Rose, Leyden get past Hinsdale S.

After falling behind 12-0 to the visiting Hornets on Friday night, Leyden quarterback David Rose led his team down the field and scored on a 1-yard run with 2:15 left in the first half.

The swing in momentum carried over into the second half and the Eagles (2-2, 1-1) rallied for the 27-20 West Suburban Gold conference win.

"We were shell-shocked early," said Leyden senior running back Angel Maldonado. "We went into halftime and woke up for the second half."

The Eagles relied on the legs of their senior leader, who ran for 206 yards and 1 touchdown. He had 151 rushing yards in the second half, including a 56-yard touchdown run.

"In the first half they brought a lot of blitzes," said Leyden coach Tom Cerasani. "We adjusted and ran a different blocking scheme and different plays."

Cerasani summed up the performance of his workhorse running back in three words: "Angel is great."

Maldonado wasn't the only offensive player that shined Friday night.

Besides the 1-yard score in the second quarter, Rose threw for two big-play touchdowns. On their first drive in the third quarter, Rose connected with receiver Adrian Ruiz for 22 yards and then finished it off with a 26-yard touchdown strike to Adam Bielech.

"Rose made some of his best throws of the season tonight," Cerasani said.

There also were some great catches made.

On the next possession for the Eagles, Rose hit Ruiz again, this time for a 44 yard touchdown on a post down the middle of the field.

The defense for Leyden also brought something to the party Friday night. After giving up the 12 points in the first half, the defense only gave up a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Cerasani pointed to the play of his young linebackers and his two defensive ends.

"Jeff Cascella and Dan Kiebler played tremendous tonight," he said. "The linebackers played well and are still learning."