The East St. Louis Flyers will make the four-hour trip North tomorrow morning to prepare for a Saturday afternoon showdown with one of the state’s top programs in the Celtics of Providence Catholic High School.
The Celtics and the Flyers have a combined 16 State Championships between them, with many in Chicago saying the winner will have the pedigree to run the table, and win the Class 6A state crown in two weeks.
However, first things first. A crowd of 6,000 is expected to attend Saturday’s showdown in New Lennox, Ill, a suburb of Chicago. Members of the Chicago Catholic (Blue) division, the Celtics qualified for the playoffs by receiving an at-large bid with a 5-4 record.
But don’t let that record deceive you. The now 7-4 Celtics are in the same division with state power houses Chicago Mt. Carmel, Wilmette Loyola Academy and Chicago St. Rita. In addition, Joliet Catholic, Oak Park Fenwick, and Chicago De La Salle (all playoff teams) appeared on their schedule in 2013. Prior to last week’s 55-27 thumping at Quincy, the Celtics went on the road and beat defending 6A champion Crete Monee to open postseason play.
Providence Catholic is by far the biggest team the Flyers have faced in this postseason. They are led by running back Dominic Lagone (5’11/190) who rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns against Quincy. He also caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Hunniford.
Lagone has plenty of beef to run behind as well, led by Logan Plante (6’3 205), Dan Hermosillio,(6’3 260) Nick Barker,(6’2 302) and Tyler Martinkus(6’6 280). Also on offense, they have a large explosive group in a duo of 6’5 wide-outs in Miles Boykin, and Nate Vejuodo. Tight end Austin Garwood(6’4 202) is a threat also on offense.
“They are a well-rounded team,” said Flyers Head coach Darren Sunkett. “They are big up front on both sides of the ball. They are all good teams this time of the year.
“It’s the Elite Eight, everybody who is good is still practicing. We are just glad we still got the pads on, and playing our best football. We are battle tested, and looking forward to going up North representing our community, school, and the Southwestern Conference.”
The Flyers are playing their best football of the season, riding a seven-game winning streak, and playing physical like past great teams this time of year. Mizzou recruit Greg Taylor and freshmen sensation Jeff Thomas put on a show last Saturday against the states No. 3 ranked team Normal Community.
Taylor rushed 23 times for 114 yards, even after having a 99-yard TD called back on a holding call 50 yards behind the play. Thomas finished with four catches for 131 yards and three TDs in East Side’s 38-16 victory.
Once again, the Flyers’ defense was as physical as I’ve seen all year, which is a must if you plan on winning a state championship in Illinois. And the Flyers were just downright nasty last Saturday, limiting the high octave attack of the Ironmen.
Saturday’s quarterfinals match-up will come down to the trenches. The Celtics want to run out of the power I-formation, and move the sticks against East Side. They can be scored on, and they don’t want to get into a shoot-out with ESL. The Flyers’ defensive front must play well on Saturday.
If the Flyers win, they will host the semifinals at Jordan Stadium next week against the Oak Lawn Richards-Lincoln Way North winner.
GOOD LUCK BOYS!
