Homewood-Flossmoor quarterback Tim Williams remembers his days with the Homewood Junior Vikings and his two backfield mates.
Current teammate Malik Norman and Mt. Carmel running back Mike Banks were on the same team in their Pop Warner days.
On Saturday, Williams and Norman will square off against Banks for a shot at the Class 8A state championship game.
"Man, we had a speedy backfield," Williams said. "I am looking forward to playing against Mike because I know he is a great player and Mt. Carmel is a great team."
Banks has rushed for 1,043 yards, while Norman has rushed for 1,979 yards.
"It is kind of neat that two backs who are getting a lot of yards are little guys," said Norman, who is listed as 5-foot-8. Banks is 5-7. "Mike and I are still real good friends and I know this is going to a real good game with two good teams."
Banks echoed the thoughts of his buddy.
"At this point in the playoffs, every team you face is great," Banks said. "I know how good of a back Malik is. I remember when all three of us played together and man, did we have a lot of speed in that backfield."
Semifinal tickets on sale: Tickets for Saturday's Class 8A semifinal between Homewood-Flossmoor and Mt. Carmel are on sale at both schools.
The game is noon at Gately Stadium and all tickets are $6.
At Homewood-Flossmoor, tickets are available at the campus store. At Mt. Carmel, they are on sale at the security office.
Beecher grad on the air: Beecher graduate Dave Bernhard will call the Class 3A, 4A, 7A and 8A state finals from the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium, the Illinois High School Association and When We Were Young Productions recently announced.
The state finals will be televised locally on WPWR (Channel 50) and www.ESPN3.com. !~ Times Sportswriter Mike Nieto contributed to this report.
Please Wait…