By Neil Doyle
NORMAL – The U-High Pioneers (10-3) had a chance to tie or even win the game, but an interception in the final seconds by Mt. Zion (10-3) ended the contest as the Braves won 21-14 in the Class 4A semifinals Saturday night at Hancock Stadium.
The Pioneers got off to a solid start with a first quarter rushing touchdown from sophomore Lyfe Campbell. But the Braves answered back with three first half touchdowns, all on the ground from senior Brayden Trimble.
The U-High defense turned up the intensity in the second half as they didn’t allow any other points.
Pioneers senior quarterback Alek Weiland connected on a 26-yard passing touchdown to junior Cade Cunningham in the fourth quarter to make it a one score game.
With about two minutes to play, the Pioneers moved the ball down the field into Mt. Zion territory. But a 13-yard pass from Weiland to Cunningham in the end zone was picked off.
Mt. Zion advances to the Class 4A state title game next week at Hancock Stadium as they’ll face Chicago DePaul Prep.
U-High head coach Brody Walworth spoke after the game with WJBC’s Eric Lapan.
LeRoy Panthers
In the Class 1A semifinals Saturday afternoon, LeRoy hosted Lena-Winslow but the Panthers had its season come to end as they lost 42-13. Lena moves on to the state championship to face Althoff Catholic.
LeRoy head coach BJ Zeleznik spoke with WJBC’s Neil Doyle after the game.
IHSA Football Semifinal Scores. State Championship information can be found here.
Class 1A
Lena-Winslow 42 LeRoy 13
Althoff 58 Camp Point Central 19
Class 2A
Chicago Christian 34 Farmington 20
Maroa-Forsyth 41 Johnston City 22
Class 3A
Montini 42 Wilmington 12
Monticello 23 Tolono Unity 20
Class 4A
Mt. Zion 21 U-High 14
Chicago DePaul Prep 21 Coal City 14
Class 5A
Joliet Catholic 42 Morris 6
Nazereth 40 St. Francis 21
Class 6A
Geneva 28 Cary-Grove 26
East St. Louis 48 Richards 0
Class 7A
Mt. Carmel 43 St. Rita 24
Batavia 25 Lincoln-Way Central 21
Class 8A
Loyola 27 Lincoln-Way East 24
York 20 Naperville Central 15
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]
