Leading 8-6 with just six minutes to play, New Trier was faced with a critical fourth down from their own 45-yard line. Sophomore quarterback Victoria Wainscott appeared to have a wide-open target past the sticks. Suddenly, ETHS sophomore KyNia Hunt emerged out of nowhere to intercept her second pass of the game, carrying her momentum all the way to the end zone and propelling the Kits to an unforgettable 12-8 win against New Trier.
“Coach always told me if a ball is coming in your direction, go get it; that’s exactly what I did,” expressed Hunt.
Despite the late drama, the majority of the game was a defensive battle as both teams struggled to generate offensive momentum. Wainscott connected with junior Trevian Ilana Styles, who slipped past multiple tackles to reach the end zone, putting the Trevians up 8-0. Following Hunt’s first interception, the Kits’ offense marched down to the 36-yard line before facing a critical fourth down. Junior quarterback Maggie Conforti perfectly threaded a pass to Brielle Rosmond over the middle, setting the Kits up on the one-yard line. On the next play, Conforti connected with freshman Harper Wessenberg for a touchdown, reducing the deficit to 8-6 at halftime.
ETHS went on an eight-minute drive early in the second half, culminating in a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line. This time, Conforti sailed the ball just over Hunt’s fingertips as the pass fell incomplete. Hunt’s pick-six would prove to be the only score in the second half.
“Our defense won the game today; they were absolutely exceptional all night long,” said head coach Carlton Rosemond.
Last night was far from the only time the Kits’ defense has delivered a stellar performance, as six of their nine wins this season have been shutouts.
“I think we have become a very coordinated unit, and I think that has allowed us to trap teams on their side of the field,” said Hunt.
ETHS defeated the Trevians to advance to 9-6 and earn their second head-to-head win over New Trier this season, the first ending with a score of 20-0. With the loss, the Trevians fall to 7-7.
“We have been the better team; we have proved that twice this season. I guess all that matters now is that we beat them in the playoffs,” remarked Rosemond.
Prior to the playoffs, ETHS will face Deerfield and Resurrection at home to close out the regular season.
