Leyden knocks off Willowbrook

Neither the results, nor the luck, went Willowbrook's way.

Despite a valiant effort from their defense, the Warriors fell 31-0 to visiting Leyden in West Suburban Gold action Friday evening. Plagued by turnovers and some bad bounces, the Warriors were unable to get anything going on the ground or through the air.

"Our defense isn't doing a bad job," Willowbrook coach Mark Olson said. "They're just getting short fields."

Willowbrook watched an opening drive with momentum end by way of a fumble. Leyden scored quickly on a 1-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Joey DiFronzo. DiFronzo scored again on the second Leyden drive, once more a result of a Willowbrook turnover.

DiFronzo plunged for a third time into the end zone, handing the Eagles a 21-0 halftime lead. A field goal in the third quarter and a 29-yard touchdown run by senior running back Justin Bolo in the fourth quarter wrapped up the scoring for Leyden.

"This was a good game for our offense," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said. "We were talking about taking advantages of turnovers and we did that tonight."

Leyden (3-3, 2-2) stifled the Willowbrook passing game, allowing only 5 yards through the air. They managed to hold the Warriors offense to only 103 total yards.

"Our defense has played really well this year," Cerasani said. "We were consistent on both sides of the ball."

Willowbrook (1-5, 0-2) recovered a fumble late in the second quarter but could not convert the turnover into points. With a number of injuries plaguing the team, and players competing on both sides of the ball, Olson was pleased that his team fought for 48 minutes.

"I'm proud of the guys," Olson said. "We're working hard, and the future is bright. We'll continue to build and get better."