The Centralia Orphans are 11-0 and in the IHSA quarterfinals as they advanced past visiting Mt Zion 34-14. Kenny Bratton had TD receptions of 78 and 93 yards from Archie Goewey, who also had a 45 yard TD pass to Jace Barmmeier. Ja’Shawn Staples and Will Stanton had rushing TD’s. Staples has 33 touchdowns on the season. One downside for the Orphans, Staples had to be helped to the locker room towards the end of the game and will will have to see his status heading into next week’s Elite 8 contest. The Orphans could play their 3rd straight home game to open the playoffs if Sacred Heart Griffin beats Metamora today. If the Cardinals win, the Orphans would travel north next Saturday. The game ball was delivered prior to the game by the Air Evac Helicopter.
Johnston City is 11-0 after their 16-7 win over visiting Newton. The 16 points is the lowest offensive output of the season for the Indians but they advance to the quarterfinals. Newton’s season ends at 7-4. Newton took the early lead on a 61 yard touchdown run within the first three minutes, but Johnston City answered with a touchdown and 2-point conversion to lead 8-7 after the opening quarter. Johnston City then intercepted Newton and turned that into another touchdown and 2-point conversion. Teams were both shutout in the 2nd half. The Indians defense had 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery.
The move up to 7a hasn’t bothered East St Louis to this point. After opening up their playoff run last week with a 69-0 win over Reavis, the Flyers hosted Chicago St Patrick Friday night and decimated them 72-12 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Today the action begins at 1pm with Vandalia at Nashville.
At 2pm, flora kicks off at Shelbyville, Roxana at Monticello, Benton at Mt Carmel, Highland at Carterville and Triad goes to Morton.
At 2:30, Carbondale hosts LaSalle Peru.
At 3pm it’s West Frankfort at home against Auburn.
Cahokia kicks off at Rochester this afternoon at 4.
