West Suburban Silver could be as tight as ever

And the preseason pick for the West Suburban Silver is…

Sorry, but "wide open" is the prevailing attitude among WSS coaches.

Lyons Twp. rates a slight edge led by all-conference returnee Eddie Viliunas, whom Lions coach Jack Derning has called the best quarterback he's coached in 35 years. He also has his usual complement of 270-pounders on the line.

York, coming off its first outright WSS title since 1997, also gets kudos as reigning king of the hill.

"Then," Downers Grove North coach John Wander said, "it's a crapshoot."

In a seven-team league that saw nice years from Oak Park and even long-time doormat Proviso West last season, the conference could get tighter with Glenbard West returning 11 starters, including highly regarded tackle Chris Watt, and going with fewer two-way starters.

"Yeah, we were 1-8 last year, but that was last year," said new Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. "We really think we have so many players with varsity playing experience, why not us?"

Downers Grove North returns two all-conference backs in Ryan Gresko and Mike Krygeris, as well as a solid linebacker in Art Gutzke. Wander, however, has concerns with a smallish defense. The timing between new quarterback Joe Honn and his line may take time.

Hinsdale Central also isn't huge on defense, but the Red Devils have speed and experience mainly on defense. Their returning linebackers are backed by all-conference safety Nick Chenier. Sophomore quarterback John Whitelaw will learn varsity on the fly.

Oak Park and Proviso West may still be knocking at the door, but Oak Park returns seven defensive starters and 1,000-yard rusher Levell Coppage.

Proviso West, headed by energetic coach Famous Hulbert, is building with a big offensive line.

York coach Bill Lech believes his ground game may be better than the one that helped the Dukes to the Class 8A semifinals. Paving the way is Northwestern recruit Neal Deiters at tackle ahead of three experienced backs.

What really vaulted York to the top last year was its defense. This season only one starter returns, though many got playing time in 2006.

Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo won't be fooled. "I think York is the class of the conference, and they're the top dog till somebody beats them out."