Scouting the Glenbard East Rams
Glenbard East's offense lit up scoreboards the last two years. After graduating those who ran, caught or threw the football for those teams, the emphasis shifts.
"Our goal is to rely on the strength of our offensive line and defensive line as they grow and mature as the season goes on. In the process we want to try and gather as many wins as we can," said Rams coach John Walters.
Finishing 4-5 the last two seasons, the coach also is focusing on defense, he said, "and that all starts up front."
Defensive ends Tom Flood and Zach Thornton stand 6-foot-4 and 6-2, respectively. Interior linemen Camron Simmons and Brandon Raines each top 275 pounds. There's more where that came from, such as junior defensive end Tom Cederblad standing 6-6.
The bulk continues on an all-senior offensive line. Heading the pack is returning nine-game starter T.J. Walsh, 6-4 and 280, along with right tackle Adam Armstrong, center Sam Santiago and guards Jake Busby and weight room beast Andrew Shockey. Four of the five started games in 2015.
"I feel like we have some size and strength and speed up front to be really competitive and to help us with some of our younger players on the back end," Walters said.
By back end he means receivers like junior Keonta Nixon and Kenny Adams, whom Walters said had an "unbelievable sophomore year." Running backs Scott Szabo and Jack Oberli and quarterbacks Bret Bushka and Jared Rech are like most of Glenbard East's skilled set - high on potential but untested.
Overall, last season only Walsh and kicking specialist Justin Murphy were full-time starters.
In 2015 Glenbard East often built leads only to go 1-5 against playoff foes. To qualify for its second playoff berth ever (1999) that must change.
"We've got to find a way to win the big games, that's the bottom line," Walters said.
- Dave Oberhelman
The breakdown
Coach: John Walters (sixth year, 11-34; seventh year overall, 13-41).
2015 record: 4-5, 2-3, fourth in the Upstate Eight Valley.
Top players: Kenny Adams (WR, 6-1, 155, jr.), Adam Armstrong (OL, 6-5, 275, sr.), Tom Flood (DL, 6-4, 240, sr.), Justin Murphy (DB-K/P, 6-1, 190, sr.), Zach Netchin (LB, 6-0, 200, sr.), Keonta Nixon (WR, 6-4, 190, jr.), Sam Santiago (OL, 6-3, 300, sr.), Camron Simmons (DL, 6-1, 275, sr.), Scott Szabo (RB, 5-7, 160, sr.), Zach Thornton (DL, 6-3, 210, sr.), J.T. Walsh (OL, 6-4, 280, sr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/26, Lake Forest at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/2, Glenbard East at Glenbard South, 7:15 p.m.
Sat, 9/10, Glenbard East at South Elgin, 1:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/16, West Aurora at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/23, St. Charles North at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/30, Glenbard East at East Aurora, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/7, Glenbard East at Jacobs, 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 10/14, West Chicago at Glenbard East, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/21, Glenbard East at Bartlett, 7:30 p.m.
One to watch: Week 3
Last season's 61-47 shootout loss to South Elgin began a four-game slide that knocked the Rams out of playoff contention.