Glenbrook North’s line at root of offensive success

The Glenbrook North football team had a nearly flawless offensive performance in the first half against Steinmetz, leading to a 40-point explosion that was made possible because of dominance in the trenches.

The physical superiority of Glenbrook North’s offensive line was apparent from the opening drive Friday. The Spartans marched 48 yards in six plays — all rushes — to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Glenbrook North took most of its snaps out of the shotgun, but rarely did they have to go to the air in the 47-6 win. With the consistent push they were able to get up front, the Spartans tallied 130 yards and five touchdowns on the ground before the starters were pulled at halftime.

“The spread worked great,” senior quarterback A.J. Spitz said. “It was fun running the ball. I was really impressed with my O-line. They really stepped up this week.”

Spitz ran for 64 yards and two touchdowns behind his line.

“I love throwing the ball, but I don’t mind playing running back when I have to,” he said.

And when Spitz did drop back to pass, the line kept him upright, failing to yield a sack.

It was a big turnaround from the season opener when the Spartans fell to Hersey 47-7 and accumulated just 110 rushing yards the entire game.

“The running game definitely worked for us,” senior wide receiver Nick Cox said. “Our O-line played way better tonight. They opened up holes and made it easy for our running backs.”

On Friday, junior David Burnside, who primarily plays wide receiver, became the goal line back, rushing for a pair of touchdowns inside the 2-yard line.

The Spartans’ ground attack looked to be in mid-season form Friday. Not only did the offensive lineman create holes between the tackles, but they also made key blocks on the outside and in Steinmetz’s second level.