It wasn't lost on Monticello football Coach Cully Welter his team could face a handful of opponents that had been thorns in their side in the postseason over his time at Monticello.

First it was DuQuoin who the Sages were 0-2 against in the playoffs in the last five years. Then it was Williamsville who beat Monticello in 2012 and throttled this year's seniors in freshman football. And most recently, a thrilling overtime win over Benton avenged a disappointing loss in 2022.

Coach Cully Welter was thrilled to come out of the Benton overtime game with a win because he feels his team isn't built for overtime.

Before needing a stop on a two-point conversion for the win in overtime, Monticello led 14-0 and it was looking like the Sages were on its way to another runaway win - especially after a 98-yard pass from Ike Young to Carter Foran, but the score was called back and Coach Welter felt that was a pivotal point in the game.

Despite the adversity of getting a pivotal touchdown called back then surrendering a safety and a 14-0 lead, Coach Welter credited his team with grinding through it all and coming up big at the end of the game.

Now it's off to host Tolono Unity on Saturday afternoon in Class 3A semifinal action. The Rockets have had the Sages number often over the years in both the postseason and regular season. The winner advances to the state finals next Friday in Normal.

Football semifinal matchups

Class 1A

 Lena-Winslow (12-0) at LeRoy (12-0) Sat. 2:00 pm

Class 2A

Maroa-Forsyth (11-1) at Johnston City (11-1) Sat. 3:30 pm

Class 4A

Mt. Zion (9-3) at Normal U-High (10-2) Sat. 7:00 pm