Preview: Hinsdale Central

As Hinsdale Central quarterback John Whitelaw goes, so go the Red Devils. That was a good thing last season. It's a good thing now.

The junior scampered for 964 yards, averaging 7 yards a carry, with 10 touchdowns. He threw 14 touchdown passes to just 4 interceptions, with a 53 completion percentage.

Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo has seen Whitelaw make strides. He calls him "a quarterback's quarterback," says he's faster, says he's improved on read recognition.

In fact, with running backs Rich Zajeski and Eric Alexander and linemen Jack Curatolo and Collin Watkins back, plus tall receivers like 6-foot-3 Kolby Ourada and Chris Kiser, DiMatteo thinks this offense could exceed the 2007 model that outscored and outgained opponents nearly 2-to-1.

"We showed production last year and with a year of experience I think the offense will be at least as productive as last year," DiMatteo said.

Whitelaw and graduates Brad Bower, Joey Bozich and Steve Morse have made 55th and Grant streets a quarterback central.

The Red Devils are typially as staunch defensively. They should be strong up the middle with nasty three-year nose tackle Pat Clegg and middle linebacker Brendan Sullivan, the Red Devils' top tackler in 2007. DiMatteo said Garrett Kawa and Brian Connor are two of the best cornerbacks around.

"I think it's a great group of people," the coach said of his players. "They don't approach anything in a half-hearted manner."