ALGONQUIN – Casey Oliver wasn’t sure how to calm his nerves in the waning seconds of Crystal Lake South’s football game against Jacobs on Friday, so the Gators junior kicker tried to let himself off the hook.

If he missed the biggest field goal of his varsity career, Oliver figured, the Gators would take the tied Fox Valley Conference Valley Division game against the Golden Eagles into overtime, and Oliver was certain South would get things done in the extra session.

Still, his teammates had battled to be in a position where a 42-yard field goal would win the game and help their chances for a 12th consecutive postseason appearance. Oliver didn’t want the Gators to have to keep pushing.