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Glenbrook North, Rushing roll over Maine East
Maine East's Alex Corey goes back to pass against Glenbrook North during a football game Friday, October 19, 2012 in Park Ridge. I David Banks~Sun-Times Media
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PARK RIDGE — Despite a cold and damp night, Grant Rushing made sure the Glenbrook North football team stayed hot as it closed out the regular season with a 49-0 win over Maine East on Friday in what amounted to a tune-up before the playoffs.
Rushing had four first-half touchdowns and returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown as the Spartans (8-1 overall, 5-0 CSL North) rolled over the overmatched Blue Demons.
After a sluggish start marred by some early penalties, Glenbrook North found its stride and took a 35-0 lead into the break. Rushing’s fourth touchdown of the half — a 20-yard strike from A.J. Spitz — highlighted the strong first half for the Spartans, who looked in control the entire way.
They were also helped by the defense, which intercepted Blue Demons quarterback Alex Corey twice before halftime and continued the pressure after the break.
Maine East fumbled the ball on its first possession of the second half and Glenbrook North marched down the field. Spitz capped the scoring with an 11-yard pass to David Burnside.
“I have to give credit to the O-line,” Spitz said. “They opened up big holes for me to see through. And the defense — they played awesome.”
The win was the playoff-bound Spartans’ eighth straight and was the fifth consecutive game they scored at least 41 points. Rushing once again led the way. He ran for three scores, including one from 18 yards out late in the second quarter to make it 28-0.
“It was tough to run with it being so wet, but the line opened things up for me,” Rushing said. “It was a great win for the team before the playoffs.”
Glenbrook North will learn its postseason opponent Saturday.
Maine East, which finished 1-4 in conference play and 3-6 overall, struggled to get anything going offensively.
Its best drive came on its final one of the game. With the clock continuing to run through much of the second half, the Blue Demons drove to the Spartan 19-yard line, but they were not able to convert.
Pick up your local Pioneer Press newspaper on Thursday to read more about the Glenbrook North football team.
