Preview: Glenbard West (8-0, 5-0) at Hinsdale Central (7-1, 5-0)

Posted October 23, 2008 11:00 pm

Glenbard West (8-0, 5-0) at Hinsdale Central (7-1, 5-0)

West Suburban Silver

Game time: 7:30 p.m. today.

Last year: Glenbard West 15, Hinsdale Central 13.

Last week: Glenbard West 28, Lyons Twp. 14; Hinsdale Central 53, Proviso West 29.

Outlook: These WSS preseason co-favorites have fulfilled destiny. Glenbard West seeks its first conference title since 1994, its first unbeaten regular season since 1991; Hinsdale Central's last Silver title came in 2004. This could be called Strength (Glenbard West) vs. Speed (Hinsdale Central) if both didn't have lots of each. Glenbard West has ruled the line with standouts such as offensive linemen Chris Watt (ankle; questionable) and Tim O'Neil, defensive linemen Theo Odom and Pat Loveless. Yet running backs Bryant Venson and Robert Cook can explode. Consider that the Hilltoppers average 23.4 yards a reception. Hinsdale Central lacks big-play guy Rich Zajeski (ankle) but brings others like Mick Culligan, Alex Kirk and, especially, quarterback John Whitelaw, who's accounted for 2,103 yards and 28 touchdowns. Nose tackle Pat Clegg, linebackers Brendan Sullivan and Sean O'Grady, tackle Collin Watkins and Co. aren't what you'd call soft. Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet served as Red Devils coach Mike DiMatteo's defensive coordinator. Both agree: Special teams may be the deciding factor.