Tristan Foran wrestled away an interception from his defender in the end zone for a go-ahead score as Monticello outlasted Bloomington Central Catholic in a 32-27 thriller Friday night from Monticello High School in Illini Prairie Conference football action.
From the 8-yard line, Joey Sprinkle’s pass sailed high, Foran wrestled the pass away from his defender. Initially ruled an incomplete pass, the officials overturned the call after about a minute of deliberation.
The touchdown was set up by a 47-yard reception by Tylor Bundy on a 3rd and 25 after Monticello had a first down called back because of a questionable block in the back. With pressure in his face, Sprinkle lofted a floater up the junior had to sky for to snag out of the air and tumbled another 10-yards for a momentum-changing first down.
The Sages got down quickly 10-0 after BCC used an 8-plus minute drive to strike first on the opening possession of the game.
After an early field goal in the second quarter, the Sages answered with 12 straight points on a Sprinkle one-yard touchdown pass to Foran and then Sprinkle ran another score in from 4-yards out.
The Sages held a 19-18 advantage at the break.
Out of the half, Monticello went three-and-out but on the Saints' first possession, a deep pass over the middle was tipped and picked by Peyton Scott, setting up an 18-yard touchdown pass to Blake McDuffie on a screen pass.
The Sages withstood a fourth-quarter safety after a punt by Sprinkle was blocked and stayed poised when the Saints took a late 27-26 lead.
Sprinkle finished with 163 yards through the air and four touchdowns and 81 yards on the ground with a touchdown.
Foran finished with eight catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Jacob Tackett finished with 81 total yards and a touchdown.
Monticello improves to 4-0 overall and will travel to Pontiac next Friday night.
BCC is 3-1.
Hear next week’s action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.