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Hinsdale South defensive linemen get their hands on the ball
Hinsdale South's Antanas Riskus (88) celebrates after the defense stopped Mroton on a 4th and goal to win the game Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 in Berwyn. The Hornet's won 28-21. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
This Week Hinsdale South
BOYS and GIRLS
CROSS COUNTRY
At WSC Gold Meet at Leyden, 9 a.m.
FOOTBALL
Friday
Hosts Downers Grove S., 7:30 p.m.
BOYS GOLF
Friday
At 3A State Final at The Den, Fox Creek, Bloomington, TBA
Saturday
At 3A State Final at The Den, Fox Creek, Bloomington, TBA
GIRLS GOLF
Friday
At Class AA State Final at Hickory Pt. G.C., TBA
Saturday
At Class AA State Final at Hickory Pt. G.C., TBA
BOYS SOCCER
Today
At Downers Grove N., 6:30 p.m.
Saturday
Hosts 3A Regional, 1 p.m.
Tuesday
Hosts Regional, 4:30 p.m.
GIRLS SWIM/DIVE
Today
Hosts Proviso Co-Op, 5 p.m.
Saturday
At Glenbrook S. Tourn., Dive 9:30 a.m.; Swim 1 p.m.
Tuesday
At Oswego East, 5 p.m.
Thursday (10/18)
At Morton, 5 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Saturday
At Lyons Sectional, TBA
Thursday (10/18)
At State Finals, TBA
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Today
At Downers Grove N., 6 p.m.
Tuesday
Hosts Hinsdale Central, 6 p.m.
Wednesday
Hosts Morton, 6 p.m.
Article Extras
Updated: December 10, 2012 1:55AM
BERWYN — Defensive linemen are not usually in the spotlight. They try to control the trenches and usually go unnoticed if they do their job correctly.
So it was extremely impressive when Hinsdale South’s Lironn Downing and Antanas Riskus both came up with huge second-half turnovers Friday night that allowed the Hornets to earn a 28-21 West Suburban Gold victory over Morton in Berwyn.
Midway through the third quarter with the game tied at 14-14, Riskus pulled in an interception from his defensive end spot that led directly to a Hornets score. Hinsdale South (5-2, 3-1) seized the momentum and pieced together a 12-play drive to gain a 21-14 lead.
“I have been talking about it (an interception) every single game,” said Riskus. “To be honest, I just got double-teamed and I went into them and I just looked up and the ball was right there. I just jumped up and grabbed it.
“I just started running with it and I guess someone tackled me. It really got us pumped up, because up until that point we were kind of slow, a little sluggish.”
The biggest play of the night for the defense might have been Downing’s fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter. Morton had driven all the way to Hinsdale’s 1-yard line, where it had first down.
The Hornets stuffed Morton (2-5, 1-4) on three straight plays, with Downing, a junior, anchoring the nose tackle spot on three consecutive runs. On third down, the Mustangs coughed up the football and Downing pounced on it at the bottom of the pile, preserving the lead.
“It was very important to me (to recover the fumble), but it is all about the team,” said Downing. “We were trying to stop them from getting that touchdown on the 1-yard line, and we did our best.
“As soon as he fumbled it and I saw it on the ground, I thought my opportunity is right there and I picked it up. They stepped on my hand a couple of times, but that is about it.”
The defensive unit was tested one final time, when Morton took possession of the ball in Hinsdale territory with two minutes remaining and trailing by seven.
Anchored by Riskus, Downing and Matthew Dangles, the line and rest of the defense limited Morton to just one yard over four plays.
“Riskus, he is a junior and is the model citizen,” said Hornets coach Michael Barry. “He is great in the classroom, he is great in the community, he does great things. He is great on the football field, his future is extremely bright.
“Lironn and Dangles are a little bit more of that tougher type of kid. But I tell you, the three of them together, they do an excellent job of controlling the line of scrimmage.”
Names in the Game
BRIAN STRUMILLO Noteworthy efforts:
The junior qualified for the state golf meet with a 74 to tie for third place Monday at the St. Charles East Sectional.
JESSICA SACHS Noteworthy efforts:
The senior’s 79 was good enough to reach her first state meet with an at-large berth at the Marian Catholic Sectional Monday.
Quick Hits
Big Numbers
1 | Seed awarded to the girls volleyball team last week in the Class 4A Riverside-Brookfield Sectional. The Hornets open Oct. 23 against Argo.
Sound Bites
“The support has been unbelievable from the amount of people from school and other friends.”
— JV badminton coach Dennis Karnsed,t on his battle with lung cancer.
Don’t Miss
Saturday Girls cross country: at WSC Gold meet, 9 a.m
Tuesday Girls volleyball: vs. Hinsdale Central, 6 p.m.
