By Bobby Narang
York High School wants to follow the same script Friday night, Sept. 30, in football.
Glenbard West is aiming for a rewrite.
The Dukes and Hilltoppers hook up for a key midseason West Suburban Silver Conference game in week six.
The York Dukes, 5-0, 3-0, have recent history, make that one year of history, on their side in the series. After suffering loss and painful loss to the Glenbard West Hilltoppers, the Dukes ended their series losing streak with their first victory since 2007 in a 12-10 thriller last season as the visitor in Glen Ellyn.
The Hilltoppers, 5-0, 2-0, have motivation on their side, while the Dukes are playing in one of their biggest home games in program history, with the battle of unbeaten teams squaring off in Elmhurst.
York head coach Mike Fitzgerald didn’t downplay the importance of Friday’s home game.
“It’s definitely a big game,” he said. “This is a pretty special matchup that we’ve not really seen in our program. Our homecoming game (Friday, Sept. 16) against Downers Grove North was an unbelievable atmosphere and truly amazing with a very big crowd. It was loud and packed, so we showed we were able to execute in a crowd that size which should help us this Friday.” York won, 24-17, in overtime.
One year later, the Dukes are in a similar spot by winning their first five games, this time by a whopping 205-38 margin, entering their home game against Glenbard West
Senior quarterback Matt Vezza said he’s fully aware that the Hilltoppers, who defeated Marist in their season opener, are aiming for payback.
“We know they’re going to come out of the gates with a lots of intensity,” Vezza said. “We’re going do the same thing. We’re just going to focus on our job and play our game, and (hopefully) good things will happen.
“Glenbard West has a physical and overall good defense. Our offense plays one of the top defenses in the State every single day at practice, so should be prepared for Glenbard West.”
York defeated Lyons, 27-14, last weekend behind a big game from Jake Melion. The junior carried the ball 24 times for 117 yards and three touchdowns to help absorb an in-game injury to starting running back Kelly Watson. Vezza was his usual steady self and completed 14 of 19 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown.
Fitzgerald said the Dukes have to be ready for a four-quarter physical battle against Glenbard West, a traditional State powerhouse under the direction of head coach Chad Hetlet.
“They play smash-mouth football and are really good on offense,” Fitzgerald said. “They have a lot of dynamic playmakers. Their offensive line is really good. Defensively, Glenbard West is also sound. We have to match that physicality and mindset. It’s going to be pivotal for us to maintain drives to help our defense out. We have to win the turnover battle and can’t give up any freebies and we have to play well on special teams.”