Oct. 17--Defense was a missing component for most of Friday's clash between Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South.
Hinsdale Central junior linebacker Dorion Pollard changed that in overtime.
Pollard recovered a fumble at his team's 2-yard line to seal No. 8 Hinsdale Central's 45-38 overtime win in Darien.
Central running back Christian Bobak scored from 10 yards on the first play of OT. On South's first play, Pollard found the football, ending a highlight reel of a game.
"It was kind of crazy to have the game end like that," Pollard said. "My coach says to flow to the ball, and that's what I did."
Until the final play, offense ruled the rivalry game, with the teams combining for more than 1,000 yards of offense. Hinsdale Central (7-1) gained 528 with 309 rushing yards and 219 passing. South (5-3) totaled 540 -- 446 through the air and 94 on the ground.
Central defensive back Colin Goss' 57-yard interception return touchdown in the fourth quarter gave the Red Devils a 38-28 lead, but the Hornets scored 10 straight points to send the game into overtime, including a 20-yard field goal with 4.8 seconds left in regulation.
"It was a crazy game," Pollard said, "but we played well when it counted."
Bobak led the Red Devils with 236 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Hinsdale South quarterback Sean McCormack was 27-for-42 passing for 446 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Player of the game: Christian Bobak, Hinsdale Central, 34 carries, 236 yards, 2 TDs.
Key performers: Hinsdale Central -- Bradley Huth, 6 catches, 140 yards. Hinsdale South -- Sean McCormack, 27-for-42 passing, 446 yards, 4 TDs; Josh King, 2 sacks.
