Hinsdale Central's football season ended Saturday, Nov. 7, with a 24-7 loss to top-seeded Lincoln-Way East in the Class 8A second-round playoff at Frankfort.

The Griffins' defense smothered the Red Devils from the opening snap. Hinsdale Central managed just 1 offensive yard and zero first downs before halftime, Shaw Local reported.

Lincoln-Way East (11-0) struck early. After forcing a three-and-out on Hinsdale Central's first possession, Jayden Cawthon broke a 70-yard touchdown run to put the Griffins ahead. Tommy McCracken added a 42-yard field goal to make it 10-0.

The Red Devils punted out of their own end zone on their next drive. Lincoln-Way East drove inside the 5-yard line but fumbled the ball away, giving Hinsdale Central a brief reprieve. The Griffins missed another field goal before Ryan Harris punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 17-0 at halftime.

Junior quarterback Beau Gatewood, who had thrown for more than 2,000 yards during the regular season, completed just four passes for 8 yards in the first half. He found his rhythm after the break, securing the Red Devils' first first down at the 7:35 mark of the third quarter. Gatewood later connected with James Skokna on a fourth-down, 5-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 17-7.

Any comeback hopes ended there. A red-zone interception stalled Hinsdale Central's next threat. Lincoln-Way East's Tyler Spychalski then hit Jack Murphy for a 77-yard touchdown to seal the 24-7 final.

Hinsdale Central coach Brian Griffin told Shaw Local that the defense "played their hearts out and played lights-out for most of the game." He said roughly five big plays made the difference and that the offense could not find a rhythm.

The Red Devils entered the second round as the No. 17 seed after rolling past Lake Park and Von Steuben by a combined 104-22 in their first two playoff games. Gatewood's top targets during the season included Skokna, Beau Knapp and George Zilliox. Iowa commit Tommy Riordan anchored the defense.

Lincoln-Way East advances to the quarterfinals against defending Class 8A state champion Mount Carmel. Hinsdale Central's season is over.