Ellens scores twice as Glenbard West defeats Moline 56 to 0
The senior returned from a broken collarbone to help lead the Hilltoppers to a dominant first-round win.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Glenbard West senior Bryce Ellens rushed for a touchdown and caught a 25-yard score from AJ Rayford on Saturday. These two plays helped lead the Hilltoppers to a 56-0 victory over visiting Moline at Duchon Field. The win secured a berth for Glenbard West in the next round of the Class 7A playoffs.
Ellens had missed the first six weeks of the season with a broken collarbone. He suffered the injury in Week 2 against St. Rita. His surgeon estimated a seven-week recovery timeline. The prediction proved accurate as Ellens returned to the field in Week 9 against Proviso West. He described the return as a relief after waiting all season for the moment.
The Hilltoppers dominated the first half, scoring touchdowns on six of seven possessions. This offensive surge gave Glenbard West a 42-0 halftime lead. The running clock activated for the entire second half as a result. The team averaged 37.8 points per game prior to this contest. Keyante Johnson and Ace Harris each rushed for 4-yard touchdowns. Rayford threw for 125 yards on 8-of-11 passing, including scores to Jack Busch and Brady Johnson.
Moline fumbled the ball four times in the first half. Two of those fumbles were recovered by Glenbard West and resulted in touchdowns. Brady Johnson recovered a fumble on the second play from scrimmage. The Maroons managed only 40 total yards in the first half. Glenbard West recorded 288 yards during the same period. Moline enters this game after a 42-38 win over Benet in the previous week.
Coach Chad Hetlet noted that the team maintained its speed despite an opening-round bye. He stated that the players are accustomed to playing at a high level of intensity. Hetlet said the team does not make many mistakes when it is healthy. He also highlighted the versatility of Ellens, who plays defensive back, punt returner, and offensive roles. Hetlet has coached two of Ellens' brothers before him.
Jack Busch, a 6-foot-2 sophomore tight end, made a notable catch for his touchdown. He leaped over two defenders to secure an underthrown ball in the end zone. Rayford remarked that Busch performs similar catches in practice. The Hilltoppers will face unbeaten Hersey next Saturday. That team is led by senior quarterback Jake Nawrot, a Kentucky commit. Rayford said the team has been preparing for this matchup since summer.
Senior linebacker Tallis Taylor is expected to return from a broken leg suffered in Week 1. Hetlet said the team is getting healthy at the right time. He expressed confidence that the squad did not lose its rhythm during the week off. The Hilltoppers are now 7-3 on the season. Moline falls to 7-4 with the loss.
