The Monticello Sages used a big third quarter to pull away from Rantoul in a 44-6 rout in Illini Prairie Conference high school football action Friday night in Rantoul.

The Sages opened up a 17-0 halftime lead on touchdown runs by quarterback Nic Tackels and a 30-yard field goal by Andrew Ellison.

Tackels found the end zone for a third time on a one-yard quarterback sneak in the third quarter, then hooked up with Matt Kerr for a 51-yard throw and again punched one in from a half-yard out in a 20 point third quarter that allowed Monticello to open up a 37-0 lead.

In a scary moment in the third quarter, Kerr took a pass from Tackels on a screen and raced for the end zone from 11 yards out but was upended and landed on his head and remained on the turf motionless for about ten minutes before being taken off on a stretcher. 

Coach Cully Welter says Kerr had feeling and movement but felt pain in his neck and the team will await further information before determining his status going forward.

The Sages scored again in the fourth quarter on a Hayden Graham 23-yard jet sweep.

The Eagles found the end zone on a 55-yard run by Ryan Buford late in the fourth.

Tackels finished the night 6-for-11 passing for 102 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 89 yards on 15 carries and scored four times on the ground. 

Chris Brown did not find the end zone for the first time this season but was an efficient 22 carries for 150 yards. 

Matt Kerr caught a touchdown for the second straight game and finished with 74 yards and three receptions. Tristan Foran had a 37-yard catch in the first quarter. 

The Sages improved to 3-1 overall while Rantoul remains winless at 0-4. 

Monticello hosts Bloomington Central Catholic next week for Homecoming. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.