Scouting the Hinsdale Central Red Devils
You could divide Hinsdale Central’s 2011 football season into life before Brian Owens and after Brian Owens.
This year the Red Devils plan to benefit from their senior quarterback all season long.
After returning from injury Owens sparked the team to a four-game winning streak that propelled Hinsdale Central in the playoffs. After throwing for 1,843 yards and rushing for 274, the offense remains in great hands.
“Brian’s looking great, night and day from where he was at this time last year,” said Red Devils coach Rich Tarka. “We expect a lot from him, and he expects a lot from himself.”
Beyond Owens, Hinsdale Central boasts the talent to challenge Glenbard West for the West Suburban Silver title and make a deep run in the Class 8A playoffs.
The offense is powerful up front with junior Brian Allen, with multiple Big Ten offers, switching from defensive line to center. Chris Kallas and Chris Wilson add to the experienced line that averages 275 pounds a player. They’re more than able to create holes for Owens and running back Jack Adams, who missed much of last season due to injury.
“The offensive line plays well together and they’ve been working all summer,” Tarka said.
Perhaps the biggest boost to the offense is the return from injury of Ian Bunting, a 6-foot-6 receiver who holds an offer from Purdue. The unit could be pretty scary with Owens at the helm.
For the defense to be able to lend Allen to the offense, Hinsdale Central must be in pretty good shape on that side of the ball. Brett Goss and Peter Nelson return to the line. Linebacker Andrew Pyle represents the strength of the defense after notching a team-high 84 tackles as a junior.
Defensive improvement is a definite focal point after the Red Devils allowed at least 25 points six times last year. The offense, however, may be good enough to simply outscore opponents.
“Last year all we wanted to do was get to the playoffs,” Tarka said. “Now the kids believe they can compete with the top teams.”
— Kevin Schmit
The breakdown
Coach: Rich Tarka (second year).
2011 record: 6-4, 3-3, tied for third in West Suburban Silver.
Top players: Brian Owens (QB, 6-2, 180, sr.); Brian Allen (OL, 6-2, 275, jr.); Andrew Pyle (LB, 6-2, 209, sr.); Ian Bunting (WR, 6-6, 196, jr.); Jack Adams (RB, 5-10, 185, sr.); Chris Kallas (OL, 6-0, 270, sr.); Chris Wilson (OL, 6-3, 292, sr.); John Claussen (WR, 6-2, 175, sr.); Brett Goss (DL, 6-0, 200, sr.); Peter Nelson (DL, 5-8, 270, sr.); Chase Hamilton (DB, 6-2, 186, jr.).
Schedule
Fri, 8/24, St. Charles North at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 8/31, Hinsdale Central at Leyden, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/7, Hinsdale Central at Proviso West, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/14, Glenbard West at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 9/21, Hinsdale Central at Lyons Township, 7:30 p.m.
Sat, 9/29, Hinsdale South at Hinsdale Central, Noon
Fri, 10/5, Oak Park at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/12, Hinsdale Central at Downers Grove North, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, 10/19, York at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.