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Devils tip-toe into playoffs
Updated: November 19, 2012 2:02PM
HINSDALE — This is a time to heal.
Battle-tested Hinsdale Central, with a 6-2 record (3-2 West Suburban Silver), prepares for next week’s Class 8A state football playoffs with key players Jack Adams, Ian Bunting, Chris Wilson, Brett Goss and others slowed by injuries. Some will be held out of Friday night’s regular-season finale with struggling York (0-8, 0-5) at Central.
Fortunately, junior Greg Stefani filled in admirably for Adams at running back during a narrow victory last Friday at Downers North (5-3, 2-3).
“Greg didn’t surprise us,” coach Rich Tarka said. “He had a good spring, but hurt his ankle in the summer. We’d been working Jack Adams hard lately, so having Greg step up was a big help.”
Adams went to the emergency room for torn scar tissue during a tight Oct. 6 loss at Oak Park-River Forest (6-2, 3-2) and wasn’t released until 5 a.m.
“I didn’t get much sleep, but I’m feeling better now,” Adams said.
PYLE TO PENN
Standout Central linebacker Andrew Pyle will play football at the University of Pennsylvania where he’ll be enrolled in the acclaimed Wharton School of Business.
Pyle, who has started three straight years and led the Red Devils in tackles for all three, hopes the team gets to play Mount Carmel (7-1, 2-1 Catholic Blue) in the playoffs, having been eliminated 28-14 by the Caravan last year.
“We were ahead at the half last year, but let them get away,” Pyle said.
Offensive lineman Nick Piker, who goes 6-foot-4, 270 pounds is gaining interest from Mid-American Conference teams. Quarterback Brian Owens hopes to play for an Ivy League school.
GUIDANCE
George Wilcox wrote an excellent Doings feature last week on Central equipment manager Blake Harmet, who carries out his duties from a wheelchair for a spinal condition that has forced him to endure 17 operations in 16 years.
“We get our strength from our family, friends, church and Blake himself,” mom Lisa said. “My husband (David) is a problem-solver, Blake’s twin sister Sarah is a great help and I’ll never forget my brother-in-law saying, ‘Your legs are a mechanism for getting your brain turned around.’ ”
AWARDS
Central’s 44th Annual Awards Brunch is 11 a.m. Nov. 4 at Marriott Burr Ridge, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway. This classy event, hosted by the parents’ Football Club recognizes fall achievements and awards scholarships. Information: (630) 655-1905.
HE SAID IT
Long-time Chicago Daily News sports copy reader Joe Rein, who died last week at 99, was a man of many theories. His best:
“Always carry papers around the halls so people will think you’re working hard.”
