Scouting the Glenbard South Raiders

With a new coach, new personnel and no conference, Glenbard South's football team shifted its goals a bit this season.

But not too much.

The Raiders - on the heels of their first conference title in three decades and their second straight state quarterfinal berth - aim to continue the successful recent trend that's led to three straight playoff appearances.

Jeremy Cordell, defensive coordinator at rival Glenbard West the last three seasons, takes the helm from departed coach Dan Starkey, now the coach at New Trier. Despite graduating a large chunk of talent while instilling a new system, Cordell is confident the Raiders can thrive with an independent schedule.

"We'll be a little raw at first, but we'll get better as the season goes along," said Cordell, whose program will join the Metro Suburban Conference next season. "They're really embracing what we're trying to do."

After graduating a pair of all-staters in quarterback Trace Wanless and defensive lineman Austin Teitsma, the Raiders need rebuilding on both sides of the ball. In fact many players will be competing on both sides of the ball.

Dan Marshall's a returning starter who will be pivotal on the offensive and defensive lines. Running back John Hentges, who rushed for 400 yards last season, also will play linebacker. Junior linebacker Nick Boesso, who will see time on the offensive line, finished third on the team in tackles last year.

Possibly six players will play both ways as Cordell establishes a 3-5-3 defense and a double-wing offense with some wrinkles. Junior Tyler Padera takes over at quarterback, while the ground game will get a boost from fellow junior Wes Sanders.

The path as a one-year independent may be unique, but the clear goal is to reach six wins and a guaranteed playoff spot.

"We're starting from the ground up," Cordell said. "But we still want to make the playoffs and we want to play deep into the playoffs."

The breakdown

Coach: Jeremy Cordell (first year).

2009 record: 9-3, 6-1, tied for first in Western Sun Conference.

Top players: Dan Marshall (OL-DL, 6-3, 220, sr.); John Hentges (RB-LB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Wes Sanders (RB, 5-9, 180, jr.); McKinley Geiger (OL, 5-10, 185, sr.); Tyler Benware (S, 5-9, 175, sr.); Nick Boesso (LB-OL, 6-0, 190, jr.); Kyle Avaloy (OL, 6-4, 300, jr.); Jessie Larabee (LB-RB, 6-2, 190, sr.); Zach Lawler (DL, 5-10, 225, jr.); Tyler Padera (QB, 6-0, 180, jr.); Elven Walker (WR-DB, 5-10, 165, jr.); Bobby Parratore (LB-OL, 6-2, 205, sr.).