Glenbard West holds off Downers South

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:22PM

No. 3 Glenbard West's defense came up with two huge plays as the Hilltoppers held off host Downers Grove South 21-16.

Senior defensive end Zack Marshall blocked a punt with 9:00 left in the third quarter, and CJ Watson returned it 34 yards for a touchdown to give Glenbard West (2-0) a 21-10 lead.

"There's nothing like blocking a varsity punt," said Marshall, whose only previous punt block came at the freshman level. "It's a momentum shift, and we're thankful we could pull through against such a good team.

"I was just one-on-one with the guy. I made a cut and made a play, and luckily we had someone pick it up and score and make a big play in such an important game."

The Hilltoppers, who twice trailed by three points, had taken a 14-10 lead on quarterback Mike Matthew's one-yard sneak with 37 seconds left in the first half.

Downers South closed to 21-16 on a one-yard run by Josh Williams (27 carries, 117 yards, two touchdowns), but a two-point conversion pass failed.

The Mustangs (0-2) drove to the Glenbard 34 in the final minute before A.J. Simoncelli was intercepted by Harry Meyer at the 13-yard line.

Nick Burrello had 145 yards rushing and a touchdown on 18 carries for the Hilltoppers, and Trace Sorey gained 110 yards on 17 carries.

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