Nov. 15--Lincoln-Way North did its patented 2015 dance, getting behind early and roaring back late. For the first time this season, the Phoenix were unable to rise high enough.
Hinsdale South knocked off Lincoln-Way North 42-35 on Saturday in a Class 6A quarterfinal in Frankfort. It marks the final game in North's history, as the school will close after this school year.
"You saw tonight what the season was all about," said George Czart, the only coach in Lincoln-Way North's eight-year history. "Our kids really are a bunch of determined young men. We never gave up, always gave our best effort, love playing the game of football.
"If they carry on and do things in school and in their job the way they play football, they're going to be very successful people. I'm proud to be associated with them. I'm gonna miss them."
The Hornets (9-3) will host Crete-Monee (10-2), an upset winner against Sacred Heart-Griffin in next week's semifinals.
"The feeling is incredible, literally unreal," South senior quarterback Sean McCormack said. "The offense has been rolling lately, it's just clicking and that's a great feeling. We just have to keep it going."
That clicking resulted in 506 yards for the Hornets, who had the Phoenix (11-1) on their heels from the game's first drive -- a nine-play, 90-yard jaunt finished by McCormack hitting Robert Hall, who broke a tackle and scored easily from 37 yards out.
Two South drives later, McCormack found senior wideout Ravon Johnson, who broke a tackle and outran the defense for an 81-yard touchdown. McCormack connected with Johnson nine times for 218 yards and 3 touchdowns.
"Those two grew up together in our program, throwing the ball," Hinsdale South coach Mike Barry said. "They know each other. They know each other's timing."
The final blow came late in the fourth quarter. With the score 35-28, North attempted an onside kick that was returned all the way to its 20-yard-line. Two plays later, Marcus Curry scored from 13 yards.
Hinsdale South reached the quarterfinals last season, but was blown out 41-14 by St. Francis. Barry made sure the team remembered that feeling.
"We talked to the players all offseason about how the bar has been set, the quarterfinals were our bar," he said. "And it's just extraordinary to be able to work past that, and to see the kids achieve one of their goals."
Czart said if the Phoenix allowed big plays to South, they would lose. The premonition came true. Despite a furious Phoenix rally -- highlighted by two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Jake Arthur to Jaylin Branch, including one for 51 yards -- the Hornets made every offensive play necessary.
"I feel like if (the offense) can play the way we did tonight, and our defense can hold up as they did tonight," McCormack said, "we're just going to keep on winning."
rmayor@tribpub.com
Player of the game: Sean McCormack, Hinsdale South, 15-for-22, 289 yards, 4 TDs, 40 rushing yards, TD.
Key performers: Hinsdale South -- Ravon Johnson, 9 receptions, 218 yards, 3 TDs; Marcus Curry, 26 carries, 176 yards, TD. Lincoln-Way North -- Jake Arthur, 22-for-40, 270 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD; Jaylin Branch, 9 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TDs; Dave Lux, 13 tackles.
