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Scouting the Hinsdale Central Red Devils

First-year Hinsdale Central football coach Dan Hartman won't give away everything about the style of play he's implementing, but know this: "We want to be fast in everything we do," he said.

Hartman, the program's fifth varsity head coach in 12 years, made the move from Evergreen Park after leading the Mustangs to three straight playoff appearances including a quarterfinal berth in 2011, a semifinal appearance the next year and a 10-0 start last season.

He'll take over offensive coordinator duties for the Red Devils with the aim of establishing a potent spread, no-huddle attack.

"We ran it at Evergreen Park and had some success with it," Hartman said. "Hopefully, we have some success with it here. The skill positions have impressed me so far."

Hinsdale Central averaged only 10 pass attempts a game last season, but that'll change with Thomas Ives returning experience at quarterback. The Red Devils also received a major boost behind center with the return to the program of 6-foot-7 basketball standout Matt Rafferty, an addition that'll allow Ives to utilize his tremendous athleticism elsewhere on offense.

Juwan Edmond, a three-time state wrestling qualifier, is back at running back behind an offensive line returning four starters. Experienced receivers Ryan Doney and Brad Huth will be among the biggest beneficiaries of the shift to a more pass-friendly spread attack.

Even with the graduation of leading tackler Jacob White, the Red Devils like their linebackers with Jimmy Thompson, Grant Pitcher, Matt Bradley and Jack Clark bringing back varsity tackles. Defensive lineman Tristan Nevotne and safety Mark Dykstra lead the other levels of the defense.

After establishing a three-year streak of playoff appearances at Evergreen Park, Hartman's hopes for his new team are similar. He wants to put Hinsdale Central on the fast track to a fourth straight playoff berth.

"There's tremendous support here," he said. "I think we got a lot done this summer, even with the new system. I'm anxious to see how they perform this season."

The breakdown

Coach: Dan Hartman (first year; fourth year overall, 27-9).

2013 record: 5-5, 3-3, fourth in West Suburban Silver.

Top players: Thomas Ives (QB-WR, 6-4, 195, sr.); Matt Rafferty (QB, 6-7, 215, sr.); Mark Dykstra (DB, 6-0, 170, sr.); Juwan Edmond (RB, 5-7, 160, sr.); Tristan Nevotne (DL, 6-3, 292, sr.); Jimmy Thompson (LB, 6-1, 205, sr.); Ryan Doney (WR, 5-11, 160, sr.); Brad Huth (RB-WR, 5-10, 187, jr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/29 Hinsdale Central at Bolingbrook 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/5 Hinsdale Central at Addison Trail 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/12 York at Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/19 Hinsdale Central at Proviso West 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/26 Glenbard West at Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/3 Lyons Twp. at Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.

Sat, 10/11 Hinsdale South at Hinsdale Central noon

Fri, 10/17 Oak Park at Hinsdale Central 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/24 Hinsdale Central at Downers North 7:30 p.m.

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