I preface this article by offering a sincere apology to the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team. The last thing that head coach John Hoerster, his staff and players probably want or need is any unnecessary hype or additional pressure regarding tonight’s annual “Game of the Century” against conference rival Glenbard West.
In fact, the undefeated Huskies have done a nice job this season of taking it (insert cliché here) one game at a time. I get and respect all of that, I really do. Truth be told, the Huskies measured approach was partly influenced by last year’s 28-14 loss at Glenbard West. That setback set the tone for a disappointing finish to the 2014 campaign.
But here’s the thing, over the past few years, Huskies vs. Hilltoppers has become what I like to call my favorite holiday of the year outside the biggies like Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
Why? Here’s my answer: Throughout the course of a high school sports year, I am lucky to cover countless high school teams, athletes, coaches and events regarding OPRF, Fenwick, Trinity, Riverside-Brookfield and Lyons Township that highlight a given sports year. Recently, John Hoerster’s Huskies vs. Chad Hetlet’s Hilltoppers on the gridiron has been the standard for me. Sure, there have been better team and individual performances and even better games in other sports over the past two seasons, but no matchup offers the complete entertainment package like OPRF vs. Glenbard West. Attendance confirms this game’s popularity within both communities.
The quality of play has been high level, but the matchup transcends statistics or metrics or even the final score. In raw competitive terms, it represents the king of the hill trying to hold off the aspiring climber. It’s reminiscent of Rocky Balboa vs. Apollo Creed pummeling each other in the squared circle for 15 rounds, or I guess Balboa vs. Mason “the Line” Dixon for our younger readers. The intensity on both sideines is palpable. And it will offer hopefully some delicious drama tonight in front of 5,000 plus high school football fans.
Like my favorite sports broadcaster Vin Scully says, “It’s where push meets shove.”
The coolest aspect of the burgeoning rivalry is the mutual respect between the football programs. Glenbard West head coach Chad Hetlet has repeatedly praised the Huskies’ impressive progress under head coach John Hoerster. Two years ago, when Glenbard West edged host OPRF 20-14, Hetlet walked over the Huskies’ post-game huddle to address the team. Very classy. Hoerster and the Huskies offer effusive praise for the Hilltoppers as well.
OPRF linebacker Jahmari Moore made a salient point in his journal entry this week, however, when he said it’s important to remember that tonight’s game isn’t the state championship game. One squad will be very upset tonight around 9:45 p.m. and the other will be over the moon. Does tonight’s score change the reality that both teams will remain serious state title contenders with rosters loaded full of talent? Of course not.
My hope for all the coaches, players, fans and even officials involved in tonight’s game is to soak in the experience. Ones like tonight don’t come around often.
People around town have asked me for a prediction about the game. Talk about a loaded albeit good-natured question? If I pick the Huskies, I’m a homer; if I side with the Hilltoppers, I’m public enemy No. 1. The truth is, I don’t know. Do you, to a certainty?
I also don’t know if the Huskies can shut down Glenbard West running back Sam Brodner? How will OPRF quarterback Keegan Smith perform in his varsity start before a standing room only crowd against a worthy opponent? Can the Huskies’ vaunted “Orange Crush” defense rattle Glenbard West, known for its equanimity? Which of the teams create more turnovers? Heck, if you’re the superstitious type, could OPRF student videographer Cosmo Coffey’s fashionable orange pants be the good luck charm that helps the Huskies top the Hilltoppers?
The answers to these and so many more questions will be revealed tonight. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to find out.
Happy Huskies-Hitters Day!
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