Downers South coach John Belskis earned his 200th career victory Friday night against Hinsdale South, and it took nearly 48 minutes to get it accomplished.
The Mustangs completed a 10-play drive with a fourth-down scoring pass from Mike Zebold to Javon Turner with just under two minutes gone in the final quarter to erase a 33-28 deficit.
After a 2-point PAT run by Zebold, Turner then intercepted a Hinsdale South pass attempt in the final minute to preserve the 36-33 West Suburban Gold victory in Darien.
“It (interception) means a lot to me,” Turner said. “Especially because I missed two picks earlier and it is our coach’s 200th victory, so we really wanted to get out there and protect the ‘Cannon.’ ”
In a game where the lead changed hands five times, the victory also allowed the Mustangs (3-5, 3-2) to retain The Rebel Cannon trophy, which they have held since 2005 in this neighborhood rivalry.
Zebold completed six passes for 150 yards, while also gaining 31 yards on the ground, including two rushing scores.
The Mustangs scored the game’s first TD on a 57-yard interception return by Robert Barry on the opening series of the contest.
Hinsdale South took its first lead before halftime on a DJ Deolitsis 1-yard run, giving the Hornets a 21-14 lead after Justin Ward kicked the PAT. The one-play drive was set up by an interception by Stephen O’Neill, who returned the pick 34 yards.
O’Neill also forced a fumble on a sack in the second quarter that was recovered by nose tackle Lironn Downing.
The Hornets (5-3, 3-2) took a 33-28 lead with just over four minutes left when Deolitsis capped a seven-play drive with an 18-yard TD scamper. He kept the drive alive earlier with a 49-yard carry from the Hinsdale South 4-yard line.
Deolitsis rushed for 180 yards on 26 carries, while Arian Toney pounded out 132 yards on 20 carries, including two touchdowns.
Belskis has earned all 200 victories at Downers South, over a 24-year career.
“There is really no perspective, to be honest with you,” Belskis said. “It did not feel any different than win 43 or 122; it is another night. What was special was for these kids to come win a game when it looked like the game was over.”
