Glenbard West taking nothing for granted

For a big-picture football team, Glenbard West spent the entire regular season thinking small.

By focusing on just the game in front of them, the Hilltoppers find themselves unbeaten for a second straight year entering the Class 7A playoffs. Top-seeded Glenbard West (9-0) begins its quest for a state title with a 2 p.m. Saturday opening-round game against No. 16 Rockford Guilford (5-4) at Addison Trail.

Like many area playoff teams, Glenbard West moved its game to a field with an artificial surface to allow for better playing conditions.

"We'd love to get back to Duchon (Field) and play, but we really need a dry week to do it," said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet.

The Hilltoppers are heavily favored against Rockford Guilford, but nothing's being taken for granted as the program tries to exceed last year's 7A semifinal appearance.

"We have big goals, but we're not in a hurry," Hetlet said. "We just want to look at what's in front of us."

Glenbard West enjoys the best of both worlds - an offense averaging 300 rushing yards a game and a defense allowing only 185 total yards.

The Hilltoppers pound the running game at teams with a flurry of running backs including Adam Bruere, Pierre Washington-Steel, Trace Sorey and Steve Jones. Jordan Walsh heads another powerful Glenbard West offensive line.

Perhaps the most underrated element of the team is the passing game of quarterback Tyler Warden, who's completed 75 percent of his passes for 1,094 yards and 11 touchdowns against only 1 interception. Nick Burrello, J.T. Mesch and tight end Will Caspers are just a few of the team's talented receivers.

Defensively, linebacker Connor Loftus and defensive backs Mike Laning, Jack Marston and Tim Hollowed have stymied offenses all season. They'll face a run-oriented offense similar to Downers North's split-back veer option.

"They're really excited to finally be in Week 10," Hetlet said. "They've got a businesslike attitude this year."