Road game, home game, it doesn’t seem to matter to Montini when it’s playoff time.
More Top Picks Headaches When Reading Could It Be Irlen Syndrome
Especially when Joliet Catholic is in the way.
Quarterback Charles Norgle threw for 183 yards, Prince Walker rushed for 125 and two touchdowns and the Broncos forced three turnovers in advancing to the state quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive year following a 27-13 victory Saturday at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
It was the fourth time in five years Montini (8-3) has defeated the Hilltoppers (8-3) in the Class 5A playoffs.
“Our defense has been underrated all season,” said senior linebacker Austin Warden, who had two tackles for loss. “But we’re resilient. When the playoffs are here, it’s like a whole new life for us. We flipped the switch.”
Joliet Catholic junior quarterback Cade Earl, who missed the last three games with an injury and wore a heavy brace on his right knee, entered on the third series and completed his first pass for 55 yards over the middle to Harold Davis. Four plays later, Michael Johnson scored from 4 yards for a 7-0 lead.
After that, Montini had three interceptions, two of which eventually resulted in touchdowns.
“I wouldn’t say we’re a different team in the playoffs; it’s tradition,” said senior linebacker Terrell Johnson, who had an interception and tackle for loss. “We just want to do the same as the guys before us. It’s expected of us.”
Trailing 13-10 late in the third, Johnson’s interception near midfield turned the tide for the Broncos. Four plays later, Leon Thornton III rushed in from the 1. Mason Weissenhofer later booted a 26-yard field goal and Walker broke through a big hole for a 26-yard touchdown with 2 minutes, 44 seconds remaining.
“Talking to (Montini coach Chris Andriano) after the game, he said they played their best game of the year,” Joliet Catholic coach Dan Sharp said. “Defensively, I don’t know how anyone could play better. They were unbelievable.”
Player of the game: Terrell Johnson, Montini, INT, tackle for loss.
Key performers: Montini — Charles Norgle, 20-for-28, 183 yards; Prince Walker, 16 carries, 124 yards, 2 TDs. Joliet Catholic — Michael Johnson 9 carries, 68 yards, TD.