With Minnesota-commit Owen Lansu sidelined with a left arm injury, Downers Grove North coach Joe Horeni asked Kevin Jay to step up.

And the Trojans’ junior did just that.

Starting at quarterback for the first time since his final season of youth ball in eighth grade, Jay found Illinois recruit Will Vala for a late 26-yard touchdown, leading the Trojans to a 9-7 victory over Hinsdale Central in the West Suburban Silver conference opener for both teams.

The final drive started for DGN (3-0, 1-0) at its own 20-yard line and culminated four minutes later with Vala skying above the Red Devils’ defenders on fourth-and-nine to haul in Jay’s pass with 1:28 remaining.

Jay, who scored four touchdowns a week ago against Downers Grove South, finished with 95 yards passing while also running fo

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