Coach: Mike Barry (eighth season)
Last season: 6-5 (4-2 West Suburban Gold), lost to St. Laurence 32-16 in Class 6A second round.
First-and-10: Junior Marquese Garrett played running back in his first two seasons at Hinsdale South. Now he’ll be lining up under center as the Hornets’ new quarterback. “We’re really pleased with Marquese, where he’s at right now and (his) progression,” Barry said. “He obviously knows how to run, and he’s developed well into a dual-threat (quarterback).” While Garrett will play the position full-time, Barry plans to use him as “an athlete, as well as a thrower.”
Three-and-out: Hinsdale South lost its top receiver, Destin Talbert, to graduation. Now, senior Terrill McCray could become Garrett’s No. 1 option and likely will play at safety as well. “He kind of fills that exact position, in terms of talent and athleticism, that Destin had last year,” Barry said. “We’re really excited about him.” Fellow wideouts Steve Farina, Ronald Burrage and Eddie Hyland will also be featured in the passing game.
Keep an eye on: The offensive line, specifically Alex Diaz and Eric Suda, who anchor the Hornets in the trenches. “We think they’re going to be something,” Barry said. “If they develop the way we think they can, (the offensive line will) have some success.”
Game to watch: Oct. 19 at Hinsdale Central. The Red Devils haven’t lost a regular-season home game since Sep. 26, 2014. Hinsdale South hasn’t beaten its crosstown rival in 17 years. The Hornets could snap both of those streaks in a game with potential playoff implications.
2018 schedule
8/24 KANELAND, 7:30
8/31 LYONS, 7:30
9/7 at Morton, 7:30
9/14 DOWNERS SOUTH, 7:30
9/21 at Willowbrook, 7:30
9/28 PROVISO EAST, 7:30
10/5 at Addison Trail, 7:30
10/12 LEYDEN, 7:30
10/19 at Hinsdale Central, 7:30
