12 Days to Kickoff: Glenbard West

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NBCSportsChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Starting Aug. 5, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 30.

School: Glenbard West

Head coach: Chad Hetlet

Assistant coaches: John Sigmund, Jon Schweighardt, Chris VanDyke, Rick Heckman, Mike Hofland, Tad Keely and Sheldon Harris

How they fared in 2018: 8-3 (5-1 West Suburban Silver Conference). Glenbard West made the Class 8A state playoff field. They defeated Bartlett then lost to Lincoln-Way East in second round action.

2019 regular season schedule:

Aug. 31 vs Maine South
Sept. 7 vs Leyden
Sept. 14 vs Proviso West
Sept. 20 @ Addison Trail
Sept. 28 vs York
Oct. 4 @ Downers Grove North
Oct. 11 @ Lyons Township
Oct. 19 vs Hinsdale Central
Oct. 25 @ Oak Park River Forest

[MORE: 15 Days to Kickoff - Maine South]

Biggest storyline: The Hilltoppers have been one of the most dominant Illinois high school programs the last decade or so, but have only advanced to the second round the previous two years. Can the Hilltoppers get back to making deeper runs in the IHSA state playoffs?

Names to watch this season: OLB Greyson Metz (Sr.) and OL Andrew Johnson (Sr.)

Biggest holes to fill: The Hilltoppers have a few key spots to fill this summer including quarterback and on the defensive line.
 
EDGY's Early Take: Glenbard West head coach Chad Hetlet has produced a 129-21 during his time in Glen Ellyn, including two state titles (2012, 2015) and a runner-up appearance (2009). Nine of his 12 seasons have resulted in double-digit wins. Witnessing the Hilltoppers get knocked out of the state playoffs at home, 45-0 to Lincoln-Way East, has undoubtedly provided plenty of offseason motivation. The 2019 ‘Hitters’ will look towards an experience and talented defense to lead the way. They’re headlined by senior OLB Greyson Metz, who anchors a unit that showed terrific speed this summer. On offense, they will look to run the football behind a line led by senior OL Andrew Johnson. Look for senior returning starters RB Joey Richmond and FB Nic Seifert to get plenty of touches this season. 
 

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