Backed up against the end zone with a 25-21 lead, a Monticello fumble in the end zone on 3rd and 13 was recovered for a touchdown and gave DuQuoin a 28-25 lead and the Indians held on for the win in the first round of the IHSA 3A playoffs Saturday at DuQuoin High School, ending the Sages defense of their state title from last season.
DuQoin marched down the field and was at the goal line on a first-and-goal, electing to run on a running back toss but the Sages dropped Evan Zettler for a five-yard loss and DuQuoin quarterback Alex Zimmerman missed on his next three pass attempts and the Sages took over on downs at their own six-yard line with 1:11 to play.
The Sages set up in the shotgun on 1st and 10 and a Nic Tackels option play to Chris Brown nearly resulted in a safety on first down at the 1-minute mark, but Brown was able to just get passed the goal line setting up 2nd and 15.
A quarterback sneak on second down gave the Sages a little breathing room but on the next play, a handoff to Kolton Knuffman swallowed up just passed the goal line but Knuffman fumbled and the Indians recovered in the end zone to take the lead for good and Monticello turned it over on downs on the final play of the game.
The Sages started quickly as Matt Kerr hauled in a 60-yard pass on the first play of the game. The Sages stalled out inside the ten and Andrew Ellison booted a 25 yard field go for a 3-0 lead.
On the ensuing drive by DuQuoin, their first three plays all resulted in negative yardage and the Indians went 3-and-out. The snap on the punt went over Konner Harris’ head and his kick was blocked by Matt Kerr and went through the back of the end zone for a safety and a 5-0 Sages lead.
The first play of the second quarter, Tackels connected with senior Spencer Brown for the 12-0 lead.
The Indians rebounded to score the last 14 points of the half, the final seven following a Tackels interception. Tackels interception followed the play after a Chris Brown 58 yard touchdown was taken off the board on a questionable holding.
DuQuoin jumped in front 21-12 the third but Monticello responded with a Tackels quarterback sneak on the goal line on the next possession.
The Sages final score came on a six-yard connection to Spencer Brown from Tackels.
Spencer Brown led the Sages offense with four catches for 81 yards and two scores. Tackels finished 17-for-28 and 287 yards passing with three total touchdowns and an interception.
Chris Brown was limited to just 44 yards on ten carries.
The Sages finish 6-4 overall.
DuQuoin improves to 9-1 overall and will travel to Williamsville.
