For three quarters, the football game between Hinsdale South and Glenbard West was more like a battle of attrition. Neither side could get an advantage on the ground, and neither side could score.
The visiting Hilltoppers finally prevailed in the fourth quarter, beating the Hornets 14-6 in a nonconference game on Friday, Sept. 2, thanks to some big offensive plays, but the Hornets stayed competitive to the end against the defending 7A state champions.
“I’m extremely proud with the way the kids played tonight,” Hornets coach Mike Barry said. “They can hold their heads high knowing they gave everything they had.”
After surrendering a fourth-quarter touchdown, the defense got the Hornets (0-2) back in the game by taking advantage of a fumble off a botched snap inside the Hilltoppers’ red zone. Hornets senior cornerback DJ Anderson recovered the fumble and took it back 96 yards for a touchdown to get the Hornets on the board with 5:01 remaining in the fourth. The Hornets’ point-after attempt was blocked, and they gave up another touchdown on the next possession.
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“It was a tough defensive game,” Anderson said. “We really fought them hard, but we gotta bounce back and focus on the next game.”
Hinsdale South senior quarterback Brian Rudolph was 12-of-16 passing for 118 yards. Junior receiver Destin Talbert was his favorite target with 82 yards on seven receptions.
Senior running back DJ Ficarella had 137 yards rushing on 26 carries and a touchdown for the Hilltoppers (2-0). Junior running back Dre Thomas added 83 yards rushing on 12 carries and a touchdown.
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @ChrisVavra1