Harris, Eagles soar past Hinsdale Central

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An unexpected absence by John Whitelaw made for an early exit for Hinsdale Central, which lost 35-10 to Sandburg Friday night in a Class 8A opener at Benedictine University.

Whitelaw, who accounted for more than 1,800 yards passing, 1,200 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns during the regular season, suffered a concussion in last week’s game against Proviso East and did not play against Sandburg.

The Eagles (7-3) got touchdown runs of 2, 31, 56 and 44 yards from junior Jermell Harris (eight carries, 144 yards).

Without their top offensive threat, the Devils mustered just a 38-yard field goal and a 1-yard touchdown run by David Lutz (22 carries, 166 yards).

“John’s career never should have ended this way,” Hinsdale Central coach Mike DeMatteo said. “He should have ended on his feet. But his health has to come first. I feel for him. Everything he gave our program. But there’s nothing you can do about it. We got dealt a bad deck of cards.”

In Whitelaw’s absence, three Hinsdale Central quarterbacks combined for eight completions in 17 attempts for 81 yards, two interceptions, 10 rushing yards and two lost fumbles.

“I didn’t even know I had a concussion,” Whitelaw said. “But I woke up Saturday morning with a headache and it never went away. It was definitely frustrating. But it is what it is.”

Harris, a defensive back who got his first start on offense two weeks ago when regular running back Kevin Thompson was stricken by illness, stole the spotlight with Whitelaw sidelined.

“I have to give it up to my offensive line,” Harris said. “If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are. Hinsdale Central is a real good team. I think we were just hungrier. We wanted it more.”

Hinsdale Central finished 7-3.