High School Sports RSS: Football

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after semifinals

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Maine South and Marist will face off in the Class 8A state championship game, while Glenbard West will meet Wheaton Warrenville South, a big winner over East St. Louis in the semis, in the 7A final.

Benz puts Maine South in driver's seat

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Tyler Benz passed for two touchdowns and ran for the decisive score with 3:33 left as top-ranked Maine South held off Loyola 21-14 Saturday in the Class 8A semifinals.

Marist's Falloon clutch vs. Glenbard North

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Marist kicker Ben Falloon made a 24-yard field goal with one second to play to give the RedHawks a 17-14 victory over Glenbard North in a Class 8A semifinal before a standing-room crowd of more than 5,000 Saturday night in Carol Stream.

Final drive keeps Hilltoppers alive

BY PAUL JOHNSON — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Mark Hiben caught an 11-yard touchdown pass with six seconds left to give Glenbard West a 21-17 win over host Lake Zurich Saturday in a Class 7A semifinal.

WW South slows down East St. Louis

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- Assistant YourSeason.com Editor — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Wheaton Warrenville South picked off East St. Louis quarterback Detchauz Wray three times as the Tigers rolled to a 34-15 home win over the Flyers Saturday in the Class 7A semifinals.

Jones, Hilltoppers race back to finals

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:00 CST

Malin Jones ran for four touchdowns and Joliet Catholic's defense forced six turnovers as the Hilltoppers routed host Peoria Richwoods 54-7 Saturday in the Class 5A semifinals.

Pechloff, Montini stymie Blue Streaks

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Jordan Pechloff passed for 334 yards and five touchdowns as Montini rolled by visiting Woodstock 42-24 in a Class 5A semifinal.

Providence comeback dooms Danville

BY PAT DISABATO pdisabato@southtownstar.com — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Tim Hanrahan ran for three touchdowns as Providence rallied from a 14-10 halftime deficit to beat host Danville 30-21 Saturday in a Class 6A semifinal.

Defense sets tone for Cary-Grove

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Cary-Grove's defense forced two early turnovers, including an interception return for a touchdown, and the offense took care of the rest in a 40-7 romp past visiting Prairie Ridge Saturday in the Class 6A semifinals.

Simeon rolls into Prep Bowl

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Robert Gregory threw two touchdown passes to Demarius Reed, leading Simeon past Hubbard 35-14 Saturday at Gately Stadium in the Public League championship. The Wolverines will play St. Rita in the Prep Bowl next Saturday.

H-F, Smith part ways

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

In 2007, first-year head coach Kenneth Smith directed Homewood-Flossmoor to the Class 8A semifinals, losing 20-8 to eventual champion Naperville North.

Hilltoppers' Warden makes most of chances

BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Quarterback Tyler Warden doesn't get a lot of chances to throw in Glenbard West's offense, but he's still passed for more than 1,500 yards with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Starks' runback gets St. Rita rolling

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Travis Starks returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown to junp-start St. Rita in a 21-0 win over Brother Rice on Friday night in the Catholic League championship.

It's showtime: Hawks' offense vs. Loyola 'D'

BY TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

It's the irresistible force vs. the immovable force when Maine South's offense meets Loyola's defense Saturday in a Class 8A semifinal in Park Ridge.

Football playoff brackets

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Track the state playoffs with YourSeason.com. Here are brackets for all the classes.

2009 Sun-Times All-Area team

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

The 25-player 2009 Sun-Times All-Area football team features four players who will participate in the U.S. Army All-American game, a national record holder and multiple conference players of the year.

In a class by himself

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Sun-Times Player of the Year: Maine South�s dynamic 5-11, 205-pound running back/defensive end Matt Perez is the Sun-Times Player of the Year for 2009. Perez and the No. 1 Hawks host Loyola Saturday in the Class 8A semifinals.

