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Glenbard West swarms Hinsdale Central

It took only 21 seconds for Glenbard West's football team to knock Hinsdale Central back on its heels.

By the time the Red Devils finally settled into the game in the third quarter, Glenbard West was well on its way to Saturday's 45-14 West Suburban Silver victory in Glen Ellyn.

The Hilltoppers (4-0, 2-0) scored on their first play from scrimmage — a 75-yard touchdown on a screen pass from Justice Odom to Avery Balogh — and eventually built a 38-0 lead early in the second half.

“We definitely wanted a big-time win and maximize our team's abilities,” Odom said. “One of our main goals is to start fast as an offense, and we've definitely been starting pretty fast. We like to get up early.”

All phases contributed to the Hilltoppers' big early lead. The defense, which forced four turnovers, didn't allow a first down until midway through the second quarter as the offense scored on its first three possessions. After Tommy Schutt, a defensive lineman, rumbled for a 1-yard touchdown run, Glenbard West kicker Dan Cavazos booted a 31-yard field goal to make it 17-0 after a quarter.

The lead grew to 31-0 by halftime on Odom's 3-yard touchdown run and his 38-yard strike to Nathan Marcus. Odom completed 7 of 12 passes for 183 yards while 11 running backs combined for 246 rushing yards.

“When you get somebody down and then we can kind of get after you a little bit with some pressures, it puts teams in a bad situation,” said Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet. “I know when we got out by a couple of scores it forces a team to get out of the running game and, like I said, we're pretty good at putting pressure on people.”

Hinsdale Central (2-2, 0-2) quarterback Brian Owens, who completed 20 of 34 passes for 254 yards, especially got the passing game going in the second half. Brad Anlauf caught 8 passes for 134 yards and helped set up the Red Devils' first touchdown on a 2-yard run by T.J. Sally. Nick Sellinger added a 2-yard touchdown run to put the final at 45-14.

Balogh, who rushed for 60 yards, and Ryan Kavanaugh scored on second-half touchdown runs for Glenbard West.

“You kind of have to play near perfect when you compete against a team like that,” said Hinsdale Central coach Rich Tarka. “I think our kids fought, but we did play a better team today, that's for sure.”

Images: Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West varsity football

  Glenbard West’s Tommy Schutt (10) gets red-zone yardage against Hinsdale Central. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Glenbard West’s Avery Balogh (3) and Jake Brodner (61) celebrate a touchdown against Hinsdale Central. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Glenbard West’s Avery Balogh (3) celebrates Nathan Marcus’s (83) second quarter touchdown against Hinsdale Central. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Glenbard West’s Avery Balogh (3) is off to the races for a touchdown. Hinsdale Central’s Cole Potkul (44) defends. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Glenbard West’s Avery Balogh (3) and Justice Odom (7) celebrate a touchdown against Hinsdale Central. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com