Glenbard West puts damper on Matt Rafferty’s return at quarterback for Hinsdale Central

HINSDALE — The return of quarterback Matt Rafferty to the lineup was one of the few bright spots Friday night for the home team when Hinsdale Central dropped a 42-7 West Suburban Silver decision to Glenbard West.

Rafferty had not played in the previous two weeks since leaving with an ankle injury in the second half of an 18-10 loss to Addison Trail on Sept. 5.

The Red Devils’ offense struggled in the first half when Glenbard West (5-0, 3-0) scored 28 unanswered points in the second quarter, but Hinsdale Central seemed to find some rhythm after half time.

Rafferty connected on 4-of-7 passes during Hinsdale Central’s third-quarter scoring drive that was capped by a Christian Bobak 3-yard touchdown run.

“In the second half we got a better feel of what they were doing and could adjust better,” Rafferty said. “I think we adjusted well to their pressure and what they were doing up front. That allowed our receivers more time to get open.

“It felt good [coming back], I thought we had a good week of practice. We just made some little mistakes that came out to be huge, and cost us.”

During the Red Devils (3-2, 2-1) scoring drive, Rafferty found junior receiver Bradley Huth for four straight completions.

“It was nice to have him [Rafferty] back, but we did not execute well on offense,” Huth said. “He can throw the ball and that is nice to have. It took a while to connect; we started connecting in the second half and that was nice.”

Rafferty watched from the sidelines as the Red Devils defeated York and Proviso West, but might have been able to return to the lineup if it had been later in the season.

“If it would have been playoffs, or maybe a bigger team where we needed a win, I could have played [sooner],” Rafferty said. “I felt good coming back this week, almost 100-percent.”

• In a rare occurrence, the game was called with 4:29 left in the fourth quarter when a Hinsdale Central offensive lineman had to be taken off the field on a cart after a long delay. There was also a long delay in the first half when a Red Devils defensive back was wheeled off the field on a stretcher.
• Despite losing running back Donahvon Vaughn to an injury on the second play of the game, the Hilltoppers were still able to rush for 283 yards. Sam Brodner led Glenbard West with 148 yards and two scores. “Sam stepped up and picked up the weight with Donavhon down,” said Hilltoppers coach Chad Hetlet. “It was impressive; we think he is really good.”
• Bobak finished with 40 yards on just six carries, all in the second half.