Glenbard West fell two spots to No. 7 in the Class 7A Illinois Media Poll released Thursday, Sept. 3, after a 36-35 loss to St. Rita in Week 2.
The Hilltoppers (1-1) collected 36 poll points, well behind Class 7A leader Hersey, which earned seven first-place votes and 111 points at 2-0. None of the other three Glenbard programs appeared in any class of the statewide poll, according to WRMJ Radio's published rankings.
Glenbard West's Week 2 loss at Duchon Field came down to a late St. Rita two-point conversion. Running back Ace Harris still managed four touchdowns in the defeat, giving him six through two games. Quarterback AJ Rayford broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown run, according to Shaw Local's Week 3 preview capsules.
The defending West Suburban Silver champions host Oak Park-River Forest at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, to open conference play. Glenbard West beat OPRF 26-7 last season.
Glenbard North rolling at 2-0
Glenbard North in Carol Stream is unranked in the class-by-class Illinois Media Poll but earned a No. 20 spot in Sports Illustrated's separate cross-class Illinois Top 25, published Aug. 31. The Panthers are 2-0 for the third straight season after routing Benet Academy 49-7 in Week 2.
Senior running back Angelo Gatses has been the engine, carrying 36 times for 292 yards and five touchdowns while also leading the defense with 11 tackles. Junior quarterback Logan Kramer has completed 17 of 26 passes for 231 yards and four scores, adding 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, according to Shaw Local's Kane County preview.
The Panthers host Batavia (1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, in the DuKane Conference opener. Glenbard North lost to Batavia 41-13 last year.
Glenbard East seeks first win
Glenbard East in Lombard sits at 0-2, the Rams' first 0-2 start since 2017. That was the last season the program missed the playoffs. A 21-0 shutout loss to Plainfield North was a rough result for the defending Upstate Eight East champions.
The Rams open conference play at Fenton (1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Glenbard East routed Fenton 49-0 last season.
Glenbard South opens conference play
Glenbard South in Glendale Heights is 1-1 after splitting its first two weeks: a 55-6 win over Bremen followed by a 41-6 loss to Lake Park.
The Raiders travel to Ridgewood (1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, for their Upstate Eight East opener. Glenbard South topped Ridgewood 42-7 a year ago.
This weekend's Glenbard schedule
- Friday, Sept. 4: Glenbard North vs. Batavia, 7 p.m. (home); Glenbard East at Fenton, 7 p.m.; Glenbard South at Ridgewood, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: Glenbard West vs. Oak Park-River Forest, 1:30 p.m. (home)
