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In the history of the program, Proviso West has yet to qualify for the postseason. Over the past few years, though, the Panthers have inched their way closer.

Despite a disappointing 2-7 mark in 2007, the Panthers went 4-5 in Famous Hulbert’s first

season in 2006. That record was the program’s best since going 5-4 in both 1994 and 1996.

“These guys know we can win now,” Hulbert said. “The last few years have proved that. They know we can do it.”

Though only scoring 67 points last year, the Panthers cut their points allowed to under 200 for

the first time in a while. From 2003 to 2006, the Panthers allowed, on average, 30 points per

game. Last year, though, that number dropped to 20.

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This season marks Famous Hulbert’s third as head coach of Proviso West. He’s setting some

pretty lofty goals, as well.
“Our goal is the playoffs,” he said. “Anything less than that is a disappointment. We’re working

too hard and putting in too many hours for that not to happen. Our next goal is to make the

playoffs. We’ve proved we can play with these teams.”
Hulbert, a former star at Proviso West and assistant coach at Lyons Township, has turned

around the Panthers’ fortunes as of late. After a long drought in the West Suburban Silver, the

Panthers’ beat Lyons Township two years ago and upset Downers Grove North last year. With

as much parity as there is in the Silver, the Panthers have a chance at another upset or two this

year.
 

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Proviso West might not be the most talented team around; nor is it the biggest team around.

However, where the Panthers lack in size, they more than make up for in speed.

“We’re going to be explosive on offense,” Hulbert said. “We have a 6-5 wide receiver, a 6-4 wide

receiver and a quarterback who can throw. The reality is that teams are going to be bigger than

us and stronger than us, but they’re not going to be faster than us, I guarantee you that. When

that ball is in the air, we can play with anyone, and you can print that.”

Quarterback Teddy Sloan has experience running the show and the Panthers’ two large targets

include 6-foot-5 Kyle Prater and 6-foot-4 Julius Shelly, both of whom are juniors and still have

room to grow.
 

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While the Panthers are improved on offense, they will have to keep improving if they are to meet

Hulbert’s goals of winning conference and making the playoffs.

All too often, the Panthers have been out of games before they have started. While the defense

cut down on points allowed last year, the offense still didn’t put up enough points to challenge

many teams.

In fact, in 2007 and 2004, the Panthers didn’t even average 10 points per game. In 2002, with

the exception of a 68-point outburst against Morton, the Panthers also averaged less than 10

points per game.

Considering only one team scored more than 180 points in six conference games last year, the

Panthers can be a major player if they can do the little things right.