Whitelaw, Devils too much for Panthers
No. 4 Hinsdale Central looks strong in regular-season finale
HINSDALE, Ill. -- Before the season started, Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo knew the Red Devils possessed perhaps the most potent offense in the state. The question for the Class 8A runners-up was whether the defense could hold its own.
In Friday night's final regular season game, the No. 4 Red Devils (7-2, 5-1 West Suburban -- Silver) dominated the visiting Proviso West Panthers (5-4, 2-4) en route to a 42-0 victory.
Down several players due to the swine flu, senior quarterback John Whitelaw rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns and quarterbacked yet another efficient offensive effort.
"I was actually hoping we were not going to throw at all," Whitelaw said after a game in which he attempted one pass but did not complete it.
The Red Devils defense put forth another solid effort, holding Proviso West and wide receiver Kyle Prater to 100 yards total offense and forcing two turnovers -- a major improvement for a group that allowed 45 points three weeks ago.
Senior linebacker and defensive captain Jason Rafferty likes the way his squad is playing.
"We've been trying to get better every week," said Rafferty, one of the few defenders with previous varsity experience. "It's really showing off and getting that shutout feels good."
DiMatteo said: "About Week 7, [the defense] started playing with more confidence and was more aggressive. They're doing the things we are asking them to do and they're doing them well and fast."
Whitelaw started the scoring on the Red Devils first possession with an 18-yard run and the Red Devils would score on four of their five possessions in the first half to take a 24-0 halftime lead.
He also scored on a 60-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter, strengthening an already rock-solid case for Illinois player of the year honors.
"[Whitelaw] just does everything and I don't understand how he is not the player of the year," DiMatteo said.
Both teams will be anxiously watching tomorrow as IHSA State Championship brackets are unveiled. Proviso West expects to make its first playoff appearance. Hinsdale Central looks to ride a juggernaut offense and an improved defense back to the title game.
