When asked about the strength of his football team, Glenbrook South coach Dave Schoenwetter quickly pointed to his linebacking corps.
His four starting linebackers in his 3-4 defensive scheme form the backbone of the defense.
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“They’re our hardest-working and toughest group,” Schoenwetter said. “As a unit, they excel and take pride in what they do.”
The group is led by seniors Harry Panagakis and Jack Jerfita, each of whom also shares time at fullback. They are joined by juniors Aidan Prikos and Kailan Patel. Schoenwetter said Panagakis and Jerfita are the Titans’ two most physical players with a nose for the football.
The fourth linebacking position was open heading into summer camp, and that’s when Patel emerged.
“He won the position over the summer by picking up schemes quickly and showing that he was not afraid of contact,” Schoenwetter said.
Patel credited the two senior linebackers for mentoring him and Prikos.
“They teach us how to go hard and to be physical every play,” Patel said.
Schoenwetter complimented Prikos’ leadership abilities in particular.
“Being a great leader and holding others accountable is a rarity for a junior,” Schoenwetter said.
Glenbrook South opened the season with a 43-7 loss Friday at Rolling Meadows. The host Mustangs used four Glenbrook South turnovers and impressive backfield speed to overwhelm the Titans.
Nevertheless, Glenbrook South had its highlights. Among them were plays by the aforementioned linebackers.
Patel paced the group with seven tackles, while Jerfita had five. Panagakis stopped Rolling Meadows’ opening drive by deflecting a fourth-down pass near midfield, while Prikos supplied another drive-ending play in the first quarter.
Glenbrook South scored its lone touchdown in the fourth quarter, when sophomore Zack Herndon broke free at the line of scrimmage and burst outside for a 56-yard scoring run.
The leadership of this group of linebackers will be tested this week, as the Titans try to turn things around at St. Patrick.
“When we practice this week, we’ll get after it,” Jerfita said. We’re going to push each other hard. We’ve got to play better.”