A bunch of game changers, record breakers

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- YourSeason.com Assistant Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Player of the Year Matt Perez headlines the 25-man Sun-Times 2009 All-Area team, which features some of the nation�s top college prospects, a national record holder and offensive and defensive conference players of the year.

2009 All-Area Special Mention

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Here are some of the other football players that stood out in 2009, including Prospect quarterback Miles Osei, Fremd running back Evan Wright and Downers South receiver Jason Jozaites.

Past Sun-Times Players of the Year

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Here is a complete listing of the Chicago Sun-Times Players of the Year since 1951.

Q&A with Loyola LB Pat Dougherty

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Loyola linebacker Pat Dougherty, the Catholic Blue defensive player of the year, makes up for his lack of size with speed, balance and coordination.

Providence finds itself in unfamiliar spot

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Providence an underdog? Against unbeaten and top-seeded Danville on Saturday in a Class 6A semifinal? Are you kidding? Don�t tell Matt Senffner, the Celtics� retired coach, or he�ll cancel his tee time.

This weekend�s prep bowl playoff games

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Here is a closer look at this weekend's Catholic League and Public League title games.

Herald-News football preview capsules

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD-NEWS — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

The Herald-News breaks down the upcoming football games in the Joliet area.

Plenty of 'hoopla' around Marist-Glenbard North

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00 CST

Marist�s contest against Glenbard North on Saturday night in Carol Stream is a must-see attraction. The visiting RedHawks (10-2) boast the top passing offense in the area. The host Panthers (11-1) feature a stifling defense and a balanced attack. The stakes are huge: The winner earns a berth in the Class 8A championship.

One big hurdle left for Celtics

By PAT DISABATO pdisabato@southtownstar.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Providence will have to get past south suburban killer Danville to reach the 6A championship game. Danville has knocked off Oak Lawn, Richards and Lemont while Providence comes in at 11-1 for Saturday's semifinal.

Dolph, Hilltoppers like to play powerball

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Zach Dolph's main job for the Joliet Catholic football team is to make stops at inside linebacker. But he's also a valuable option on offense as the tailback in the Hilltoppers' power running package.

Rice, Marist can't get together

BY PAT DISABATO pdisabato@southtownstar.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Pat Disabato: There are some high school rivalries that demand to be preserved, similar to a favorite family recipe that�s been handed down from generation to generation.

Considering what might have been

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Dick Goss: On this semifinal week in the state high school football playoffs, the positive thought is our area has a good chance to boast two winners, two teams advancing to next weekend's state championships in Champaign.

Surprise, surprise: Montini in 5A semis

BY TAYLOR BELL — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

After a lackluster regular season, Montini has won three straight playoff games to advance to the Class 5A football semifinals.

Patience pays off for Celtics' Arthurs

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Providence tight end Steve Arthurs knows that his main job is blocking for star runner Tim Hanrahan. But Arthurs has bided his time, waiting for the chance to showcase his pass-catching abilities, and last weekend he caught a season-best five passes for 95 yards.

Schlueter out at Jacobs

BY ERIK JACOBSEN ejacobsen@scn1.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Sources have confirmed to the Courier-News that football coach Dean Schlueter will not return for the 2010 season. Schlueter was 55-68 in 13 seasons at Jacobs and led the Golden Eagles to the playoffs four times.

Signs are positive for Hilltoppers, Celtics

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

The Joliet Catholic football team in on a roll on both sides of the ball. The way Providence played in the second half of last week's 44-14 victory over Crete-Monee, the Celtics look as good as anyone, regardless of class.

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after quarterfinals

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Maine South and Glenbard West are still the teams to beat in Steve Tucker's updated Super 25. Wheaton Warrenville South, a winner over St. Rita in the quarterfinals, is right behind them.

Simeon holds off Robeson rally

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Simeon opened a 28-point halftime lead and held on for a 34-22 win over Robeson Monday in the Public League semifinals at Gately Stadium.

