High School Sports RSS: Football

Break it Down: Sizing up the state finals

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Break it Down recaps the state finals in Champaign. If there is one overriding theme of the 2008 state football finals, it's that speed definitely still kills. Be sure to cast your vote for the top player over the weekend here.

Class 4A title game is one for the record books

Beacon News Staff — Mon, 1 Dec 2008 19:00 CST

Class 4A state football: Aurora Christian and Bloomington Central Catholic uncorked a classic on Friday, combining to set or tie 13 individual and team Class 4A championship game records. Here's a list of the accomplishments.

East St. Louis contains Ratay, Vikings

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

East St. Louis was able to do something on Saturday that no Geneva opponent this year could do � stop Michael Ratay.

Flyers' speed wears down Geneva

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

Considering what it was up against, Geneva's defense -- in particular its front seven -- definitely held its own against East St. Louis in a 33-14 loss on Saturday in the Class 7A state championship game at Memorial Stadium.

Maine South grinds out a crown in 8A

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

Maine South got here in large part on the arm of quarterback Charlie Goro. But in the finale it was the legs of Goro, Matt Perez and Joey Orlando that were the difference.

Lemont can't contain Sacred Heart-Griffin

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

After Lemont pulled within eight points with just over nine minutes left, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin pulled away for a 37-15 win Saturday in the Class 6A state final at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

Hayes, Indians look to next season

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

Standout running back Danny Hayes of Lemont already is looking to next season in the wake of the Indians' 37-15 loss to Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in Saturday's Class 6A state final.

Spartans rush to 5A title

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

Playing in a state final was �a dream� for St. Francis quarterback Jeff Reckards. It was a dream that the 6-foot, 160-pound senior had seen up close through his uncle, former Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa.

St. Francis' success is family affair

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

As Stan Bobowski was leading St. Francis to its first state football title on Saturday, his dad Stan Sr. had one of the best seats in the house -- as an assistant coach for the Spartans.

Live blog: St. Francis vs. Metamora

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

The Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns was live in Champaign for the Class 5A state title game between St. Francis and Metamora. The Spartans prevailed, but be sure to check out the commentary.

No shortage of champions at state

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

I didn�t hear a better perspective about champions, those that won football games here this weekend and those that didn�t � than the words of Dave Villarreal, whose son Dustin, a classmate and teammate of Geneva�s seniors, tragically died on May 5, 2006 of a heart ailment after collapsing while out with friends.

Live blog: Maine South vs. Hinsdale Central

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

The Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns was live in Champaign for Class 8A state title game between Maine South and Hinsdale Central. Check out how the Hawks' victory unfolded.

Live blog: Geneva vs. East St. Louis

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

The Beacon News' Jim Owczarski was live in Champaign for the Class 7A title game between Geneva and East St. Louis. Check out his commentary on the Flyers' win.

Live blog: Lemont vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

The Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns was live in Champaign for the Class 6A title game between Lemont and Sacred Heart-Griffin. Be sure to check out the blog.

Maine South walks a fine line in victory

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

With its highly productive spread scheme, Maine South�s offensive stars � quarterback Charlie Goro, wide receiver Joey Orlando and running back Matt Perez --- are usually the headline grabbers.

Eagles can't match Saints' firepower in 4A

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

Aaron Rebholz passed for 319 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 80 yards and two more as Bloomington Central Catholic knocked off Aurora Christian 37-28 in the Class 4A title game between unbeatens Friday night.

Knights tale has a happy ending

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:00 CST

A lot of history was made by Immaculate Conception. And the memory of a man who was a fixture in the program served as the inspiration.

Loyola rambles past Lane in Prep Bowl

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

Lucas Ruske ran for one touchdown and threw for another as Loyola blanked Lane Tech 17-0 Friday in the 75th Prep Bowl at Soldier Field.

Ramblers' 'D' makes a stand vs. Lane

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

Defense and field position are staples of Catholic League Football. And in the 75th annual Prep Bowl Friday at Soldier Field, Loyola put its trademark on just that.

