The Road to Champaign. Round #2: Du Quoin, Unity Finally Meet

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Despite several near-misses, two tradition-rich football programs will finally meet in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 3A State Playoffs Saturday.

Du Quoin (9-1) and Tolono Unity (10-0)-who boast 45 playoff appearances and 128 post season games between them-square off on Tolono's Oscar Hicks Field.

Kickoff is set for 1 o'clock with the winner advancing into next week's state quarterfinals alongside either Auburn (8-2) or Nashville (6-4). If the Indians return from Champaign County with a victory, they'd host the Nashville-Auburn next week.

For Du Quoin, its the 23rd time in 26 consecutive post seasons where the schedule has reached at least second round play.

Unity, 26-18 in the playoffs, owns a 16-year streak of appearances under current coach Scott Hamilton (16th year, 149-36).

"Its a long trip up there but that just part of it," Indians coach Al Martin (22nd year, 224-44, 51-19 in IHSA playoffs) said. "The week's gone well for us. We've had some very good practices and are excited about going to Tolono. They are a tough team to prepare for."

All-State quarterback Dylan Sturgeon (6'4, 200, sr.) is the trigger man in Tolono's wide open attack. He's combined for 2,753 yards of total offense and played a part in 41 touchdowns. An equal threat to run or pass, Sturgeon has nine running plays during 2009 of 60 yards plus. Against Robinson in last week's playoff opener, Sturgeon rolled up 157 yards rushing during the first period alone.

"He will run mid-line option quite a bit and then they will also just run quarterback blast plays," Martin said. "Tolono lines up in the spread and uses different formations to try and shake the quarterback loose. He's definitely a game-breaking type runner."

Sturgeon's not alone in a talented backfield. Matt Franks (5'9, 190, sr.), Michael Lafenhagen (5'10, 160, sr.) and speedy Seth Gooch (5'11. 165. jr.) provide plenty of different options. Gooch and Austin Perry (6'5, 180, sr.) are the main passing threats.

A senior-dominated offensive line-led by Chris Burger (6'0, 205), Dustin Krause (6'0, 210) and Josh Woolard (6'0, 235)-keys an offense that's averaging just a tick over 39 points per game.

"Like Du Quoin we feel like we can run or pass the ball effectively," Hamilton said. "Going to the spread this year we've became a much more balanced team offensively."

The Indians also present multi-challenges for Unity.

Senior quarterback Matt Gossett (6'4, 185) owns 1,173 yards and 16 touchdown tosses. David Rose, a potential two-way all-stater, tops the receiving corps with 565 yards and five scores.

Marcus Clarry (6'0, 160, sr.) and sophomore tight end Brandon Williams (6'3, 225) are also passing game threats.

In true Du Quoin tradition, the Indians are again solid on the ground.

The foursome of David Gayton (5'10, 175, sr.), Aaron Smith (5'11, 170, jr.), Seth Baxter (6'0, 160, jr.) and Jamor Reed (5'9, 170, sr.) boasts almost 1,900 yards while scoring 26 times.

The offensive line of Cory Campanella, Collin Keith, Alex Heape, Jon Tennyson and Ozzie Britton continues to improve.

"I am impressed with how hard Du Quoin's backs run and how quick they get to the holes," Hamilton said. "And I really like the quarterback (Matt Gossett). He's an underrated player."

Both teams are solid defensively. Du Quoin's surrendered just four touchdowns since week seven. The Rockets' first string unit was more than stingy last week, allowing Robinson less than 90 yards through three quarters.

Linebacker Jordan Reinhart (6'0, 225, sr.) and lockdown cornerback Gooch (10 interceptions) are the leaders. Krause and Scott Robl (5'11, 225, sr.) handle things up front.

Balance is again the key word when talking about Du Quoin's defensive squad.

11 of the top 14 defenders have 50 or more tackles. Rose, Clarry, Reed and Karson Hoffman (5'11, 145, jr.) make-up an athletic secondary.

"I think both teams are very good defensively," Hamilton said. "Very athletic and very quick. But I think there'll be some points scored Saturday. We both have a lot of big play kids on both sides of the ball."

Martin coaches his 71st playoff game Saturday and seemed confident about the Indians' chances. Tolono is the 20th different road venue Du Quoin's visited since Martin's debut as coach in 1988.

"I really hope we can go up there and play a good football game," he said. "We jus want go up there and just play our game and maybe force them into doing some things they aren't used to doing."

WDQN-AM (1580) broadcasts Saturday's game live, starting at 12:40.