Glenbrook North Runs Through Niles West

Who said aerial attacks are the only way to put up big numbers in football?

In a game dominated on the ground, Glenbrook North defeated Niles West 43-14 Thursday night at William Lutz Stadium, home to the Spartans.

The Wolves came into their contest with Glenbrook North looking for revenge over last year's loss to the Spartans, and to reach a .500 record for the first time since 2008.

The Spartans came in seeking to enter conference play in full swing after a loss to New Trier last week.

The Spartans had their way, lead by a duo of dynamic running backs.

Despite the lopsided final score, Niles West controlled the initial stages. The Wolves took a 7-0 lead with 5:14 to play in the first quarter after senior running back David Galimore scored on an eight-yard touchdown run. The score capped a 12-play opening drive that featured 11 running plays.

From that point on, Glenbrook North took over.  On their first drive of the game, the Spartans ran the ball eight times out of nine plays. The drive was finished off by a scramble and dive into the end zone by senior quarterback Zack Hilgendorf to tie the score.

"It started off a little bit slow," Glenbrook North head coach Bob Pieper said. "But I'm pretty happy with the way we responded."

The Spartans got the ball back early in the second quarter after a short drive and punt by Niles West, and they stayed with their rushing attack. The tandem of sophomore RB Grant Rushing and senior RB Nick Freund led the Spartans in a 60-yard touchdown drive.

Rushing had 25 yards in the drive and Freund had 20 yards plus the touchdown. The Spartans led 14-7 with 5:43 remaining in the half.

"It's so much more helpful when our offensive line plays that well," Rushing said.

Glenbrook North got the ball following a three-and-out from Niles West and took a 21-7 lead after a 43-yard touchdown from Rushing with 2:51 to go in the second quarter.

"I've got to keep the enthusiasm going and keep the body moving and just pound the ball," Rushing said.

The 21-7 lead would stick going into halftime.

Mental lapses plagued the Wolves as the Spartans poured it on in the second half. Three Niles West turnovers in the third quarter--one interception and two fumbles--lead to two touchdowns and one field goal for Glenbrook North.  

"We're not a good enough team to make mistakes, physically or mentally," Niles West head coach Scott Baum said. "And when you're not as good physically, you have to make up for that mentally on offense and we're not doing that."

For the Spartans, Rushing finished the game with 18 rushes for 152 yards and a touchdown, while Freund had 65 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Galimore had 17 rushes for 78 yards and a touchdown for Niles West.

"We have some young kids playing and they're getting experience and that's all good stuff," Baum said, staying positive after the defeat.

Both teams start conference play next Friday. Glenbrook North hosts Niles North, while Niles West travels to play Maine South.