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Hinsdale South overwhelms Morton
Updated: October 7, 2011 11:58PM
Hinsdale South did not disappoint a large homecoming crowd Friday night, as the Hornets forced five turnovers and converted most of them into scores, as they cruised to 42-0 West Suburban Conference Gold Division victory over Morton Friday.
No turnover was bigger than safety Bryan Taheri’s end-zone interception in the closing seconds of the second quarter that thwarted a 15-play Mustangs drive with Hinsdale South (4-3, 3-1) leading 14-0.
Taheri returned it 23 yards and then the Hornets needed just four plays and 27 seconds to score when DJ Deolitsis tossed a 30-yard touchdown strike to Justin Ward, giving South a 21-0 halftime lead following a Ward PAT kick.
“We try to make big plays count, that is what changes games and that is how we got this win tonight,” explained Taheri. “He (Morton’s receiver) was doing a fade, and my cornerback Bryant Hayes tipped it to me and I picked it off. Then Mike Cross and (Zach) Hynek led me on a team of blocking, I have to give it to my teammates on that one.”
Hinsdale South wasted little time making big plays, as Riley Maher blocked a Mustang (2-5, 1-4) punt attempt on the first series of the game, giving the Hornets great field position at the Morton 36-yard line.
One play later, senior running back Keontae Hall raced into the end zone, scoring the first of his two touchdowns. In the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, he broke off an 85-yard touchdown run on the first play of a drive, following a Lironn Downing fumble recovery.
Hall led all rushers with 204 yards on 15 carries.
In addition to Taheri’s pick, Hayes, Jeremy Ferguson and Cross each had interceptions for the Hornets. Cross returned his 35 yards to the end zone for the game’s final score with just under two minutes remaining.
Deolitsis rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries and added a 69-yard touchdown scamper midway through the fourth quarter. The junior completed 9-of-14 passes for 184 yards, including a first-quarter swing pass to Taheri that turned into a 41-yard touchdown.
“Scoring is the best part of offense,” Taheri said. “When you are in the end zone, there is no feeling like it. We like to pick up the tempo (on offense) and be as fast as possible to wear the defense down.”
Taheri finished with two catches for 62 yards, while Ward grabbed two passes for 89 yards.
With two games remaining, a coveted playoff spot is still in sight for the Hornets.
“Since Day 1, since double practices, the playoffs has been our goal,” said Taheri. “That is what we are shooting for and I am confident that is what we are going to get.”
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