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Glenbard North runs by Fenger
Updated: September 3, 2011 8:28PM
Glenbard North returned to the scene of one of the greatest triumphs in school history.
In 2007 an underdog Panther team that entered the state playoffs 5-4 stunned Mount Carmel 28-21 in the Class 8A semifinals. “I remember watching the game on television, and it was a great thrill to come back and play here again, in a great atmosphere,” Glenbard North junior quarterback Brian Murphy said.
Murphy and star running back Phillip Jackson combined for five touchdowns as the No. 16 Panthers mauled Fenger 48-0 Saturday at Gately Stadium.
Jackson (eight carries, 73 yards) helped the Panthers (2-0) race out to a 13-0, first-quarter lead by scoring on runs of 2 and 12 yards.
“I’m known as the workhorse back,” he said. “And people think there’s pressure living up to that, but I just look at it like I’m doing my job.”
If Jackson was solid and dependable, Murphy provided a tantalizing glimpse of the spectacular.
Murphy combined for 185 all-purpose yards, completing 4 of 8 for 98 yards and adding 87 yards on seven carries.
He deftly reversed his field and cut against the grain for a beautiful 23-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. He ended the first half scoring with a 46-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Solomon Oquendo. He deflected the credit.
“Solomon made a great catch on the tipped pass there,” Murphy said. “We were ready to play and we run the same things against every team we play. We have great running backs, the line did a great job and the threat of our backs creates a lot of space for the receivers.”
Murphy and Jackson played just one possession in the second half, but it was the most impressive of the day. Murphy orchestrated a seven-play, 80-yard scoring drive, collaborating with Jackson on a 20-yard screen pass. Murphy also broke open runs of 21 and 27 yards before Jackson capped the drive in high style with a seven-yard touchdown burst.
Sophomore reserve running back Justin Jackson added a 21-yard touchdown run and junior Stephen Talarico capped the scoring with a one-yard plunge.
Defensively senior defensive tackle Forest Dukes began the game by stopping a Fenger runner for a 10-yard loss, providing a sign of times to come. Glenbard North recorded a safety and registered eight tackles for loss. Senior defensive back Alex Mendez also recorded an interception against Fenger quarterback Darrien Boone.
The Titans (1-1) managed just 62 yards of total offense.
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