By: Ryan Plinske
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 6:30pm
The stars came out big Friday night in Champaign. Aurora Christian (13-1) made it to the school’s first ever state title and was the city first high school to achieve that accomplishment. Their opponents from Bloomington already knew what it took to get to Champaign after having made it to last year’s title game against Driscoll. The Saint’s biggest thing going for them coming into the game was motivation from last year’s defeat at the hands of Driscoll in the 4A title game. Bloomington Central Catholic (14-0) still had a bitter taste in their mouth from the previous year’s defeat against Driscoll.
Aurora Christian’s potent offense was at it again Friday night against the Saints from Bloomington Central Catholic. The Eagles’ Jordan Roberts threw for 365 yards, 4 touchdowns on 27 for 55 passing attempts. His 4 touchdowns tied the 4A state title game record along with breaking the records in completions (27), attempts (57), and yards (365). Catching most of the passes were Aurora Christian’s all-state wide out Matt Morse and wide out David Zielke. Morse and Zielke caught 2 touchdown passes each, tying the 4A state title game record, and Zielke’s 10 receptions set a new record for the 4A state title game. Zac Copple and Eric Andersen also were key targets for Jordan, catching 7 passes together for a combined 67 yards. Lewis Gaddis carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards.
Bloomington Central Catholic came into the game with one of 4A’s best all-around offense. The Saints outscored their opponents 528 to 150 points during the regular season and playoffs. Adam Rebholz, the Saints’ all-state quarterback was nothing short of remarkable Friday night. Rebholz threw for 319 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 for 21 passing attempts. The Saints’ quarterback was all over the field against the Eagles’ defense. He ran for 91 yards on 15 carries scoring twice, and was delivering hit after hit on the Eagles’ secondary. His biggest target was TE Dylan Johnson, who caught 3 passes for 118 yards and 1 touchdown.
Both teams combined for 892 yards of total offense which set the 4A state title game record. Aurora Christian’s defense lacked the energy needed to stop the Saints’ run to the title. Bloomington Central Catholic defeated the Eagles of Aurora Christian 37 to 28.
