Glenbrook South
Coach: David Schoenwetter, entering first season
2015 record: 4-5, did not advance to playoffs
Offense: Glenbrook South’s new offense, under first-year coach Schoenwetter, runs short routes in both spread and bunch formations, staying away from passes downfield. Senior quarterback Brett Borre is preparing for the new style. “I know how to make that read right away, so now I’m just catching the ball from the center and getting it out,” Borre said.
Defense: Defensive lineman Caleb Young and linebackers Ryan Tovcimak and Noah Acocella are all expected to lead the unit as seniors in a 4-3 scheme. Schoenwetter raved about the offseason work ethic of Young in particular. Expect the Titans to play a cover 2 under first-year coordinator Tom Mietus with some variation to confuse opposing offenses.
Strong side: Last season, Glenbrook South failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004 but scored more than 30 points in six games. An abundance of depth at receiver this season, including Tony Jerfita and Jake Smiley, should help solidify a playoff-caliber group.
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Weak side: The Titans struggled to close out games a season ago, particularly against Maine South, when they blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. In order to reverse this trend, Schoenwetter hopes he has implemented a culture in which the defense never loses focus. “Our kids know if they don’t run to the football, they won’t be playing anymore,” he said.
Team tradition: Understanding that some of his personnel could mentally wear down as the season progresses, Schoenwetter added a Peak Performance Group. The program strives to push athletes in their attempt to grasp all off-the-field aspects of the game. “The kids that are involved are those who we think can take a big jump if they focus on positive thoughts and pregame visualization tools,” he said.
Quote: “If you build more character in kids, you really develop them as people,” Schoenwetter said. “We’re trying to build a program of significance. Significance is about change, and I think we’re going to attract even more high-quality young men. The end result is going to be a terrific product on the field.”
Eli Hershkovich is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
2016 schedule
8/26, Barrington, 7:30
9/2, ST. PATRICK, 7:30
9/9, Palatine, 7:30
9/16, FREMD, 7:30
9/23, Niles West*, 7:00
9/30, MAINE SOUTH*, 7:30
10/7, EVANSTON*, 7:00
10/14, New Trier*, 7:30
10/21, NILES NORTH*, 7:30
Home games in CAPS
* Central Suburban South game