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Hinsdale Central Red Devils past transition

Last season hit Hinsdale Central's football team like a shock to the system.

Not that it was a bad thing.

The Red Devils thrived during Dan Hartman's first season at the helm. Even though the bulk of the skill players graduated, a year of experience in the no-huddle spread will do a world of good as they try to continue the momentum from an eight-win season.

"Last year was kind of a transition year, but everyone's more comfortable with the system now," Hartman said.

With few experienced skill players, the Red Devils will lean on their line with three returning starters. Matt Allen is set to become the third member of his family to play at Michigan State, while Doug Kramer is weighing several college offers.

With Jack Kavanagh and Mike Ivanisevic ready to step up, the line will be a definite strength. Josh Bean and Michael Sessa are competing at quarterback, while running back Christian Bobak returns after last season gaining 374 yards.

Balance between the run and pass - Brad Huth is the leading returning receiver with 25 catches for 362 yards - is the goal.

"Now that the quarterbacks have a firm grasp of the system, we're comfortable with either of them," Hartman said.

The defensive line also returns experience in Frankie Rayis and Pat Lee. Linebacker Matt Bradley led last year's team with 6 sacks.

Colin Goss and Frank Saltiel are back in the secondary, which means there's significant experience at every level of the defense.

Breaking Glenbard West's stranglehold on the West Suburban Silver title will take every ounce of defensive talent the Red Devils can muster. Regardless of the conference race, Hinsdale Central should be ready to roll in the playoffs.

"It's all about how the inexperienced guys adjust to playing varsity football," Hartman said.

The breakdown

Coach: Dan Hartman (second year, 8-3).

2014 record: 8-3, 5-1, second in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Matt Allen (OL, 6-3, 275, sr.); Doug Kramer (OL, 6-3, 275, sr.); Matt Bradley (LB, 6-0, 210, sr.); Christian Bobak (RB, 6-0, 195, sr.); Jack Kavanagh (OL, 6-2, 250, sr.); Frankie Rayis (DL, 5-9, 220, sr.); Pat Lee (DL, 5-9, 220, sr.); Colin Goss (DB, 5-11, 175, sr.); Frank Saltiel (DB, 6-1, 188, sr.); Brad Huth (WR, 5-10, 180, sr.); Matt Cherry (WR, 6-2, 200, sr.); Josh Bean (QB, 6-2, 195, jr.); Michael Sessa (QB, 6-7, 200, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Hinsdale Central

Fri, 8/28 O'Fallon Township at Hinsdale Central, 7 pm

Fri, 9/4 Downers South at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/11 Downers North at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

Fri, 9/18 Hinsdale Central at York, 7:30 pm

Sat, 9/26 Proviso West at Hinsdale Central, Noon

Sat, 10/3 Hinsdale Central at Glenbard West, 1:30 pm

Fri, 10/9 Lyons Township at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

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

Fri, 10/23 OPRF at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 pm

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