Scouting the Glenbard North Panthers
It's turnaround time in Carol Stream.
After the playoff perennial's first winless season since 1969, Glenbard North has big numbers, exciting athletes, experience and size up front and a wave of youngsters to bolster a strong senior class.
Seventeen returners earned starts last season.
"The chemistry of the team, the continuity of the team, being able to communicate and play together will help us be successful on the field this year," Wilkens said.
Two-year starting quarterback Mike Vazquez will have the Panthers' top four rushers and receivers of 2018 at his disposal. The group includes Angelo Cusumano, Jaheim Edmond, Rory Hills, Jordan McQuarter, Cordell Smiley and gamebreaker Kobie Jamison. Junior slot back Denim Betney adds to the wealth.
Unanimous all-DuKane Conference as a junior, Jamison caught 30 passes for 618 yards, 4 touchdowns. He averaged 31.5 yards on kick returns and made 45 tackles playing safety.
Last season the Panthers averaged 86 yards rushing and allowed an average 209 yards rushing, a disparity rare as a solar eclipse for this program. They seem ready to roll behind returning linemen Jahquell Reese, 320-pound Ben Voigts and center John Cassidy, who will mentor Miguel Galvez and Paul Robertson.
Defense should also trend up with linebacker Cusumano darting behind returning defensive linemen Maurice Abdalla, Mayo Bola and Kelvin Hicks, plus Anthony Lopez and Max Eick.
The secondary offers familiar names. Jamison, Hills and Edmond are players you'd want on the field as much as possible. They'll be aided by defensive backs Brandon Smiley and Jaden Franzen.
Glenbard North should be able to keep people fresh and opponents hopping.
"It's an exciting group to work with," Wilkens said.
One to watch: Seeking to gain quick traction, the opener against Neuqua Valley continues what's become a nice rivalry.
The breakdown
Coach: Ryan Wilkens (15th year, 99-54).
2018 record: 0-9, 0-7, eighth in the DuKane Conference.
Top players: DL Maurice Abdalla, sr.; DL Mayo Bola, sr.; OL John Cassidy, sr.; RB-LB Angelo Cusumano, sr.; WR-LB Jaheim Edmond, sr.; WR-DB Rory Hills, sr.; WR-DB Kobie Jamison, sr.; RB-LB Jordan McQuarter, sr.; OL Jahquell Reese, sr.; QB Mike Vazquez, sr.
- Dave Oberhelman
Schedule
Fri, Aug 30, Neuqua Valley at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 6, Glenbard North at Warren, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 13, St. Charles E. at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 20, Glenbard North at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sep 27, Wheaton North at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 4, Lake Park at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 11, Glenbard North at St. Charles N., 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 18, Glenbard North at WW South, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Oct 25, Geneva at Glenbard North, 7:30 p.m.