The Road to Champaign. Round #2: Indians, Unity Rely on Seniors
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[When the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) released its Class 3A State Football Playoff pairings 11 days ago, Scott Hamilton knew his undefeated Tolono Unity squad would be on the fence in terms of its bracket assignment.
"We knew we could go north or we could go south," said the 16th year Unity coach (149-36). "I've got to admit, at first I liked the idea of going south. But then when I saw we were sitting in that bracket with Du Quoin, I sort of wondered if going down that way was a really such a good deal after all."
Hamilton and the Rockets (10-0) welcome Du Quoin (9-1) to Oscar Hicks Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday.
Its the first meeting between the two perennial small school powers, who've often shared the same bracket in 3A.
Tolono Unity is a post season qualifier for the 16th consecutive time under Hamilton, who previously assisted on back-to-back 1A championship teams at Hardin-Calhoun.
He's well aware of Du Quoin's tradition and watched the Indians dismantle Carterville in last year's second round.
"I really look at this as an opportunity for us to play and coach against one of the great and classy programs in Illinois," he said.
"This is a privilege. Coach (Al) Martin and their program down there are just legendary in 3A for all the success they've had. I've watched them before and have been so impressed with the classy way they play and coach."
Unity boasts a sure-fire all-state quarterback in Dylan Sturgeon.
The 6-foot-4, 200 lbs. senior has rushed for 1,621 yards and 27 touchdowns. He averages 10.5 yards per carry. Through the air, Sturgeon is 63-of-112 (56%) for 1,132 more yards and 14 scores.
Austin Perry- Unity's 6'5 wideout-is the top receiver with eight TD and 437 yards.
"Dylan's an awfully good football player," Hamilton said of the Rockets' three-year starting QB.
"He's really been a key player for us. Dylan's ability to run the spread gives us more balance with the offense. Like Du Quoin, we feel like we can run and throw the ball effectively."
Besides Sturgeon, Hamilton points to a solid group of running backs.
Matt Franks (5'9, 190, sr.) and Michael Lafenhagen (5'10, 160, sr.) have combined for 1,018 yards and nine scores. Slot-back Seth Gooch (5'11, 165, jr.) has six rushing TD and 14 catches in the passing game.
A senior-dominated line, built around center Chris Berger (6'0, 205), is the heart and soul of Tolono's offense.
Right tackle Dustin Krause (6'0, 210) and Josh Woolard ( RG, 6'0, 235) are joined up front by Mitch Curry (LG, 6'2, 270, jr.) and Alex Ferguson (LT, 6'6, 270, jr.).
The Rockets average 39.1 points each outing and Strugeon ran wild (157 yards) in the first quarter against Robinson, including a 94-yard run.
By game's end, Sturgeon had four TD and 250 yards rushing.
Notorious for starting slow in 2009, Unity rolled up 362 yards on the ground by halftime. They also dominated the game defensively as the first-string unit surrendered only 53 yards rushing.
"We are explosive and have been able to score plenty of points," Hamilton said.
"But Du Quoin's been pretty good at coming up with the big plays, too. We both play very good defense, but I can see some points being scored in this one."
The Indians boast plenty of playoff experience. Counting last Saturday's win, the senior class has already been part of eight post season games.
This will be the third time the group's taken the field for a second round contest.
"I am really proud of our senior class," veteran Indians coach Al Martin (22nd year, 222-43) said.
"This is not the biggest senior class (18 players) we've ever had, but they are a talented group that's providing some great leadership."
Unity's senior players will hit the playoff field for the fifth time in three seasons Saturday.
Last year, the Rockets were 6-4.