SJO Hosts Toyota of Danville Classic, McNamara returns to defend title

The Toyota of Danville Classic returns to St. Joseph-Ogden next week where basketball fans can enjoy the mix of high-energy basketball, strategy, and fast breaks.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Ryker Lockhart fights to snag a rebound with McNamara's Callaghan O'Connor under the rim during the Toyota of Danville Classic championship match in 2024. The Fightin' Irish defeated the 2023 champion Spartans in a fierce battle 57-48. O'Conner finished with seven points, while Lockhart led SJO with 12 points. The two juniors and their teams are projected to square off again in the title game on December 6.

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ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden High School will welcome some of the region’s top teams next week for the annual Toyota of Danville Classic, an early-season basketball tournament that promises five days of fast-paced action and intense competition. Known as The Leader Classic for nearly three decades before being renamed in 2018, this year’s tournament runs Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Saturday, Dec. 6.

Last year’s champion, Bishop McNamara, who edged St. Joseph-Ogden 57-48 in the title game, returns along with all seven teams from the previous field. Pool A features Cissna Park, Charleston, PBL, and Bishop McNamara, while Pool B includes Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, Oakwood, host St. Joseph-Ogden, and Watseka.

Fans can look forward to 16 games over the course of the tournament, highlighted by the 35-second shot clock and the usual mix of high-energy play and early-season matchups. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students per night, covering all three games scheduled each evening. Tournament play opens Tuesday at 5 p.m., kicking off what promises to be another memorable edition of the Classic.

2025 Toyota of Danville Classic Schedule

Pool A:
Cissna Park
Charleston
PBL
Kankakee Bishop McNamara

Pool B:
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
Oakwood
St. Joseph-Ogden
Watseka

Tuesday, 12/2/25:

5:00 PM: Kankakee Bishop McNamara vs. Charleston
6:30 PM: ALAH vs. St. Joseph-Ogden
8:00 PM: Cissna Park vs. PBL

Wednesday, 12/3/25:

5:00 PM: Watseka vs. Oakwood
6:30 PM: PBL vs. Kankakee Bishop McNamara
8:00 PM: Charleston vs. Cissna Park

Thursday, 12/4/25:

5:00 PM: Oakwood vs. ALAH
6:30 PM: Watseka vs. St. Joseph-Ogden
8:00 PM: Charleston vs. PBL

Friday, 12/5/25:

5:00 PM: Cissna Park vs. Kankakee Bishop McNamara
6:30 PM: ALAH vs. Watseka
8:00 PM: Oakwood vs. St. Joseph-Ogden

Saturday, 12/6/25:

1:00 PM: 7th Place Game
2:30 PM: 5th Place Game
4:00 PM: 3rd Place Game
5:30 PM: 1st Place Game

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TAGS: Toyota of Danville Classic 2025, St. Joseph-Ogden basketball tournament schedule, Bishop McNamara high school basketball, IHSA early-season basketball games, high school basketball 35-second shot clock, St. Joseph-Ogden basketball tickets, Charleston vs Cissna Park game, Oakwood vs ALAH matchup, Watseka vs St. Joseph-Ogden, PBL vs Bishop McNamara

State Bound!Unity prevails over SJO in 3A semifinal clash

Unity topped St. Joseph-Ogden 51-44 in a playoff thriller loaded with big plays. The Rockets capitalized on two second-quarter interceptions to build a crucial lead.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Members of the Unity football team celebrate their win over St. Joseph-Ogden. Winning the semifinal game, the Rockets earned the right to face Byron next Friday for the Class 3A title.

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ST. JOSEPH - Unity earned its ticket to the IHSA Class 3A championship game with a 51-44 win over St. Joseph-Ogden on a bright mid-November afternoon at Dick Duval Field. The matchup between two of central Illinois’ most consistent football powers delivered everything expected from a playoff showdown, with both teams trading big plays and momentum swings before the Rockets closed the epic battle out.

St. Joseph-Ogden struck early behind senior standout Wyatt Wertz, who found the end zone twice in the first quarter. Wertz continued to power the Spartans’ offense throughout the game, finishing with 94 rushing yards on 16 carries and adding a game-changing 99-yard kick return for another score in the third quarter. His 210 all-purpose yards fueled SJO’s effort to keep pace in a contest that rarely slowed.