Triopia crushes Stark County

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES NEWS GROUP — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

Led by running back David Arendt and quarterback Kellan Phelps, Triopia steamrolled to 410 yards rushing -- 299 in the first half -- en route to a 42-7 win and its first state title since 1975.

Illini West's late pass beats DuQuoin

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00 CST

A full dose of fullback Stefan Flynn and a final-minute play-action pass were the difference in Illini West's 21-14 win over DuQuoin Friday in the Class 3A state title game at Memorial Stadium.

Geneva prepares for Act II

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Class 7A prep football preview: Schools nearly 300 miles apart from one another don't normally develop a rivalry, and it's not quite to that point yet with Class 7A finalists Geneva and East St. Louis. The teams have played only twice, but there is potential for it.

Perez can shoulder load for Maine South

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

There was a chance that Matt Perez wasn�t going to play in Saturday night�s Class 8A semifinal against Bartlett. Perez hurt his left shoulder in the Hawks� 42-0 quarterfinal win over Barrington a week earlier.

Zajeski upholds tradition of No. 4

BY TAYLOR BELL — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Rich Zajeski is aware of Hinsdale Central�s football tradition, including Harvey Dickinson�s four unbeaten teams in the 1960s and the 2002 and 2005 semifinalists. As a 9-year-old in 1999, he recalls watching All-State running back Mike Mangan, one of his heroes.

Like mirror images

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Steve Tucker: Hinsdale Central and quarterback John Whitelaw will be playing in their first football state championship game Saturday at Memorial Stadium against top-rated Maine South and Sun-Times Player of the Year Charlie Goro. From quarterbacks on down, the Hawks and Red Devils look like the same team.

Geneva relies on Hofstetter to harry QB

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Geneva coach Rob Wicinski knows that getting after and disrupting East St. Louis quarterback Detchauz Wray is going to be essential in Saturday�s Class 7A state championship game.

Lemont eager for fresh shot in title game

BY CURT HERRON — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Lemont senior linebacker Ryan Fejedelem and his teammates have been on a mission. Ever since getting clobbered 49-7 by Joliet Catholic in last year�s Class 6A state title game, the Indians have been determined to get back Downstate.

Offensive line lights spark for St. Francis

BY DAN RUANE — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

St. Francis� Jason Lombardi and his linemates don�t get the publicity that running backs Stan Bobowski and Mark Kachmer do, but Bobowski and Kachmer know they wouldn�t be as successful without the offensive line.

Work ethic key for Eagles� QB Roberts

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe has seen and played with some of the best quarterbacks that have ever played the game. He�s not ready to put his quarterback, senior Jordan Roberts, on that list, but he does have his pen ready.

Purdom, IC putting it all on the line

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

With offensive linemen such as tackle Matt Purdom paving the way, the Knights have averaged about 350 yards rushing over the last five games, including four playoff victories that have put IC (9-4) in the Class 2A championship game Friday against Casey-Westfield.

A run through history

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

The 75th Prep Bowl will be played Friday, between Lane and Loyola. While the game has lost much of its appeal since the state playoff was introduced in 1974, it still is a significant event for kids who always have dreamed of playing at Soldier Field.

Spread the word: Ruske makes Ramblers� �O� go

BY PATRICK Z. McGAVIN — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

In one swoop, Lucas Ruske became the happiest quarterback imaginable. In Week 6, Loyola unveiled its four-receiver spread offense and gave Ruske freedom to take charge. It yielded a stunning upset of then-unbeaten St. Rita.

2-way star Trinca-Passat one key to Lane�s success

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

For a kid who played his first game of tackle football as a freshman at Lane, Louis Trinca-Passat is turning out to be quite a find.

Knights' Purdom prevails in semifinal vote

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

Immaculate Conception offensive tackle Matt Purdom was voted the top star of the semifinals by YourSeason.com readers. Geneva's Sean Grady came in second.

