Glenbard West beats Joliet Catholic in early-season showdown between two of state’s traditional powers

Glenbard West and Joliet Catholic — both of whom are the Hilltoppers — have combined for 18 state championships. They are two of the traditional powers in the state, with programs built on running the ball and playing defense.

It’s too early to say whether a trip to state is likely for either team this season. They are both works in progress with experienced, successful coaches trying to find the best way forward.

That has led Joliet Catholic to throw the ball more than it typically does. Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet wasn’t sure exactly what his defense would face Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

‘‘We weren’t prepared for the stuff they did,’’ Hetlet said. ‘‘They didn’t run any of that stuff last year. [Joliet Catholic] showed last week they were going to be a little bit more spread.’’

The biggest question mark for Glenbard West was at quarterback. With starter AJ Rayford injured, the job fell to senior backup Jack Walti.

Walti was calm and collected throughout the game. He didn’t put a foot wrong and was there to make the big play when it counted, connecting with Brady Johnson on a 58-yard touchdown pass with 4:25 left that gave No. 8 Glenbard West a 27-21 victory.

‘‘Jack Walti is good at everything,’’ Hetlet said. ‘‘He can punt. He can kick. He’s a great baseball pitcher. He’s just a really good athlete. I was comfortable with him taking the reins with AJ banged up. When we needed him, he stepped up.’’

Walti was 6-for-10 for 139 yards. Jamarcus Kelly had 22 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown for Glenbard West (2-0), and Max Hetlet had a one-yard touchdown run to open the scoring.

‘‘[Walti] is a senior, and he has a leadership role on the team,’’ Max Hetlet said. ‘‘He’s never too high or too low, so we had confidence heading in with him.’’

Joliet Catholic tied the score at 21 on a four-yard pass from Lucas Simulick to Craig Peacock with 5:18 left. Simulick was 17-for-34 for 254 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He connected with Jayden Armstrong (nine catches, 152 yards) on touchdowns of 37 and 22 yards.

‘‘People have some misconceptions that we just want to run three yards and a cloud of dust,’’ Joliet Catholic coach Jake Jaworski said. ‘‘But we are gonna put our guys in a position that gives us a chance to win. We are working with what we have — some skill guys and a quarterback that can throw it. We may be a little thin at running-back depth this year.’’

The game was a back-and-forth affair, but Glenbard West pulled off a big play whenever Joliet Catholic challenged. Two of the biggest were made by senior Jaylen McMiller. He had a crucial interception in the third quarter and scored on a 60-yard kickoff return just before halftime after Joliet Catholic had taken a 14-7 lead.

‘‘I saw the open space, and I just took it,’’ McMiller said. ‘‘I saw green grass. Halfway through, I saw it was just the kicker left. I’m not getting tackled by the kicker.’’

Joliet Catholic (0-2) has a rugged schedule ahead and will face a battle to qualify for the playoffs.

‘‘The guys battled two straight weeks and just came up a little short,’’ Jaworski said. ‘‘I like the fight. There are things we have to clean up on our end.’’

Glenbard West heads into conference play with raised expectations after a couple of big victories to start the season.

‘‘Sitting at 2-0 after playing two teams that were in state championships last year and us coming off a 4-5 year, I feel pretty good,’’ Hetlet said.

‘‘Kudos to [Joliet Catholic] coming to play a team with a lot more players than them. Those kids lift. They are born in the weight room.’’