Glenbrook South 48, Maine West 7

The coldest night of the young season greeted the players at John Davis Stadium on Friday night as the wind chill made it possible for people to utter the two most beautiful words of the season: football weather.

"These are the kinds of nights we like," Glenbrook South coach Mike Noll said.

Glenbrook South sure liked it a lot, taking it to Maine West 48-7 in a Central Suburban League crossover in Glenview.

It may have taken an entire half for the Titans (4-0) to acclimate themselves to the weather, but they eventually iced the game with a big 21-point third quarter.

"The first half we weren't ready to play," Noll said of his team's performance that led to a 13-7 lead at the break. "They were just flat in practice, and I think it showed,"

Whatever Noll said to his team at the half worked.

Michael Hirsch's 20-yard touchdown run capped a 13-play, 70-yard opening-half drive to give the Titans a two-score advantage.

The sophomore fullback had 44 of his 59 rushing yards on the drive, giving Glenbrook South all the momentum it would need.

"We didn't really get into a rhythm until that drive, and then we started playing football," Noll said.

Devin Henderson had 4 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, but his biggest impact was felt on the other side of the ball.

Playing both ways, the 6-foot-3 defensive lineman broke through the line on the Warriors first play from scrimmage in the second half, causing a fumble that was recovered by John Fiorentino at the 5-yard line.

Justin Klise's 3-yard touchdown run two plays later made it 27-7.

"The lineman tried to read me, but I read him and just went for the football," Henderson said.

Henderson, along with Aaron Ballanger and fellow defensive lineman Sean Progar, led the Titan defense.

The trio created multiple turnovers throughout the night, including Ballanger's 37-yard interception return for a touchdown that capped the scoring.

"That's how we want to play. The defense cuts it loose a little bit and turns up the pressure. Then we're in good shape," Noll said.

Maine West (0-4) was led by Sean Willett as the senior quarterback scored the game's first touchdown with a 5-yard run.

He was well on his way to guiding the Warriors to another score mid-way through the second quarter.

But an errant throw from the 9 was picked off by John Riley in the end zone.

Progar scored on the ensuing possession to give the Titans a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

"We were really upset with how we were playing in the first half," quarterback Ryan McGrath said. "We knew we needed to pick it up. We picked it up. We came out, scored, and that was the game from there."