Improbable. Revenge tour. Unexpected. Resilient. 

The superlatives for the 2024 Monticello Sages football team have taken them to the Class 3A state title game today and Coach Cully Welter says the journey sometimes wasn't pretty but they got it done - the latest being a 23-20 victory over rival Tolono Unity. 

Montini is very good overall. Coach Welter says their defense is very stout and the things they do well will present quite the challenge for his pass-first offense.

Montini offers a high powered offense with a tall quarterback who has a nice arm. While they offer a good passing game, Coach Welter says they are balanced. 

Coach Welter says the teams that have success against Montini have been able to sustain offense and keep the ball away from their offense. While Monticello is a generally pass first team, he hopes their short passing game and quarterback run game can keep some drives moving. 

Game time is 4 pm this evening. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. 

State final action this weekend

FRI

Class 1A

Lena-Winslow         10:00am
Belleville Althoff Catholic

Class 2A

Chicago Christian         1:00pm
Maroa-Forsyth

Class 4A

DePaul Prep         7:00pm
Mt. Zion

SAT

Class 5A

Nazareth Academy         10:00am
Joliet Catholic

Class 6A

Geneva         1:00pm
East St. Louis 

Batavia         4:00pm
Chicago Mt. Carmel

Loyola Academy     7:00pm
York