Game Preview: Hinsdale South vs. Leyden

    The Hinsdale South Hornets continue to hold on to their perfect record, after winning against the Addison Trail Blazers last week. The Hornets were able to come out and play hard, pulling out a 42-14 victory, and extending their winning streak to four in a row.

    The Hornets hope to continue their success this week as they welcome the Leyden Eagles into their stadium. Last week, the Eagles were able to go on the road and win against the Downers Grove South Mustangs, 27-21.

    Last season, the Hornets came into the matchup with Leyden holding a 2-2 record. Keontae Hall had two rushing touchdowns and DJ Deolitsis threw for three touchdowns and ran for three while rushing for 94 yards and throwing for 151 yards. The Hornets came out with a huge victory, 60-35.

    The Leyden Eagles currently hold a 3-1 record on the season, with their only loss coming against Hinsdale Central in their second game of the season. After winning last week against Downers South, the Eagles will be coming into this game very strong, and looking to take away the Hornets perfect record.

Keys to the Game:

    Last week against Addison Trail, DJ Deolitsis was able to score three touchdowns for the Hornets, one being a touchdown pass. In total, he had 115 passing yards and 92 rushing yards. So far this season, Deolitsis has been the strongest player on the Hornets team. He has done everything the Hornets have wanted him to do, and he has had the biggest impact on the team. However, this is a positive and a negative. It is a positive because the Hornets have a fantastic player that they can rely on to help them win games. However, every team in the conference knows this, and they will try to stop him. It would not be surprising to see the defense rush him and try to shake him up, as every team in the conference will try to do when they play against Hinsdale South.

    Besides the strong passing, the Hornets have been rushing. Last week, Arian Toney ran for 95 yards and played a key role in the Hornets victory with his touchdown. The Hornets are trying to keep the opponents guessing at what will be coming at them next, which is a good strategy, to keep the defense on their toes. The Eagles defense will struggle against the Hornets offense, and the Eagles may not be able to predict what will come next. If the Hornets can keep the Eagles guessing, and do the opposite of what they expect, they will be in good shape.

    The Hornets will need to watch the Eagles rushing game this week in order to stay ahead. Last week, the Eagles Aaron Whigham had 136 rushing yards, which lead to a touchdown. The Eagles do have a good running team, which is the best part of their team. The Hornets need to continue with a strong defense to hold the Eagle running game to a minimum.

Time for Predictions:

    Looking at this game on paper, the Hornets have the advantage. They come into the game ranked #59 in the state, while the Leyden Eagles come in ranked at #90. These teams are both very good, and it is going to be a great matchup. The Hornets should be able to edge the Eagles, and if they do, they will continue with a 5-0 record. Both teams will be fighting hard, and the Hornets will have to fight very hard in order to keep the record, but it can be done.

Game Time:

    This game is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21 at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, Ill. Game time is 7:30 pm.