Glenbard West senior running back Avery Balogh took a screen pass 75 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage against Hinsdale Central Saturday and the Hilltoppers never looked back, outscoring the Red Devils 31-0 in the first half en route to a 45-14 win in Glen Ellyn.
“That first play you like to let it all loose,” said Balogh, who rushed for a second touchdown during a seven-carry, 65-yard performance.
Senior quarterback Justice Odom completed 7 of 11 passes for Glenbard West, throwing for 182 yards and two touchdowns. Odom also ran for a touchdown.
Glenbard West (4-0, 2-0) outrushed Hinsdale Central 127-7 in the first half while they charged out to their big lead. Hilltoppers head coach Chad Hetlet said the quick offensive start put the Red Devils in a position where they had to pass the ball and the Glenbard West pass-rushers could go to work.
“I think when you get somebody down early, it puts teams in a bad situation,” Hetlet said.
Hilltoppers mammoth senior defensive lineman Tommy Schutt, who was put in at running back during goal-line situations, rushed for one touchdown.
Hinsdale Central junior quarterback Brian Owens went 20 of 34 for 255 yards in his first game as the undisputed No. 1 quarterback for head coach Rich Tarka. Owens threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. He had split time with senior Danny Callahan during the Red Devils’ first three games.
“I thought I got better as the game went along,” said Owens, who threw five straight incomplete passes to open the game.
“He takes command of the offense and leads well,” Tarka said of Owens.
Hinsdale Central senior receiver Brad Anlauf caught eight passes for 144 yards.
Senior running backs TJ Sally scored the first touchdown for the Red Devils (2-2, 0-2) on a one-yard plunge up the middle mid-way through the third quarter. Senior Nick Sellinger scored the second touchdown with about five minutes to play.
The first-year coach said he was happy with his team’s effort, but not the results.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Tarka said.
Next up for Hinsdale Central is their Homecoming game against Lyons Township Sept. 24 at noon. Glenbard West plays at Oak Park River Forest the same day at 12:30 p.m.