Quarterback Kodey McKinney added two rushing touchdowns on runs of 16 and 18 yards while also throwing for 210 yards. The senior led the Spartans on the ground as well with 119 rushing yards, helping SJO briefly capture momentum as the teams traded long drives and explosive plays.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Kodey McKinney moves the ball closer to the end zone for a SJO first down in the third quarter.

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Unity’s offense matched the challenge with a productive day from Crewe Eckstein, who was a force between the tackles. Eckstein piled up 161 yards and scored twice on short runs of 2 and 5 yards, helping the Rockets keep the chains moving and maintain balance as the game tightened.

But the true difference came from the Unity defense, which delivered back-to-back lightning strikes midway through the second quarter. With St. Joseph-Ogden driving, Brayden Henry jumped a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Just 78 seconds later, Caden Hensch intercepted another ball and sprinted 28 yards to the end zone, pushing Unity to a 25-17 lead that swung the game’s momentum for good.

St. Joseph-Ogden, the No. 14 seed entering the postseason, wrapped up a strong run with an 8-5 finish.

Unity (12-1), which has reached the playoffs 33 times and owns six runner-up trophies, now moves on to next Friday’s championship game at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium. First-year head coach Tony Reetz has his program one win away from its first state title.

Standing in the Rockets’ path is undefeated Byron (13-0), which advanced with a 44-10 win over Richmond-Burton. The Tigers have reached the postseason 31 times and carry three state championships and two runner-up finishes into the matchup. The teams last met in the 2021 title game, when Byron won 35-7, two years after falling 24-20 to Monticello in the 2018 final.

Photo Gallery

Unity's Crewe Eckstein celebrates his 5-yard TD run with the help of lineman Coleson Miller in the third quarter. He scored the Rockets' first touchdown of the game with a two-yard plunge to make up a 7-0 first-quarter deficit.

LEFT: SJO's Ryker Lockhart and Coy Hayes help Kodey McKinney bring down Unity running back Crewe Eckstein. MIDDLE: Unity's Brayden Henry tries to juke his way around Spartans' Logan Rosenthal on a kick return play. RIGHT: A SJO Maroon Platoon member leads the student section in a cheer during first half action.

LEFT: Spartan senior Ryker Lockhart breaks up a pass play on a Dane Eisenmenger pass to Tyler Henry. RIGHT: SJO's Ennis Jameson tries to fight his way past Rocket lineman Coleson Miller in the first half.

LEFT: Jonathon Moore records a tackle for a loss for the Spartans, putting Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger on the turf in the fourth quarter. MIDDLE: Eisenmenger leaps happily over the goal line, sealing the Rocket's victory on a 25-yard run to give Unity a 51-37 advantage with 2:28 left in the ball game. RIGHT: Feeling the agony of defeat, SJO center Brennan Oleynichak and quarterback Kodey share a hug after the game.

Spartans Wyatt Wertz runs the ball past the 50-yard mark on his way to a 99-yard kick return against the Rockets.

All photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Unity vs St. Joseph-Ogden Class 3A semifinal recap, IHSA 3A football state championship preview Unity vs Byron, Unity Rockets football playoff history and results, St. Joseph-Ogden postseason football performance analysis, Illinois high school football semifinal game highlights

Urbana falls to Normal U-High in season opener despite Harper’s 16 points

Urbana opened its season with a 59-28 home loss to Normal University High. Lai’yonna Harper led the Tigers with 16 points, including 10 in the second half.

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URBANA - Urbana opened its girls basketball season Tuesday night with a tough home loss, falling 59-28 to a sharp-shooting Normal University High squad that controlled the tempo from the opening tip. Despite the final margin, the Tigers found a bright spot in the play of junior Lai'yonna Harper, whose strong second half helped steady her team against one of the area’s more disciplined lineups.

The Pioneers set the tone early, jumping out to a 15-5 lead after the first quarter and stretching their advantage to 31-11 by halftime. Their offense relied on consistent ball movement and balanced scoring, with three players finishing in double figures.

Kenzie Matejka led all scorers with 14 points, including 12 in the first half as U-High built its cushion. Mya Bennett added 13 points, scoring in every quarter, while Kendyl Schroeder contributed 12, including nine after the break. All three made 50% of their free throws, and the Pioneers went 10-for-22 overall at the line.

