Phillips blanks Johnsburg to advance in Class 4A

Watch, Share and Broadcast High School Events LIVE – in HD – for free!When the Phillips defense gives up just a yard or even two, junior linebacker Amani Jones and the Wildcats defenders get more than a little angry.

So when the Wildcats gave up a long run in the third quarter of their second-round Class 4A playoff game at Johnsburg Friday, Jones and the Wildcats weren’t about to let the Skyhawks gain anymore.

“They were getting two, maybe three yards then that big run – man that was getting irritating to me,” Jones said.

Even if Jones and the defense was unhappy, it was short lived as the Wildcats rolled into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year and third time in school history with a 41-0 win over Johnsburg.

Phillips (10-1) will face the winner of Saturday’s game between Rockford Lutheran and Herscher..

“You could see that there wasn’t a whole lot of celebration from our young men after this one tonight,” said Phillips coach Troy McAllister. “They understand what are goal is and what we are trying to accomplish.”

The Wildcats broke the game open in the second half with explosive plays from their offense and special teams.

On offense, the tandem of Illinois State-bound quarterback Dewayne Collins and running back Corey Warren accounted for a pair of first half scores. But it was Collins that broke the game open with a pair of long touchdown runs in the third quarter.

His first run of 29 yards capped a seven play, 57-yard drive and put Phillips up 20-0.

Two minutes later, Collins took another one in from 56 yards out and the Wildcats were in complete control at 28-0 after three quarters. Collins ran for 189 yards on 18 carries.

“We love our offense and have all the faith in our offense that they are going to score points,” said Jones, who ended the game with a 21-yard interception return for a score — his second of the year.

Phillips special teams made its mark when junior Quayvon Skanes returned a punt 56 yards for a score.

Johnsburg (9-2) scored 42 points a week ago in the opening round win over Aurora Central Catholic. But it was limited to just 156 total yards and four first downs.

“Phillips is a very well-coaches team and is a team that was here tonight and is moving on because they earned it,” said Johnsburg coach Mike Maloney.