By Bobby Narang
York High School football is not officially back, however, but the Dukes are making headwaves under second-year head coach, Mike Fitzgerald.
A year ago, in Fitzgerald’s first season, the Dukes finished with a 4-5 record, which culminated with a season-ending home victory over Downers Grove North.
This season, the Dukes won three of their first four games to set up a key, and surprising, mid-season West Suburban Conference Silver Division showdown against perennial State powerhouse, Glenbard West Saturday.
Despite solid victories over Schaumburg, Downers Grove North, and Lyons, plus a six-point defeat to Downers Grove South, the Dukes had an uphill climb against the Hilltoppers.
Glenbard West picked off four passes, by three defenders, and rushed for nearly 400 yards to runaway with a 47-7 victory at Duchon Field.
“It was a good learning experience because we got some playing and learning as we go,” Fitzgerald said. “We did some good things. We struggled running the football, which made us to go the pass. That’s a credit to (Glenbard West). They are a physical team with a great run defense. We have to do a better job establishing the line of scrimmage.”
The Dukes did plenty of learning against the Hilltoppers. They learned committing turnovers against a quality team leads to a long afternoon. The Dukes ended three straight drives with interceptions to turn a seven-point deficit into a 40-point loss.
They learned that the passing game is improving. York quarterback Max Assaad threw completions to six receivers and finished with 181 yards passing and one touchdown.
They learned running the football is a big key to winning games. The Hilltoppers limited the Dukes to 42 yards rushing.
“We made some misreads and tried to force the ball and put a little pressure on ourselves,” Fitzgerald said.
The Dukes will be host to undefeated Hinsdale Central, 5-0, Friday in a West Suburban Silver game, prior to playing at Willowbrook, 4-1.
Glenbard West, 5-0, will play at Downers Grove North, 3-2 and 1-2, in a Silver game.
“I was happy with the way we played,” Glenbard West head coach Chad Hetlet said, “We gave up some passing plays, especially on that scoring drive. (York’s) quarterback throws a nice ball and they have some nice receivers and their line is really good.
“We have to continue to build on this win.”