Hilltoppers shut down Downers North

Glenbard West's "43 points per game" offense has received most of the hype this season but the defense earned its props Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

With leading tackler Garrett Richards resting an injured ankle, noseman Theo Odom, linebacker Kyle Krumweide, lineman Pat Loveless and their pals allowed fewer than 100 yards as the No. 6 Hilltoppers (7-0, 4-0) crushed Downers Grove North 35-0 in a West Suburban Silver matchup.

"Our star linebacker was out and we still shut them down," Odom said. "People don’t understand that we are the best defense in the league."

Chris Cochrane (6-for-10, 178 yards) threw a 22-yarder to Jessie Condie to set up Matt Hassan's four-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Robert Cook (11 carries, 110 yards) ran 19 yards, then scored on a 12-yard burst in the second quarter for Glenbard West (7-0, 4-0).

In the second half, Glenbard broke away as quarterback Tyler Warden threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Venson and plunged one yard for another score after Jack Marston recovered a fumble on Downers' 12. Cochrane also threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to J.T. Mesch.

Downers North fell to 3-4, 2-2.

The Hilltoppers are seeking their first 9-0 start since 1991 and their first conference title since 1994.