The Dixon Dukes displayed remarkable determination until the final whistle in their playoff matchup against the Coal City Coalers. In a thrilling contest, the Dukes suffered a narrow 49-42 defeat in their Class 4A second-round playoff game held at A.C. Bowers Field. Coach Jared Shaner characterized the encounter as a “heavyweight fight,” emphasizing his team”s refusal to back down despite the odds.
The game began with the Dukes (9-2) scoring first after a fumble recovery by Owen Belzer. However, they quickly found themselves trailing 21-7. Showing resilience, they rallied to score 21 consecutive points, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown run from Landon Knigge and a touchdown pass from Jagger Kemp to Jake Zepezauer, putting them ahead at 28-21. “They did not quit, and that”s the thing you love about this group,” Shaner remarked, proud of his team”s effort.
Despite their grit, the Dukes faced a formidable response from the Coalers. Quarterback Connor Henline shone in the second half, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns, with impressive scoring passes of 64, 55, and 78 yards. The Dukes attempted to close the gap with big plays, including a 38-yard connection to Jackson Koehler and a 62-yard kickoff return by Knigge.
However, a series of empty possessions hindered their comeback. Dixon started several drives deep in their own territory, which limited their scoring opportunities—only converting three touchdowns from nine drives that began in their own half. “It really was the big plays that made the difference,” Shaner noted, highlighting the impact of field position on the outcome. “Credit to Coal City, they”re a really good football team.”
In a separate playoff encounter, the Newman Comets, led by coach Mike LeMay, concluded their season after a loss to El Paso-Gridley in the Class 2A second round. The Comets, who had seen significant improvement over the past two seasons, were proud of their effort despite the disappointing ending. Senior quarterback Evan Bushman expressed pride in his team”s performance, stating, “Even when the score wasn”t in our favor, we never gave up.”
Meanwhile, three teams from the Sauk Valley area advanced to the Illinois 8-Man Football Association semifinals: the Milledgeville Missiles, Amboy Clippers, and Polo Ponies. Milledgeville, undefeated this season, secured a 22-6 victory over South Beloit, with Spencer Nye leading the charge on the ground. The Missiles are set to face Amboy again in a rematch of their earlier season game.
Polo triumphed over St. Anne with a commanding 46-14 win, highlighted by Mercer Mumford”s impressive performance, who rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns. His return to the field after an injury only added to the excitement of the game, as he and quarterback JT Stephenson formed a dynamic duo. Polo now prepares for a crucial matchup against South Fork in their semifinals.
The 8-man championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 21 at Monmouth College”s April Zorn Memorial Stadium, promising an exciting conclusion to the season for the participating teams.
