You won't find Monticello football coach Cully Welter down too much these days but after week seven's disappointing 22-17 loss to Paxton-Buckley-Loda, the Hall of Fame coach was really beating himself up and nearly at a loss for words.

Those feelings of disappointment and even a bit of despair turned to elation after his team picked up a crucial 21-13 win over Prairie Central on a wet and windy night in Fairbury Friday - bringing the Sages to playoff eligibility again in 2023.

Senior quarterback Luke Teschke put his team on his back and played a near-flawless game in the win Friday, picking touch yards for first downs and making smart decisions in the passing game. Coach Welter felt his first-year quarterback trusted himself more Friday and it paid for him.

On the second play from scrimmage, Prairie Central ripped off a 64-yard run that set them up at the one-yard line but the Sages forced a fumble and the Hawks did not get inside the red zone again until late in the fourth quarter. Coach Welter says plays like that are why you always play hard.

Coach Welter was also very pleased with how his team methodically moved the ball on a couple of drives, keeping the Prairie Central offense off the field.

The Sages wrap up its regular season with a home game against rival Tolono Unity Friday night at 7 pm. Hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.