Monticello put 20 up in the first half, and the rest is history, as Monticello would go on to win their IHSA 3A Semifinals 40-14 against #2 Carlinville.

Both teams were undefeated coming into the matchup between the #1 and #2 seed. Only one would be able to leave the game victorious. Monticello came up in the first half with Devin Graham catching a 53-yard touchdown pass. Braden Snyder throwing for 12-18 for 277 yards 5 touchdowns and running for 47 yards and one touchdown connected multiple times with Graham. Graham had four receptions for over 115. The Sages wouldn't stop with just Graham, as Asher Bradd who had three receptions for 57 yards, caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Snyder. The catch put Monticello early in the first quarter 13-0.

In the second quarter, Monticello stuck to more of a running game handing off to Alek Bundy and Snyder getting a touchdown. Alek Bundy ran for 104 yards, Snyder ran on a 16-yard quarterback keeper spinning off a Cavalier into the end zone putting Monticello up 20-0 in the first half.

Carlinville wouldn't get much room to move on offense, All-State Jarrett Easterday struggled throwing for 12-28, 133 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Ethan Wallace struggled with rushing as well, running for just 25 yards. Will Walton led in receiving with five receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown late in the game getting to the final score 40-14.

Monticello will travel to state for their first time in history. The first time state finalists will play Byron, whom they lost to last year by one point in the semifinals. 

Catch the game on Friday, November 24, at 4 pm  from Memorial Stadium on 95.9 FM WEZC and streamed at dewittdailynews.com.