Special win for Hinsdale South

The special teams for Hinsdale South really were special on Friday night against Leyden. And the Hornets' defense was pretty stellar in its own right.

The Hornets made a field goal and blocked one, intercepted 2 passes, and held Leyden scoreless on drives that started at Hinsdale's 29- and 16-yard lines on their way to a 17-14 victory at Hinsdale Central's Dickson Field.

"I think we are starting to get it together on defense," Hinsdale South coach Alex Bitto said. "(Safety/quarterback) Michael Cross is a vocal leader back there. He's really done a nice job."

D.J. King put together a terrific individual game for Hinsdale South (2-2, 1-1). King, a receiver and defensive back, scored on a 10-yard end around in the fourth quarter, intercepted a pass on defense, and blocked Leyden kicker Krystian Chudoba's 30-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter.

"I felt that," King said. "I looked at the scoreboard and said, 'I've got to block this.' "

At the time, the Hornets held a 10-6 lead.

Hinsdale South running back Keontae Hall ran 24 times for 134 yards, and Cross added 72 yards through the air, 50 of which went to King. Cross also had a rushing touchdown.

"In the first half we had chances, and we kind of let them stay in the game," Bitto said. "At halftime we decided we were going to run the ball, and the kids blocked it very well."

The Hornets are now set up for a cross-town showdown against Hinsdale Central on the field they are sharing this season because of a delay in Hinsdale South's field turf installation.

"They're a tough team," King said. "It's a rivalry game. We've got to come out here and do our best, and that's all that matters."

Quarterback quarterback Joey Difronzo was 15-of-30 passing for 124 yards for Leyden (1-3, 0-2). He connected with Adrian Ruiz and Andras Orrego for touchdowns. Eagles receiver Jeff Renteria had 6 catches for 64 yards.

None of those offensive numbers were enough, though, as the Eagles couldn't capitalize on 3 interceptions by their defense - 2 by Sebastian Chraszcz and another by Steve Travis.

"We didn't take advantage of opportunities," Leyden coach Tom Cerasani said. "It was just mistake after mistake. It wasn't a very good offensive performance. The defense played fine."