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http://www.pioneerlocal.com/clarendonhills/sports/highschools/1155788,ch-hcfootball-091108-s1.article
Zajeski, Central offense have Morton's number September 11, 2008 By BILL STONE Hinsdale Central senior Rich Zajeski chose to take on big football expectations in the offseason. Assistant coach and good friend Pat Richards asked Zajeski this season to wear uniform No. 4, the number that has been passed on by the Red Devils' premier running backs since 2000 graduate Mike Mangan, who gained a school-record 4,413 career rushing yards. "I was a little nervous about it, but last week Mike Mangan gave me a call the day of the (season-opening Wheaton Warrenville South game Aug. 29)," Zajeski said. "He left me a message wishing me luck from one No. 4 to the next. He's a great guy and it really meant a lot to me to have his support. I just try and do my best to represent the No. 4s that have come before me." On Friday, Zajeski ran for a 74-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to initiate the Red Devils' offensive fireworks in a 50-14 West Suburban Conference crossover victory. The Red Devils (1-1) led 43-0 by halftime as they amassed 347 yards while their defense allowed just 27 yards and one first down. Their 36-point second quarter included five touchdowns and a safety. "We started out a little slower than we wanted to, but our goal was to get 40 points in the first half and we achieved that," Zajeski said. 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, and Mick Culligan had a 7-yard TD run. David Banasiak (4 catches, 58 yards) caught 25- and 10-yard TD passes, and Chris Kiser had three catches for 79 yards. Backup QB Mitch Eickhoff added a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter. Defensive leaders included Eddie Karl (fumble recovery), Peter Garcia (sack), Sean O'Grady (5 tackles) and Ryan Cassin, Brendan Sullivan and Nick Schnell (4 tackles each). Morton (1-1) scored two TDs in the fourth quarter, including a fourth-and-1 score on the final play of the game. Zajeski finished with 101 yards on just three carries. "I was pretty little back when (Mangan) played. I don't remember vividly what was going on, but I just remember he was probably the biggest celebrity in my world," Zajeski said. "If I could do anything those (No. 4) guys did, that would be great for me." "That (No. 4 tradition) happened before I got here. I think it's actually a really nice compliment to Mike Mangan," Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo added. "That's what I like most about Central. There's a history there. As a history teacher, I'm very sensitive to that and I think it's great." © Copyright 2008 Digital Chicago, Inc. |
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