This playoff thing is becoming a ritual at Glenbrook North.
After 18 years without an appearance, the Spartans earned their ninth playoff berth in the last 11 years.
“We’ve been lucky and things have definitely gone our way,” Glenbrook North coach Bob Pieper said. “Everybody in the community and the school has bought into the commitment, and we did a great job with our staff, bringing in quality coaches.”
If not for a 33-14 Week 3 loss to New Trier, the Spartans (8-1) would have run the table.
The Spartans held a 14-13 third-quarter lead in that game but gave up two quick scores.
A fumbled kickoff after New Trier regained the lead turned the game around.
“One thing that stuck with me was something our quarterback (Zack Hilgendorf) said on the bus ride home,” Spartans senior running back Nick Freund said. “He said, ‘I hope this is a wakeup for everybody. Nothing is handed to you.’
“That loss made us work a lot harder and pick up the pace. I am confident that everybody on the team is going to do their job against Harlem, and I know I am going to do mine.”
The Spartans, who play Machesney Park Harlem in a 7A game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, switched from a spread offense to a two-back set. Pieper has a better group of running backs this year and is using more of a two-dimensional attack as opposed to the pass-dominated spread he ran the last five seasons.
He also has moved offensive linemen around.
“That was the key,” Pieper said. “We had guys who moved around better in those positions, and that changed everything.”
Class 7A
:
Machesney Park
Harlem at Glenbrook North
When:
7:30 p.m. Friday.
Where:
2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook.
Last meeting:
First meeting.
Records:
Harlem 7-2, Glenbrook North 8-1.
Players to watch:
Harlem — Brandon Rogers, Sr., QB, 6-3, 215 (88 carries, 449 yards, 3 TDs; 85-for-132, 1,334 yards, 14 TDs, 5 INTs); Keith Purifoy, Sr., RB, 5-8, 160 (30 carries, 250 yards, 3 TDs; 24 catches, 340 yards, 2 TDs); Christian Jacobson, Sr., FS, 5-7, 175 (4 INTs). Glenbrook North — Zack Hilgendorf, Sr., QB, 6-0, 185 (60-for-98, 1,149 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs); Grant Rushing, So., TB, 6-1, 185 (163 carries, 1,092 yards, 17 TDs); Armin Batang, Sr., WR, 5-11, 160 (19 catches, 471 yards, 5 TDs); Jason Scholl, Jr., LB, 6-0, 200 (79 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks).
X and O factor:
Glenbrook North coach Bob Pieper wants his team to control the ball because of Harlem’s speed. “Their quarterback is a big kid who can wing it,” Pieper said. The Huskies will need to stop the running game and take care of the football.
FYI:
Glenbrook North went 18 years (1981-1998) without making the playoffs.
He said it:
“They have a big offensive line, and we are hoping to be able to stop their run game.” — Harlem coach Jim Morrow.
