For the second time in three seasons, the Peoria High Lions have earned a berth in the Class 5A IHSA football semifinals, after dispatching Washington, 68-46, in the quarterfinals last weekend. The area game of the year at Peoria Stadium was a thriller, especially the first half, when Washington scored twice quickly, but couldn’t keep pace with one of the highest scoring offenses in state history.
Saturday, Peoria High will look to keep the run-first, spread offense rolling smoothly, but the challenge of a stout Morris defense awaits in the Illinois National Bank Red Zone presented by OSF Healthcare. Morris can play D with the best of ’em. This season, the Redskins beat Mid Illini powers Washington in week two (20-3) and Metamora in the quarterfinal round last weekend (12-7). That’s just 10 points, total, given up against two of the best teams in our area this season.
Peoria High will be looking to earn its way into a state football championship game for the second time ever. The Lions reached, but lost in the 1988 finals. Morris, meanwhile, is accustomed to long post season runs. The Redskins have a state playoff record comparable to Metamora’s. Morris has reached the title game 10 times, with three state championships and seven runners up trophies to show for it.
We say a big thanks to supporting sponsors Starcrest Cleaners, Heartland Apartments and Rocket Tire Service. Join longtime Peoria Pirates head coach Bruce Cowdrey and me Saturday afternoon from Morris. The pregame show starts at 2:30 p.m., featuring an interview with the Lions head coach Tim Thorton.
It’s Peoria High at Morris in the state semifinal Saturday afternoon on the Illinois National Bank Red Zone presented by OSF Healthcare on Peoria’s home for classic rock and football, 95.5, GLO.
Doc Watson
