Montini downs Sycamore to play for fifth straight 5A state title

Even when Montini handed Sycamore a touchdown in the second quarter it still wasn’t nearly enough for the Spartans to end the Broncos “Drive for Five”.

The fumble recovery in the end zone by Ben Niemann, the man the Broncos knew they had to stop on the offensive end, was about all they would concede the talented wide receiver to accomplish. His recovery after a fumble by Tyler Tumpane pulled the Spartans within seven points.

The Broncos’ offense recovered nicely and cruised to a 42-20 win and a shot at a fifth consecutive Class 5A state title next Saturday in DeKalb. Next up, the Broncos (13-0) will prepare for Sacred Heart-Griffin, a winner over Washington.

“I have to give all the credit to the coaches — they prepare us every week for whoever we play,” Montini senior quarterback Alexander Wills said. “We knew exactly what we were going to do against Sycamore.”

The Spartans (12-1), which were eliminated 24-22 in round two last season by the Broncos, had most of their players back from that team but had an even harder time solving them this time around.

“This never gets old because it’s always about the right now,” Montini coach Chris Andriano said. “When you have a different team it becomes all about them.”

Wills accounted for five touchdowns — three passing and two rushing. He had a 7-yard TD pass to Tumpane on the first possession, a 6-yard TD pass to Stephen Dennis, and a 7-yard TD pass to Matthew Brachman. He had TD runs of 7 and 10 yards.

Meanwhile on defense, Anthony Ferraro and Dylan Thompson had two sacks each. Michael Reilley and Derrick Curry had interceptions. Curry’s came late in the game and secured the win for the Broncos.

“All the intensity is the same and we always have the family aspect going,” Thompson said. “Last year we felt like the defense didn’t play well and the offense had to bail us out.

“We made sure the defense finished today.”

Niemann, facing double coverage all day, was held to three catches for 23 yards.