Hubbard shuts down Morgan Park

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Ronnie Oliver's 92-yard runback of the opening kickoff was the difference as Hubbard blanked Morgan Park 7-0 in the Public League semifinals at Gately Stadium.

Vote: Who was the top star in the quarterfinals?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:00 CST

Star gazing: YourSeason.com's stars of the week is back by popular demand. Be sure to vote for who you think is the top star. Voting ends Wednesday night at 11:59 p.m. Please note voting is limited to one vote per day per computer.

Perish nearly perfect as Marist tops Fremd

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Mike Perish was 23-for-31 passing for 286 yards and three touchdowns and added a touchdown run as Marist defeated Fremd 28-16 Saturday in a Class 8A quarterfinal.

Loyola gets its kicks vs. Caravan

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Leo Sheridan kicked a state-record five field goals to lead No. 6 Loyola past No. 13 Mount Carmel 24-7 Saturday in a Class 8A quarterfinal in Wilmette.

Perez, Hawks power way past Titans

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Matt Perez had his second 300-yard rushing game of the season vs. Glenbrook South and scored four touchdowns, leading top-ranked Maine South past the Titans 44-23 Saturday in the Class 8A quarterfinals.

Celtics put away Crete after halftime

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

No. 5 Providence rode a big third quarter to a 44-14 win over visiting Crete-Monee Saturday in a Class 6A quarterfinal.

Glenbard North defense tames Mustangs

BY MATT LE CREN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

No. 8 Glenbard North held No. 14 Downers Grove South to 152 yards en route to a 7-3 Class 8A quarterfinal win on Saturday night.

Glenbard West 'D' dominates North Stars

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- Assistant YourSeason.com Editor — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

No. 2 Glenbard West forced six turnovers en route to a 45-12 home win over St. Charles North Saturday in Class 7A quarterfinal action.

Chandler, 'D' keep Cary-Grove unbeaten

BY PAT MCGRATH — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Eric Chandler ran for 182 yards and No. 9 Cary-Grove's defense pitched its sixth shutout of the season, a 42-0 romp past No. 15 De La Salle Saturday in Class 6A quarterfinal action.

Bears hold off Wheaton North

BY BRIAN BOWN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Jacob Brinlee ran for 135 yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns Saturday as Lake Zurich turned back host Wheaton North 24-17.

Unbeaten Danville rallies past Lemont

BY DALE BOWMAN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Malcolm Anderson passed for two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 6:34 remaining, to lift unbeaten Danville past visiting Lemont 18-14 Saturday in a Class 6A quarterfinal.

Surging Montini knocks out Sycamore

BY BRIAN BOWN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Montini won its season-high third straight game on Saturday, beating host Sycamore 31-17 in a Class 5A quarterfinal behind Brandon Pechloff's 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Woodstock holds off Raiders in a thriller

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Logan Kunzie threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns, and host Woodstock withstood a furious fourth-quarter rally to defeat Glenbard South 44-35 in a Class 5A quarterfinal Saturday night.

Wolves overcome turnovers, Belvidere North

BY PAUL JOHNSON — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Prairie Ridge survived four first-half turnovers to get past visiting Belvidere North 28-20 Saturday in a Class 6A quarterfinal.

Richmond-Burton rolls back into semis

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Richmond-Burton advanced to the state semifinals for the second consecutive season by knocking off host Johnsburg 28-10 Saturday afternoon in Class 4A action.

Big plays doom Wilmington's wild comeback

By RANDY WHALEN For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Wilmington fell behind by two touchdowns early but battled back to tie the game. Still, it wasn't enough as Illini West prevailed 43-41 Saturday afternoon in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

North Stars get a glimpse of greatness

BY ERIK JACOBSEN ejacobsen@scn1.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Erik Jacobsen: St. Charles North got an up-close look Saturday at what it takes to be a state championship contender.

