Hinsdale Central tames Lyons

September 12, 2008
By Bill Stone

The area-ranked Hinsdale Central football team bounced back from a touchdown on Lyons Township’s third play from scrimmage to pull out a 33-7 victory Friday in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division opener between the rivals in rainy Western Springs.


Hinsdale Central running back Rich Zajeski had 168 yards on eight carries with three touchdown runs of 80, 19 and 54 yards and caught five of quarterback John Whitelaw’s passes for 70 yards. Whitelaw completed 11 of 20 passes for 140 yards with one touchdown.


The key play for the Red Devils (2-1) came late in the first quarter with the game tied 7-7. Mike Rogowski blew through the line and blocked a punt that Mike Tenerelli caught in the air and ran in 12 yards for a touchdown.


The Red Devils extended that 14-7 halftime lead by scoring on their first two drives of the second half — a 14-yard pass from Whitelaw to Mick Culligan and a 19-yard TD run by Zajeski. Zajeski also scored the final TD with 4 minutes, 24 seconds left.


LT (0-3) scored first on a 58-yard run by quarterback Ryan Mitchell, but the Red Devils scored on the first play after the ensuing kickoff went into the end zone on Zajeski’s 80-yard run.


Other defensive leaders for the Red Devils included Pat Clegg (2 fumble recoveries), Allan Cameron (fumble recovery), Brian Connor (interception), Mike Owens and Mike Rogers (sack) and Brendan Sullivan and Rogowski (tackles for loss).


Mitchell had eight carries for 73 yards but was injured and left the game in the second quarter. Replacement quarterback David Bellisario, who moved from running back, then left the game with an injury in the fourth quarter. During the game, the Lions also lost starting linebacker Tim Stuart, center Mike Coombs and offensive tackle Mike Blackwood to injuries.


The Lions lost three of 10 fumbles, giving them 11 lost fumbles on the season. Running back Deonte Brown had 14 carries for 89 yards, including a 52-yard run.


LT defensive leaders included Rafal Redlinski and Sam Hasiakos (fumble recoveries), Matt Polega (sack, tackle for loss) and Matt Lakis (tackle for loss).

© Copyright 2008 Digital Chicago, Inc.