Can Glenbard North continue trend?

Glenbard North's regular-season shutouts were impressive.

Blanking playoff teams? That's a little scary.

The Panthers notched their fifth shutout with last week's 29-0 win over Andrew, a trend they'd love to continue in Friday's second-round Class 8A football game at Sandburg.

"Our defense played really tough again," said Glenbard North coach Ryan Wilkens. "Anytime you can shut out a playoff team, you're doing something special."

When No. 3 Glenbard North (9-1) gets to Orland Park, the No. 11 Eagles (7-3) will offer another challenge. Last week Sandburg stunned Hinsdale Central - playing without standout quarterback John Whitelaw, who was out with a concussion - in a 35-10 win.

Junior running back Jermell Harris emerged from the Eagles' double-wing offense with 150 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. The Panthers also need to be wary of quarterback Phil Musa.

Glenbard North counters with a defense allowing only 155 yards a game, 74 on the ground. Against Andrew the Panthers - led by defensive lineman Nick Abbate, linebackers John Pullia and Chris Wahrman and cornerback Brandon Salemi - gave up 22 rushing yards and 95 total yards.

The offense did its job by maintaining control of the ball with junior running back Evin Natick, who rushed for 196 yards, and quarterback Tom Traficanti, who completed 10 of 16 passes for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Glenbard North might have the most dangerous player on the field in receiver Mike Carev. In addition to his big-play potential in the passing game - last week he caught 6 passes for 126 yards - he's also potent as a kick returner.

As explosive as the Panthers can be, though, they don't need too many points to be successful. Not with a defense that seems to get more dominant each week.

"This will be another test for us," Wilkens said. "We'll have to be ready for what they throw at us."