Both DuQuoin and Monticello struggled for offense early but a key sequence at the end of the first half and the start of the second half propelled the Sages to a 49-20 win in first-round Class 3A high school football action.
Monticello scored on the opening play from scrimmage when Sages senior quarterback Ike Young ran 66 yards for a touchdown. However, after that, the offense came at a premium for both sides.
DuQuoin broke through with a touchdown with 4:31 left in the second quarter to tie the game at 7-7. But Monticello answered with a quick score and after forcing the Indians to a three-and-out, they came down and scored again with 35 seconds left in the first half to go up 21-7. The Sages would get another score early in the third quarter to go up 28-7.
Monticello coach Cully Welter felt that helped turn the game in their favor.
Big plays continue to plague Monticello's defense. Coach Welter points out there's been a few games this year where they get some separation but the opponent gets a big play to get right back in the game.
The Sages offense was sluggish until late in the first half but Coach Welter credits his quarterback coach Coach Chris Jones for getting his senior quarterback to settle down and make good throws the rest of the way as Young completed seven of his eight final throws on the afternoon.
It's off to Williamsville on Saturday for second-round action. Coach Welter is good friends will Williamsville head coach Aaron Kunz. The Bullets have played in three state title games under his leadership and a shakeup on offense for them this year will be a challenge for Monticello.
Williamsville was ranked sixth in the final 3A high school football poll while Monticello came in seventh. Game time is 2 pm Saturday. Hear Saturday's action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
Second-round playoff matchups
Class 1A
Camp Point Central 2:00 pm
Toledo-Cumberland
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 2:00v pm
Newman Central Catholic
LeRoy 1:00 pm
Rockford Lutheran
Tri-Valley 2:00 pm
Chicago Christian
Johnston City 5:00 pm
Warrensburg-Latham
Maroa-Forsyth 2:30 pm
Chester
Quincy Notre Dame 2:00 pm
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
St. Joseph-Ogden 2:00 pm
Tolono Unity
Wilmington 5:00 pm
Eureka
Class 5A
Peoria Notre Dame 7:00 pm (FRI)
Mt. Zion
Richland County 4:00 pm
Normal U-High
Peoria 7:00 pm (FRI)
Thornton Fractional North
Chicago Morgan Park 2:00 pm
Metamora
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 2:00 pm
Joliet Catholic
Class 6A
Oak Lawn Richards 7:00 pm (FRI)
Washington
East St. Louis 2:00 pm
Normal West
Kankakee 2:00 pm
Bloomington
Oak Forest 2:00 pm
Chatham-Glenwood
Class 7A
Normal Community 7:00 pm (FRI)
Mt. Prospect
