Fast Start, Strong Finish: Glenbard West Handles Downers North

by: Michael Sanders

The West Suburban Silver clash between Glenbard West and Downers Grove North came with storylines before kickoff. Both programs had battled injuries to their star quarterbacks, and Saturday’s matchup was about who could adapt better.

For Glenbard West, the return of AJ Rayford made all the difference. After missing two games with a hip injury, the senior quarterback led the Hilltoppers to a 35-23 win, snapping a two-game skid in the series.

Rayford threw for 172 yards, including a 51-yard strike to tight end Brady Johnson, and admitted it felt good just to be back in uniform.

“It was great to be back with the team and my guys,” Rayford said. “We started off fast, but the second half we came out slow… just watching and visualizing my reads while I was out helped me implement it into a game.”

Glenbard West came out blazing. A 28-0 first-quarter lead set the tone, fueled by Bryce Ellens with rushing touchdowns of 14 and 55 yards, plus Jamarcus Kelly finding the end zone twice.

Even with the game largely in hand, Rayford’s presence gave his teammates a jolt. Josiah Wallace, the Hilltoppers’ 6’8, 285-pound junior tackle, said the offense felt different with Rayford back under center.

“He’s going to get better. He brings a lot of passing and can run the ball really good,” Wallace said. “I just keep talking with A.J. to be connected.”

Downers Grove North fought back. With Minnesota commit Owen Lansu sidelined, the Trojans leaned on versatile Kevin Jay Jr. at quarterback. Jay ran for two scores and connected on a 71-yard bomb to Maxwell Troha, but mistakes were costly. Two first-half fumbles inside the red zone gave Glenbard West breathing room.

“You can’t fumble the ball two times inside the 20-yard line against a good team,” Trojans coach Joe Horeni said. “I’m proud of the way our guys fought in the second half.”

For Glenbard West, it was a signature early-season win, pushing them to 4-0 (2-0 in WSS play).

“That’s a huge win for Glenbard West,” coach Chad Hetlet said. “Having Rayford back gives us the opportunity to throw the ball, loosen up the defense, and set up our run. Our kids like to keep things exciting, but they find a way to win.”

Final: Glenbard West 35, Downers Grove North 23.