Lyons still in running for league crown

Updated: October 3, 2011 7:01PM

It’s been a topsy-turvy type of season in the West Suburban Silver this year.

When the season began, many observers thought the conference race would come down to defending champion Lyons Township and challenger Oak Park-River Forest.

Both teams have been ranked in the top 10 by YourSeason.com most of the season, and the conference title could still be decided when LT visits OPRF on Oct. 11.

However, three other teams hope to have a major input on the conference race. Lyons Township and OPRF have both suffered conference losses to Glenbard West, and the Hilltoppers were upset by Proviso West 3-1 on Sept. 20. The fifth team with only one conference loss is Hinsdale Central, which suffered a 2-1 overtime defeat at OPRF on Sept. 27.

The next few weeks will determine a champion between OPRF (12-2-1, 2-1), Glenbard West (9-5, 3-1), Hinsdale Central (8-6-2, 2-1), LT (7-4-3, 2-1) and Proviso West (6-4, 2-1).

The Lions are ranked No. 4 by YourSeason.com, and OPRF is ranked No. 8. The Huskies received the top seed in the upcoming IHSA Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional.

The meeting between those teams could feature a matchup of possible future college teammates. Huskies senior forward Stephen Golz, who has a team-leading 13 goals, committed to Division III Wheaton College last month, where his older brothers, Drew and Jordan, already play.

“We’ve had some great games against them the past two years,” Borge said. “(OPRF) is always very athletic. They have a few guys that know how to play the game well.”

One of LT’s top players, senior midfielder Elliot Borge, has not made a college decision, but is considering Wheaton — along with a few Ivy League schools.

Borge and Golz have gotten to know each other during the recruiting process.

“He’s become one of my good friends,” Borge said.

“I’m pretty excited (about the game), too,” Golz said. “I met with up (Borge) and we’ve become good friends. He’s a great player. I remember him from last year when we were both center midfielders and played against each other.”

Golz has been on a goal-scoring surge of late, with eight goals in OPRF’s last five games. He scored two goals in the Huskies’ 4-2 victory over rival Fenwick Friday night, while Ryan Huettel and David Leitson scored one each.

The Huskies end the regular season at home against Nazareth on Oct. 14.

“It has been a great season for our team,” Golz said. “We look forward to the LT game. When you look at the rankings, we’re very close.”

LT ends the regular season at Lockport on Oct. 12. The Lions are 2-1-2 since finishing second at the Pepsi Showdown on Sept. 18.

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