Pigskin Preview
Hinsdale Central (6-4) vs Naperville Central (7-3)

• Kickoff: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Dickinson Field, 55th and Madison Streets, Hinsdale

• Outlook: This second-round Class 8A playoff battle pits similar teams that
have relied on strong defenses to lead the way as its offenses have
developed. Both also won close opening-round games. Naperville Central, the
No. 7 seed in its playoff bracket, topped No. 10 seed Downers Grove South
26-23 in overtime Saturday, while No. 15 seed Hinsdale Central upset No. 2
seed Neuqua Valley 11-7 Friday.

Naperville Central has won seven games in a row since starting 0-3
against three playoff qualifiers — Lake Park and undefeated Lincoln-Way East
and Wheaton Warrenville South. The Redhawks beat two playoff teams in
Glenbard North and Naperville North along the way.

Leading Naperville Central’s defense that has allowed only 80 points
during its winning streak after giving up 80 the first three games are
senior end Nick Mondek (6-foot-6, 240 pounds), who has committed to Purdue,
junior lineman Josh Jelesky (6-4, 205), senior linebacker Greg Vanden Heuvel
(6-0, 195) and defensive backs Andrew Churik (5-11, 220) and Corey Pryor
(6-2, 190). Vanden Heuvel forced a Downers South fumble at the Naperville
Central 14 in the final minute of regulation that teammate Sean Waszak
recovered to force overtime.

The Redhawks, averaging 19 points on offense, rotate senior Matt
Vorderer (22-for-44 passing, 259 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions) and
junior Harrison Daniels (33 of 78, 323 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs) at quarterback
every other series and go with the hot hand in the second half.

“Both are great athletes with good arms and both can run the ball,”
Naperville Central coach Mike Stine said. “We can run any play with either
quarterback.”

Junior tailback Michael Caulfield (5-10, 180) is the leading rusher with
682 yards on 127 carries with three TDs. Senior fullback Dan Becker
(5-10, 230) has rushed for 584 yards on 100 carries with nine TDs, including
the game-winning 5-yard run in OT against Downers South. Both backs also are
the top two receivers. Junior Scott Baum (6-1, 245) and Andrew Tamras (6-1,
255) lead the offensive line.

“When you get to the playoffs, the (key is) turnovers and staying away
from costly penalties,” Stine said.

Hinsdale Central avoided those kinds of mistakes against Neuqua Valley
that have cost them in losses.

Quarterback Zach Leathers (team-high 573 rushing yards on 150 carries, 7
TDs; 41-for-93 passing, 598 yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs) continues to improve on
his reads in the Red Devils’ triple-option offense. Jack DiNardo (team-high
81 tackles, 11 sacks, 11 tackles for a loss), Jon Rogowski (team-high 12
sacks, 58 tackles) and Matt Kajmowicz (85 tackles, 8 sacks) are defensive
leaders.
• Quotable: “They’ve played some top quality competition, they’re very
well-disciplined and they don’t make a whole lot of errors,” Hinsdale
Central coach Mike DiMatteo said. “We have to make sure we take care of the
ball. If we do and play our game, be consistent, we should be right with
them.”

Copyright © 2006, The Doings