For three years, the season opener between Bolingbrook and Downers Grove South has come down to late-game heroics.
Friday was no exception.
Lining up for the potential game-tying field goal with 5:40 remaining, Downers’ Mark Ficaro had his kick blocked at the line by Rodney Stephen. Bolingbrook’s Matt Sapone picked up the loose ball and zig-zagged his way 56 yards to the Downers’ 15. One play later, Bolingbrook’s Jamel Martin ran into the end zone untouched on a reverse as the Raiders topped the Mustangs 16-14.
The contest was originally scheduled to be played in Downers Grove, but field conditions forced the move less than 10 miles southwest.
“I was just trying to take it to the house, but Jamel had my back,” said Sapone, who scored a defensive touchdown last year in a playoff game against Curie. “It was getting kind of blurry out there. It’s hard to see your blocking when everyone’s behind you. You don’t know where people are coming from.”
Downers quarterback Chandler Whitmer completed three straight passes for 31 yards and scored on a 2-yard bootleg with 7:56 remaining in the third quarter to give Downers its first lead, 7-3.
Bolingbrook returned the favor 14 seconds later when quarterback Brad Geever found Chris Williams, who turned a long gain into a 78-yard score and a 10-7 lead.
Whitmer hit Jason Jozaites for a 26-yard score with two minutes left as Downers pulled within 16-14.
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Player of the game: Bolingbrook’s Matt Sapone returned a blocked FG attempt 56 yards. One play later, Bolingbrook took a 16-7 lead.
Key performers: Brad Geever, Bolingbrook, 12-for-21, 175 yards, TD; Josh Williams, Downers Grove South, 18 carries, 141 yards.