Matthew Hanson’s nose for the ball was just one of the keys for St. Francis on Saturday afternoon in Wheaton.
The Spartans displayed offensive punch and defensive prowess in a 41-14 victory against Hinsdale South in a Class 6A quarterfinal. St. Francis (10-2) will play Nazareth (12-0) next weekend.
“It’s a family win,” said Hanson, who caught five passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
St. Francis compiled 396 yards while intercepting Hinsdale South (9-3) three times to go with a pair of sacks.
With receiver Michael Shaw limited to one catch, Hanson took over. His 62-yard reception on the Spartans opening possession led to a 9-yard touchdown run by Steven Fassnacht.
“Every week we don’t know who the guy’s going to be, but guys constantly step up,” St. Francis coach Mike Fitzgerald said.
After the Hornets tied it on a 47-yard run by Rob Regan, Hanson had a 52-yard catch for the lead, hauling in the deflected pass at the Hornets’ 30.
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“Clint threw it up and I knew if he’d give me a chance I’d make the play on it,” Hanson said.
Hanson grabbed another deflected pass for a 24-yard gain that set up a score in the second quarter and caught a 9-yard TD pass between two defenders in the end zone to give the Spartans a 34-7 lead late in the first half.
“Matt made phenomenal catches today, bailed me out a few times,” Spartans quarterback Clint Bobowski said.
The Spartans scored 27 points in the second quarter to take control.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been this far (2008), but we’re not satisfied,” Bobowski said.
Player of the game: Matthew Hanson, St. Francis, 5 catches, 153 yards, 2 TDs; INT.
Key performers: St. Francis — Clint Bobowski, 13-for-22, 271 yards, 4 TDs; Chris Smith, 2 catches, 41 yards, TD; 2 INTs. Hinsdale South — Marcus Curry, 17 carries, 118 yards, TD; Rob Regan, 20 carries, 79 yards, TD.