The Monticello Sages are to their goal of five wins to qualify for the playoffs and defend their Class 3A state title but now they want more.

Monticello dominated Pontiac 59-7 in a rout Friday night in Illini Prairie Conference action to get them to five wins and qualifying for a playoff spot. Monticello will face a pair of quality opponents to finish out the season. The Sages travel to Prairie Central Friday and then host St. Joseph-Ogden in week 9 to finish out the year. 

Prairie Central and Monticello will enter week 8 action 5-2 overall in what will essentially be the third-place game for the Illini Prairie Conference. The Hawks dominated Olympia 48-7 Friday night.

St. Joseph-Ogden lost Friday to Illinois Valley Central, who in week six, clinched the Illini Prairie Conference regular-season title. 

Despite a loss on the road to Tolono Unity in week six, the Sages took a huge step forward and continued that improvement in their win Friday night. 

Just about every week has been a test for the Sages this season, and their latest is Friday night in Fairbury against Prairie Central. Game time is 7 pm and can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.