Battle-tested Panthers advance past Hawks

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Glenbard North defeated Hoffman Estates 34-20 in the Class 7A football playoffs, propelled by Angelo Gatses’ four touchdowns and a decisive trick play. The Panthers, finishing the regular season 3-6, will now face the higher-seeded Jacobs, aiming to continue their unexpected postseason run.

Glenbard North advanced in the Class 7A football playoffs with a 34-20 victory over Hoffman Estates on Friday night in Hoffman Estates. The Panthers, who finished the regular season with a 3-6 record, overcame a strong challenge to secure their place in the next round, where they will face No. 6 seed Jacobs, who entered the playoffs at 8-1.

Senior running back Angelo Gatses was a key contributor for Glenbard North, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 106 yards. Quarterback Logan Kramer added 117 yards on the ground and threw for 157 yards, including a pivotal 52-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Michael Barnes III in the final minute of the first half. That play helped the Panthers take a 21-10 lead going into halftime.

Hoffman Estates responded early in the third quarter with an 80-yard drive capped by a 39-yard field goal from Simon Howarth, narrowing the score to 21-20. However, Glenbard North quickly regained control on a trick play—a throwback pass to Gatses, who sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown. The play had not been run before in a game but was successfully called by Panthers coach Justin Kerwin during a timeout. Gatses later sealed the victory with a four-yard touchdown run with just over six minutes remaining.

The game featured a significant number of penalties, with the two teams combining for 31 infractions. Despite some slow stretches and timeouts, Glenbard North’s methodical drives contrasted with Hoffman Estates’ quick-strike offensive style early in the contest. Glenbard North opened the scoring with a 10-play, 65-yard drive ending with a Gatses touchdown run. Hoffman Estates immediately answered when quarterback Shion Dailey connected with wide receiver T.J. Bond on an 80-yard touchdown pass on the team’s first offensive play to tie the game.

Dailey completed 12 of 21 passes for 218 yards but was intercepted once, with Mason Walker setting up a field goal that brought Hoffman Estates within four points in the first half. Bond ended the game with five receptions for 124 yards.

Speaking after the game, Glenbard North’s Kramer expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness, saying, “I knew we were going to win this game. We were very prepared. I’m so glad we have another week.” Meanwhile, Bond praised his team’s efforts despite the loss, describing the season as one they fought hard in and were proud of.

The Panthers will look to carry that momentum into their upcoming matchup against Jacobs in the next round of the playoffs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.