Football Preview: Glenbard West and South Take on Week Two

Glenbard South at Bloom Township

When: Noon on Saturday

Where: Bloom High School, 101 W. 10th St., Chicago Heights

Records: Glenbard South 0-1, Bloom 0-1

Head coaches: Jeremy Cordell, Glenbard South (second year); Tony Palombi, Bloom (seventh year).

Key players

Glenbard South: Kyle Avaloy, OL; Nick Boesso, LB; Zach Bava, LB; Matt Loos, RB; Tyler Padera, QB; Wes Sanders, RB.

Bloom: LaVante Blackful, QB; Mister Clark, OL; Josiah Dailey, S; Terrell Harris, LB; Jason Mendez, WR; Shijuan Rogers, TE.

About the game

The Raiders had their hands full in the season-opener as perennial Class 6A juggernaut —a state finalist each of the past two seasons—tagged them with a 55-12 defeat. Still, there’s reason for optimism moving forward.

Although the scoreboard didn’t indicate it, offense will keep foes on their toes throughout the year. Sanders showcased his speed and athleticism with a 70-yard touchdown run and by catching an 80-yard pass from Padera, who piled up over 200 yards passing.

The Blazing Trojans go into Saturday’s matinee with three players who’d be unanimous choices for any all-name team: QB LaVante Blackful, offensive lineman Mister Clark and linebacker Brandon Rockett. But great-sounding, eye-catching names may be all that Bloom has in store for the Raiders.

didn’t generate much offense (one of their two TDs occurred on a fumble recovery) and committed two turnovers during its 28-14 loss to Thornwood in week one. Bloom was outscored 236-81 and went 1-8 last fall, so Sanders, Padera and Loos could have big afternoons for the Raiders.

Following Saturday’s matchup, Glenbard South heads back home to play Rich East starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. The Raiders start their Metro Suburban Conference schedule Sept. 23, hosting Elmwood Park. 

Willowbrook at Glenbard West

When: 1:30 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd.

Records: Willowbrook 0-1, Glenbard West 1-0

Head coaches: Chad Hetlet, Glenbard West (fourth year); Nick Hildreth (first year).

Key players

Willowbrook: Dom Battaglia, RB-DB; Steve Ferguson, QB; Raphael Garcia, RB-DB; Nick Interante, DL-OL; Mike Sumang, OL-LB; Armani Williams, WR.

Glenbard West: Avery Balogh, RB; Johnny Caspers, OL; Andrew Larkin, LB; Justice Odom, QB; Tommy Schutt, DL; Joey Zito, RB.

About the game

The Hilltoppers’ home opener at the friendly confines of Duchon Field should be even more festive following their convincing 21-7 triumph over two-time defending Class 7A champ in last Sunday’s on ESPN2.

defense put a cage on the Tigers’ offense. It either sacked the WWS quarterback, or downed their running backs behind the line of scrimmage, a combined seven times. Additionally, the Tigers completed only two passes for 10-or-more yards.

The Hilltoppers got a bit of a scare late in the game when Schutt limped off the field, favoring his left leg. Although he sat out the remainder of the contest, the apparent injury turned out to be cramps, so Schutt will be ready to go on Saturday.

Battaglia, who does a little bit of everything for the Warriors, is their top offensive threat. He broke a couple of tackles after taking a screen pass from Ferguson and turned it into a 70-yard TD during Willowbrook’s Week 1 loss to Glenbard East.

However, Battaglia and several Warrior players go both ways because of lack of numbers. Therefore, it probably won’t be long before Willowbrook wears down, especially on offense with the Hitters operating on all cylinders. 

Even though the Hilltoppers were able to find the end zone during the fourth quarter vs. WWS, they’ll obviously need to take better care of the football after committing four turnovers—one a fumble at the Tigers’ 1-yard line that cost them a potential touchdown.

Turnovers notwithstanding, Glenbard West’s backfield triumvirate of Odom, Balogh and Zito was effective last Sunday and should be able to churn out more yards this weekend.