Hinsdale Central’s Josh Bean has learned to be ready at a moment’s notice. The junior quarterback has shared snaps with starter Michael Sessa throughout the season.
In a 45-38 overtime victory over District 86 rival Hinsdale South on Friday, Oct. 17, Bean’s time to deliver came at the start of the third quarter.
Bean, called into action to give the Red Devils another running threat, rushed for two scores in the second half and rallied the Red Devils from a 21-17 deficit in the 33rd annual battle for the Doings Cup.
“I am always prepared,” Bean said. “Whenever the team needs me, I am ready to go in and help in any way I can.
“We knew that we had to start running the ball because there were some holes opening up. We just knew we needed to score quickly. The blocking was great; there were huge holes, it really opened up well.”
Bean, who had only one carry and one pass attempt in the first half, directed the Red Devils (7-1) on a scoring drive to open the second half.
“I had not got hit all game, so I was probably a step ahead of everyone else,” Bean said. “I was more fresh, but I am always ready no matter what.”
He finished with 78 yards on 10 carries.
“We thought we had a good option with Josh,” Hinsdale Central coach Dan Hartman said. “We (thought we) could take advantage of some quarterback runs if we had the opportunity; and he did a nice job.”
With game tied at the end of regulation at 38-38, the Red Devils scored on the first possession of overtime. On first down, Christian Bobak scored on a 10-yard run. He finished with 220 yards on 34 carries.
The Red Devils were in command, 38-28, in the fourth quarter on a 55-yard interception return by Colin Goss.
Hinsdale South (5-3) responded quickly, as Hornets quarterback Sean McCormack threw his fourth TD pass, a 20-yard strike to Jevais Harris.
After a defensive hold, Hinsdale South drove 88 yards and Marko Ristic nailed a 20-yard field goal with 4 seconds left.
“All I am is a kicker,” Ristic said. “It is what I am, what I breathe. I have been practicing for it the last two years; (there was) no pressure at all. Everyone was coming up to me and telling me I could do it, and I already knew I could.”
Game note
It looked as though Hinsdale South would respond to Central’s score, but the Hornets fumbled just outside the 1 on their first play of overtime and Hinsdale Central’s Dorion Pollard recovered the ball.
“I thought offensively our guys played lights out,” Hornets coach Mike Barry said. “We had some great plays all over the place. It just showed that they will never give up.”
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
