Hinsdale Central receiver Thomas Ives blisters Benet’s pass defense

HINSDALE — Thomas Ives played multiple positions for Hinsdale Central this season, but he proved on Saturday why he is probably most valuable at wide receiver.

When the Red Devils hosted Benet in a class 8A playoff opener, Ives caught back-to-back first-quarter touchdown passes, of 80 and 43 yards, from Matt Rafferty on almost identical plays to give Hinsdale Central a 14-0 lead with less than five minutes off the clock.

The Redwings (6-4) never recovered, as Hinsdale Central cruised to a 28-11 victory in Hinsdale.

“It was great, we watched film [on Benet] and thought we could take advantage of some things,” Ives said. “Our offensive line gave Raff [Matt Rafferty] a bunch of time. Raff put the ball on the money, and fortunately I made the plays.”

When Rafferty was injured earlier in the season, Ives switched to quarterback and led the Red Devils (8-2) to a 42-14 victory over Proviso West on Sept. 19.

“I will do anything for the sake of the team,” said Ives, who has received interest from Ivy League schools and Valparaiso. “I will play quarterback, I will play defense — anything that will give our team a chance to succeed.”

Ives also is the fourth-leading rusher for Hinsdale Central, but he has excelled as a wide receiver. He leads the Red Devils in catches, yards and receiving touchdowns (11).

“Thomas has done a great job all year, he has played a bunch of positions,” Hinsdale Central coach Dan Hartman said. “He has done a nice job [at receiver], taking advantage of what the defense is giving him, whether it is catching the ball underneath, or taking shots over the top.”

Hinsdale Central was prepared to throw the ball against Benet, because the Red Devils were concerned that the Redwings would try to stuff the rushing attack.

“Benet’s defense was extremely strong up front, they have done a good job of stopping the run all year,” Hartman said. “We thought we would come out throwing and loosen it up that way. They were stout, they played a great game and we still had trouble running the ball in the second half.”

The formula seemed to work, as Rafferty also tossed scoring passes to Bradley Huth and Ryan Doney. Rafferty completed 11 of 20 passes for 256 yards, with one interception.

• Benet running back Brad Sznajder closed out his career with a flourish, running for 157 yards on 28 carries. He also scored Benet’s only touchdown on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter. “He is one of the best players I have ever coached, I know that is saying a lot, but I mean that honestly,” said Redwings coach Pat New. “He is one of the best players I have been around from a competitive standpoint, and an athletic-skill standpoint, as well.”