Youth is served at Joliet Catholic

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Dick Goss: The roster lists Jordan Lyles at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds. OK, that probably is about right. But that hardly translates into what you imagine as your ideal fullback.

Hilltoppers start fast, cruise into semis

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

No. 7 Joliet Catholic opened a 19-point lead in the first quarter and coasted past downstate Washington 47-7 Friday night in a Class 5A quarterfinal at Joliet's Memorial Stadium.

Tigers' O'Toole earns a passing grade

BY MATT LE CREN — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Wheaton Warrenville South quarterback Reilly O'Toole passed for 229 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score as the Tigers got past host St. Rita 23-14 Friday night in the Class 7A quarterfinals.

Tigers get their kicks vs. St. Rita

BY BEN MEYER-ABBOTT — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Special-teams play proved key for Wheaton Warrenville South in Friday's 23-14 win over St. Rita in the Class 7A quarterfinals, as punter Mack Tracey and kicker Nick Immekus both made major contributions.

Taylor Bell's playoff football notebook

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Here is everything you need to know about Saturday's quarterfinals, including some recruiting updates.

Mid-Suburban League All-Conference team

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Here are the Mid-Suburban League East and West All-Conference teams.

Dunne takes pride in Marist�s rapid rise

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

In his first season, 2008, Marist coach Pat Dunne guided his team to a 9-3 record and the state quarterfinals. This year�s squad is 9-2 going into Saturday�s Class 8A quarterfinal matchup against unbeaten and fourth-ranked Fremd in Palatine.

Steve Tucker's playoff football notebook

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Want the real inside scoop? Be sure to check out Steve Tucker's football news and notes here.

Indians are ready for Danville

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

So, is Big Twelve champion Danville (11-0), which has outscored its opponents by a 397-84 margin, a top contender for the Class 6A football crown as it gets ready to host Lemont (10-1) in Saturday�s quarterfinal?

Providence vs. Crete-Monee: A matchup of opposites

BY STEVE MILLAR -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Crete-Monee�s offense has been unstoppable lately. Providence Catholic�s defense has been stingy all year. On Saturday, something�s got to give.

Sun-Times Media preview capsules

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

The Sun-Times Media breaks down some upcoming football games in the Chicago area.

Reasons behind our success

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD-NEWS — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Years ago, I recall asking legendary local coach Gordie Gillespie about what makes the Joliet area athlete special. We were talking football at the time, but what Gordie had to say applied to all sports across the board. He listed several reasons why our success rate is so high in football, baseball, wrestling, girls sports, you name it.

Brothers in arms: Plantzes pace Celtics

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Brothers Zac and Tyler Plantz have combined for 130 tackles for Providence, which hosts Crete-Monee Saturday in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

Which league's best: Catholic Blue or DuPage Valley?

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

As the state football playoffs move into the quarterfinal round, the debate heats up about whether the Catholic League Blue or the DuPage Valley is the state's premier conference.

Caravan aims for role reversal vs. Loyola

BY CHRIS KUCHTA -- FOR THE SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Mount Carmel will be looking to avenge a regular-season loss to Loyola when it hosts the Ramblers in a Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday at Gately Stadium.

Marist, Fremd a study in contrasts

BY TIM CRONIN tcronin@southtownstar.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

It'll be a meeting of different offensive philosophies when Marist and its high-flying passing game faces run-oriented Fremd Saturday in a Class 8A quarterfinal.

St. Rita seeks to slow down WW South

BY PAT DISABATO pdisabato@southtownstar.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

St. Rita knows it will have its work cut out on offense and defense when it hosts Wheaton Warrenville South Friday in a Class 7A quarterfinal. "They're an explosive team," Mustangs coach Todd Kuska said of the Tigers.

North Stars rewriting record book

BY ERIK JACOBSEN ejacobsen@scn1.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

St. Charles North's deepest playoff run in program history means the North Stars are setting a number of school records.