Lemont formulates a grand plan

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

After Lemont High School eliminated previously unbeaten Antioch 38-14 in last Saturday night's Class 6A state football semifinal, Indians coach Eric Michaelsen began the day after in the usual manner, attending church.

SouthtownStar/Pepsi 2008 All-Area Football Team

BY ALAN MACEY -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

The SouthtownStar/Pepsi 2008 All-Area Football Team will be honored at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Georgios in Orland Hills. Former Richards coach Gary Korhonen, the all-time winningest high school football coach in Illinois history, will be the guest speaker.

Ratay heads Beacon All-Area Football Team

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Geneva running back Michael Ratay is the 2008 Beacon News Football Athlete of the Year. While he has one game remaining this year, Ratay's season already is one of the most prolific any running back has produced in Illinois history.

Steve Tucker's preps notebook

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Sandburg�s Michigan-bound lineman Michael Schofield will play in the Hawaii All-Star Football Classic Dec. 12 in Honolulu ... and much more.

Lemont's Fejedelem and Ferry lead defense

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: Lemont seniors Ryan Ferry and Ryan Fejedelem lead a senior-laden group that is prepared for the Class 6A State Title game Saturday against Sacred Heart-Griffin. Along with senior inside linebacker Kyle Cummins and senior strong safety James Westferro, Ferry and Fejedelem function as the Indians' defensive captains, capable of guiding future lights like junior inside linebacker Connor Nagel.

6A final -- a battle of the fittest

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Now that the semifinals in the Class 6A state football playoffs are in the books, we can draw a couple of conclusions. First and foremost, the two teams in the championship game, Lemont and Sacred Heart-Griffin, deserve to be there.

Break it Down: Juniors star in semifinals

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Break it Down recaps the state football semifinals by looking at three of the better juniors in the area. Be sure to vote of the top star of the semifinals and to check out the quote of the week.

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after the semifinals

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Now that the semifinals are over, be sure to check out Steve Tucker's updated Super 25 football rankings.

Vote: Top star of the semifinals?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Check out YourSeason.com's nominations for the top players in the semifinals and to vote for who you think was the best.

Red Devils slow down Caravan, head to state

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

In 2002, Hinsdale Central�s John Whitelaw was the Red Devils ball boy. Now, the junior quarterback is the leader of a team headed for its first football state championship game.

Perez carries Maine South to Champaign

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Relying on running back Matt Perez, who rushed for 125 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns, visiting Maine South earned a trip to the Class 8A state championship game with a 23-6 victory over Bartlett on Saturday.

Flyers end Glenbard West's title bid

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

It was a disappointing ending to an otherwise exciting and highly successful season. Afterward, the players didn't run up the hill to ring the victory bell. There was nothing to celebrate after Glenbard West lost to East St. Louis 27-20 Saturday in their Class 7A semifinal in Glen Ellyn.

Dynamic duo sends St. Francis to Champaign

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

For the first time in its 52-year history, St. Francis will be playing for a state football championship. A big reason for that feat is the dynamic duo of Stan Bobowski and Mark Kachmer, who led the Spartans to a 21-20 win in a Class 5A semifinal.

Roberts rallies Eagles into 4A title game

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Jordan Roberts and Aurora Christian didn�t fall short this time. The Eagles rallied twice to upend host Richmond-Burton 29-20 Saturday in the Class 4A semifinals.

Lemont earns return trip to state

BY CURT HERRON — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Lemont took advantage of several Antioch mistakes en route to a 38-14 win in the Class 6A semifinals Saturday in Lemont.

Providence can't stop Cyclones

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Tim Dondanville passed for 136 yards and ran for 128 more as Sacred Heart-Griffin beat Providence 24-17 Saturday in the Class 6A semifinals.

Knights steamroll way to 2A final

BY PHIL BROZYNSKI — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Immaculate Conception continued to steamroll through the Class 2A playoff field Saturday, routing Clifton Central 52-14 to advance to Friday�s Class 2A championship game against Casey-Westfield in Champaign.

