There is a new single-game rushing record at Glenbrook North.
Spartans running back Grant Rushing broke James Velissaris’ 2001 school record by running for 406 yards in Glenbrook North’s 56-17 victory over Niles North on Friday night. Rushing’s mark is the 19th highest total in Illinois history, according to IHSA.org. The previous Glenbrook North record was 346 yards.
“No, no sir,” said Rushing, when asked if he thought eclipsing 400 yards was possible. “I try to have the highest expectations for myself as I can, but after a poor season like last year, team-wise, I just wanted to come in here and get some team wins first.”
Rushing accumulated 176 yards in the first half, including a 35-yard touchdown run with one minute remaining in the second quarter. Rushing’s first of three touchdowns in the game gave the Spartans (5-1 overall, 2-0 Central Suburban North) a 14-3 lead over Niles North (3-3, 1-1).
The Spartans’ star senior running back ensured Glenbrook North would collect its fifth win of the season by exploding in the third quarter. Rushing ran for 73 yards on his first carry in the second half, and his final run of the quarter — a 44-yard touchdown which gave Glenbrook North a 42-3 lead — put his rushing total at 334 yards.
At that point he was 12 yards shy of Velissaris’ school record.
Rushing ran for 25 yards on the Spartans’ next offensive play to break the school record. He ran for 52 more yards on the ensuing play.
Although Rushing didn’t think he could run for over 400 yards in a game, Glenbrook North coach Bob Pieper disagreed.
“Grant is one of the best athletes to come through these halls,” Pieper said. “I knew that he was on a mission to have a good senior season and I could tell by his offseason workout that he was going to be somebody to be reckoned with.”
