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Hinsdale Central (3-3, 0-3 in Silver) at Proviso West (3-3, 1-3)


Jeff Davis, Sports Editor | Hinsdale Doings | Published Oct. 4, 2006

• Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Proviso West Stadium, Wolf Road and Harrison Street, Hillside

• Last year: Hinsdale Central 54, Proviso West 14

• Outlook: The Red Devils are trying to snap a three-game losing streak at
the expense of upstart Proviso West, which still is in contention for their
first playoff trip in program history under first-year coach Famous Hulbert.

The Red Devils’ biggest concern has been finding more offense after
collecting just 20 points over their three losses to Silver leaders York
(35-6 Saturday), Downers Grove North (17-7 Sept. 22) and Oak Park (21-7
Sept. 15).

Proviso West has lost to Oak Park 35-7 Saturday and Downers North 27-0,
but the Panthers also beat Lyons Township for the first time in program
history 8-6 Sept. 16 in a game affected by heavy rains that also snapped a
streak of 30 consecutive Silver losses.

Hulbert, a former standout at Proviso West, had been an assistant coach
at LT for the past seven years. His outward emphasis on discipline and
accountability appear to have made an impact.

The Panthers won their season opener 39-29 over Stagg with a 27-point
fourth quarter to rally from a 29-11 deficit, and they beat Morton 27-12 by
scoring the game’s first 27 points.

Senior Tony Shorter has taken over at quarterback and has had strong
targets this season with Justin Hightower and Lavere Kidd, who scored the
winning TD against LT. Hightower, a basketball standout who joined the team
this season, had 112 yards on seven catches in a 28-22 loss to Glenbard
West.

Rushing threats include senior Perry Childs, Monty Caston, a member of
the Panthers’ second-place 800-meter relay who has TD runs of 67 and 64
yards, and Dalaun Finch, who rushed for 59 yards on 12 carries against Oak
Park. The Panthers also have an experienced and large offensive line.

Lineman Zach Sanders is the only returning full-time starter on defense,
but end Alvin McAdory and cornerback Jerris Halley were part-time starters.
Junior Darriel Owens has been promising at free safety.

• Quotable: “We’re just going to keep working at what we do and get better
and better and better at it. Hopefully we’ll catch fire,” Hinsdale Central
coach Mike DiMatteo said. “Proviso West is a much better team than they have
been. They believe they can win games. We’re going to try and delay that
enthusiasm, that’s for sure.”

Copyright © 2006, The Doings