Ramblers roll into Prep Bowl

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Lucas Ruske passed for 121 yards and a touchdown as Loyola beat De La Salle 23-7 Saturday for the Catholic League title and a berth in the Prep Bowl.

Lane slows Greyhounds, wins Public League

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

Once again Lane Tech proved to be the Prairie State buster as the Indians defeated Hubbard 24-7 for the Public League championship Saturday at Hanson Stadium.

Live blog: East St. Louis at Glenbard West

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:00 CST

The Sun-Times' Adam Jahns was live at Glenbard West, where the Hilltoppers fell to East St. Louis in the Class 7A semifinals. Be sure to check out his blog here.

Saturday's football scores

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Scores from Saturday's semifinal football action.

Break it Down: Looking at Saturday's semis

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

It's down to the the Final Four - or eight, 16 or 32, depending on how many classes you are following en route to Champaign. Anyways, as promised, here is a special Saturday semifinal preview edition of Break it Down.

Grady punches Vikings' ticket to Champaign

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Sean Grady had 14 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery, threw a pass for a two-point conversion, kicked a field goal and ran for one yard as Geneva edged visiting Crystal Lake South 25-21 in a Class 7A semifinal Friday night.

Live blog: Crystal Lake South at Geneva

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

The Beacon News' Jim Owczarski was live at Geneva, where the Vikings defeated Crystal Lake South in the Class 7A semifinals. Be sure to check out his blog here.

Saturday's football preview capsules

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

The Sun-Times breaks down Saturday's semifinal games from 6A to 2A and the Catholic League and Public League title games.

Bartlett is the game to watch

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: No offense to Hinsdale Central and Mount Carmel, but the state playoff football game to watch tonight will take place at 7 at Millennium Field in Streamwood. That's where unbeaten Maine South and Bartlett -- both nicknamed the Hawks -- will square off with a trip to the Class 8A state championship game on the line.

Sun-Times All-Area football team

BY STEVE TUCKER AND TAYLOR BELL — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Two quarterbacks? This year, it was impossible to pick the 25-man Sun-Times All-Area team without both Maine South�s Charlie Goro and Mount Carmel�s Jordan Lynch. Be sure to check out the complete team here.

Time to deal with semifinal pressure

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:00 CST

Prep football commentary: What occurs on the local front today is something we see every November. Namely, one or more of our high school football teams -- usually more -- playing for a berth in state championship games the following weekend at the University of Illinois in Champaign. This time, Providence Catholic and Lemont carry the area banner.

Charlie's in charge

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Maine South�s Charlie Goro, one of the rarest of high school football players, is a two-time quarterback selection as a Chicago Sun-Times All-Area first-teamer, and he�s the 2008 Player of the Year.

This weekend's spotlight games

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00 CST

This weekend's spotlight games include: Crystal Lake South at Geneva; East St. Louis at Glenbard West; Maine South vs. Bartlett; and Mount Carmel at Hinsdale Central.

Mount Carmel going full throttle � and having fun

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti had two words for the "experts" who selected the Caravan as the preseason No. 1 team in the area. "I told them, 'That's ridiculous,' Lenti said. Thirteen weeks later, the prognosticators are looking pretty good.

Providence aiming to stay on home run

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

How can a team finish the regular season with a 5-4 record and then play three of four Class 6A football playoff games at home? Just ask Providence Catholic.

Lemont on guard for Antioch

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

After watching Antioch's football team in person and on videotape, Lemont coaches and players were in total agreement about their game plan for Saturday's Class 6A semifinal football showdown of unbeatens in Lemont.

Bartlett getting contributions from all

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: As is the case with any good team, Bartlett has a handful of star players in high-profile positions who make major impacts. The top-seeded Hawks will need a number of them to step up if they want to beat top ranked Maine South and advance to the Class 8A title game.

Full launch capability for Geneva

By PAUL JOHNSON Special to The Beacon News — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: Geneva coach Rob Wicinski has plenty of experience working new starting quarterbacks into his system without the program missing a beat. So Wicinski knew not to expect the sky from junior signal caller Brandon Beitzel early on this season.

