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Antonietti has slowly been getting better. The 6-foot-1, 172-pounder accelerated that growth Friday night with the best performance of his career, throwing for 172 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Lions to a 19-14 upset of Downers Grove North at Carstens Field. The stunning result means Downers North (4-4, 2-4 West Suburban Silver) now must win on the road next week at crosstown rival Downers South to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lions (4-4, 2-3) have an opportunity to do what was considered unthinkable only a month ago – make the playoffs one year after going 1-8. (Sandy Bressner)
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“This is what we’ve been working for since February, to make the playoffs,” Antonietti said. “This is right where we need to be. We’ve just got to have a great week of practice.” The Lions will be heavy underdogs against rival Hinsdale Central next week but they’re not worried about that. They’re still buzzing over their comeback win over the Trojans, who drove to the LT 16 in the final minute before the Lions held on downs, keyed by a 17-yard sack of Downers North star quarterback Drew Cassens on second down. “Watching that final drive was nerve-wracking on the sidelines,” Antonietti said. “But our defense stepped up and made a great play.” (Sandy Bressner)
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The Lions made several on both sides of the ball. Rafeon Kloes and Kyle Garcia came up with interceptions and Antonietti made several terrific throws, including a 26-yard fade pass to Trell Harris, who made a leaping grab at the pylon for LT’s first touchdown just five plays after the Kloes interception and 46-yard return. Josh Lumpkin, who gained 128 yards on 20 carries, gave the Trojans a 14-6 lead with his second touchdown run, a 43-yard burst with 4:32 left in the second quarter. But Antonietti heaved a 31-yard pass to Thomas Asleson to convert a third-and-16, then went right back to Asleson, who made a diving catch for a 15-yard touchdown reception to pull LT within 14-12 with 42 seconds remaining in the half. (Sandy Bressner)
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The icing on the cake came with 2:24 to go in the third quarter. Antonietti found do-everything senior Chris Clarke for a 64-yard TD strike up the middle to put the Lions in front. “Coach (Dan) Hartman designed a good play for us and it turned out to work,” Clarke said. “Joey put it right where it needed to be and I got it in.” With Reichert sidelined with an injury, Hartman had Clarke start at quarterback before turning to Antonietti in the second quarter. Clarke did not complete either of his passes, but he caught five passes for 88 yards, rushed seven times for 30 yards, kicked an extra-point and handled the punting duties. “We’re just trying to get the ball in his hands as much as we can,” Hartman said. “As a receiver, a running back, quarterback, whatever we can do.” (Sandy Bressner)
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Hartman was pleased, though not surprised, with the play of his defense, which held the Trojans scoreless on each of their last seven drives. But he was really happy with Antonietti’s breakout game. “He’s been getting better each week, both in practice and in games,” Hartman said. “But confidence has been an issue and I think tonight, once he got that first touchdown pass, that really helped. “The wide receivers are one of the better groups that I’ve had. We’ve been working with Joey to put the ball in a position for those guys to make plays and they did three times tonight.” Clarke was pleased, too. “Joey had a great game tonight,” Clarke said. “As a sophomore to come out here and do that is pretty impressive. “From the first game to now he’s gotten so much better and the fact that he can pinpoint those throws is amazing for a sophomore to do.” (Sandy Bressner)
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Downers North lost despite having two 100-yard rushers in Lumpkin and Cassens, who had 102 yards on 21 carries. “It was terrible,” Downers North coach Joe Horeni said. “We had the opportunity to have six wins (this season) and we didn’t take advantage of it. “It makes it all that much more disappointing. I’m just frustrated.” (Sandy Bressner)
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Both teams face must-win games to get in the playoffs. The Trojans have the better chance but the Lions seem more excited. “I know everyone is going to be pumped for (the Hinsdale Central) game,” Clarke said. “It’s probably going to be a game we’re going to remember for the rest of our lives. “I know the coaches are going to come up with a great plan and we’re just going to give them all we got.” (Sandy Bressner)