CN100 Game of the Week preview: Football - Hinsdale Central vs. Glenbard West
GLEN ELLYN – Prior to this season, defending Class 7A state champion Glenbard West had only lost one regular season game in five seasons – back in 2010.
But in the season opener against rival Wheaton Warrenville South, the Hilltoppers coughed up a 14-3 lead in the fourth quarter and lost 17-14.
“I think we learned a good lesson in week one,” Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. “We didn’t close it out. The kids have had a chip on their shoulders ever since then.”
The Hilltoppers have rebounded with three straight wins as they head into Saturday’s West Suburban Silver game against Hinsdale Central, a game that will be broadcast on CN100, The Comcast Network, at Noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The game can also be seen throughout Chicagoland with Xfinity On Demand.
Glenbard West has blown out Morton, Downers Grove North and Lyons by a combined score of 132-14 since that fourth-quarter collapse against Wheaton South, meaning they got Hetlet’s message.
“Our message was loud and clear that we finish games at Glenbard West,” Hetlet said. “In the last six years, we haven’t lost a game we were winning at halftime. This is something that doesn’t happen ever and it can’t happen again. Perhaps they didn’t think they could lose a game (they went 14-0 last year). You can’t lose. It’s very impactful when you do.”
The numbers back it up for Hetlet. Over the past five seasons, the Hilltoppers were 59-5, losing in the playoffs four times and winning last year’s state title. They came in second in 2009 and have won at least 10 games in each of the past five seasons.
Leading the way for the Hilltoppers this season is star running back Scotty Andrews, who has amassed 445 yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Vogg has done a steady job leading the run-first offense with a solid arm and the ability to run as well. Eric Shute, an N.C. State recruit, helps pave the way up front.
Defensively, one of the state’s best players is all-state safety Hayden Carlson. Veteran linebackers Jordan Hassan and Grant Greeno anchor the middle of the defense. Devante Toney is a two-way threat at fullback and defensive tackle. Kicker Hayden Lakecz is one of the best in the state.
Hinsdale Central boasts two elite talents in offensive lineman Brian Allen and 6-foot-7 tight end Ian Bunting. Allen is committed to Michigan State and is 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds in his senior season. Bunting plans to play his college ball a little further down the road from Allen in Ann Arbor for Michigan.
The Red Devils have already had a significant injury at quarterback, however. Chase Hamilton suffered an ankle injury week three and has been replaced by Jacob White.
“We know those guys pretty well,” Hetlet said. “They’re always big and physical every year. Bunting is going to Michigan and he is a special player. You have to be aware of him all the time. Allen may be the best lineman in the state. The rest of the team is well-coached. It’s a great rivalry we have with them. I think it will be a very physical battle.”
- Paul Johnson, CN100 Correspondent
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