Gold, Silver could both be close races

Last year a total of 12 points separated the champions from the runners-up in the Gold and Silver football divisions of the West Suburban Conference.

This season will feature similar dogfights.

While defending Silver champion Glenbard West and Class 8A runner-up Hinsdale Central head a deep and talented field in their division, Downers Grove South again sits as a heavy favorite in the Gold.

None of the coaches, however, are buying into the preseason chatter.

"You can't overlook anyone," said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet, whose team beat Hinsdale Central 9-0 in Week 9 last year to win the Silver. "You can talk all you want about who the front-runners are, but there's so much talent in the conference. It's hard to say what will happen."

Twelve returning starters make Hinsdale Central a tremendous force in the Silver and a favorite to again reach the 8A final. Third-year quarterback John Whitelaw, who accounted for nearly 3,500 total yards last season, is one of eight starters back on offense.

Motivation swirls around the Red Devils. Not only do they want another shot at Glenbard West, they also want another shot at the 8A title.

"I think last year's experience will benefit us," said Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo. "We're certainly not going to be rattled in close games."

Glenbard West counters with 10 returning starters. The offensive skill players are especially talented, starting with quarterback Tyler Warden, receiver Justin Mesch, tight end Will Caspers and a deep group of running backs.

A defense led by linebacker Connor Loftus and defensive back Mike Laning anchor a unit that allowed only 200 yards per game last year.

"The competition in the Silver makes us better," Hetlet said. "We play some great teams every week."

York and a young Downers Grove North squad also figure into the mix. A surprise team could be Proviso West, which is led by receiver Kyle Prater - the top-ranked recruit in the state according to Rivals.com analyst "Edgy" Tim O'Halloran.

Eight defensive starters return for Oak Park. Lyons Twp. welcomes a new coach in Kurt Weinberg.

As for the Gold, expect more of the same.

Downers South, led by Illinois-bound quarterback Chandler Whitmer, is the team everyone's looking at to repeat as champions.

"It's the same as every year," said Hinsdale South coach Alex Bitto. "It's Downers South and everyone else."

Whitmer threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions last year. The Mustangs have to overcome the graduation loss of four offensive linemen, but receiver Jason Jozaites and sophomore running back Josh Williams should keep the scoreboard busy.

Seven starters return to a defense that notched four shutouts in 2008.

"We'll be in the mix, but I think our league is a little better this year," said Mustangs coach John Belskis. "There are some teams that could sneak in there."

Proviso East, the Gold's only other playoff qualifier last year, returns Illinois recruit Corey Cooper, a talented receiver and defensive back. Among Leyden's 13 returning starters are running back Angel Maldonado and quarterback David Rose.

Fifteen starters are back to boost Willowbrook's hopes for a playoff berth. Addison Trail has promoted eight sophomores in what will be hall of fame coach Paul Parpet's 29th and final season at the helm.

Hinsdale South returns three linemen and 6-foot-3, 285-pound tight end Cody Kuhlman as it aims to control the ball with a grinding ground game. Morton seeks its first Gold win since 2005.