Urbana countered behind Harper, who finished with 16 points and sparked the Tigers after halftime. Ten of her points came in the second half, and went 3-for-6 at the line. Her energy helped Urbana settle in offensively after a cold start.

Madison Shade chipped in six points, scoring three in each half. Lizzy Lange, Marleo Mondebele and Kaya Hill each added a basket as the Tigers worked to generate rhythm against a tight Pioneer defense. Urbana finished 5-for-10 from the free throw line.

Though the Tigers were unable to slow U-High’s scoring runs, the second-half effort showed signs of growth and composure—building blocks that will matter as the young season unfolds. Harper’s breakout performance offers a promising moving forward for Urbana.

This year's varsity roster includes seniors Lange, Shade, Schroeder, Mondebele, Hill, Sarai Smith and Jade White. The junior class is represented by Dazia Davis, Zaiyah Ward and Harper. With no sophomores on the roster, freshmen Nylah McReynolds and Sharrea Smith round out the 2025-26 squad this season.

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TAGS: Urbana Tigers girls basketball season opener loss to U-High, Lai’yonna Harper scoring performance vs Normal University High, Normal U-High girls basketball balanced scoring attack recap, Illinois high school basketball early-season matchup analysis, Urbana vs U-High girls basketball game summary and stats, Kenzie Matejka Mya Bennett Kendyl Schroeder leading U-High win

Ten local players earn all-conference volleyball recognition in Illini Prairie Conference

The all-conference list reflects depth across local programs, with STM accounting for half of the area selections.

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URBANA - The Illini Prairie Conference released its all-conference volleyball teams last week, and 10 players from St. Thomas More, Unity, and St. Joseph-Ogden earned postseason recognition for their performances throughout the fall.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Jillian Schlittler

St. Thomas More led the area with five selections after finishing 23-13 and second in the league at 7-2. Seniors Campbell Phillips and Cassidy Monahan were named to the First Team, helping the Sabers post wins over four of the five Champaign County opponents on their schedule. Their only local loss came in a narrow 2-1 setback against St. Joseph-Ogden. Senior Sophia Hill earned a Second Team spot, while senior Audrey Gooding and junior Juju Kerr collected Honorable Mention honors.

Unity had two players represented on this year’s list. Senior Jillian Schlittler, who guided the Rockets to a regional championship, earned First Team honors. Sophomore Olivia Williams added an Honorable Mention nod. The Rockets started hot with wins over Bismarck-Henning, LeRoy, and Mattoon before their season ended in the sectional semifinal against Class 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Emma McKinney

St. Joseph-Ogden placed three players on the all-conference lists. Senior Emma McKinney was named to the Second Team, while juniors Hadley McDonald and Emerson Williams received Honorable Mentions. The Spartans closed the season at 13-21 but earned notable wins over Danville, Kankakee, and Rock Island.

Below is the complete list of Illini Prairie Conference all-conference honorees for the 2024 volleyball season.

First Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Kampbell Niepagen Jr. BCC
2 Kayt Miller Jr. IVC
3 Mady Melton Sr. MHS
4 Cassidy Monahan Sr. STM
5 Rosie Krenz Sr. BCC
6 Trinity Cheek Jr. PTHS
7 Jillian Schlittler Sr. UNITY
8 Aubrey Fair Sr. BCC
9 Paige Young Sr. PC
10 Campbell Phillips Sr. STM

Second Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Jayce Taylor Jr. IVC
2 Ashley Stiverson Sr. MHS
3 Addison Hoeniges Sr. BCC
4 Ellie Dirks So. PBL
5 Morgan Dewald Sr. PTHS
6 Miranda Hari Jr. PC
7 Emma McKinney Sr. SJO
8 Kendall Fair Jr. BCC
9 Airiana Bell Sr. RHS
10 Sophia Hill Sr. STM

Honorable Mention

Name - Grade - School
1 Trinity Miller Sr. PTHS
2 Olivia Williams So. UNITY
3 Kyah Creek Sr. PC
4 Audrey Gooding Sr. STM
5 Juju Kerr Jr. STM
6 Regan Baker So. BCC
7 Josie Certa Sr. BCC
8 Addison Finet Sr. MHS
9 Josie Roseman Sr. RHS
10 Hadley McDonald Jr. SJO
11 Emerson Williams Jr. SJO

