Glenbard West dispatches first of unbeatens
One down, two to go.
In a showdown between West suburban Silver unbeatens Saturday in Western Springs, Glenbard West began a brutal stretch of schedule with an impressive 35-0 football victory over Lyons Twp.
The 24-hour rule might be a little shorter for the Hilltoppers (5-0, 3-0), though, because another Silver unbeaten - Hinsdale Central (5-0, 3-0) - awaits next Saturday in Glen Ellyn. After that is a trip to unbeaten Oak Park (5-0, 2-0) to complete the three-week gauntlet.
Saturday's dominant road performance was the perfect way to get it started. Vanderbilt-bound running back Sam Brodner scored 3 touchdowns to give him 18 on the season, and the defense notched a second straight shutout.
"Every practice we need to go hard and get ready for the next game," said Hilltoppers linebacker Mark Mattson. "I think we're right where we want to be. We just have to keep looking ahead and take things week by week."
Dominick Ficarella opened the scoring with an 18-yard run late in the first quarter. Brodner, who had 18 carries for 126 yards, added a 20-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter as the Hilltoppers took a 14-0 halftime lead.
With the Lions struggling to move the ball, Glenbard West put the game out of reach at 21-0 by scoring on its opening possession of the second half on Brodner's 4-yard run. Brodner scored again and Isaiah Skinner added a 26-yard touchdown run to cap the day.
Brian Cochrane also had the passing game going with 12-of-15 passing for 136 yards.
"It was a pretty big week for us," said Hilltoppers tight end Adam Zybko, who had 3 catches for 33 yards. "It's going to be hard every week, so we just have to keep up the intensity. As long as we keep focused, we'll succeed."
Glenbard West didn't allowed the Lions (4-1, 1-1) inside its 20-yard line until their final possession. That drive ended with a fumble recovery by Glenbard West's Matt Skelton.
It was one of two turnovers forced by the Hilltoppers, who also got a first-quarter interception from Mattson. A short punt set up Lyons Twp. at the Hilltoppers' 37-yard line, but Mattson's pick led to Glenbard West's first touchdown.
The Hilltoppers outgained Lyons Twp. 428-121 in total yardage and had 21 first downs to the Lions' 7.
"I think we've found a little bit of a rhythm on the defensive side of the ball," said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. "I'm really happy with how the kids are playing over there."
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