Devils' Clegg earns reward as Class 8A all-stater

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The Hinsdale Central football team's often underrated defense finally earned recognition for a familiar face, senior and third-year starting nose tackle Pat Clegg.

Clegg was among 18 players named to the Class 8A All-State Team by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.

He's the Red Devils' first all-stater since then-senior defensive end Jack DiNardo in 2006.

"It's a great achievement. I was pretty happy, but I felt like anyone on our team could have received that award," Clegg said.

"We have so many boards down in the old weight room that have all of the all-conference and all-state players. As a freshman, that was motivating for me, seeing names like Doug Pilcher, Brian Griffin, Jack DiNardo, who I played with two years ago, just seeing their efforts and what it took to get all-state."

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Clegg had 62 tackles this season (45 solos) with five tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

"Well deserved. It's about time that our interior line gets noticed," Hinsdale Central coach Mike DiMatteo said.

"We really have no idea how we'll replace Pat Clegg, and I'm not sure we can. Not only is he a great football player, but a great kid and leader in a lot of ways, if nothing else by his sheer effort."

Clegg looked a little different at Sunday's pep rally since he shaved his robust red beard in preparation for the wrestling season.

The football players had a no-shave pact for the playoffs.

"The funniest is some kids couldn't really grow a full beard. I know certainly some of the guys' girlfriends didn't like it," Clegg said.

"I've had my beard since July or June. It wasn't that long, but I haven't seen my jawline in five months. It's kind of weird seeing my face. I feel like I've lost five years."

-- Bill Stone