Coach Mike Ferraro is no stranger to Carl Sandburg High School: he won two state championships with the Carl Sandburg soccer team during his 16 year tenure as head coach. On Friday night though, when Hinsdale Central took on Sandburg, he was on the other sideline as a Red Devil assistant coach.

The Devils didn’t disappoint their new assistant coach as he took on his former team, winning 3-0. Hinsdale Central got off to a fast start, thanks to a first minute goal by Mark Tyler. “We wanted to start off strong, and we were able to do that, scoring in the first minute,” said head coach Mike Wiggins.

The Red Devils maintained their one goal lead behind a goal play by Harley Pranger until the 37 minute, when Stefan Jovancevic knocked in a wide shot from Phil Gutman. The Devils kept the pressure on the Eagles throughout the second half, when they limited Sandburg to only five shots on the goal. The continued play in the Eagles’ end led to RJ Drolley securing the win with a late goal off a rebound from the Sandburg goalie’s hands.

“We were able to do the things we do well,” Wiggins said. “We got in good defensive shape.” This allowed the Devils to play aggressively the whole game, never letting the momentum shift to Sandburg’s side. “They’re a very, very good team. They have the potential to go far in the playoffs, and we got a positive result from this game.”

Coach Ferraro said, “[The Red Devils] did a great job, we came out really fast. It’s great to score a goal in the first minute and then carry that on.” Ferraro also commented on coaching against the team he had head coached for 16 years.  “It’s different. I’ve only coached here for a while, but I really enjoy it. It felt good being on the sideline.” Even with his history with Sandburg, Ferraro said, “I’m a Red Devil now.”

Ferraro resigned last year from the head coach’s job at Sandburg. When Coach Wiggins heard he was available and only 20 minutes away, he asked if his friend would join him at Hinsdale Central. Wiggins said, “We want to have the best staff possible on the sideline, and we can do that with Coach Ferraro. He’s an experienced, accomplished guy.”

The Devils hope they will be able to carry their momentum and coaching experience to a victory in the “Battle for the Brick” Tuesday at Lyons Township as they position themselves for a playoff run.