We had a battle for the West Suburbs Saturday afternoon: Class 7A at Class 8A; DuKane at West Suburban Silver; two of the top West Suburban programs in the state of Illinois.
The Hilltoppers were looking to build off of last season's second round exit in the hands of Edwardsville, and had some key players returning.
Meanwhile, after their season ended in the hands of Mount Carmel for the third consecutive year, the Bulldogs had some questions as to how they were going to replace all the talent they lost from the last couple of years, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Those questions were answered Saturday afternoon in the Bulldogs' 35-28 victory at Duchon Field. The Bulldogs, who typically spread the receivers out to share the wealth in the passing game, went predominantly to the ground game with Nathan Whitwell. The senior running back carried the ball 34 times for 181 yards and three touchdowns.
It was all Batavia for much of the first half. The Bulldogs took advantage of two fumbles by the Hilltoppers: the first off a Teyion Oriental muffed punt that led to a 1 yard touchdown run by Bulldogs quarterback Bodi Anderson putting the Bulldogs up 14-0 at the time. The second was returned for a 28 yard touchdown by defensive lineman Xavier Blanquel putting the Bulldogs up 28-7 with a little over 2 minutes left in the half.
Hilltoppers running back Jamarcus Kelly ran from 12 yards out just before the half ended which cut the Bulldogs lead to 14.
Teyion Oriental, who took some snaps at quarterback in the second half to help generate some offense, had two rushing touchdowns in the second half, the second od which cut the Bulldogs lead to 35-28. However, Oriental left the game late in regulation with an injury, and finished with 19 carries for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was also 2/2 passing for 40 yards, and ran a kickoff return 87 yards for a touchdown moments after his muffed punt.
The Hilltoppers had a chance to either tie or take the lead after recovering a Whitwell fumble late in regulation, but were unable to capitalize.
Bodi Anderson went 8/15 for 100 yards and an interception. Senior receiver Isaiah Brown, who transferred to Batavia from Yorkville prior to last year, caught 4 passes for 62 yards.
Glenbard West sophomore quarterback Oliver Valdez went 11/18 for 135 yards. Receiver Peter Fanter caught 6 passes for 113 yards. Sophomore tight end Brady Johnson caught 2 passes for 18 yards, and senior Mason Ellens had a 22 yard reception on offense, and an interception on defense.
For week 2, Batavia (1-0) will host South Elgin (0-1) for their home opener. Glenbard West (0-1) will be back at Duchon Field Saturday afternoon against Loyola.
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