Monticello was approaching its week four matchup against Decatur St. Teresa like a playoff game - and Coach Cully Welter felt his team answered the bell.

Because of how difficult the Illini Prairie Conference is this season, the Sages approached their match-up with their former Okaw Valley Conference rivals like a must-win, and Coach Welter felt his team bounced back after a lackluster win over Rantoul the week before.

Senior quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper ran for over 200 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Coach Welter was pleased with that aspect of his offense, but still feels it is a work in progress.

With Bloomington Central Catholic and St. Joseph-Ogden coming up on the Sages' schedule, Coach Welter says that the win over St. T was a must-win.

Monticello hosts Bloomington Central Catholicon  Friday night. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com. Game time is 7 pm.