Downers Grove North dominant again in 42-7 smashing of Glenbard West

DOWNERS GROVE – Downers Grove North hasn’t just been dominant through the first three weeks.

The Trojans have been almost perfect.

Despite seeing its bid for a third straight shutout ruined in the fourth quarter, Downers Grove North again brought out the running clock in a 42-7 win over Glenbard West on Sept. 13.

The West Suburban Silver opening victory came on the heels of matching 42-0 decisions over O’Fallon and Downers Grove South in the first two weeks.

“It feels good,” said senior captain and linebacker Jake Gregorio, who closed out the home team’s scoring with a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter. “We’ve started off the season strong and now we have to keep building off this, just keep stacking the weeks together and make our way to secure a playoff spot.”

The Trojans (3-0) jumped out on top courtesy of a 36-yard TD scamper by James Lumpkin in the opening period.

Owen Lansu then tossed touchdown passes to Joe Edwards, Max Troha and Charlie Cruse in the second quarter to make the score 28-0 at the intermission.

[ More photos from Downers Grove North-Glenbard West ]

A 37-yard interception return for a score by Tavarez Edwards in the third quarter put an exclamation point on another dominant effort by the defense, which yielded only six first downs on the night.

“Our defensive coordinator (Keith Lichtenberg) gets us going every week,” said Joe Edwards, who plays tight end and on the defensive line. “He’s the smartest dude. He puts together a great game plan every week, and when we execute that game plan, stuff like this happens.

“None of this happens without our coaching staff and our effort. We just have to come out the same every week.”

Lansu finished 13 of 16 through the air for 154 yards. Lumpkin had 66 yards on nine carries. Caden Chiarelli contributed an interception.

“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni said. “They’ve played very hard. This is a different offense to prepare for. They (Glenbard West) obviously have some injuries, but that’s a great program over there. They have set the standard and they won conference last year.

“I thought we executed in the run game and pass game and our defense was flying around.”

The visiting Hilltoppers (0-3), who again were playing without running back Teyion Oriental, scored their lone touchdown on a 70-yard run by JaMarcus Kelly with eight minutes remaining. Kelly had 98 yards on seven attempts. Dylan Vlach rushed for 66 yards on eight carries.

Maximus Hetlet added a fumble recovery.

“They are a really good football team,” Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said of Downers Grove North. “We are young in some spots, but we have to figure it out really fast.

“We’ve faced three state level teams in a row – Batavia, Loyola and Downers Grove North.”

Geneva 45, Wheaton Warrenville South 31: Anthony Chahino had 309 passing yards and Michael Rumoro had 200 scrimmage yards to help Geneva to a 45-31 slugfest victory over Wheaton Warrenville-South to open DuKane Conference play.

St. Charles North 31, Wheaton North 14: Aidan McClure intercepted a pass and scampered 32 yards untouched into the end zone to help the North Stars pull away early in a decisive 31-14 win over the Falcons.

Willowbrook 39, Addison Trail 28: Anthony Leo rushed for 173 yards and Willowbrook went for 309 as a team to beat its district rival for the Warriors’ first win.

Glenbard South 63, West Chicago 8: Vontae Clark rushed for 144 yards and three TDs in the first half and the Raiders scored on their first seven possessions of a blowout win.

Joliet Catholic 14, Fenwick 13: The outcome was every bit as close as the score indicates.

St. Francis 35, Loyola 21: Brady Palmer was 15-of-22 passing for 192 yards with two TDs and rushed for 87 yards and two more TDs for the Spartans in Wilmette. Zach Washington had five catches for 94 yards and two TDs.

Wheaton Academy 27, Chicago Christian 7: Nathan Downey threw for 133 yards and London Leflore rushed for 60 yards and two TDs and also had a 26-yard interception return for the Warriors (2-1).

Hinsdale South 38, Leyden 0: The Hornets won their conference opener to improve to 2-1.

In other games, St. Ignatius topped IC Catholic Prep 31-14 and Marist defeated Montini 21-6.