things from this season.
Even with the loss of Sanders and others, Cordell likes his skill players led by junior quarterback Alex Jeske, who started last year’s playoff win over Foreman. Matt Loos and Zach Smith, who combined for nearly 700 rushing yards, complement each other in the backfield.
The Raiders may not flash the explosion plays of the last couple years, but a ball-control offense could be just as effective in front of three returning linemen in Bret Curtis, Tom Snyder and Joe Kornblith.
A handful of starters return on defense, including a handful of players expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Cordell believes Curtis is in for a great season at linebacker, and he’s joined by Loos.
Defensive lineman Darnell Barrett, linebackers David Hentges and Aaron Kelly and cornerback Ayman Blan also plan to keep offenses at bay.
Because Prairie Ridge and Crete-Monee again await in nonconference play, it’s critical the Raiders stay healthy with a 40-man roster. Rotating the two-way players will help keep players as fresh as possible.
“In 13 years I’ve never been around a group that works so hard,” Cordell said. “Our kids expect to win.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Jeremy Cordell (third year, 11-9).
2011 record: 7-4, 4-0, first in Metro Suburban Conference.
Top players: Bret Curtis (LB-OL, 6-2, 225, sr.); Zach Smith (RB-LB, 5-10, 200, jr.); Matt Loos (RB-LB, 5-11, 215, sr.); Alex Jeske (QB, 6-0, 175, jr.); Tom Snyder (OL, 6-4, 240, sr.); Joe Kornblith (OL, 6-0, 220, sr.); Sean Henderson (WR, 5-8, 160, sr.); Darnell Barrett (DL, 6-0, 195, sr.); David Hentges (LB, 5-10, 200, sr.); Justin Gjerazi (RB-LB, 5-11, 205, sr.); Aaron Kelly (LB, 5-10, 185, sr.); Ayman Blan (DB, 5-9, 165, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, Glenbard South at Prairie Ridge, 7:15 p.m
Fri, 8/31, Bloom Twp. at Glenbard South, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/8, Glenbard South at Rich East, 1 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Crete-Monee at Glenbard South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Glenbard South at Elmwood Park, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/28, Riverside-Brookfield at Glenbard South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/5, Glenbard South at Fenton, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Ridgewood at Glenbard South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, Glenbard South at Rock Island, 7:30 p.m.