Glenbard West rallies late to take down Lyons

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Ross Andreasik of Glenbard West and Andrew Ostrowski of Lyons are key defensive players. But both grew up hearing stories about the glory days of Glenbard West.Andreasik’s father, Andy, was a a former star for Glenbard West’s Class 5A state championship team in 1983. Andrew’s father, Mark, played his senior season in 1981 for a Hilltoppers squad that went 5-4 in the days when only the West Suburban champion advanced to the playoffs. Their fathers played long before there were two divisions in the conference.These sons of former Glenbard West players met for the only time Saturday at Duchon Field in Glen Ellyn, where each of their fathers once played their home games. No. 3 Glenbard West scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to rally to beat Lyons 28-14.But Lyons’ offense did what no other team has been capable of doing this season. For the first time, the Hilltoppers allowed two touchdowns in a game and have allowed only three total TDs on the season.“We were focused on the shutout, but didn’t get it this week,” said Ross Andreasik, a 6-2, 205-pound junior outside linebacker.Lyons (2-2, 0-1) scored twice in the third quarter on a pair of Tom Fiedler touchdown passes to Michael Grace for 58 yards with 8:24 to go and 26 yards with 1:54 remaining. Those plays ended the Hilltoppers’ streak of 10 consecutive shutout quarters. Glenbard led 9-0 at halftime.But Lyons’ defense couldn’t contain Glenbard West (4-0, 2-0) in the fourth quarter. The Hilltoppers regained the lead 15-14 on Kyle Kramer’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Ben Marcus.Both Ross Andreasik and Andrew Ostrowski, a 6-0, 205-pound senior defensive end, missed playing time last season to injuries. Andrew Ostrowski missed half the season and was a reserve linebacker the rest of the year. Ross Andreasik missed his entire season with the sophomore team due to a broken left collarbone suffered in the preseason.After the game, Andrew Ostrowski acknowledged his late grandfather, who died more than 10 years ago. Andrew Ostrowski’s uncle, Kurt, watched Saturday’s game from the Glenbard stands. Kurt Ostrowski was a former teammate of Andy Andreasik on Glenbard’s first state championship team.“It was really fun [playing at Duchon Field],” Andrew Ostrowski said. “I wish my grandfather [Michael] was here. That would have been perfect.”Mark Ostrowski coached both of his sons, Alex and Andrew, through the Western Springs youth football program. Andrew played previously at Duchon Field on Lyons’ sophomore team, but Saturday was his only game there as a varsity member.“It’s a great setting for football,” Mark Ostrowski said. “Seeing him with the other boys playing, and they have worked so hard, playing on this same field is a great experience. But when we’re here; now we bleed blue and yellow.”Andy Andreasik coached Ross through the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles program. Ross’ younger brother, Luke, currently plays for Glenbard West’s freshman team. After winning the state title, Andy Andreaski became a three-year starting linebacker at Duke.“It’s been less weird than I though it would be [watching him],” Andy Andreasik said. “This is his field [now]. This is his team. I’m just the old guy in the stands watching his kid play.”Ross Andreasik has seen his father’s name in the foyer at Biester Gym on the state championship trophy and on a plaque honoring The 100 Club, a listing of former standout Hilltoppers players.“My father doesn’t want to put too much pressure on me. I know he was a great player on the state championship team,” Ross Andreasik said. “I want to follow his footsteps. I want to make him proud.”

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