Richmond-Burton is set to host Byron in a highly anticipated Class 3A state semifinal on Saturday at 2 p.m. Both teams enter the matchup with perfect records of 12-0, making this clash one to watch.
The Tigers showcased their dominance in the quarterfinals, defeating No. 11 IC Catholic 28-6. They held the Knights scoreless until just four minutes remained in the game. Senior running back and linebacker Caden Considine, an all-state player at 6 feet and 210 pounds, contributed significantly by scoring on 4- and 1-yard runs. Additionally, junior quarterback and defensive back Andrew Talbert, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 180 pounds, leads an explosive offense that averages an impressive 50.7 points per game.
The Tigers have reached the end zone 60 or more times in five games this season, including a staggering 77-point performance against Rockford Lutheran. Even in their quarterfinal match, their 28 points matched their lowest output of the year. The team”s defensive prowess is equally notable, allowing only 91 points throughout the season, averaging just 7.6 points against. Under head coach Jeff Boyer, who has been at the helm since 2012, Byron clinched the Big Northern Conference title with an unblemished 8-0 record.
On the other side, the Rockets are making their first semifinal appearance since 2021, where they suffered a 35-18 loss to Joliet Catholic in Class 4A. The Rockets previously enjoyed an undefeated season in 2019, claiming the Class 4A title. Richmond-Burton dominated the Kishwaukee River Conference with a perfect 7-0 record and has displayed offensive firepower throughout the playoffs, winning their first three games by significant margins—49-0 against No. 16 North Boone, 57-7 versus No. 9 Aurora Central Catholic, and 31-6 against No. 5 Monmouth-Roseville.
In their most recent victory during the quarterfinals, junior linebacker and fullback Blake Livdahl scored two rushing touchdowns while rushing for 122 yards on 10 carries. Fellow junior running back Hunter Carley added another touchdown, finishing with 77 yards on 13 carries. The Rockets” strong-legged junior kicker, Trey Maziarz, successfully made a 25-yard field goal, securing a 10-0 lead at halftime. Senior quarterback Ray Hannemann completed 4 of 9 passes for 51 yards and one interception, while junior wide receiver Jace Nelson recorded three catches for 41 yards.
Carley has been a standout for Richmond-Burton, accumulating 1,766 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns this season, totaling 32 touchdowns overall. The Rockets boast an average of 41.9 points per game while only allowing 7.7 points per game, with their defense not conceding more than 20 points in any game this season, save for a narrow 24-20 victory over Coal City in Week 2. Mike Noll, the head coach of Richmond-Burton, has an impressive career total of 304 wins, 80 of which have come during his tenure at Richmond-Burton.
The victor of this semifinal will advance to the state championship game, scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday, November 28, at Illinois State University“s Hancock Stadium in Normal. They will face the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Tolono Unity and No. 14 St. Joseph Ogden, set to kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
For this contest, predictions lean toward Richmond-Burton.
