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Glenbard North coach Ryan Wilkens said he had questions about his defensive line before the season began and had to reassess his lineup after losing to Wheaton Warrenville South 35-7 in Week 8. But his Panthers have answered all of his questions in the state playoffs.

The Panthers (10-1), who host Downers Grove South Saturday, have recorded six shutouts, including two in a row in the playoffs. At one point, they had four shutouts in a row and allowed only two touchdowns in six games. In 11 games, they have permitted 82 points.

“Our kids are quick up front, they put on a good pass rush and they are fundamentally sound,” Wilkens said. “Our kids are focused. The defense has played well all year except for the WW South game.”

The defense is led by ends Nick Abbate (6-2, 220), the defensive lineman of the year in the DuPage Valley, and Chris Gavigan and linebackers Johnny Pullia and Chris Wahrman, cornerback Brandon Salemi and safety Andre Smith.

OFFENSIVE FIREWORKS: Cary-Grove coach Bruce Kay said his current squad, which has scored 502 points while allowing 107, potentially is the best team he has produced, offensively and defensively, even better than the 2004 powerhouse that finished second in the state.

QB Tyler Krebs, who runs the triple option, has passed for 650 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 586 yards. Alex Hembrey has rushed for 939 yards and Eric Chandler has rushed for 965. Chad McCarron has caught 17 passes for 300 yards and eight TDs. Center Hayden Baker (6-2, 245) and tackle Matt Leibforth (6-0, 225) anchor the offensive line.

BEST OF ALL: Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said he hasn't seen a better offensive lineman than 6-4, 275-pound junior Jordan Walsh. “The only one who compares to him is Chris Watt [a former Glenbard West star who is at Notre Dame]. But Walsh is more athletic that Watt and is as physical and finishes as well,” Hetlet said. Walsh has been offered by Arizona.

UNSUNG HERO: Lemont coach Eric Michaelsen credits senior quarterback Kyle Cyr for much of his 10-1 team's success. Cyr was a wide receiver as a sophomore, then dropped football to concentrate on baseball as a junior. But he asked Michaelsen if he could try out for quarterback this season. “His passing has improved so much. He has given us another dimension on offense and has provided good leadership,” the coach said.

COMEBACK: St. Charles North started 3-0 and 6-1, then lost its last two regular-season games by four points to finish fifth in the Upstate Eight. But coach Mark Gould is optimistic as he prepares for Saturday's Class 7A quarterfinal at Glenbard West. He is counting on DL Josh Peters and LBs J.J. Weaver, Ben Dvorak, Spencer Swartz and Domninic Imbordino.