Maine South-Glenbrook South could be special

Updated: October 20, 2011 7:35PM

Glenbrook South will get a shot at what it has wanted all season.

The Titans will have an opportunity to win their first Central Suburban South title since 1995 if they can end Maine South’s 19-game winning streak — and 54-game conference run — in Park Ridge Friday night.

“We’ve been wanting this all year,” said GBS running back Alex Leet. “It’s been our goal to get to the conference championship — and we’re finally here.”

The Titans got a good tune-up for the big game against the three-time defending Class 8A champs — and a boost of confidence — with a 42-0 victory over Niles West Saturday afternoon.

Glenbrook South (7-1, 4-0) scored on six of its first eight possessions. The Titans also outgained the Wolves 374-116.

Senior quarterback Mac Zabriskie, who passed for 128 yards total, found Sully Stadler and Charlie Tisch for touchdowns while completing seven of his final 10 attempts. Stadler had a team-best four catches for 60 yards.

“Coach (Mike Noll) wanted to pass the ball a little bit more, so we could get more confidence going into (the next) game,” Zabriskie said.

Leet rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns, including his team’s final TD with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter.

Ose Ilenikhena scored his team’s first TD on a 42-yard reverse, and Kevin Schroeder followed with a 2-yard scoring plunge on his way to finishing with 66 yards on eight carries.

Now, it’s all about facing the mighty Hawks.

“It’s a dream of a lifetime — conference championship against the No. 1 team in the state, at their place, on Friday night and under the lights,” Zabriskie said. “It’s going to be on TV (Comcast 100). There’s going to be thousands of people there. That’s going to motivate us through practice.”

While anticipation is running high in both camps, the coaches are keeping a careful eye on their players.

“The No. 1 one thing here is don’t overdue it,” said Glenbrook coach Noll, after spending Sunday viewing game films of the Hawks (8-0, 4-0).

“Like all games, we’re not overhyping this game, but just getting well-prepared and confident. We’re not there yet — it’s only Monday — but we will be ready by Thursday,” he said.

Noll said limiting Hawk quarterback Matt Alviti will be important.

“He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the state. We may not stop him, but we can contain him,” Noll said, adding halfback Paul Preston was another menacing force.

“We need to slow him down. He and the quarterback are the team’s one-two punch.”

Hawks coach Dave Inserra said there likely won’t be any surprises in the latest showdown between conference rivals.

“(The Titans) don’t have a lot of tricks and they know what we do,” he said. “They want to run and pass against us. They will have to stop our passing, though.”

Inserra believed that while Titan quarterback Zabriskie does not throw much, the senior shows precision.

“He’s very accurate and efficient,” Inserra said.

Other Glenbrook South players to keep in check include wide receiver Sully Stadler and defensive ends Gus Shipp and Matt Powers, Inserra pointed out.

“Those two defensive ends are very physical, and they have a top wide receiver.”

Jimmy Frankos is the Hawks’ wild card at backup quarterback, wide receiver and kicker. He agreed that Shipp and Powers are reasons for concern.

“They really play in-your-face football on a good overall defense. On offense, they run the ball and eat up the clock,” he said.

Titans QB Zabriskie said special teams could decide Friday’s outcome.

“It will be a great game and they have great team, but it could come down to more plays on special teams and the big play on offensive and defense,” he said. “We have good a return guy, kicker and punter. Our special teams have been drilling hard all season, before practice and after.”

This may not be the last time these two teams see each other. They’ll find out when, after Saturday’s games, the IHSA releases playoff brackets on www.ihsa.org.

— Alan Ferguson
contributed

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