Glenbrook South overcomes early mistakes in win

Updated: October 28, 2011 10:12PM

Glenbrook South lost two fumbles in the first half of Friday’s game, but the Titans made sure those turnovers didn’t lose them the game.

Glenbrook South overcame the early mistakes to earn a 27-0 win over visiting New Trier in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs.

Despite the turnovers, the Titans led 20-0 at the half on their way to their second victory over the Trevians since Sept. 30. Glenbrook South (8-2) held New Trier (6-4) to three first downs and 65 yards in the first two quarters.

“Our defense has held us together all year,” said senior Alex Leet, who lost his first fumble all season in the second quarter. “They always play so hard. People are scared of our defense for a reason.”

Like he did in the first meeting of the two CSL South clubs, Kevin Schroeder found the end zone multiple times. The senior, who also lost a fumble, ran for two of the team’s three touchdowns in the first half and finished with 119 yards on 24 carries. He scored three times in the Titans’ 21-10 last month.

Schroeder’s first touchdown came after Michael Demos blocked a punt and set up Glenbrook South at New Trier’s 25-yard line.

Down three scores, New Trier took the opening kick of the second half into Glenbrook South territory before fumbling the ball away.

Unlike the Trevians, the Titans took advantage of the turnover, scoring five plays later on Mac Zabriskie’s 16-yard pass to Ose Ilenikhena, the senior quarterback’s second TD toss of the game.

“We would have some positive things and then something bad would happen,” said New Trier coach Dan Starkey, whose program hasn’t won a playoff game since 2008. “What could go wrong did. We couldn’t capitalize on our opportunities. It was a tough way to go out.”

After the score, Jack Nykaza drove the Trevians down the field before throwing an interception at Glenbrook South’s 5-yard line. New Trier had another drive stall inside the red zone during the fourth quarter. The Trevians later lost another fumble, finishing the game with three turnovers.

Nykaza went 15-for-36 for 137 yards and ran for another 51. Leet followed Schroeder, running 13 times for 86 yards. Zabriskie was an efficient 6-for-9 for 143 yards.

“This is what we wanted,” Leet said. “Maine South was a really tough loss, but we bounced back and showed we them we mean business.”

Glenbrook South plays the winner of Saturday’s game between Bartlett and Lyons.

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