Herald News preview capsules

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00 CST

The Herald News breaks down this weekend's semifinal games for Joliet area teams.

Beacon News matchup: Geneva vs. Crystal Lake South

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00 CST

Geneva is 25-10 and was a Class 6A semifinalist in 2006 and 2004; Crystal Lake South is 18-13.

Lemont's about to be blocked by Antioch

By Dave Masterson -- damasterson@scn1.com — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

The "Wall of Beef." Or, the WOB. That's the favorite play of the members of the 12-0 Antioch Sequoits' offensive linemen ... a screen pass to superstar running back Cameron White that is designed for the linemen to attack the second tier of the defense en masse.

Two teams better than we thought

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00 CST

On the eve of the semifinals in the state high school football playoffs, I feel the urge to play a game of true confessions. Think back to Week 1, when Providence Catholic opened against Lincoln-Way East. The Griffins won 18-14, although the Celtics had a shot.

For Caddick, it's always been about the kids

BY TONY BARANEK -- SOUTHTOWNSTAR — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Channel 2 wasn't there. Neither were Channels 5, 7, 9 or Fox. Heck, the SouthtownStar wasn't even there. But I just don't think the event that took place at Humphrey Field in Orland Park on Oct. 18 should be allowed to slip into the mist be fore somebody in our business says congratulations, good luck and, most of all, thank you to John Caddick.

Don�t overlook these unsung heroes

BY TAYLOR BELL — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

You may not be familiar with their names, but that�s only because they�re playing in the shadow of bigger headliners. But make no mistake. Players, such as Aurora Christian's Lewis Gaddis, are big reasons why their teams are still playing.

Knights' Cronin prevails in quarterfinals vote

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Immaculate Conception QB Will Cronin was voted the top player of the state quarterfinals by YourSeason.com readers. Cronin beat out Antioch standout running back Cameron White.

Providence's Houlihan has earned his nickname

BY BILL SCHEIBE -- HERALD NEWS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Prep football postseason: If he keeps his helmet on after practice, Pete Houlihan can walk through the hallways of Providence in perfect anonymity, just another 5-foot-8, 160-pound junior cornerback and kick/punt returner shaking the snow from his uniform and cleaning the mud from his cleats.

Bartlett has one last hurdle

BY RJ GERBER -- COURIER NEWS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

One last hurdle remains before Bartlett football can arrive in the Class 8A state title game. Maine South visits the Hawks at 7:08 Saturday night for a televised state semifinal clash of unbeatens at Millennium Field in Streamwood.

Zielke has Eagles offense, defense humming

BY JIM OWCZARSKI -- BEACON NEWS — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00 CST

Long before the season started, Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe gave his thoughts on the guys the cornerbacks, and how good they were going to be. Especially David Zielke -- a guy not on the radar of many observers.

Coaches set tone for survivors

BY DICK GOSS -- HERALD NEWS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Watch Mark Coglianese on the sideline Saturday afternoon, when his Providence team entertains Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in a Class 6A semifinal. Then head to Lemont for the other 6A semifinal against Antioch and watch how Indians coach Eric Michaelsen goes about his business. In each case, there is a calm the head coach brings to the mix.

Hopkins picks Iowa

BY TAYLOR BELL — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

St. Rita linebacker Marty Hopkins gave an oral commitment to Iowa on Tuesday. The 6-3, 240 pound senior led the Mustangs to the Catholic League Blue title and the Class 7A state quarterfinals.

Bartlett-Maine South game to be televised

COURIER NEWS STAFF REPORTS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00 CST

Bartlett's Class 8A state semifinal playoff football game against Maine South on Saturday night will be televised by the Illinois High School Association TV Network.

Rashee's return helps Lane stun Mustangs

BY PATRICK Z. MCGAVIN — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Allen Rashee returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, sparking Lane to a 14-6 win over Morgan Park Monday in the Public League semifinals.

