Scouting the Hinsdale Central Red Devils

Hinsdale Central football coach Mike DiMatteo stresses that his team can't replace John Whitelaw.

The Red Devils don't plan on attempting.

"A player like that doesn't come along very often," DiMatteo said of his graduated quarterback who garnered all-state honors and was named the Daily Herald's All-Area Captain. "But the benefit of what we do is that we get to choose what we emphasize. Fundamentally, we're the same team we've always been."

After Whitelaw accounted for about 75 percent of Hinsdale Central's offense last year, the Red Devils plan to utilize the same shotgun option offense to spread the wealth a whole lot more.

Quarterback is still an unknown with Alex Hodakowski, last year's backup, and sophomore Brian Owens holding little experience. The experience lies with running back Jake Knowles and receiver John Skokna, who last year caught 15 passes for 222 yards, and the strength of the unit is up front.

Center Jack Allen committed to Michigan State, while tackle Scott McDowell is also a Division I-caliber lineman. Like last year, they'll be the ones churning the offense.

"Our offensive line is potentially going to be a big strength for us," DiMatteo said. "That will allow us to have many options in the same offense."

If the offensive strength lies on the line, the defensive strength clearly shines at linebacker. Three of the team's four captains - Knowles, Pat Foley and Keith Hahn - will make up for the inexperience on the defensive line and in the brand new secondary.

Even with the graduation of their best player in recent memory, the Red Devils still have plenty of talent remaining.

"We're playing with a lot of guys who are inexperienced," DiMatteo said. "We still expect to compete in the conference and in the playoffs, it's just a matter of how quickly these guys can get up to speed."

The breakdown

Coach: Mike DiMatteo (fifth year, 31-15; 11th overall, 67-40).

2009 record: 7-3, 5-1, second in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Jack Allen (OL, 6-2, 275, sr.); Scott McDowell (OL, 6-5, 290, sr.); Jake Knowles (RB-LB, 5-11, 194, sr.); John Skokna (WR, 5-8, 165, sr.); Pat Foley (LB, 6-0, 207, sr.); Keith Hahn (LB, 6-3, 215, sr.); Alex Hodakowski (QB, 6-3, 195, sr.); Brian Owens (QB, 6-1, 158, so.); Ted Kwasigroch (RB, 6-1, 180, so.); Connor Furlong (RB, 5-11, 180, jr.); Andre Nelson (RB, 5-6, 160, jr.).