Maroa-Forsyth, Tuscola, SHG Win State Football Titles

A busy weekend of IHSA state championship football at Memorial Stadium saw three area teams walk away state champions, while two area teams earned runner-up honors. On Friday`s first game, a 10:00 am kickoff, Maroa-Forsyth beat Westville 43-22. The Trojans used a balanced attack to prevent Guy Goodlove`s Westville Tigers from taking home their first state title. EIU-commit Luke Hockaday passed for 216 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead M-F through the air. Senior WR Robert Kreps caught 9 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs. The Trojans` ground attack was paced by Shane Conaway, who ran for 87 yards and 2 TDs. Josh Jostes and his Trojans take home their first ever state title. Caleb Pratt led the offense for the Westville Tigers. The junior carried 25 times for 159 yards and found the endzone one time. In Class 1A, Tuscola cruised past Aledo 35-20. The Warriors clinch their first ever state football title. Junior QB John Wienke proved why he was one of the area`s best quarterbacks this season as he threw for 384 yards and 4 TDs. 2 of those touchdown passes found the hands of Broc Winn, who caught for 149 yards. Joe Vandeventer and Nick Hanke also added touchdown receptions for the Warriors. In the Class 5A state championship on Saturday, Springfield (SHG) outlasted Woodstock (Marian) 35-14. SHG capped off its second straight undefeated season with its second straight state championship. Josh Goddard got the Cyclones started with two touchdown rus of less than 10 yards in the 2nd quarter. All-State quarterback Bobby Brenneisen led the Cyclones through the air as he passed for 295 yards and 1 TD. Brenneisen also added a touchdown via the run in SHG`s victory. SHG was led in the second half by senior Keenan Gilpin. Gilpin picked off a Marian pass on the goal line, and then scored on a 46 yard touchdown reception to seal the game.