The pass attempt off a fake field goal sailed just over the outstretched fingers of Hinsdale South junior safety Robert Hall and into the end zone.
By the time the pass fell incomplete and Hall picked himself off the field, he and his teammates were swarmed by fans and classmates as the Hornets pulled off the 17-14 overtime upset against second-seed DeKalb and advanced to the Class 6A state quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.
“After I saw the ball on the ground, I about had a heart attack,” coach Mike Barry said. “It came down right to the end. Everything you wanted. A real signature win.”
Hall said the play was not as much of a surprise as DeKalb had intended. .
“Coach called a timeout right before they lined up for the field goal and told us that he knew they were going to run a trick play,” Hall said. “We needed to keep our eyes open. The pass was high and I jumped and just missed it. Luckily it hit the wide receiver and he dropped the ball. After that it was so exciting.
“We were the underdogs and we were able to come out and get it done. Just an unbelievable thrill.”
The Hornets’ defense has, at times, taken a back seat to the offense. But against their toughest competition of the year, they elevated their play. The Barbs featured two explosive offensive players in quarterback Derek Kyler and Illinois-bound running back Dre Brown. Brown, who averaged more than 150 yards rushing per game, managed 89 yards. Kyler found the going rough against defensive backs Jawahn Downing and Demonte Sanders and threw two interceptions to Hall.
Trailing 14-7 at the half, the defense focused on adjusting its attitude.
“We went to the sidelines and (defensive coordinator Nate Wolkow) kept telling us he knew we were nervous and that this was a big game, but we needed to stay focused and do what we’ve always done,” Hall said. “He tells us every week that we’re only as good as our next game. And that we need to step it up, keep climbing the stairs if we want to keep going.”
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Next up for the Hornets is a Saturday road contest at St. Francis. With two come-from-behind playoff wins under its belt, Hinsdale South feels confident, tested and prepared.
“We’ve taken several steps this season to learn different things, and one is about playing four quarters,” Barry said. “And they’ve showed multiple times already that they understand that. I’m proud to see these guys fight through adversity.
“It’s a real testament to these kids.”