Hubbard pulls away to beat Simeon

BY CLYDE TRAVIS — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Hubbard withstood a second-half rally by Prairie State foe Simeon before pulling out a 30-14 victory Monday in the Public League semifinalsat Gately Stadium.

Bartlett gains respect for Upstate 8

BY ERIK JACOBSEN -- COURIER NEWS — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

For several weeks now, each Bartlett football victory has broken new ground in program history.

Steve Tucker's Super 25 after quarterfinals

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

The quarterfinals are over, so be sure to check out Steve Tucker's updated Super 25 heading into the semifinals. Mount Carmel and Hinsdale Central have moved up ... but other teams have dropped.

Break it Down: Big wins in the quarterfinals

BY ADAM L. JAHNS -- SUN-TIMES — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00 CST

Break it Down recaps the quarterfinals of the state football playoffs. Be sure to vote for the top player of the quarterfinals and to see what area teams are making their first semifinal appearances.

Eagles end Driscoll's state title streak at 7

BY CARTER CRANE — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Aurora Christian held off a Driscoll comeback to win 24-17 Saturday in a Class 4A quarterfinal and end the Highlanders' run of state championships at seven.

Maine South's fast start buries Broncos

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Charlie Goro, Matt Perez and the rest of Maine South made it look easy as the Hawks rolled past host Barrington 42-0 in the Class 8A playoffs.

Lutz's boot carries Devils past Rice

BY STEVE TUCKER -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

David Lutz�s field goal with 17.8 seconds remaining, hit the junction of the crossbar and the upright and fell over to give Hinsdale Central a 17-14 victory over host Brother Rice before a standing-room crowd of 6,000 in a Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday night.

Surging Celtics blank Rock Island

BY CURT HERRON — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Providence advanced to the semifinals for the 12th time in 15 years after rolling to a 38-0 win over Rock Island in a Class 6A quarterfinal game in New Lenox on Saturday.

St. Francis gains revenge vs. Montini

BY TAYLOR BELL — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

St. Francis, which allowed 41 points and lost to Suburban Catholic rival Montini by a 20-point margin in Week 4, turned the tables on Saturday by stunning the Broncos 28-14 in Lombard in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoff.

Ratay rambles on for Geneva vs. Carmel

BY DAN RUANE — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Michael Ratay ran for 134 of his 190 yards in the second half and scored three touchdowns as Geneva knocked off Carmel 35-21 Saturday in the Class 7A quarterfinals.

Sequoits win in OT, earn first trip to semis

BY TINA AKOURIS -- SUN-TIMES — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Cameron White ran for one touchdown and threw the game-winning TD in overtime Saturday as Antioch beat Glenbard South 28-27 in Class 7A quarterfinal play.

Gators edge Cary-Grove in OT

BY DICK QUAGLIANO — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Crystal Lake South�s Derek Mortensen went airborne in overtime to land the Gators in the Class 7A semifinals with a 14-7 win over Cary-Grove on Saturday.

Bartlett advances on Karys' field goal

BY BRIAN BOWN — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Dan Karys' 25-yard field goal with seven seconds left lifted Bartlett to a 38-35 victory Saturday against host Schaumburg in the Class 8A quarterfinals.

Flyers' comeback shocks St. Rita

BY RANDY WHALEN — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

St. Rita couldn't hold a 21-point lead, losing 35-28 to host East St. Louis in a Class 7A quarterfinal on Saturday.

Hayes, Lemont race past Grant

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Danny Hayes scored four touchdowns to lead unbeaten Lemont past Grant 35-14 Saturday in the Class 6A quarterfinals.

Kays' run continues with win over Morris

BY SCOTT POWERS — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Led by Jalon Banks, Kankakee erased an early deficit by scoring 30 unanswered points en route to a 36-21 win over Morris Saturday in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

Cronin's running, passing paces Knights

BY ALAN FERGUSON — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:00 CST

Will Cronin passed for 137 yards and ran for 91 more as 15th-seeded Immaculate Conception rolled past Bureau Valley 41-8 Saturday in the Class 2A quarterfinals.