The Sentinel: 12/01/24

State Football |
Chicago Christian overpowers Maroa-Forsyth to claim Class 2A Football trophy

NORMAL - In a game dominated by uncompromising defense and a powerful running attack, Chicago Christian rolled over Maroa-Forsyth, 47-0, to claim its first Class 2A football state championship Friday at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium on a cold Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving. The Knights (13-1) were relentless on both sides of the ball, leaving no doubt in their decisive victory over the perennial downstate powerhouse Trojans (12-2).

The championship clash, which lasted just two hours and 17 minutes, saw Chicago Christian impose its will early and often. Behind a ground game that churned out 314 yards, the Knights moved the chains 22 times, with 17 of those coming on rushing plays.

Leading the charge was Kenny Jager, who carried the ball 38 times for 223 yards, battering through the Trojans' front line. Christian Flutman added a versatile performance, completing 12 of 16 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 86 yards and three scores on just eight attempts.

Maroa-Forsyth’s defense displayed its signature grit

On defense, Chicago Christian was unyielding. The Knights held Maroa-Forsyth to a meager 23 yards of total offense—just seven on the ground and 16 through the air—a record low in the 50-year history of the Class 2A championship. Brock Sperling anchored the effort, recording a sack, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Nine of Chicago Christian’s 35 players contributed on both sides of the ball, underscoring their depth and versatility. In their first-ever championship appearance, the Knights showcased a balanced attack and a defense that smothered a typically high-powered Maroa-Forsyth offense.

The game was a stark departure from the closely contested battle many had anticipated. Maroa-Forsyth, projected by some to edge Chicago Christian in a shootout, managed just two first downs across four quarters. Their leading rusher, Khanton Wilson, posted only 20 yards on five carries, while Aiden Williams and Zach Smith combined for 11 yards on five attempts.

Despite the lopsided loss, Maroa-Forsyth’s defense displayed its signature grit, with Troy Pulliam amassing 10 tackles. Dilsharan Singh and Grant Smith each added nine stops, while Owen Smith contributed eight.

For the Trojans, coming into the title game with only one loss, the defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar season. Known for their consistency at the state level, Maroa-Forsyth has reached the Class 2A championship game four times in the last eight years, including three straight appearances from 2016 to 2018.

The senior from Maroa-Forsyth depart with an impressive 44-7 record and multiple Sangamo conference titles, maintaining the program's legacy as a downstate small school powerhouse under Hall-of-Fame head coach Josh Jostes.

Keywords: Class 2A state championship Chicago Christian football
Maroa-Forsyth Trojans high school football playoffs

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