Hinsdale South Hornets line up great defense

There are many who believe Josh King is the best football player in the state.

Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry isn't about to argue.

The Hornets' 6-foot-6, 245-pound senior defensive lineman, rated by Rivals as the top senior recruit in Illinois, verbally committed in June to Michigan State after weighing scholarship offers from several of the nation's top college programs.

Coming off last season's run to the Class 6A quarterfinals, King's third varsity season should be the best. Both for himself and the Hornets, who enter the season as a favorite to win the West Suburban Gold title.

"I'm glad he's on our team, I know that," Barry said. "When we have to go against him in practice it's awfully tough."

While opposing teams will be smart to focus on slowing King, they'd better not forget about Matt McClelland on the opposite side of the line. Defensive back Robert Hall returns after setting the program record with 4 interceptions. Three linebackers return in Dacari Williams, Deontae Curry and Jon Gorney.

Hinsdale South's defense should be among the best in the area, but the Hornets need to reload an offense that graduated talented quarterback Rob Regan, now a walk-on at Notre Dame.

Running back Marcus Curry battled injuries all last season but still managed 704 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Sophomore Paris Lewis, a transfer from Mt. Carmel, also figures into the ground game.

Sean McCormack takes over at quarterback and has a host of receivers that will include King at times. Last season Ravon Johnson and Jevais Harris combined for 44 catches for 678 yards and 6 touchdowns.

With so much potential, matching and exceeding last season's success is a natural expectation.

"The bar's been raised," Barry said. "We have tangible proof that what we're doing works."

The breakdown

Coach: Mike Barry (fifth year, 24-16; 33-34).

2014 record: 9-3, 5-1, second in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Josh King (DL, 6-6, 245, sr.); Marcus Curry (RB, 5-10, 212, sr.); Robert Hall (DB, 5-9, 180 sr.); Ravon Johnson (WR, 6-2, 185, sr.); Jevais Harris (WR, 6-2, 175, sr.); Connor McCormack (WR, 6-1, 180, sr.); Sean McCormack (QB, 6-5, 195, sr.); Matt McClelland (DL, 6-3, 210, sr.); Chris Oehmen (OL, 6-1, 210, sr.); Deontae Curry (LB, 5-11, 200, jr.); Dacari Williams (LB, 5-10, 176, sr.); Jon Gorney (LB, 5-9, 193, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Hinsdale South

Fri, 8/28 Hinsdale South at Romeville, 7 pm

Sat, 9/5 Hinsdale South at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm

Sat, 9/12 Hinsdale South at Downers South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Willowbrook at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/25 Hinsdale South at Proviso East, 1:30 pm

Fri, 10/2 Addison Trail at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Hinsdale South at Leyden, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/16 Hinsdale Central at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm

Fri, 10/23 Morton at Hinsdale South, 7:30 pm