December 21, 2024
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Antonio Kollintzas’ field goal as time expires lifts Downers Grove North past Fenwick

Defending state runners-up advance to play Batavia with 13-10 win

By Scott Schmid - for Shaw Local News Network
Downers Grove North's Oliver Thulin (10) celebrates with a member of the coaching staff after winning the second week class 7A game over Fenwick from a field goal in the last seconds of the game on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North High School.

Downers Grove North's Oliver Thulin (10) celebrates with a member of the coaching staff after winning the second week class 7A game over Fenwick from a field goal in the last seconds of the game on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North High School. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney)

DOWNERS GROVE – Antonio Kollintzas was quick to credit his holder, long snapper and the rest of the offensive line.

The Downers Grove North senior most certainly also did his part, coming through with the biggest kick of his life.

Kollintzas knocked a 28-yard field goal through the uprights as time expired, giving host Downers Grove North a 13-10 win over Fenwick in a Class 7A second-round playoff game.

The Trojans (10-1), last year’s Class 7A runner-up, advanced to play host Batavia (10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday in the state quarterfinals.

”It’s very emotional,” said Kollintzas, who also plays linebacker. “Our offense was able to put me in a position to help the team win. I couldn’t do it without our long snapper (Weston Waughop) and holder (Nick Konopiots). It’s a total team effort. They’ve got the hardest job on the field. I just put it through the uprights.

”I was definitely a little bit nervous, but we do it in practice every day, reps on reps. And we executed.”

Kollintzas also connected on a 20-yard field goal late in the third quarter for a 10-0 lead.

Jake Gregorio’s 3-yard touchdown run shortly before halftime put the Trojans on the board.

Downers Grove North's Antonio Kollintzas, right, watches his field goal attempt go up and over the uprights for a goal to win the game in the last few seconds of the game as Fenwick's Tommy Thies (7) tries to block the kick during the second week class 7A game held on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North High School.

Downers Grove North's Antonio Kollintzas, right, watches his field goal attempt go up and over the uprights for a goal to win the game in the last few seconds of the game as Fenwick's Tommy Thies (7) tries to block the kick during the second week class 7A game held on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North High School. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney)

The visiting Friars (8-3) battled back to tie the score at 10-all on a 29-yard field goal by Noah Sur with 2:38 remaining.

Fenwick earlier had cut the deficit to 10-7 on a 28-yard TD scamper by Jack Paris.

”That was two really good defenses going at it,” said Gregorio, who finished with 17 rushing yards and three catches for 17 yards while also playing linebacker. “We had to stop their explosive plays. We knew they like to throw the ball deep. And we kept stopping their run game.

”Obviously we have to be better and we have to clean up some stuff but that is a special win. Last year, we were able to make it to the end (championship game). Let’s see if we can get all the way to the end again and win it this time.”

Aiden Solecki had three sacks, Waughop recovered a fumble and Caden Chiarelli contributed an interception for Downers North.

Offensively, Owen Lansu threw for 186 yards. Oliver Thulin caught five passes and Max Troha and Will Vala had four catches apiece. Alec Fiermuga gained 73 tough yards on 22 attempts.

Downers Grove North's Jake Gregorio (34) celebrates after scoring a touchdown while taking on Fenwick High School during the second week of the class 7A game on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North.

Downers Grove North's Jake Gregorio (34) celebrates after scoring a touchdown while taking on Fenwick High School during the second week of the class 7A game on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024, held at Downers Grove North. (David Toney for Shaw Local News /David Toney)

”Fenwick is a really good football team,” Downers North coach Joe Horeni said. “Coach (Matt) Battaglia does a great job. It was a heck of a football game. In a playoff game where the kids are leaving it all on the line, it’s super emotional. I was proud of our kids’ composure and their fight through adversity.

”Defensively to hold a team like that to 10 points, that’s a great job by our kids. And Antonio, he’s just a fantastic kid who plays hard and plays both ways. We needed a hero and he was our hero.”

Fenwick quarterback Frankie Hosty completed 11-of-22 passes for 154 yards and ran for 22 more. Raphiel Stewart brought in four catches for 91 yards and Tommy Thies had an interception.

”This is a championship team,” said Battaglia, whose team’s only other losses came to Mount Carmel and Joliet Catholic, “and I love them to death. They played their hearts out and they are champions.

”That’s what our defense has done all year. We’ve got great leadership and great players who have bought in. It’s a special group of young men, a very special group.”