It is quarterfinal Saturday in Illinois high school football, with three local teams vying for a spot in the final four. The first game is between Princeton and Lombard Montini. In the first quarter, Princeton recovers a fumble from Montini near midfield. However, Princeton’s offense is unable to capitalize on this opportunity.
In the second quarter, Princeton manages to score a field goal before halftime, taking a 3-0 lead. In the third quarter, Montini comes alive and scores a touchdown, taking a 13-3 lead. In the fourth quarter, Montini extends their lead to 20-3, but Princeton fights back and manages to score a touchdown, making it 20-9. However, Montini adds one more touchdown, ending Princeton’s season with a final score of 27-9. In another quarterfinal game, Roanoke-Bensonville faces Chicago Hope.
Roanoke-Bensonville starts strong, with Spencer Brown picking up a first down on a 26-yard run. Later in the drive, Brian Beres Hofer scores a touchdown, giving Roanoke-Bensonville a 7-0 lead. However, Chicago Hope soon takes the lead with a touchdown and a two-point conversion, making it 15-7. Just before halftime, Roanoke-Bensonville attempts a pass, but their drive stalls out at the two-yard line.
Unfortunately, Roanoke-Bensonville’s season comes to an end with a final score of 17-7. In the Class 1A quarterfinal, Annawan-Weatherfield faces Lena-Winow. In the opening quarter, Ashton Potter makes a great defensive play for Annawan-Weatherfield, getting a tackle for loss. In the second quarter, Lena-Winow breaks the tie with a touchdown, taking an 8-0 lead.
Although Annawan-Weatherfield has a good play on special teams, recovering a fumbled punt, they are unable to score. The final score is 30-0, ending Annawan-Weatherfield’s season. Finally, in eight-man football, Ridgewood plays Martinsville. In the closing minutes of the game, Ridgewood ties the score at 26 with a touchdown.
Determined to win, Ridgewood attempts a two-point conversion and succeeds, taking a 28-26 lead. Ridgewood secures their spot in the state championship game with this victory..
