Team Preview: Glenbard West
Head Coach: Chad Hetlet Mascot: Hilltoppers Twitter: @HitterFootball IHSA Enrollment: 2347 2019 Record: 10-1 Star Player: RB: Samson Zander Samson Zander 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL , SR Breakout Star: OL: Chris Terek, SO …
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Continue ReadingHead Coach: Chad Hetlet
Mascot: Hilltoppers
Twitter: @HitterFootball
IHSA Enrollment: 2347
2019 Record: 10-1
Star Player: RB: Samson Zander Samson Zander 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL , SR
Breakout Star: OL: Chris Terek, SO
Overview
When you look at Glenbard West’s 2020 squad, you can’t help but think of their offense. They return the state’s best backfield in running back’s Samson Zander Samson Zander 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL & Jalen Moore Jalen Moore 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL . Coach Chad Hetlet’s unique fly sweep offense is one of the toughest to defend in all of Illinois, and I fully expect them to continue to give opposing coaches major issues. The Hitters feature multiple FBS & FCS recruits who are starting to gain a lot of traction of late in the recruiting game. One name to remember is sophomore offensive lineman Chris Terek. At 6’5 310, he looks to be the next great hitter offensive lineman and could be a Power-5 recruit. After falling last fall in the second of the 7A state playoffs to a very talented Loyola squad, Glenbard West looks towards 2020 and making their annual deep playoff run this fall.
Offense
2019 Offensive PPG: 44.4
Notable Returners:
QB: Braden Spiech 6’,180, SR
RB: Samson Zander Samson Zander 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL , 5’8, 170, SR
RB: Jalen Moore Jalen Moore 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB Glenbard West | 2021 IL , 5’10, 190, SR
Photo Courtsey of Friday Night Drive
TE: Denin Limouris Denin Limouris 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Glenbard West | 2021 IL , 6’2, 225, SR
OL: Wes Hoeh Wes Hoeh 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL Glenbard West | 2021 IL , 6’4, 250, SR
OL: Charlie Baer, 6’2, 255, SR
Notable Departures:
RB: Joey Richmond
FB: Nick Seifert
WR: Will Halkyard
Defense
2019 Defensive PPG: 8.8
Notable Returners:
LB: Caleb Moorhead Caleb Moorhead 6'2" | 190 lbs | ATH Glenbard West | 2021 IL , 6’2, 190, SR
DL: Darryl Obasuyi, 6’3, 210, SR
LB: George Apostolu, 6’1, 210, SR
LB: Kyle Rossy, 6’3, 200, JR
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Notable Departures:
LB: Greyson Metz
LB: Will Skowronski
DL: Kevin Tracy
DL: David Lanciloti
2020 Schedule
@ Maine South, 8/28
@ Leyden, 9/4
@ Proviso West 9/11
vs. Addison Trail, 9/19
@ York, 9/25
vs. Downers Grove North, 10/3
vs. Lyons, 10/10
@ Hinsdale Central, 10/16
vs. Oak Park-River Forest 10/24
Opponents 2019 Record: 38-47
Top Storyline
Can the the Hitters reload on the defensive side of the ball, after the loss of some very good players?
Thoughts
Glenbard West will be a legitimate threat to win a state title in Class 7A. With their high flying offense returning a ton of talent, the big question mark will be on the defensive side. Glenbard West’s defense was dominant last year, giving up 8 points or less in eight of their eleven ball games. However, they lost the leader of their defense to graduation, in Northwestern commit Greyson Metz & a few other talented ballplayers. If the Hitters reload and continue to play quality defense, I think the sky is the limit. Their week one matchup at Maine South will say a lot about how their 2020 season will go. They have a very favorable schedule, and I could see them running the table yet again this fall. Coach Chad Hetlet does a phenomenal job with his program and will certainly make a push at his third state championship.