Hinsdale Central's cog ready for more

This season's Hinsdale Central team is vastly different from the 2008 group that reached the Class 8A state title football game.

Except for one thing.

Quarterback John Whitelaw's back for another run.

"We play to our strength, and John is our strength," said Red Devils coach Mike DiMatteo. "John has a ton of playoff experience after three years, and he's obviously a key cog."

To reach the title game again, No. 6 Hinsdale Central (7-2) needs Whitelaw to keep coming through as the playoffs start at 7 p.m. today against No. 11 Sandburg (6-3). Due to the messy home-field conditions, the game's been moved to the artificial field of Benedictine University in Lisle.

Whitelaw enters the game with massive numbers - 1,840 passing yards at a 63 percent completion rate and 1,299 rushing yards at 9.4 yards per carry. He's accounted for 35 touchdowns and an average of 349 total yards per game.

Clearly, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior is prepared to carry the load. To advance in the 8A bracket, though, he'll need help. It starts with an improving offensive line featuring talented junior center Jack Allen and junior linemate Scott McDowell.

Two-way contributor David Lutz adds 447 rushing yards while four players have double-digit receptions. Leading receiver Alex Kirk boasts 32 catches for 692 yards and 9 touchdowns, but he's missed several games due to injury. DiMatteo said there's a chance Kirk could return tonight.

Jason Rafferty, one of the few experienced defensive players returning from last year, anchors the linebacking corps with Lutz. They'll work to contain a smashmouth Sandburg ground game DiMatteo compares to West Suburban Silver opponents Glenbard West and York.

Preventing long, dragged-out drives is critical for the Red Devils. They have to keep the ball in Whitelaw's hands as much as possible.

"Defensively, we're making strides," DiMatteo said. "If we can stay on track there, I think we'll be in good shape."