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TAGS: illini prairie conference volleyball awards, st thomas more five all-conference players, unity rockets volleyball first team schlittler, st joseph-ogden volleyball all-conference honorees, central illinois high school volleyball postseason recognition

Vermillion’s defense leads Oakwood to convincing win at Arcola

Oakwood opened the season with a 43-15 road win over Arcola, a sharp reversal from last year’s loss. Senior Caydence Vermillion led the way with 14 points, six steals and six rebounds. Emma Koontz contributed a double-double.

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ARCOLA - Oakwood opened its girls basketball season with a dominant 43-15 road win over Arcola on Monday evening, a complete turnaround from last year’s 50-18 loss to the Riders. The Comets controlled both ends of the floor from the start, setting the tone defensively and never allowing Arcola to find rhythm in the half court.

The defensive pressure was anchored by senior Caydence Vermillion, whose active hands and anticipation disrupted Arcola’s ball movement throughout the night. Vermillion finished with six steals in 28 minutes and added a game-high 14 points. She also pulled down six rebounds, helping Oakwood outwork Arcola on the glass and limit second-chance scoring opportunities.

Oakwood’s rebounding edge was strengthened further by junior forward Emma Koontz, who controlled the paint with 11 rebounds while adding 10 points. She also contributed three blocks, cutting off drives and forcing Arcola to settle for tough shots. With Koontz anchoring the interior and Vermillion generating turnovers on the perimeter, the Comets held Arcola to nine points in the first half and just six in the second.

Offensively, Oakwood found a steady balance. Along with Vermillion and Koontz, Mady Nicoson chipped in six points to go with two rebounds and two assists, helping keep the ball moving and the offense organized. The Comets consistently converted turnovers into transition opportunities, which widened the margin early and kept the lead comfortable throughout the game.

The win gives Oakwood an encouraging start following last year’s 10-22 finish, offering signs that the roster’s defensive intensity and improved rebounding could play a larger role this season. The Comets return to action Saturday, Nov. 22, when they host Casey-Westfield, the same team that edged them 24-21 last year.

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TAGS: Oakwood girls basketball season opener, Arcola vs Oakwood game recap, Illinois high school basketball defensive performance, Oakwood Comets basketball 2025, Casey-Westfield vs Oakwood preview

Photo of the Day |Takedown season underway

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGH - Loyola Academy's Kai Calcutt tries to avoid a takedown on a shot by Joliet Central's Charles Walker during their 215-pound Class 3A title match at the IHSA Boys Wrestling State Final back in February. Calcutt, a junior and the defending champion, lost the match by a 7-5 decision. Heading into the title match, Calcutt rolled through the bracket, spending just five minutes on the mat total against his first three opponents. The IHSA wrestling season started a week ago Monday. Look for him back in title contention after finishing with a 40-2 record last year. The match season for IHSA wrestling starts this Monday around the state.

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Past Photos of the Day

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TAGS: Photo of the Day, Riverdale sophomore James Moorhusen, Snowstorm cancels IHSA golf, IHSA golf tournament postponed, Port Byron Riverdale golfer at state tournament

Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont

The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.

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NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.

While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.

Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.

Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.

The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.

With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.

Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.

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PrepSports Coverage

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Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball

Photo of the Day |Spartans turn Vandals playoff hope upside down

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Vandalia receiver Kohnor Depew is turned upside down after a hit by St. Joseph-Ogden's Kodey McKinney on a pass play late in the fourth quarter. The catch would have put the Vandals in a short field situation where they had been successful in scoring earlier in the Class 3A quarterfinal playoff game. The Spartans rallied back from a 21-17 first half deficit to defeat Vandalia and extend their playoff run. Next Saturday, the SJO hosts Unity, who beat Williamsville 42-7. The two programs last met in a semifinal game a decade ago.

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Past Photo of the Day

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TAGS: Kodey McKinney breaks up pass play, St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans advance to 3A semifinals, SJO wins home playoff game against Vandalia

Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold

The Saints opened strong with a 25-19 first-set win. Columbia responded by taking the next two sets. The runner-up finish capped a standout postseason for Central Catholic.

