September 5, 2008
By Bill Stone

Senior Rich Zajeski scored on a 74-yard run on the first play from scrimmage to get the Hinsdale Central football team off and running to a 50-14 victory at Morton Friday in West Suburban Conference crossover action.

The Red Devils (1-1) romped to a 43-0 halftime lead as they amassed 347 yards while their defense allowed just 27 yards and one first down.

Most of the damage came during a 36-point second quarter behind five touchdowns and a safety when Morton punter Mike Wazkowski stepped on the back line. Several Red Devils’ starters sat out the entire second half, which had a running clock by virtue of the 40-point margin.

Quarterback John Whitelaw passed for 125 yards (9 for 14) and two touchdowns and rushed for 76 yards with 1- and 16-yard TD runs — all in the first half. David Banasiak (4 catches, 58 yards) caught 25- and 10-yard TD passes, and Chris Kiser had three catches for 79 yards.

Zajeski finished with 101 yards on just three carries, and Mick Culligan had a 7-yard TD run. Backup quarterback Mitch Eickhoff added a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter.

Defensive leaders included Eddie Karl (fumble recovery), Ryan Cassin, Mike Rogowski, David Lutz and Robbie Elwin (tackles for loss) and Brendan Sullivan and Brian Connor (pass breakups).

Morton (1-1) scored two TDs in the fourth quarter, including a fourth-and-1 score on the final play of the game.


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