By Bobby Narang
The high school West Suburban Silver Conference had a strong showing in football in week one. Three teams won three significant non-conference games.
The highlight victory for the Conference came in host Glenbard West’s dominating 45-28 victory over powerhouse Maine South Saturday in an annual non-conference game between the two teams. Junior Jalen Moore, in his first career start, rushed for 221 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 28-yard touchdown pass on fourth down.
“We trusted our scheme, each and every play,” Moore said. “We showed we can be unstoppable in the backfield.”
The Hilltoppers amassed 404 yards rushing to help end a drought against the Maine South that included losses in each of the last two seasons.
“Maine South is a really good team and this was a good win for us,” Glenbard West head coach Chad Hetlet said.
The Hilltoppers opened the game with 17 unanswered points, but Maine South countered with 21 straight points to seize a 21-17 lead. Glenbard West relied on its strong running game and special teams to overcome a strong performance by Maine South quarterback Luke Leongas and wide receiver Ryan Kilburg.
“I thought we played a great game and the kids had great energy,” Hetlet said. “Our kids didn’t have any doubts in their minds. They came here to take care of business. That was their mentality. They weren’t cocky. They were confident.”
• Although on a smaller scare, York had a key 16-13 overtime victory at Schaumburg in non-conference. The Dukes secured the victory with a goal-line stand in overtime. Earlier in overtime, Anthony Lapiana kicked a 22-yard field goal that was the winner for York.
“We are learning how to win,” York head coach Mike Fitzgerald said. “This is a great step for us. These types of wins create character, when you grind it out and face adversity, especially when you are making changes in the program. It was a great way to start off the season.”
• Hinsdale Central nearly had its program disbanded in the Spring, because of athletic finance scarcity, but with the program on stable ground, the Red Devils restored some lost pride with a 14-6 upset victory over Naperville Central.
“It’s one of those things, so much goes into it throughout the week, every coach putting in time, every player, so it feels like any big win,” first-year Hinsdale Central head coach Brian Griffin said. “You turn around, look back at your team, coaches and parents, you realize everybody contributed throughout the week to make it work. I was really proud of us collectively as coaches and players in how we prepared and executed. It was a lot of fun, a moment of pride.
“I think this group of kids had a tough offseason, but they worked really hard in spite of all the noise going. Adversity brought them together. It’s a great group of kids who play and fight together, which makes them a lot of fun to coach. They have the team mentality, makes it a lot of fun.”