Hilltoppers Take Down Lions; Ellens, Oberhofer, and McLaughlin Combine for 215 Rushing Yards

The Hilltoppers wanted to finish their Duchon schedule with a 4-0 record. Standing in their way: The Lyons Lions who came in to Duchon to try and finish their road schedule with a perfect 4-0 record of their own.

Glenbard West got off to a rough start as quarterbck Korey Tai fumbled the snap on the second play of the game. The Lions capitalized thanks to Danny Pasko's 4 yard run. Then, trailing 7-6 on their second possession, they took advantage of more Hilltopper mistakes. Quarterback Ryan Jackson (19/29, 173 yards, TD) was hit late out of bounds which drew a flag, and the Glenbard West sideline was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Jackson connected with his tight end Graham Smith (6 rec, 56 yds, TD).

The Hilltoppers were able to get back on track thanks to the trio of Julius Ellens, Jack Oberhofer, and Connor McLaughlin. Oberhofer (8 carries, 34 yards, 3 TD) scored the Hilltoppers' first three touchdowns on three 2-yard runs. Julius Ellens (19 carries, 116 yards, TD, reception, 8 yards) had an 11 yard run late in the third quarter after Ryan Jackson was strip sacked by Filip Maciorowski (2 catches, 14 yards, 3 sacks). Connor McLaughlin finished with 10 carries for 53 yards, and Korei Tai went 5/6 for 55 yards. Lyons receiver Travis Stamm caught 8 passes for 73 yards, and starting running back Jack Cheney had 7 carries for 25 yards before leaving the game with an injury.

Despite a late 4th quarter touchdown run by Danny Pasko (6 carries, 21 yards, 2 TD) the Hilltoppers were able to hang on 28-20. Both squads will play next Saturday at noon. Glenbard West (7-1, 4-1 WSC Silver) will travel to Hinsdale Central (4-4, 2-3 WSC Silver), and Lyons (6-2, 3-2 WSC Silver) will host Downers Grove North (6-2, 3-2 WSC Silver).