Hilltoppers revive echoes of past

Glenbard West and Reavis, first-round combatants in the southern bracket of Class 7A, have each enjoyed a rejuvenating season.

No. 3 seed Reavis (7-2), out of the South Suburban Red with losses only to Richards and Hillcrest, was 0-9 in 2006.

The Rams' season-opening win over Romeoville broke a 17-game losing streak.

No. 6 seed Glenbard West (5-4), arriving here by beating West Suburban Silver power Hinsdale Central for the first time since 1997, has received e-mails from past players praising a return to form.

First-year Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet, who engineered a turnaround from a 1-8 record in 2006, said those e-mails go like this:

" 'This looks like the Hitters of old when we just ran around and hit people, we were physical running the ball and physical stopping the run.' "

To return to Duchon Field for Round 2, the Hilltoppers will need more of the same.

Hetlet's scouting report on Reavis reveals a team like his own -- run-based with play-action and bootleg passes.

With backs Max Nunez and Cory McNulty running behind a line that ranges between 220 and 320 pounds, Hetlet said Reavis reminds him also of York.

(Glenbard West will hope its defense, led by Chris Watt, J.T. Baginski, Theo Odom and J.D. Macleary, plays like the unit that allowed 70 yards rushing a game rather than the one York hit for 270.)

As well, Reavis coach Jim McDonough sees similarities.

"We run the ball and defensively we react pretty well," he said. "I think it's a great matchup. I think it's two good teams and I think it's going to be a fun night."

It can't help but be a fun night for two programs that haven't made the playoffs since 2003. Both have won one state championship, Reavis in 1982, Glenbard West in 1983.

"It's an exciting time for us," Hetlet said. "We look forward to the opportunity to make some more history."