After a 15-play scoring drive to open the game that spanned eight-plus minutes, Monticello held Bloomington Central Catholic High School scoreless the rest of the way and came away with a 20-7 Friday night Illini Conference football action from Monticello High School.

Jake Slaughter had 14 of his 24 first-half carries on the opening possession and capped the 15-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

But after that, Monticello’s defense tightened up and did not allow the Saints to find the end zone again.

On the ensuing possession, Joey Sprinkle was thrown to the ground after a third-down incompletion with the ball at the 1-yard line and a roughing the passer penalty set the Sages up for a 1st and goal from the half-yard line. Sprinkle powered in over the left guard for the score on the next play to make it 7-6. 

Sprinkle added a 14-yard touchdown run on a scramble play in the second quarter to make it 12-7. 

Sprinkle added a 10-yard touchdown to Tristan Foran to create separation, 20-7.

Sprinkle finished with 142 yards passing on 10-for-14 with a touchdown and ran for 53 yards and two scores. 

Star tailback Chris Brown was held quiet on the ground throughout the night but finished with two catches for 45 yards. 

Foran also finished with two catches for 45 yards and his touchdown. Hayden Graham added three receptions for 31 yards and Jacob Tackett made several big plays on defense and also had a 37-yard reception that set up Foran’s 10-yard touchdown catch a few plays later.

The Sages improve to 1-0 and travel to Prairie Central next Friday night. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and dewittdailynews.com.