Devils working for another strong finish

Bill Stone, Sports Writer | Hinsdale Doings | Published October 4, 2006


Hinsdale Central standout senior defensive end Jack DiNardo just missed
making a big tackle on the decisive play of last year’s triple-overtime loss
to York.

Following Saturday’s loss to the Dukes, DiNardo is hoping to help the
Red Devils tackle another big finish to this season.

The 35-6 homecoming setback at Dickinson Field was even gloomier than
the skies that caused a 45-minute lightning delay with 7 minutes, 41 seconds
left in the first quarter and the Red Devils already trailing 6-0.

Hoping to contend for the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title,
the Red Devils (3-3, 0-3 in Silver) instead have lost three straight to
Silver frontrunners York (5-1, 4-0), Downers Grove North (4-2, 3-1) and Oak
Park (5-1, 3-0).

In 2005, the Red Devils were 3-3 after losing to the Dukes 37-34, but
they won their last three regular-season games and reached the Class 8A
semifinals. The Red Devils finish this regular season with Proviso West
(3-3, 1-3), Glenbard West (1-5, 1-2) and Lyons Township (2-4, 0-3).

“We were in a similar situation last year. That’s definitely something we
think about. We do have a lot of new players this year, but we have come
back from this before,” DiNardo said.

“We got off to a real good start, and we haven’t had a good week the
last three weeks. But we’re definitely staying positive and hoping to finish
strong these next three weeks and get some momentum into the playoffs. The
goal is still to be playing Week 14, and even though we’ve had some rough
games, we still have a chance at that.”

On Saturday, the Red Devils ran just 34 offensive plays to the Dukes’
66, quarterback Zach Leathers was sacked six times and they had only 44
yards of offense before York’s second team took over in the fourth quarter.

Steve Morris scored on an 28-yard pass from Leathers with 7:21 left.
Defensively, the Red Devils, who entered the game having allowed 52 points
and none in the first quarter, saw the Dukes score on all four first-half
possessions and grind out 261 yards and 23 first downs. York’s Cory DeRosa
rushed for 111 yards and three touchdowns.

“There’s nothing really worth talking about. (York) just pummeled us,”
first-year Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo said.

“They’re bigger and stronger than us, and certainly the thing on the
offensive side was we didn’t execute. As much as it sounds like I’m trying
to beat a dead horse, we’re trying to learn some new things. But our guys
played hard, and that’s all I can ask and I’m proud of them for that. It’s
just that York was the better team, and that’s what it comes down to.”
In 2005, York squeaked by the Red Devils on a 7-yard touchdown pass to
DeRosa in the third overtime from graduated quarterback Nick Zerante — as he
was hotly pursued by DiNardo.

On Saturday, safety Nick Chenier had 15 tackles, and DiNardo and Pat
Clegg each had eight. Jon Rogowski also had a sack.

“I definitely think (Saturday’s loss) was a little more frustrating.
Even though last year we lost the game, we found some positive things,”
DiNardo said. “Watching the film (Monday), it was difficult at times to find
positive things. It wasn’t the product we hoped to put on the field.”

The Red Devils, who had scored just 14 points in their previous two games,
tried to find a spark when their second drive stalled. They tried a fake
punt on fourth-and-8 at their 16-yard line, but it was stopped at the 17,
and the Dukes turned that into a 32-yard field goal and a 9-0 advantage.

“(York) played very, very well. That’s part of the reason we did the
whole fake punt,” DiMatteo said. “We planned for it all week. We thought
they were going to come after the punt and try to block it. Truthfully, it’s
one of those things that if it goes right, you’re a hero and if it doesn’t,
you’re a goat.”

The Red Devils had been dealing with an emotional week following the
death of former Hinsdale Central football standout and assistant football
coach Bill Huskisson Sept. 23 after a battle with stomach cancer. The Red
Devils had a moment of silence for Huskisson prior to the varsity game.

“My regret is I wish I had gotten to know him better because he had been
so ill,” DiMatteo said. “He was a living legend and his legacy will continue
to live on because he touched so many lives. One of my favorite quotes is,
‘Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.’ And in his
case, he has nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve got a bunch of athletes and
former athletes that prove his victory, that’s for sure.”

Huskisson was DiNardo’s physical education teacher sophomore and junior
years and his defensive line coach when DiNardo was promoted to the varsity
as a sophomore.

“He was a real approachable and friendly guy. He left a great legacy at
Central. Many players went to his memorial service last week, and a lot of
players were talking about how he really helped them in different parts of
their lives,” DiNardo said. “He really helped me sophomore year. Physically,
I had the ability, but sometimes I doubted myself, playing against players
who were two years older. He really helped me develop a lot mentally as a
player. I’m very grateful for what he’s done for me.”

Copyright © 2006, The Doings