The Panthers, 7-3 overall last season, have several skill-position players back from an offense that averaged 29.2 points per game in 2015, reports MaxPreps.com.
Quarterback Shane Conway, running backs Vittorio Tricase and Isaiah Hawkins, and wide receiver Jace James return this season. Paving the way for them on the offensive line will be returning starters Jose Vazquez and Joe Perilli.
The defense, which allowed 13.8 points per contest, also has several key players back, led by defensive backs Greg Newsome and Tyrik Henderson. Also back are linemen Chris Chino-Nouen and Colin Rosado and linebackers Dmyreo Mitchell, Jayleen Fitzpatrick and Anthony Marre.
Glenbard North will need all that returning talent to keep pace in the DuPage Valley Conference, which had four state-playoff teams last season, three of which won at least one postseason game.
“Every week in the DuPage Valley Conference is a tough, physical week of football,” Panthers head coach Ryan Wilkens said in an email interview with the DuPage Policy Journal.
BARTLETT
The Hawks, who went 5-5 last season including a 4-1 mark in the Upstate Eight-Valley Conference, will be looking for a return trip to the state playoffs.
The Bartlett offense this year has back starting offensive lineman Erik Cook and starting running back Vanshon Lindsey, and will feature the versatile Chris Sanft, who will be a flanker and tight end on offense and a safety and cornerback on defense. Lineman David Snyder also returns with some experience.
“Our goal is to be strong and consistent in each phase of the game,” head coach Eric Ilich said in an email interview with DuPage Policy Journal. “We will continue to ask our players to be focused on the process to become a little bit better in their role every single day.”
WILLOWBROOK
Four offensive starters and five defensive starters return for the Warriors, who are coming off a 5-5 season.
Returning players who started on both sides of the ball last year are wide receiver/defensive back Jonathan Kelso, running back/linebacker Jack Jessen and offensive lineman/linebacker Brandon Loth. Lucas Olson returns to start on the offensive line, while Kevon Dobbins is back on the defensive line.
“If we take the ball away, minimize third and long, do not turn the ball over, tackle and block, we can give ourselves the opportunity to win some football games,” head coach Nick Hildreth said in an email interview with DuPage Policy Journal.
NOTE: Not all area coaches returned information before this story went to press.
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