After carrying the ball 18 times for 258 yards and five touchdowns to lead Walther Lutheran to a 36-0 victory over Warren in Class 2A, rock-solid running back Fred Robinson began his postgame remarks by praising his offensive line.
But his coach saw no reason to spread the credit around. “I don’t know how a person can play a better game than he played,” said Walther coach Eric Michaelsen. “He ran smart, he played defense for us, and I believe he’s an All-State player.”
Robinson broke free for 66- and 57-yard touchdowns in the first and second quarters, and added 2-, 18- and 5-yard scoring scampers to put Warren (7-3) away. “I knew my line was playing intense,” said Robinson. “I knew that if they do a good job, I do a good job.”
Ron Doyle sparked the Broncos (9-1) on defense with a sack and an interception.
Aurora Central Catholic 25, Lena-Winslow 0: In other 2A action, quarterback Tim Peterson tossed his 10th touchdown pass of the year on the fifth play of the game to spark Aurora Central (9-1).
Tim Pecharich ran for 1- and 16-yard touchdowns in the second quarter.
Class 3A
Montini 30, Evergreen Park 0: Quarterback Matt Andriano (9 for 18, 189 yards) led Montini (10-0) to a commanding first-round victory with three touchdown passes, but after the game his coach/father focused on his team’s defenders.
“Our defense was really awesome today,” said Chris Andriano.
Andy Ogan caught 13- and 53-yard scoring strikes.
Kaneland 21, Driscoll 0: Sophomore Paul Schuppner picked up a fumble without breaking stride and sprinted 73 yards for the back-breaking touchdown for Kaneland (9-1) in the school’s first state playoff game.
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Dan Kenny (19 carries, 98 yards) scored on a 20-yard run, and Jarett Burke hauled in a 22-yard TD toss.
Marian Central Catholic 35, Nazareth 6: Jason Liska became the fourth-leading rusher in state history as Marian Central (8-2) scored touchdowns the first five times it had the ball.
Liska totaled 159 yards on 14 carries and now has 4,806 yards in his career. Joe Rockers added a 1-yard TD run and threw two scoring passes, and Lew Miskowciz and Andy Racanelli led a punishing Marian defense.
Coal City 21, Monmouth 7: Kevin Lovell hauled in two touchdown passes (10 and 15 yards) from Allan Wills to spark Coal City (10-0). Tim Cooper led Coal City with 81 yards on 14 carries.
Class 4A
Providence 60, Rich East 6: Louis Medina (12 carries, 111 yards, two 1-yard touchdowns) and Kyle Stalter (eight carries 153 yards, 45-, 2- and 43-yard scores) led No. 2 Providence (10-0). Quarterback Robert Cruz added a 15-yard touchdown run.
The game was marred by a postgame incident that involved a Rich East lineman who had been ejected from the game but was allowed to participate in the handshake line. He allegedly struck a Providence player, causing a melee.