Preview: Glenbard West

Turning the corner a little late last year to secure its first playoff berth since 2004, coach Chad Hetlet said, Glenbard West was nonetheless a minute away from advancing to the Class 7A quarterfinals.

Hetlet's second year at the helm features nine returning defensive starters, six more on offense. He anticipates a faster push toward a better playoff seed and perhaps the Hilltoppers' first West Suburban Silver title since 1994.

Hetlet says it's the most talented team he's coached: speed at the skill positions, two able-armed quarterbacks, several solid defenders and the top recruit in the state, Notre Dame commit Chris Watt.

Not just a dominant two-way lineman, team leader and three-year starter, Watt means even more.

"It reinforces the progress of the program," Hetlet said, "and what we're doing here."

Senior Chris Cochrane gets the starting nod at quarterback with 6-6 junior Tyler Warden also taking plenty of snaps. The duo will target Glenbard West's top 2007 receiver, Jess Condie. Returning starter Bryant Venson and Robert Cook offer inside-outside ball-carrying with pass-catching abilities.

Glenbard West returns three of five starting offensive linemen and the bulk of last year's defense. Watt and nose tackle Theo Odom should keep blockers off middle linebacker Garrett Richards, while Dave McCaffrey returns athleticism at cornerback.

"I think the talent is there, the experience is there," Hetlet said. "The intangibles are staying healthy and executing. If we do those things we'll be a pretty good team."