Week 1 Matchups to Watch: York vs Glenbrook South
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We are 2 days away from Kickoff for the 2023 IHSA Season. Each day leading up to Friday, we will preview impact prospects to keep in eye out for in some of the top opening games in the Land of…
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Continue ReadingWe are 2 days away from Kickoff for the 2023 IHSA Season. Each day leading up to Friday, we will preview impact prospects to keep in eye out for in some of the top opening games in the Land of Lincoln. Next up is two teams who saw undefeated regular seasons last year before losing in the playoffs. Today we will preview some of the top players from the Glenbrook South Titans and the York Dukes.
YORK DUKES
York saw their season end last year with a loss to Loyola in the semi-finals. Their regular season undefeated record was beyond impressive, as the Dukes have some of the top talent in the state within their program. This season, they’re ready to make a push towards a state championship. If they are going to make a run, it starts on Friday against Glenbrook South.
Reiff is a Top 10 ranked defensive linemen in the state. The class of 2025 game wrecker stands at 6’5 and weighs 235 lbs. Last season on varsity, Reiff dominated on the edge, showcasing the ability to stop the run and rush the passer in a variety of ways. Although Reiff has a lot of moves in his bag, he plays with a high motor and physicality on every play. He is quick off the ball and runs extremely well. He defeats one-on-one blocks with ease and plays tight to the line of scrimmage in the run game, allowing him to spill pulling guards or rack up tackles for loss. Holding a multitude of Power 5 offers already, expect Reiff to kick off his junior season with a bang on Friday night.
Mailander is a 6’0, 175 lbs wide receiver who gave his commitment to Illinois State over the summer. The future Redbird is a burner, showcasing the ability to out run the majority of defensive backs he faces. With elite straight line speed, Mailander is always a vertical threat on the outside. However, he is not just a one trick pony. Mailander can also transitions in and out of breaks, stack defensive backs, and gain extra yardage in the open field. The do-it-all wideout is dangerous in plenty of ways. His combination of speed, athleticism, and hands are sure to shine during the start of his senior year come Friday.
Highlights
Cole Ostendorf
Cole Ostendorf
Ostendorf is an impressive linebacker who earned Defensive Conference Player of the Year and All-State honors last season as a junior. Heading into his senior year, Ostendorf is ready to build off his success from last season. The 5’11, 210 lbs run stuffer plays with a nastiness and physicality that immediately jumps out on film. He is a downhill player, reading and diagnosing run game with ease, finding open windows, and finishing with power on the opposing ball carrier. Ostendorf is an extremely solid tackler, using his low pad level and hips to drive through running backs to knock them backwards with force. He can sniff out screens or add himself on a blitz with urgency to shut down the opposing team’s play. Long story short, Ostendorf is a game wrecker who is sure to stick out in Friday’s contest against GBS.
GLENBROOK SOUTH
GBS raced to a 9-2 record last season, eventually losing to Glenbard West in the second round of the playoffs. They have been on the rise over the past two seasons, making noise throughout their conference and the state. While they graduated a decent amount of players from last years team, a strong class of 2025 is ready to continue the Titans’ streak of successful seasons.
Cotton is perhaps the biggest piece returning for the Titans from a year ago. The Class of 2025 defensive back is ready to take on a bigger role heading into his junior season, as he is one of the top ranked corners in the state. A year ago, Cotton posted an impressive stat line of 4 intercepts and 12 pass break ups. Measuring in at 6’1, 160 lbs, Cotton has the length, athleticism, and ball skills that make him a shut down corner. He is as smooth a backpedaler as one will find and showcases the ability to transition his hips fluidly to get in and out of breaks. He can drive on balls with urgency and has elite speed that helps him run with nearly any receiver. As far as intangibles go, Cotton has it all and is ready to show off his skills under the Friday night lights.
Jacob Malek
Jacob Malek
Malek is the definition of an athlete, as he excelled at the sophomore level at running back, wide receiver, and defensive back for the Titans. The first thing that sticks out is Malek’s speed. At tailback, Malek showcases the ability to get to the edge in a hurry, outrunning first and second level defenders and running with power to beat 3rd level defenders. At wideout, Malek has a quick release of the line, the ability to stack defensive backs to create separation, and soft hands that allow him to make difficult catches look easy. At safety, Malek covers a ton of ground and can undercut throws to take it the other way. Whether lined up in the backfield, split out, or on defense, Malek is ready to make a huge impact in his first varsity season.
Wehbe Elie Wehbe
Wehbe Elie Wehbe
Wehbe is a 6’2, 200 lbs defensive end and tight end who flashed the tools to be an elite two way player for the Titans this season. Another class of 2025 prospect, Wehbe has the frame and athleticism to become even more polished. On defense, he plays with fantastic extension and strength that allows him to leverage opposing offensive linemen. He can shed blocks with ease and has a high motor that takes him to the ball carrier. On offense, Wehbe is a capable blocker and pass catcher. He plays with physicality on the edge. When route running, Wehbe shows off both his speed and agility. He catches the ball smoothly and has the speed to outrun linebackers over the middle of the field. Heading into his first varsity season, Wehbe’s stock is on the rise.