Game Preview: Hinsdale South vs. Morton

    The Hinsdale South Hornets started the season off their season very strong, winning their first four games of the season. Two weeks ago, the Hornets lost to Leyden, and then last week, the Hornets lost to their rival school, Hinsdale Central. The Hornets hope to come back and try to clinch a playoff spot, and their chance could be coming this week.   

    The Hornets will be on the road again, as they take on Morton. The Mustangs are coming off a loss last week, as they were shutout by Leyden, 28-0. The Hornets will be coming into the game after losing as well, but their last game was a little bit closer, with Hinsdale Central winning 34-27. The Hornets were able to put up 27 points against the strong Red Devils, which will help them going into this week.   

    Last season, the Hornets went into the game against Leyden with a 3-3 record, while the Mustangs held a 2-4 record. Last year’s contest was very one-sided, with the Hornets shutting down the Mustangs, 42-0. Hinsdale South fans hope history will repeat its self this year, and Hinsdale South will be playing very hard, looking to get back on track.  

    The results of this season’s game should be close to last season, with these two teams coming in to play with very different records. The Hinsdale South Hornets currently have a 4-2 record, while the Morton Mustangs have a 1-5 record. The last win for the Mustangs came on Sept. 21, when they defeated Addison Trail 20-6. The last victory for the Hornets came on Sept. 14, when they too defeated Addison Trail. Both teams will be looking for a win, but the Hornets need this win to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Keys to the Game:

    As was written last week, if the Hornets want to win this game, they are going to have to forget the past. The Hornets have had a very strong start to their season and they want to continue their success. After losing two games in a row, their morale is down a little bit. They started the season thinking playoffs, and were well on their way. But after losing to Leyden and Hinsdale Central, high school football fans are starting to count them out. The Hornets want to prove that they can still compete, and they will have to forget about these last two games, and come in with a clear mind.   

    The Hornets have been using their running game to their advantage this season, averaging 287.5 yards per game. Their passing game has been good as well, but they are only averaging 108.5 yards per game. Since their running has been a major part of their game, opposing teams are looking for the run, and they are stepping up their defense to block it. The Hornets should mix up their plan for the week, and focus on their passing a little bit more, unless it is in a situation where a pass could potentially turn into a fumble or interception, which is always the risk with passing.

Time for Predictions:

    Looking at this game, a prediction seems easy to make. The Hornets come into the game in third place in the West Suburban Gold Conference, while the Mustangs come in ranked sixth. The Hornets are ranked #107 in the state, while the Mustangs are #361. The Hornets should be able to come away with the victory, but they cannot take it for granted. They still have to fight hard, as they have all season. This could be the game that turns their season back around.

Game Time:

    The game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 pm. It will take place at Morton High School in Cicero, Ill.