Lutz kicks Devils into state semifinals
It was a devil of a kick for Hinsdale Central's David Lutz. After having one blocked at the end of the second quarter, Lutz faced a new challenge with a biting wind, and the Red Devils just 17.5 seconds from advancing to the sectionals against Mt. Carmel.
"It's every kicker's dream," Lutz said. "I really didn't get a great piece of it, but I knew it was straight, and luckily it went through."
Indeed, the ball spiraled through the uprights, giving Hinsdale Central a 17-14 victory Saturday night at Brother Rice in Chicago. The Red Devils earned the right for next week's game against Mt. Carmel, as both teams traded leads and momentum swings throughout the game.
"We were making plays when we had to," said Red Devils quarterback John Whitelaw. "It all played out right."
Whitelaw made two crucial plays on fourth down during the game-winning drive. The first came on a fourth-and-1, using a cadence to draw the Crusaders defense offside. Six plays later, Whitelaw dashed for 2 yards on another fourth-and-1, giving Hinsdale Central a fresh chance at the victory.
"It came down to me fumbling last year," Whitelaw said. "We wanted revenge really bad and we got it with Brother Rice."
That vengeance was almost lost earlier when Brother Rice taking a 14-7 lead late in the third quarter. But on another fourth down on their final drive in the third quarter, Whitelaw uncorked a 27-yard run, weaving through a trio of defenders and setting up the Red Devils' second touchdown.
The tight contest came down to a 55-yard field goal attempt by Brother Rice kicker Sean Noble. His efforts to tie the game came up short, setting up a jubilant celebration on the other side of the field. Despite their joy, the Red Devils know what they're up against.
"We live to play another," Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo said. "We have to go through a heck of a gauntlet. We got Brother Rice, but my goodness, we have to play Mt. Carmel. If we make it to the state title game, will we have to play the Bears next?"
Joking aside, DiMatteo was proud of his kids.
"It's unbelievable. Our kids never quit, our coaching staff is great, and we're happy as heck."