Lindenwood-Belleville will host this weekend’s Illinois Class 4A state quarterfinals football showdown between Belleville Althoff Crusaders and the five-time defending state champion Rochester. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. Saturday.
The game will pit two of the state’s most powerful offensive units, regardless of class. Rochester comes into the match up riding a 27-game playoff winning streak. Its last playoff loss for head coach Derek Leonard was a heartbreaking 41-40 loss to Metamora back in 2009.
Rochester enters the match up with a Cadillac no-huddle spread attack. It is led by quarterback Danny Zeigler, who is 179 of 246 for 2,988 yards passing and a whopping 36 touchdowns. In addition, Zeigler has shared the wealth to 15 different players. Leading the way are receivers junior Collin Stallworth (6′ 6 210) with 44 receptions for 860 yards and 13 touchdowns.
In addition, brothers D’Ante Cox and Avante Cox are top receiving targets. D’Ante has 41 receptions for 803 yards and nine touchdowns, Avante has 16 receptions for 465 yards and seven touchdowns.
The running game is solid for Rochester as well, with tailback Kenny Hedges leading the way. The thumping tailback has rushed for an impressive 1,338 yards and 11 touchdowns in this spread offense.
Ken Turner’s 11-0 Althoff team has some “get up” of their own on offense. Quarterback Jordan Augustine is 179-246 for 2,988 yards and 36 touchdowns, both school records.
Augustine has a strong group of talented receivers in Keenen Young, Jordan Goodwin and Tarkis Ferguson Jr. Young had 105 yards in receptions with three touchdowns in last week’s win against Quincy Notre Dame.
Althoff’s running game is led by Malik Easley. His ability to get out on the perimeter against Rochester will be key if the Crusaders are going to win. The ever dangerous C.J. Coldon must be a factor on Saturday as well.
Head coach Ken Turner has built this team from scratch, and the additions of Goodwin, Coldon, and Easley, the Crusaders have the athletic ability to beat Rochester.
An overflow crowd of more than 6,000 is expected at Lindenwood-Belleville this Saturday for the pinball version of high school football.
Scott’s pick: Althoff 47, Rochester 45.
