Glenbard West Clinches Playoff Spot with 44-20 Win Over Hinsdale Central

BREAKING: Glenbard West has officially secured a playoff spot after a decisive 44-20 victory against Hinsdale Central on October 6, 2023. The Hilltoppers, led by star running back Jamarcus Kelly, rushed for 196 yards and scored four touchdowns in a game that showcased their dominance.

In a crucial matchup, Kelly’s remarkable performance included a stunning 42-yard touchdown run along with three one-yard plunges into the end zone. “I used my speed and trusted my instincts,” Kelly stated post-game. “We knew we had to start off fast and we carried it from there.”

Glenbard West, now boasting an impressive record of 7-0 and 4-0 in conference play, sits alone atop the West Suburban Silver standings, following Downers Grove North’s 41-28 win over York. The Hilltoppers are on track to reclaim the conference championship after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2006.

The Hilltoppers will face York next Friday, where they aim to continue their undefeated streak. “This was a big win,” said linebacker Max Hetlet, who also contributed a 53-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. “Our motto this year is ‘restore the honor.’ We wanted to bring the program back to what it was a couple of years ago.”

Defensively, Glenbard West demonstrated strength with key contributions from players like Jayden Daniel, who recorded two sacks, and Mason Flaherty, who added another. They also tallied a safety when an errant snap sailed over Hinsdale Central’s punter into the end zone.

“Our defense had a lot of good stops,” Kelly noted. Coach Chad Hetlet, who has led his teams to postseason appearances for 16 years, praised Kelly’s performance, saying, “He was on fire tonight. I could tell all day he was definitely in the zone. He’s getting better every game.”

Despite the loss, Hinsdale Central remains in playoff contention, holding a 4-3 record with critical upcoming games against Oak Park and Proviso West. Quarterback Riley Contreras completed 23 of 30 passes for 233 yards, connecting with Spencer Martin and James Skokna for touchdowns.

Coach Brian Griffin acknowledged the challenges, stating, “You can’t spot a team like that points and expect a good result. We have flashes where we look really good, but we have to put it together for four quarters to reach our potential.”

As the playoff picture crystallizes, Glenbard West’s commanding performance signals their intent to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in high school football. Fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement as the season progresses.