Hinsdale Central drops Trojans

Hinsdale Central improved its record in the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry game to 39-30-4 with a 21-6 victory Saturday in West Suburban Silver football action in Hinsdale.

In the process, the Red Devils (5-1, 3-0) ended the playoff hopes of Downers North (1-5, 0-3).

Hinsdale Central ran just 21 plays in the first half yet led 14-0.

"It was really a defensive struggle, and we knew it would be," said Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo.

Rich Zajeski ran in a partially blocked punt from midfield to start the scoring. Fullback Billy Auriemma went behind left tackle Ben Morrison and left guard Robbie Mains for Hinsdale Central's second touchdown.

The Red Devils led 21-0 after quarterback John Whitelaw's touchdown pass to receiver Troy Laing.

Downers North, which had reached deep into Hinsdale Central territory several times without capitalizing, finally broke the ice in the last three minutes on receiver Art Gutzke's touchdown catch from first-time starting quarterback Tommy Benton.

The Trojans saw a string of 10 consecutive playoff appearances come to an end.

"Now we're going to play spoiler, hopefully," said Downers North coach John Wander.

-- David Oberhelman

College

Elmhurst 30, Carthage 15:ŒChris Kudyba threw for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead Elmhurst College past Carthage 30-15 in a CCIW game in Elmhurst on Saturday.

Ryan Gierke opened the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Kudyba just 12 seconds into the game. He finished with 4 catches for 40 yards.

Blake Veldhuis also caught a TD pass. Patrick Ambriz ended the scoring by returning an interception 17 yards for a touchdown.

Lakeland 21, Benedictine 7:ŒOn homecoming in Lisle, Benedictine got a fourth-quarter touchdown from Bob McLearen on a 45-yard interception return to cut the Lakeland lead to 7 points, but the Eagles (1-4, 0-2 couldn't score again.