Joliet area teams know value of 'D'

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Dick Goss: Defense is the name of the game. Always has been.

Vote: Who was the top star in the 2nd round?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Star gazing: YourSeason.com's stars of the week is back by popular demand. Be sure to vote for who you think is the top star. Voting ends Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Please note voting is limited to one vote per day per computer.

It's all in the family for Kolodziej

BY BILL SCHEIBE bscheibe@scn1.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

With the legacy of brothers Mike and Andrew preceding him, junior wide receiver Anthony Kolodziej is nonetheless determined to carve his own path to success at Joliet Catholic.

Dream weekend in semifinals?

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Dick Goss: In life, things do not always work out the way we want. And yet, there is nothing wrong with positive dreaming.

Sack Marist's QB? Perish the thought

BY TIM CRONIN tcronin@southtownstar.com — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Tim Cronin: Three things in this world are protected beyond all comprehension. They are the Mona Lisa, the gold in Fort Knox, and Marist quarterback Mike Perish.

Sun-Times football notebook

BY TAYLOR BELL — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Taylor Bell has news and notes from around the area heading into this weekend's state quarterfinals, including updates on Glenbard North, Cary-Grove, Glenbard West, Lemont and St. Charles North.

Playoff lessons learned in Round 2

BY DICK GOSS dgoss@scn1.com — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:00 CST

Dick Goss: When Joliet Catholic made the long trip to Cahokia last Saturday for its second-round game in the Class 5A state football playoffs, Hilltopper fans had reason for concern.

Methling lifts Bears past Crystal Lake South

BY TINA AKOURIS takouris@suntimes.com — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Before rushing to the Class 3A state soccer championship against Lyons, Lake Zurich kicker Max Methling kicked three field goals to lead the Bears past Crystal Lake South 30-28 Saturday afternoon in the Class 7A second-round game at Lake Zurich.

Strong second half gets Ramblers past Warren

BY STEVE TUCKER stucker@suntimes.com — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Loyola pitched a second-half shutout and Will Forsyth threw three touchdown passes as the No. 6 Ramblers knocked off visiting Warren 21-7 Saturday in a Class 8A second-round playoff game at Hoerster Field in Wilmette.

Lemont comes out firing, tops Morgan Park

BY MIKE DUFFIN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Thanks to a 28-point first half lead, Lemont advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals with a 49-26 second-round victory over No. 15 Morgan Park Saturday night in Lemont.

Whitmer's heroics leads Downers South

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Downers South quarterback Chandler Whitmer directed two fourth quarter scoring drives that helped the visiting Mustangs overcome a 12-point deficit in the final 10:36 to stun Bolingbrook 22-19 in a second-round Class 8A state playoff game Saturday night.

Mesch powers Glenbard West past Hononegah

BY BRIAN BOWN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

All-purpose back JT Mesch scored three touchdowns to lead Glenbard West to a 27-14 victory over Hononegah Saturday as the Hilltoppers scored all their points in the opening half to defeat the host Indians in a second-round Class 7A playoff game.

Montini gets revenge, tops Marian Central

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Montini finished off a comeback victory over Marian Central and in the process completed the �revenge� tour that it set out on in the 5A playoffs. The host Broncos came back from a two touchdown deficit to avenge an earlier season loss to the Hurricanes with a 42-21 second-round victory. Montini will face Sycamore in the quarterfinal round next weekend.

Falcons score road win against Prospect

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Reece Butler threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as Wheaton North defeated Prospect 38-24 Saturday in the second-round of the Class 7A playoffs in Mount Prospect.

Perish leads Marist past Naperville Central

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Mike Perish spread out the defense as he threw to five different receivers and led Marist past Naperville Central 24-7 in a second-round Class 8A playoff game Saturday at Marist.

