SOUTH ELGIN -- Bartlett’s 5-1 win over South Elgin on Tuesday night wasn’t only significant for being the Hawks’ opening victory in the new Upstate Eight Conference West Division.

It also gave the Hawks bragging rights in the Thunderhawk Cup, the annual tussle between the School District U-46 sister schools.

“Winning means a lot, because we have this rivalry with South Elgin,” said Bartlett junior Sebastian Kopanicak, who came off the bench to score twice and add an assist. “So it was good to show out tonight and take home the trophy.”

In keeping up with an unofficial tradition of the rivalry, it was fitting that Bartlett won on the Storm’s home field.

“It’s funny. I make this half-hearted joke that we always lose it here, and Bartlett always loses it at home,” Storm coach Jerzy Skowron said. “I tell the boys every year don’t let the emotions get to you with all the extra stuff we have going on.

“Unfortunately, that’s not what happened.”

Hawks offense shines

Bartlett coach Anthony Glorioso had a lot to be happy with in regards to his team’s offensive output. After all, the Hawks scored a season-high five goals in the victory.

“The offense looked good, looked dangerous at times,” Glorioso said. “There was a point where South Elgin at times didn’t know how to react to our 1-2 touch combinations, because it was so quick. And we scored off those 1-2 combinations. 

“We were able to split their backs and do a little trickery, and it worked. We scored all of our goals based off of that, playing fast and countering. The faster you play the more dangerous any team is going to be.”

Storm’s GK platoon system remains in place, for now

South Elgin has a two-keeper platoon system with a bit of fine print. Senior Ethan Messer and freshman Christian Moscoso rotate starts. 

But if the starter gives up two or more goals in the first half, he is subbed out.

Messer got the start against Bartlett. Despite making some big saves, especially in the final minutes of the first half, the Storm trailed 2-0 at the break, and Moscoso came in.

“It’s my way of motivating them to organize and communicate, to help players in front of them give them the shutout so they can continue going on,” Skowron said. “If there was a bigger difference between them in terms of ability, we wouldn’t be doing it that way.

“But there’s something that Ethan brings that Christian doesn’t and vice versa.”

Skowron indicated he might change something up down the road, but not based on the keepers’ performances Tuesday.

“Both are talented keepers,” he said. “I don’t think they were the issue today. I think everything on (the pitch) from keeper to keeper was the problem.”

Teams, fans support Northern Illinois Food Bank

In addition to the drama of the Thunderhawk Cup and the big conference opener, the game between Bartlett and South Elgin carried an even greater significance. It was a fundraiser to help the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The event netted around $1,200. According to a food bank representative, that can be turned into nearly $10,000 in groceries for the organization.

The night ended with both teams posing together for pictures in the north goal. It was a nice touch to commemorate a meaningful contribution to their respective communities.