http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-08-prep-2foot,0,1038112.story
 
Class 8A: Hinsdale Central 35, Bolingbrook 14
Zajeski's long runs spark upset of unbeaten Raiders

By Tim Tierney | Special to the Tribune
11:41 PM CST, November 7, 2008

Bolingbrook entered the postseason with victories over six playoff teams, a defense that was averaging almost four turnovers per game and a perfect record.

But those dazzling numbers didn't dazzle Hinsdale Central in the teams' second-round matchup Friday night.

In fact, it was host Hinsdale Central that staggered Bolingbrook with two first-quarter touchdowns — one a 62-yard run by Rich Zajeski on the second play from scrimmage — en route to a 35-14 Class 8A victory in front of the red-clad home fans.

"We knew we could have some success running the ball against these guys," said Zajeski, who finished with 181 yards on 12 carries.

"But I'm not going to lie. I'm a little surprised it was that quick."

Zajeski didn't look like a running back who hadn't played in four weeks because of a sprained ankle. The senior set up the Devils' second TD with a 29-yard run to the 1, and Jake Knowles scored from there for a 14-0 lead.

On the second play of the second quarter, Zajeski broke through for another long TD run, this one from 67 yards, to give Hinsdale Central (9-2) a 21-0 advantage.

When Bolingbrook (10-1) closed to 21-7 on a 34-yard scoring pass from Brad Geever to Anthony Greene, Hinsdale responded on its next possession. Junior quarterback John Whitelaw scored from 5 yards out for a 28-7 halftime lead after setting it up with a 29-yard run.

In the second half, Whitelaw gained 74 yards on 10 carries, including an 8-yard TD to put the Red Devils ahead 35-7 in the third quarter.

"Obviously, they were focusing on Rich after the damage he did in the first half," Whitelaw said. "It opened up a lot of holes for me."

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