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Glenbrook North running attack plows past Highland Park to clinch CSL North
Glenbrook North's Alex Zera outruns Highland Park's Luke Norcia during his touchdown catch-and-run in Northbrook on Friday. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 13, 2012 12:47AM
NORTHBROOK — Grant Rushing ran for four touchdowns (2, 5, 45 and 55 yards) and threw a halfback option pass 38 yards for another, as Glenbrook North clinched the Central Suburban North Friday night with a 48-28 victory over Highland Park in Northbrook.
Rushing’s scoring pass to Alex Zera with 58 seconds left in the second quarter gave the Spartans (7-1, 4-0) a 27-7 lead. Rushing then intercepted Highland Park (3-5, 3-1) quarterback Tommy Sutker on the next play, leading to AJ Spitz connecting with David Burnside on a 24-yard score, as Glenbrook North had a 34-7 halftime cushion.
“He’s a big, strong running back, who’s very hard to bring down,” Highland Park coach Hal Chiodo said about Rushing. “He’s certainly first team all-state in my opinion.”
Rushing, who also had two interceptions, finished with 189 yards on 16 carries, while Spitz had two touchdown passes and Zera caught two TD throws. Spitz carried the ball 11 times for 127 yards.
“This (winning conference) is just the best feeling in the world,” Rushing said. “I’m at a loss for words right now.”
Highland Park’s Andrew Sledd had 107 yards on 18 attempts, with touchdown runs of 29 and five yards. Sutker had a 25-yard touchdown pass to Grant Paley and a 2-yarder to Noah Pickus, but he threw two interceptions, while the Giants had four turnovers in all.
“We’ve been playing real well offensively,” Glenbrook North coach Bob Pieper said. “Grant wants the ball and he gets it, whether he’s running, catching, throwing, playing defense, punting, or returning punts and kickoffs. He does a little bit of everything.”
Pick up your local Pioneer Press newspaper on Thursday to read more about the Glenbrook North and Highland Park football teams.
