The Glenbard West Hitters opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 21-14 victory on the road against the Lockport Porters. After a scoreless first quarter highlighted by a crucial strip-sack from Brady Johnson, the Hitter offense clicked into gear when AJ Rayford connected with Johnson for a momentum-shifting touchdown pass. Amari "Ace" Harris then powered the ground game in the second half, punching in two rushing touchdowns to extend the lead to 21-7. Though Lockport answered early in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap, the Hitter defense ("The Darkside") locked down the game down the stretch, sealing the win with a massive fourth-down stop by Charlie Gasteier.