Glenbard South Captures First Conference Win

Someday teams will learn to keep kickoffs far away from the Wes Sanders. Someday, but not today. 

The situation looked perilous after the Tigers marched down the field to take a 21-14 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. The Raiders were down and maybe lost a little confidence. But the game was far from over. On the ensuing kickoff, the Elmwood Park kick went a little too far. Sanders came up on the ball, and 75 yards later Sanders crossed the goal line and put the Raiders back in the game.

If the defense was a little down after the Tiger score, they bounced back quickly after Sanders’ run. After two run attempts only gained 4 yards, the Tigers were left with a third and long on their own 24. As the Tiger quarterback stepped up to pass, the receiver was knocked off his route. Glenbard South sophomore Ayman Blan stepped up and intercepted the Tiger pass, running the ball back to the Tiger 29. 

“Ayman had a big pick” said Raider Coach Jeremy Cordell.  “We knew we needed that stop”.

While the stats will show Ayman’s name for the pick, it was a team effort that led to him to the right place at the right time.

“The linebacker rerouted the receiver” said Blan.  “It was the pass rush, too”.

From the 29, the Raiders put their game in full gear. Quarterback Tyler Padera followed his downfield blocks and gained 19 yards. With the line of scrimmage at the 4-yard line, Zach Smith took ball and put the Raiders ahead for good, 28-21.

The Raiders’ offense was not done yet. After another Raider defensive stop and Elmwood Park punt, it was time for the Raider big play once again. With five minutes left in the game, Matt Loos busted loose for 75 yards and the Raiders fifth touchdown of the game. Playing inspired defense in front of the Raider homecoming crowd, Elmwood Park did not threaten again.

“I definitely called them out at halftime, and not in a negative way” said Coach Cordell.  “I just said hey, this is a football game, how are we going to respond? And, they definitely responded”.

This was the first football game the Raiders played in the Metro Suburban Conference and if tonight’s game is any indicator, Raider fans are in for an exciting second half of the season.