HINSDALE – It was a day for history and miracles for Waubonsie Valley football, as they defeated second-ranked Hinsdale Central, 33-23, in the first round of the IHSA Playoffs on Saturday afternoon.
The story coming into the game was Red Devils’ quarterback Josh Bean, but late in the second half, it was junior wide receiver Charles Robinson who stole the show. Robinson finished the day with six catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns.
Waubonsie Valley to the lead quickly and early with a 34-yard touchdown reception, followed by quarterback Tanner Westwood’s touchdown run.
After a 14-14 tie at the half, the Warriors again came out throwing, this time it was Westwood to Robinson again for a 56-yard touchdown. Central took the lead 21-20, then Waubonsie Valley took control. Westwood found Robinson for a third time, a 65-yard touchdown reception. Late in the fourth quarter, after a personal foul penalty against Central, Westwood hit Robinson from 11 yards out.
“He’s a great guy to have on the field. It’s just great to be able to have a guy like him…just pure athleticism,” said Westwood, who threw for 237 yards, 4 touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. “Wwithout him, we wouldn’t be going to the second round.”Robinson broke a 21-year-old single game record for touchdowns and receiving yards, set by R.J. Luke’s 189 yards and three touchdowns in 1995.
It was a postseason feat that was reminiscent of last year’s upset win in Edwardsville. The Warriors (6-4) now advance to the second round of the IHSA Playoffs and will travel to Frankfurt on Saturday to take on Lincoln-Way East.