Aaron Del Grosso’s 50-yard field goal leads Hobart past Andrean
By Candace Buckner Post-Tribune correspondent September 14, 2012 11:42PM
Hobart's Elijah Walker runs back the opening kick off of the second half for a touchdown against Andrean Friday evening at Hobart High School. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 16, 2012 6:14AM
HOBART — Though Hobart senior kicker Aaron Del Grosso had booted field goals from 60 yards out in practice and even made a 53-yarder in a game a couple weeks ago, he admitted to feeling some anxiety before his third field goal attempt on Friday night against Andrean — and understandably so.
With 2:16 remaining in a close game, Del Grosso conquered his nerves and made a 50-yard field goal, sealing Hobart’s 37-28 win. Del Grosso connected on all three attempts — the earlier kicks from 22 and 41 yards, respectively.
However, it was the 50-yarder that barely breezed by the cross bar but lifted the Brickies to celebration.
“I took a breath,” Del Grosso said, “and just kicked it. It felt good.”
The Brickies improved to 3-2 overall and earned their second Northwest Crossroads Conference victory.
“Still in the conference,” Del Grosso said, explaining the significance of the home win. “Still have a chance to compete in the conference.”
Besides the conference statement, Andrean (3-2) coach Phil Mason believed the Hobart win meant even more.
“Hats off to Ryan (Turley) and his staff and Hobart, I’m glad they’re back because I think they are,” Mason said. “That says a lot for region football.”
In this Friday night revival, the Brickies bounced back from an early Andrean touchdown by quarterback Matt DeSomer and withstood Andrean’s offensive attack that nearly doubled the Brickies up in first downs (19 to 10).
After halftime, Hobart trailed 21-17 but turned momentum around with senior Elijah Walker’s 88-yard kickoff return to open the second half. From there, the Brickies held Andrean to a three-and-out before capping a 4-play, 69-yard scoring drive (senior Alex Metz’s 2-yard touchdown) with 8:21 to go in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Hobart’s offense took the field with 8:18 remaining and drained the clock for all it could before Del Grosso’s big kick.
