Syracuse-bound lineman Wes Hoeh, Glenbard West grind out win at York

ELMHURST – Wes Hoeh is just the latest in a storied history of outstanding offensive linemen at Glenbard West.

The Syracuse recruit and his fellow linemates continued to lead the way for the vaunted rush attack of the Hilltoppers Friday, who won their second game to start the season with a 21-0 victory over York in Elmhurst.

Despite facing a stingy and physical Dukes defense, the visitors ran for 320 yards behind Hoeh, Chris Terek, Cody Paul, Darryl Obasuyi and Jack McCluskey.

“Glenbard West has a special history in terms of offensive lineman with our running game,” Hoeh said. “It’s an honor (to be a part of that). But it’s not just me, it’s all of the guys upfront. We had a sophomore and a couple of juniors who stepped up tonight. I’m just proud of the guys.

“We just try to fly around and give everything we can on every play. And we want to be physical, we want to knock guys down and put guys on their backs.”

Offensive coordinator John Sigmund pointed to the group’s experience as a key.

“These guys are great mentors on and off the field,” Sigmund said. “We have two three-year starters and then a third (Charlie Baer) is out so we had a couple of young kids making their first start. They were really jelling with each other.”

Jalen Moore gained 193 yards on his 22 carries while Samson Zander scored all three of the Hilltoppers’ touchdowns, two from a yard out in the first half and the other coming on a 19-yard scamper later in the third quarter.

“Our offensive line is amazing,” Moore said. “We get all of those yards because of what our O-line does. They work so hard day-in and day-out at practice. We count on them and we know they will open up holes. I can’t thank them enough for what they do for me and Zander.”

Also putting forth an amazing effort was Glenbard West’s defense, which pitched its second consecutive shutout. The Hilltoppers (2-0, 1-0 West Suburban Silver( forced three turnovers, getting interceptions from Drew Cater and Joey Pope and a fumble recovery by Brandon Nowinski.

“Our defense did a good job,” Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. “York was playing physical football. It was a great battle until the very end.”

The Dukes (1-1) also forced a pair of turnovers with Matt Kavanaugh stripping the ball away on a run play and David Loch picking off a pass. On offense, York was led by the 106 rush yards of Patrick Kastner, who also gained 114 a week against Hinsdale South.

“Defensively I thought our guys played extremely hard,” York coach Mike Fitzgerald said. “That’s a great offense and our defense swarmed to the football and played with great effort and great energy.

“Patrick is a load, he’s a very physical runner. We got the ball close to the end zone but had a couple of turnovers and also got stopped on fourth down.”