By Jack Weaver ’15 | Staff Writer

South varsity football pulled off a miraculous 17-14 comeback against Utica Henry Ford II on Friday night, capped off by a game winning field goal by Andrew Fabry ‘15.

For the past two weeks, the Blue Devils have been in survival mode; one loss and they would’ve been eliminated from playoff contention, snapping a five year playoff streak.

On Henry Ford’s first drive they immediately marched down the field and scored a touchdown to quickly go up 7-0. Not only did South’s defense struggle to start the game, but offensive mistakes would also plague South throughout the first half.

On fourth and goal on the one yard line, Sam Hunter ’15 fumbled the ball, resulting in a turnover on downs on the 18 yard line.On the next drive for South, Sam Blanzy ’15 threw an interception on first and goal on the 10 yard line.

Despite costly errors, the offense found a way to produce, as Blanzy connected with twin brother, Brian Blanzy ’15, who was wide open in the middle of the field for a crucial touchdown to tie the game 7-7 with 4:03 left in the first half.

After the break, South’s offense would continue to struggle, failing to score against a stingy secondary that shut down South’s passing game. Despite a lack of scoring, the defense was able to step up under the pressure, holding Henry Ford II scoreless as well, as the teams remained tied up 7-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

“Defense knew we had to step and make plays to stay in the game, and that’s what we did,” said Jalen Cook ’15. “With the final drive, it was the offense and special teams that won us the game.”

In the 4th quarter Sam Blanzy continued to struggle, throwing his second interception of the game.

At this point, many quarterbacks would struggle to regain their focus and confidence, but for Blanzy it’s vital to forget about the past and keep moving forward, said Sam Blanzy.

“Every play is a new play,” said Blanzy. “So I tried to forget about the two interceptions because I knew our defense was playing very well, and I knew we were going to get a chance to score for the win.”

Henry Ford II, looking to abruptly end South’s playoff hopes, threw a touchdown pass with only 5:03 remaining in the game. Yet the Blue Devils would strike back on the very next drive. First year Tight End Chase Urbach ’15 came up with a huge career long reception to save the drive for South and leave them just shy of the redzone with plenty of time to score.

“ I saw the ball coming my way and I knew I had the safety on me,” said Urbach. “Once the ball got close, I put my hands out to catch the ball and the safety’s hand came out of no where and covered the ball. I reached over and tore it out of his hands to make the catch. My heart was beating a million miles per hour and saw Brian coming right for me. We celebrated a little, but I had to get right back and focus on the task at hand, helping the offense put the ball in the endzone.”

South would cap off their drive with a Sam Hunter ’15 rushing touchdown to tie up the game with only 2:23 to go in the final quarter. Overtime was apparent, but a three and out by South’s defense, gave them a chance to win it in regulation.

Sam Blanzy, after a rough first three quarters, was able to drive the offense down the field with impressive clock management. With just five seconds left in the game, Andrew Fabry ’15 would get his shot at hitting a season saving, game winning field goal.

“Before the kick I just thought of it like any other kick in practice,” said Fabry. “There was really no doubt, because I trusted Luke Riashi ’16 and Chase Urbach and it was also just a perfect situation for a game winning field goal.”

Urbach  knew immediately after time was called and special teams went on to the field, that the game was over, he said.

“I knew it would be perfect,” said Urbach. “I knew Luke had the hold and Fabry had the kick. I knew we were going to win as soon as coach called us onto the field.”

With just seconds to spare, Fabry drove home the game winning field goal and cap off a 10-0 run in the final three minutes of the game.

“Hitting the game winning field goal is tied with beating North last year as one of my top high school football moments,” said Fabry.

More importantly apart from the win, the Blue Devils live to see another week and it will be the final week before the playoffs. Their final opponent is Macomb Dakota, and is considered to be the hardest team they will face this year.

“We just need to prepare for Dakota like how we prepare for every other team,” said Sam Blanzy. “We need to believe in ourselves and believe we can win.”

South will look to build on a two-game winning streak and keep their playoff hopes alive at Dakota this Friday at 7 p.m.