Football: State title game preview capsules

Updated: November 23, 2011 6:46PM

All games at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, and broadcast by Comcast SportsNet and Ch. 5.2.

CLASS 1A

Tuscola (11-2) vs. Dakota (11-2)

When: 10 a.m. Friday

Outlook: Dakota started 1-2, but avenged both those losses in the playoffs, beating Forreston in the quarterfinals and Aquin in the semis. Jake Apple averages 10 yards a carry and has rushed for 2,201 yards and 31 scores for the Indians. Quarterback Phil Meyer has accounted for 3,003 total yards and 35 touchdowns for Tuscola.

CLASS 2A

Casey-Westfield (12-1) vs. Morrison (12-1)

When: 1 p.m. Friday

Outlook: Linebacker Matt McCown has 103 tackles to lead a Casey-Westfield is allowing 151 yards and just under five points a game. Quarterback Heath Huisinga has 2,185 total yards and 25 touchdowns for the Warriors. Morrison, seeking its second title in three seasons, relies on the passing of Danny Dennehey (1,585 yards, 13 touchdowns) and the running of Andy Schaver (1,034 yards, 19 touchdowns) and Mark McDonnell (942 yards, 16 total scores).

CLASS 3A

Mt. Carmel, Ill. (12-1) vs. Aurora Christian (12-1)

When: 4 p.m. Friday

Outlook: Aurora Christian is best known for a passing attack led by Western Michigan recruit Anthony Maddie (3,706 yards, 50 touchdowns). But the Eagles can run the ball effectively as well – they have more than 2,000 rushing yards collectively and Maddie has 925 himself with 14 touchdowns. It’s the second title game for Aurora Christian, which was second in 3A in 2007. Downstate Mt. Carmel has attempted just 82 passes all season, relying on a ground game led by Dallas Cook (1,410 yards, 24 touchdowns).

CLASS 4A

Rochester (11-2) vs. Richmond-Burton (12-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Outlook: Rochester quarterback Wes Lunt, who has committed to Oklahoma State, has thrown for 3,145 yards and 28 touchdowns, numbers that are even more impressive considering his season started late because of a broken bone in his right foot. Running back Garret Dooley (25 touchdowns) adds another dimension for Rochester, which is seeking its second straight 4A title. Richmond-Burton, in its first title game since winning Class 2A in 1992, also has a standout making up for lost time: Jack Dechow has rushed for 1,078 yards and 13 scores after returning from a broken ankle.

CLASS 5A

Joliet Catholic (11-2) vs. Montini (11-2)

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

Outlook: The record for the highest-scoring title game (Plano’s 47-42 Class 3A win over St. Joseph-Ogden in 2006) could fall in this matchup, which features a pair of offenses capable of putting up video game-like numbers. Joliet Catholic averages 446 yards and 48 points a game, thanks to the efforts of playmakers like Ty Isaac (2,114 rushing yards, 45 total touchdowns) and Northwestern-bound Malin Jones (1,494 rushing yards, 28 scores). Two-time defending 5A champ Montini counters with a passing attack that has shifted into overdrive since the midseason return from injury of quarterback John Rhode (2,447 yards, 35 touchdowns). His targets include Nebraska-bound Jordan Westerkamp (78 catches, 1,342 yards, 24 touchdowns), Joe Borsellino and Anthony Taylor.

CLASS 6A

Richwoods (10-3) vs. Prairie Ridge (12-1)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Prairie Ridge has used a diversified offense to reach its first state final. Quarterback Nick Nissen (1.962 total yards, 34 rushing and passing scores), Jordan Getzelman (1,219 rushing yards, 26 total touchdowns) and Connor Greenwald (1,128 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns) all are capable of burning opposing defenses. Brad Simms’ 17 sacks pace the Wolves’ defense, which is allowing nine points a game in the playoffs. Richwoods has righted the ship, winning 10 straight after an 0-3 start capped by a 63-34 loss to Joliet Catholic. Among the Knights’ victims were previously unbeaten Crete-Monee and Lemont. Kendrick Foster has rushed for 2,362 yards and scored 32 touchdowns to lead Richwoods’ offense.

CLASS 7A

WW South (10-3) vs. Boylan (13-0)

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: Wheaton Warrenville South has overcome a 1-3 start and a series of injuries to quarterbacks Thaddeus Armstrong and Ryan Graham to move within one win of a third consecutive Class 7A title. Northwestern recruit Dan Vitale (1,219 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns) has provided most of the offense lately for the Tigers, including three early touchdowns last week. Adam Dansdill (136 tackles, 10 sacks) and Brandon Peterson (112 tackles, 13 sacks) are among the leaders of a WW South defense that has paved the way for consecutive road playoff wins vs. Lincoln-Way East, East St. Louis and St. Rita. Boylan, last year’s Class 6A champ, has a 27-game winning streak and hasn’t lost a regular-season game since 2006. Tyreis Thomas has rushed for 1,471 yards and 24 scores for the Titans.

CLASS 8A

Bolingbrook (12-1) vs. Loyola (13-0)

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Outlook: A pair of mobile quarterbacks lead two productive offenses in a matchup of teams each making their first title-game appearance since 1993 (Loyola won 6A, Bolingbrook was second in 5A). Loyola senior Malcolm Weaver has thrown for 2,266 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 440 yards and five scores, while Bolingbrook junior Aaron Bailey has 1,834 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns along with 899 passing yards and 10 scores. Luke Ford has 19 sacks for a Loyola defense that has held eight opponents to a touchdown or less. Florida-bound linebacker Antonio Morrison (foot) missed the semifinal win over Naperville Central and his status is uncertain for this week.

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