Glenbard West rallies to win West Suburban Silver opener as Northwestern pledge Wallace paves the way

At historic programs like Glenbard West, the ultimate goal for every season is to be holding a state championship trophy in late November.

The last time that legendary head coach Chad Hetlet had an opportunity to lift that hardware came back in 2015, after his team capped a perfect 14-0 season with a victory over Libertyville.

However, for 6-foot-8 Northwestern-commit and current Hilltopper Josiah Wallace, it came as recently as 2024—when he was a sophomore member of an 11-3 Mount Carmel squad that claimed its third straight 7A title.

The now-senior offensive tackle flashed that championship pedigree on Saturday while he helped pave the way for Glenbard West as they claimed a 39-21 come-from-behind victory over Oak Park to open conference play in the West Suburban Silver.

“This is my senior year. I am not losing again,” said a stoic Wallace from the 50-yard line at Duchon Field.

He opened lanes for running back Ace Harris, who scored a pair of first half touchdowns while the Hilltoppers were trailing early.

He got a push for fellow Northwestern commit and Glenbard West standout Brady Johnson, as the 6-foot-3 tight end took a 3rd-and-goal carry and forced his way into the endzone to make it 19-14 Hilltoppers late in the third.

And he kept the pocket clean for AJ Rayford, as his senior quarterback delivered a dramatic 3rd-and-goal touchdown pass to Johnson that put his team ahead 25-21 entering the fourth.

“If the offensive coordinator is going to give me a play ball, I'm gonna make it,” said Johnson when asked about his heroic reception. “I'm gonna make the play. That's what I do.”

The Hilltoppers would not trail again. Wallace and the Glenbard West offensive front was a deciding factor.

“With his size and athleticism, he just buries people. It's awesome to watch,” said Johnson, when asked about his future NU teammate.

After transferring back home to Glen Ellyn and playing last season with the Hilltoppers, Wallace committed to Northwestern back in February. His Glenbard West teammate, Johnson, did the same.

From the sounds of it, Wallace also hit the gym, as both Hetlet and Johnson marveled at the progress he’s made in the Glenbard West weight room.

“He's gotten so much stronger in the offseason,” said Hetlet.

Johnson agreed, adding that it has been, “a huge transition,” for the future Wildcat and that he, “can't wait to play with him next year.”

For now, the duo is laser focused on achieving shared goals together in Glen Ellyn. This was a crucial win for a Hilltoppers team that needed a lift after dropping a 36-35 marquee nailbiter to St. Rita on home turf last Saturday.

With Wallace clearing the path, Glenbard West’s next goal is to avenge last season’s playoff loss to Downers Grove North during a Friday night showdown on the road against next week.

“We're going to win this darn game,” said Johnson. “I'm so excited for it.”

“I want that game. I want their best players,” added Wallace.