Maine South slows down Maldonado, Leyden

BY CRAIG LYNCH — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Tyler Benz threw four touchdown passes as Maine South overcame numerous obstacles on their way to a 34-16 victory over Leyden in the second-round of the Class 8A playoffs Saturday night in North Lake.

Glenbard South holds off Vernon Hills

BY MATT LE CREN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Glenbard South took advantage of two turnovers to jump out to a big early lead, then held off a late rally to beat Vernon Hills 33-27 in a Class 5A second-round playoff game Saturday in Glen Ellyn.

Hilltoppers get past Cahokia

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

A fake field goal set the tone for Joliet Catholic, as the Hilltoppers went on to a 35-12 victory over host Cahokia Saturday afternoon in a second-round Class 5A playoff game. Joliet Catholic (9-2) will host downstate Washington in the quarterfinals.

Fremd, Wright run by Lake Park

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Evan Wright rushed 39 times for 181 yards and scored the decisive touchdown in the third quarter as No. 4 Fremd (11-0) edged Lake Park 21-14 Saturday in the second-round in the Class 8A playoffs at Conant.

Hembry, Trojans rush past Highland Park

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Alex Hembry rushed for 212 yards and four touchdowns as Cary-Grove powered past Highland Park 48-28 Saturday in the second-round of the Class 6A playoffs in Lake Forest.

East St. Louis breezes by Minooka

BY TOMMY STOKKE -- FOR THE HERALD NEWS — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Momentum seemed to be on East St. Louis' side as they cruised to a 48-20 victory over Minooka in the second-round of the Class 7A playoffs in East St. Louis.

Crete-Monee advances to quarters for first time

BY TIM CRONIN -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

In 72-degree weather, Crete-Monee scored a 35-10 victory over host Normal in the Class 6A second-round matchup before about 2,800 fans, many having made the two-hour trip southwest. The Warriors (10-1) advanced to the playoff quarterfinals for the first time.

Richards falls short on upset of Danville

BY STEVE MILLAR -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

For a half, Richards was rolling and the Oak Lawn crowd was feeling an upset. Danville, though, showed it was a 10-0 No. 1 seed for a reason. Down 20-10 at the break, the Vikings rolled to 20 straight points to stun Richards 30-20 in a Class 6A second-round game Saturday at Oak Lawn.

Wilmington overpowers St. Joe's-Ogden

BY ROB OESTERLE -- HERALD-NEWS — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

The sign on the press box at Wilmington High School's football field reads, "Beware of what comes out of the woods." St. Joe-Ogden can attest to that after Wilmington laid a 57-26 whipping on the Spartans on Saturday night that, believe it or not, was worse than the score indicates.

Woodstock adjusts gameplan to top Lakes

BY CARTER CRANE — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Woodstock overcame early adversity to spoil the first home playoff game in the five year history of Lakes (6-5) as they won 42-17 Saturday in the second-round in the Class 5A playoffs.

Bland comes up big for De La Salle

BY NATE JACOBSON — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

D.J. Bland had two touchdown catches, an interception and returned two kicks for scores and De La Salle�s defense came up with a key stop on a two-point conversion to lead the No. 20 Meteors to a 33-20 victory of Crystal Lake Central in a Class 6A second-round playoff game.

Hubbard falls to Belvidere North

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

There are losses and then there are bone crushing defeats. Hubbard suffered the latter as they fell to Belvidere North 29-26 in the second-round of the Class 7A playoffs, Saturday at Belvidere.

Saturday's football roundup

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Scores and highlights from Saturday's football playoff action.

Mendota rains on Morris' day

By BRAD KLETT For Sun-Times Media — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Mendota intercepted four passes and recovered a fumble as the Trojans defeated the Redskins 35-0 in a Class 4A second-round playoff game on Saturday.

Hanrahan, Celtics survive in OT

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00 CST

Tim Hanrahan's 6-yard touchdown run in the second overtime lifted Providence past host Oswego 16-10 Friday night in a Class 6A second-round game.