Burrello's trifecta beats Hinsdale Central

Updated: March 22, 2011 4:18PM

Maybe if the circumstances were different, Glenbard West senior Nick Burrello would've been disappointed when his 50-yard punt return for a touchdown was called back by a penalty in the fourth quarter. Considering everything Burrello had already done during Friday's West Suburban Conference Silver Division contest against Hinsdale Central, it wasn't a problem.

The 6-foot, 185-pound running back scored three touchdowns to lead Glenbard West to a 28-7 victory in Hinsdale.

"It's always a big game against Hinsdale Central," Burrello said. "It's our natural rival. (Glenbard West) coach (Chad) Hetlet came from over there (at Hinsdale Central where he was an assistant for two years). This is always a big game for us. The games have been close in the past, but we tried to blow them out and separate ourselves from past teams and send a message."

Burrello (85 rushing yards, 7 carries) scored on touchdown runs of 24 and 44 yards and also returned the second-half kickoff 90 yards for a TD.

"Nick is a special kid," Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. "He's got a lot of speed, he's a talented runner and he's gotten so much stronger and faster from last year. That's who we're going to lean on this year to make plays for us."

Glenbard West (3-0) capitalized on two Hinsdale Central turnovers to take a 14-0 halftime lead. One play after the Hilltoppers recovered a fumble on a bad pitch attempt, Burrello sprinted 24 yards into the end zone to put Glenbard West up 7-0 with 5:41 remaining in the first quarter.

Glenbard West made it 14-0 when Mike Laning intercepted a pass and Justice Odom scored on a 21-yard run six plays later.

Glenbard West made it 28-0 just 40 seconds into the second half. Burrello's kickoff return made it 21-0 and following a fumble recovery by Zack Marshall, Burrello exploded for a 44-yard TD run.

"It's a huge win," Hetlet said. "I think Hinsdale Central is going to be one of the best teams in our conference and to come over here on their field and be able to beat them is big."

Hinsdale Central (1-2) spoiled the shutout when Teddy Kwasigroch scored on a 9-yard run with 4:41 left in the game.

"The linemen (Johnny Caspers, Ross Green, Adam Smith, Nick Garland and Jordan Walsh) did a great job," Burrello said. "Jordan Walsh played an amazing game and is the best lineman in the state."

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