In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Nolan Buehnerkemper hit Zeke Young from 30 yards out for what proved to be the game-winner, and Monticello knocked off Prairie Central 18-14 in Illini Prairie Conference high school football action from Fairbury Friday night.
Monticello had to score on a fourth and short to get within 14-12 after a back-and-forth spot and measurement. On a third down, the Sages were spotted very close to a first down. The officials congregated to determine the spot, then decided to measure.
Upon the measurement, it was originally ruled a first down, but then a second look determined the ball was barely short of the first down.
On the fourth and short, an end-around-reverse sprung Young free for a 32-yard touchdown. Monticello's attempt to tie the game on the two-point conversion failed.
The Sages then stopped the Hawks on the next possession, setting up Buehnerkemper and Young's connection late on a well-run post route by Young and well well-thrown ball by Buehnerkemper.
Each team scored on its opening possession. Monticello opened the scoring with a 14-play, 80-yard drive - highlighted by a trio of third-down conversions and a fourth-down conversion - capped by Buehnerkemper scoring from two yards on a third-and-goal from the two-yard line.
The drive lasted 8:02, and the extra point was blocked for a 6-0 lead.
The Hawks answered when Daulton Steidenger hit Collin Kilgus on an 18-yard pass that Monticello lost track of the tailback on a wheel route out of the backfield.
Each team had its only other possession of the first half stall out, making it 7-6 at the half.
Prairie Central opened the second half by scoring on a four-yard pass by Steidenger to Teegan Knox.
The Sages' opening drive was highlighted by Buehnerkemper completing his first five passes. The senior finished 22-of-29 for 245 yards with a touchdown. He also rushed for 8 yards on five carries with a touchdown.
Young led the Sages with 11 receptions and 107 yards as well as 52 yards rushing and another score. He also helped seal the Sages' victory with a late interception as the Hawks were driving late. Young earned the State Bank of Bement Player of the Game.
Senior Jake Robinson had seven catches for 117 yards.
Will Skala led Prairie Central with 24 carries for 84 yards. Steidenger threw for 114 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
Friday's loss puts a dent in the playoff hopes for Prairie Central. The Hawks fall to 4-4 and matchup with undefeated Bloomington Central Catholic awaits next Friday.
Monticello clinches a playoff spot, going to 6-2. They will host Paxton-Buckley-Loda next Friday. Hear Friday's action on 95.9 F WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