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Photo: Alan Look Photography

Central Catholic's Kampbell Niepagen pummels the ball during the Saints' Class 2A state championship game against Columbia. The junior finished the three-set affair with a team-high 12 kills, seven digs and two aces.

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by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

NORMAL - The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints closed out a remarkable season on the state’s biggest stage, earning a runner-up finish in the IHSA Class 2A Girls Volleyball Tournament. While the final result — a three-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship match — may have stung in the moment, the team’s legacy is defined by the exceptional journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal.

Photo: Alan Look Photography

Saints' Josie Certa passes the ball to an outside hitter during Saturday's IHSA Class 2A title game.

The Saints’ dominant postseason run showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They played as a cohesive unit, displaying skill, balance and resilience throughout the state series. In the championship match, they came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 and dictating the early pace. Though Columbia rallied, the Saints’ numbers reflected their determination. They finished with 36 kills, led by Kampbell Niepagen’s 12. Setter Josie Certa powered the offense with 32 assists, distributing the ball with the precision and chemistry built over months of work.

For Central Catholic, the season was a testament to perseverance, consistency and belief. The 2023 Saints cemented their place among the state’s elite and set a new standard for the program. They returned home with silver medals, but the pride they brought to their school and community shone brighter than any hardware.

The championship stage is more than a showcase of athletic ability. It is where communities rally, memories are made and pride is forged. This Saints team will be remembered for its grit, its unity and the joy it brought to every match.

For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.

TAGS: Bloomington Central Catholic IHSA Class 2A volleyball championship recap, Columbia vs Central Catholic state title match three-set summary, Illinois high school volleyball 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic, Kampbell Niepagen and Josie Certa state championship performance stats, Central Catholic Saints postseason volleyball run 2023 analysis

IHSA football playoff quarterfinal scores from around the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. JOSEPH - Spartans' Cameron Wagner is all smiles after St. Joseph-Ogden Wyatt Wertz scores the winning nail in the Vandalia coffin in their Class 3A quarterfinal game. SJO defeated the Vandals 38-24 at home on Saturday.

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Illini Prairie Conference scores

St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 42, Williamsville 7

Big Twelve Conference scores

Oak Forest 34, Peoria 20

Scores from around the state

CLASS 1A:

Stockton 26, Dwight 30, Clifton Central 0
Hardin Calhoun 28, Casey (Westfield) 21
Lena-Winslow 42, Kewanee Wethersfield 20
Mt. Sterling (Brown County) 37, Carrollton 13

CLASS 2A:

Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 42, Westville 35
Maroa-Forsyth 48, Flora 12
El Paso-Gridley 32, Farmington 15
Wilmington 49, Tri-Valley 7

CLASS 3A:

St. Joseph-Ogden 38, Vandalia 24
Unity 21, Williamsville 7
Richmond-Burton 31, Monmouth-Roseville 6
Byron 28, IC Catholic 6

CLASS 4A:

Montini 47, Coal City 0
Morris 28, Geneseo 26
Breese Central 36, Cahokia 12
Rochester 41, Sacred Heart-Griffin 35

CLASS 5A:

Belvidere North 17, Cary-Grove 10
Wheaton St. Francis 44, Chicago King 14
Providence Catholic 39, Washington 6
Oak Forest 34, Peoria 20

CLASS 6A:

Nazareth Academy 24, Lake Zurich 21
Fenwick 49, Burlington Central 21
East St. Louis 49, Simeon 0
St. Laurence 28, Dunlap 14

CLASS 7A:

Batavia 42, Glenbard North 27
Downers Grove North 28, Lincoln-Way West 10
St. Rita 56, Hersey 42
Brother Rice 42, St. Charles North 18

CLASS 8A:

Oswego 24, Maine South 21
Mt. Carmel 48, Lincoln-Way East 7
Lockport 35, Barrington 0
Fremd 34, Bolingbrook 33

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TAGS: IHSA football quarterfinal scores, Mt. Carmel beats Lincoln-Way East, St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity win in 3A, Westville season ended by ALAH, East St. Louis Flyers blank Simeon in quarterfinal battle