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Scouting the Hinsdale South Hornets

Quality quarterbacks are nothing new at Hinsdale South.

Marquese Garrett is the next in line.

If the name sounds familiar it's because as a sophomore last year he led the Hornets with 914 rushing yards at running back. After making a push to acclimate himself to the quarterback position at the end of the season, he's now ready to jump in as the starter.

It could be a game-changer this season.

"What I'm impressed with is his mindset to pick up the reads so quickly," said Hornets football coach Mike Barry. "You add that extra threat with him, and we haven't had that the last few years."

Of course, Garrett moving under center means the Hornets must find running backs to complement him. Devin Smith and Kamron Lipscomb are ready to step up behind a big offensive line with returning starters Alex Diaz and junior Erikas Nauckunas.

Even with the graduation of all-stater Destin Talbert, the receiving corps still boasts third-year varsity member Steve Farina, who had 24 catches, in addition to two-way standout Terrill McCray and 6-foot-5 Ronny Burrage.

Hinsdale South's defensive strength always stems from its line, and it'll look a little different this year. Smaller but more athletic, the unit is anchored by Robert Jones' return at nose. Linebacker Milan Kaplarevic, coming off a great summer, is one of six returning defensive starters.

Smith and McCray are slated to play on both sides of the ball, respectively at linebacker and safety. Barry - tough as it may be with dipping numbers - will try to limit two-way play from all his top athletes.

"With what we put on the field we'll be able to compete with anybody," Barry said. "But a couple of injuries changes everything."

One to watch: The Gold usually struggles against the Silver. We'll see how the Hornets do against Lyons Twp. in Week 2.

The breakdown

Coach: Mike Barry (eighth year, 43-30; 11th year overall, 11th year overall, 52-48).

2017 record: 6-5, 4-2, tied for second in West Suburban Gold.

Top players: Marquese Garrett (QB, 6-2, 195, jr.), Terrill McCray (WR-DB, 5-10, 175, sr.), Milan Kaplarevic (LB, 6-0, 185, sr.), Robert Jones (DL, 5-11, 217, sr.), Alex Diaz (OL, 6-4, 265, sr.), Erikas Nauckunas (OL, 6-4, 255, jr.), Steve Farina (WR, 5-11, 180, sr.), Devin Smith (RB-LB, 5-9, 175, sr.), Diante Coleman (DL, 6-1, 227, sr.), Amir McDermott (LB, 6-0, 150, sr.), Ronald Burrage (WR, 6-5, 180, sr.), Kamron Lipscomb (RB, 5-8, 156, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

Hinsdale South

Fri, 8/24, Kaneland at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 8/31, Lyons at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/7, Hinsdale South at Morton, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/14, Downers Grove South at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/21, Hinsdale South at Willowbrook, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 9/28, Proviso East at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/5, Hinsdale South at Addison Trail, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/12, Leyden at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, 10/19, Hinsdale South at Hinsdale Central, 7:30 p.m.

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