Glenbrook North looks forward to home game

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:16PM

With a six-game win streak and a Central Suburban League North title, Glenbrook North received another boost heading into the Class 7A playoffs with a first-round game at home against Machesney Park Harlem.

Seventh-seeded GBN (8-1) was guaranteed a first-round game due to its record, but with only one win over a winning team this season, the Spartans are looking for any advantage it can get. Last year, GBN lost at Crystal Lake South 35-0 in the first round of the playoffs.

"That's huge. We were really hoping to play a home game," GBN senior defensive back Sean Kamin said. "That will be a big advantage for us. Our goal was to make the playoffs. Ovbviously, we're going to try to go as far as we can."

GBN will play 10th-seeded Harlem (7-2) for the second time in the playoffs. The Spartans won 34-7 in the first round in 2001 under former coach Frank Whalen. Current coach Bob Pieper will face Harlem for the first time in the postseason.

"It's great for the kids. The kids deserve it," Pieper said. "They had a great season. Our one loss was to New Trier (33-14) and we played a tough first half. We get to host a (playoff) game. That's fun for the kids."

The Spartans' last playoff home game was a 28-22 overtime loss to Carmel in the second round of the 2007 Class 7A playoffs.

Harlem finished third in the NIC-10 this season after going 8-2 last season. The Huskies beat Rockford East 49-28 in Week 9. NIC-10 teams do not play nonconference games.

GBN's playoff record is 10-10. Harlem is 4-8 in the playoffs and has lost its last three games.

"Last year we had no momentum going into the playoffs," GBN senior quarterback Zack Hilgendorf said. "This year, we have a winning streak and confidence."

"I don't know anything about Harlem, but we're ready to play them," senior defensive lineman Brian Chung said. "We're definitely ready this year, by far. The offense is 10 times better than last year and the defense is definitely better than last year. I have a good feeling that we'll go far in the playoffs. I trust my teammates."

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