Semifinals, Classes 8A-5A
By Kent McDill
Here is a look at some of the semifinal games in the top four classes of the Illinois High School Association football playoffs (Classes 4A-1A Friday):
CLASS 8A
The 12-0 Maine South Hawks haven't lost in two seasons, and their toughest opponent this season might have been the cold and flu symptoms that kept running back Matt Perez out of school for much of last week.
Still, Perez ran for 314 yards and four touchdowns, one for 77 yards, as Maine South topped Glenbrook South for the second time this season, 44-23.
Playing the Hawks is 11-1 Loyola Academy, which defeated Mount Carmel 24-7. Fifteen of those points came on field goals, as soccer player-turned-placekicker Leo Sheridan set a state record by kicking five field goals in a single game. His kicks covered 47, 33, 36, 41 and 31 yards.
The Ramblers' defense added a safety and came up with five turnovers in the second half to protect the lead. Loyola has only given up 14 points in the first three rounds of the playoffs.
The other semifinal features 11-2 Glenbard North and 10-2 Chicago Marist. Glenbard North reached the semis with a defensive-minded 7-3 victory over Downers Grove South, while Marist clobbered unbeaten Fremd 28-16.
CLASS 7A
East St. Louis asked to be moved up to Class 7A, and the plan has worked as they have cruised to the semifinals in 7A and will face Wheaton Warrenville South, which is 11-1 and suffered its only loss to unbeaten Maine South from Class 8A. East St. Louis has two losses this season but both came against Ohio powerhouses.
The other 7A semifinal pits unbeaten Glenbard West against 9-3 Lake Zurich. Glenbard West clobbered St. Charles North 45-12 in the quarterfinal game.
CLASS 6A
Are unbeatens Danville and Cary Grove on a fast course to the Class 6A state final against each other? It depends on Providence Catholic and Prairie Ridge.
Providence Catholic, 11-1, clobbered Crete-Monee in the quarterfinals, 44-14, and will play a Danville team that had to come back from a 14-0 deficit to win, 18-14, and advance to the semis.
Cary Grove has scored 147 points in the three playoff games so far, and won its quarterfinal 42-0 over Chicago De La Salle. Running back Eric Chandler rushed for 182 yards on just 14 carries in that game.
Prairie Ridge but has won its three playoff games by no less than eight points.
CLASS 5A
There were two unbeatens in the Class 5A playoffs this year, but they both lost last week. Peoria Richwoods upset Sacred Heart Griffin 29-20, with Joliet Catholic Academy topped Washington 47-7.
The two winners face each other in one Class 5A semifinal.
The other Class 5A semifinal features 8-4 Montini against 9-3 Woodstock, which upset Glenbard South in a shootout, 44-35. Quarterback Logan Kunzie threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns for Woodstock.
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