Emotional win for Glenbard West

In Week 7, there was no doubting Glenbard West's main motivation.

"We were playing in memory of Pierre Washington-Steel, he passed away in the off-season," said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. "His number was No. 7, so this happened to be Week 7. This was the game we dedicated to him. It was very emotional and I think the kids played with a lot of heart."

After Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0 West Suburban Silver) notched a 27-10 win over York (6-1, 4-1) on Friday, Hetlet hoisted a portrait of Washington-Steel over his head in the postgame huddle. Washington-Steel died Feb. 4 from injuries suffered in a car accident on Jan. 29.

Nine months after his death, Washington-Steel still rests firmly in the memory of his coaches and teammates.

"We were thinking about him all week and before the game," said Hilltoppers senior safety Mike Laning. "We were just trying to play for him. Everything we did this week was motivated to him. Every second of practice, the weight room. Every second was for Pierre."

DVC perfection at stake: In a showdown between the final two unbeaten DuPage Valley Conference teams, Glenbard North (7-0, 5-0) travels to play Wheaton Warrenville South (7-0, 5-0), which is riding a 19-game winning streak. A victory would be Glenbard North's first over the Tigers since a 14-10 win in 2003.