For Brother Rice, this one has something familiar

Brother Rice coach Steve Nye is aware Hinsdale Central has considerable motivation heading into Saturday night's Class 8A quarterfinal showdown.

And it's not all about moving a step closer to a state finals appearance.

Rewind to Nov. 2, 2007, when Hinsdale Central was attempting to run out the clock and preserve a 20-14 victory against Brother Rice in the second round of the playoffs at Hinsdale.

Quarterback John Whitelaw stepped back to pass, was sacked, fumbled and the Crusaders recovered with 2:39 to go. A few plays later, Rice crossed the goal line and advanced to the quarterfinals, leaving Hinsdale Central to ponder an unlikely defeat.

"I'm sure what those players remember more than anything else is how their season ended," said Nye, whose Crusaders, like the Red Devils, enter the quarters at 9-2. "I'm sure that has motivated them, and now they have an opportunity to play us again."

This time, the game will be at Brother Rice, where the Crusaders are undefeated this season.

"We're happy to be playing at home," Nye said. "We expect a big crowd and a lot of support."

How much the raucous atmosphere will affect Whitelaw, who is a year older and wiser, is debatable.

"He's the best junior quarterback in the state," Nye said. "I haven't seen any better than him. Now he's a year stronger, better and faster."

Nye's praise is supported by Whitelaw's numbers: 110-of-190 passing for 1,725 yards and 17 touchdowns. On the ground, he has rushed for an additional 992 yards and 17 TDs.

However, the Red Devils are far from a one-man show. Running back Rich Zajeski has 714 yards and 12 TDs in just eight games, while wide receiver Mick Culligan registered 24 catches for 548 yards and six scores.

"Hinsdale Central is a great team," Nye said. "Our biggest key will be to sustain some drives and keep their quarterback off the field. And, we have to protect the football."

That's something the Crusaders failed to do against Belleville East last week, and it nearly cost them. Rice turned the ball over four times, including three straight possessions, and needed a last-minute field goal by Sean Noble to secure a 9-7 victory.

"We've got to hold the line of scrimmage," Rice offensive lineman Kevin Callahan said. "It's what we've done all season and it's worked for us. If the offensive and defensive lines are successful and we hang on to the football, we'll win the game."

Hinsdale Central's only two losses have come to Wheaton-Warrenville South and Glenbard West. But the Crusaders' diversity on offense could pose problems for the Red Devils.

Quarterback Tom Gibson has completed 101 of 154 passes for 1,175 yards and nine TDs. The senior has five dependable targets through the air in Kevin Koehler (17 catches, 228 yards), Frank Renardo (24, 230), Ken Furlough (13, 194), Cullen Dolan (13, 164) and Joe Mayer (15, 152).

Rice is equally diverse in the backfield with Renardo (98 carries, 658 yards), Dwayne Dade (77, 568), Dan Murphy (49, 252) and Pat Sullivan (46, 242).

Freshman running back Martez Walker could step in and provide some fireworks.

"When we turn the ball over, we're in trouble," Nye said. "We have to hang on to the football."