South emerges from Glenbard shadows

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Ever since it opened in 1972, Glenbard South in Glen Ellyn has played second fiddle to the district’s three other schools — Glenbard West, Glenbard North and Glenbard East.

‘‘We’re the little sister in the district,’’ Glenbard South football coach Dan Starkey said. ‘‘We’re the smallest of the four schools. And we’re in an area where we are surrounded by bigger schools and private-school powers. We always fly under the radar.’’

Not this year.

In his fifth season, Starkey is in position to produce the winningest team in school history. Glenbard South was a 9-2 quarterfinalist in 1977 and an 8-4 quarterfinalist in 1999. A victory over Antioch Saturday in a Class 6A quarterfinal would boost the Raiders to 10-2.

‘‘You see good senior leadership on teams that make it this far in the playoffs — and we have that — but our juniors stand out,’’ Starkey said.

The key juniors include 6-2, 220-pound defensive end Austin Teitsma, quarterback Trace Wanless and receiver/ linebacker Nick Slezak.

Teitsma is a two-time all-conference selection on defense who also is a blocking back on offense. Acknowledged as the team’s most physical player, he is being evaluated by Illinois. A three-sport athlete, he likely will be a defensive tackle in college.

Wanless, a 5-10, 185-pounder, was shifted from receiver and free safety to quarterback when 6-3, 215-pound senior Kevin Marshall broke the index finger on his throwing hand in Week 4. Marshall passed for 1,400 yards and rushed for 500 on last year’s 7-4 team.

‘‘We didn’t panic when Marshall went down,’’ Starkey said. ‘‘Trace is a very good passer. We knew he was a good lower-class player and a great athlete with a lot of potential. He has a great grasp for our spread offense. He makes things happen for us.’’

In his team’s seven-game winning streak, Wanless has completed 61 percent (70 of 114) of his passes for 1,149 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Marshall, a consummate team player, returned for last week’s playoff game against Hubbard and played linebacker and defensive tackle.

The senior class is headed by Marshall, 6-2, 200-pound linebacker Louis Erkins, running back Curtis Ford (1,000 yards rushing), receiver Jon Holland (33 catches, 675 yards, nine touchdowns) and receiver/safety Ryan McKeon.

Erkins is a two-time all-conference selection who continues to excel at linebacker but also has taken Wanless’ place at wide receiver. He caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Wanless that proved to be the difference in a 14-7 decision over Hubbard.

For years, Glenbard South has played in the shadow of Glenbard West and Glenbard North. But Starkey isn’t afraid of his bigger brothers. South and West now open the season against each other, and Starkey hopes it will become the same competitive rivalry that the old Glenbard West/Wheaton Warrenville South series was.

‘‘We feel our conference [Western Sun] prepares us well for the state playoffs,’’ said Starkey, whose team lost to two unbeaten Class 7A teams — Glenbard West 34-7 and Geneva 14-7.

‘‘We’re excited about this season. It is rewarding to see what we are doing.’’