Rolling Hilltoppers bounce back again
Glenbard West just might be a sleeping giant, and the Hilltoppers can prove it Friday against Hinsdale Central (4-1).
They have flown under the radar since losing at Maine South in Week 1.
The same thing happened last season. The Hawks slapped Glenbard West in the first game, then the Hilltoppers spent the season recovering and improving. They ripped off nine consecutive wins before losing to a very good Oswego team in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs.
Glenbard West is on a four-game winning streak after beating Lyons 41-7 on Saturday. Speedster Tyquan Cox had five touchdowns, including a 96-yard score on a kickoff return.
The Hilltoppers’ defense seems to be on a roll. It has held opponents to nine points per game since Week 1.
The rivalry
St. Patrick and Notre Dame have one of the area’s top football rivalries. It generally doesn’t matter how either team is doing; fans turn out in droves to watch the Shamrocks face the Dons.
Expect an extra-special atmosphere Saturday night at Triton.
St. Patrick (4-2) and Notre Dame (5-1) are having excellent seasons.
Quarterback Jack O’Rourke and kicker John Saner were the stars of the Shamrocks’ 17-14 victory at Marian Central in Week 6. O’Rourke came through with big plays on several key third and fourth downs. Saner drilled a game-winning 18-yard field goal with 14 seconds to play.
O’Rourke, an all-conference safety last season, has been a success in his first season at quarterback. The Shamrocks have two players — defensive end/tight end Anthony Manaves and guard Jake Briskey — attracting college interest.
High-scoring Huskies
Undefeated Hersey is off to its best start in more than 40 years. The Huskies have one of the area’s most impressive offenses. They’re averaging 48 points and have scored more than 50 in three games.
Quarterback Ryan Justice had four touchdown passes in a 48-0 victory against Buffalo Grove in Week 6. Justice shares time with Jordan Hansen.
Receiver Kacper “The Ghost” Rutkiewicz is putting up huge numbers. Rutkiewicz has more than 30 receptions, and he scored three touchdowns against the Bison.
Rivalry, Part 2
Oswego East has been around for less than 20 years, so the Oswego vs. Oswego East showdown Friday doesn’t exactly boast the long history of St. Patrick vs. Notre Dame. But don’t expect anyone in Oswego to care about that.
Both teams are unbeaten, both are ranked and both are tied for first in the Southwest Prairie. The No. 5 Panthers have received a lot more attention, but Oswego East’s defense has been frighteningly dominant. The Wolves have outscored opponents 203-6.
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