Illinois state football roundup: Former Marian QB leads Montini to Class 5A crown

Montini quarterback John Rhode and wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp haven't had the longest relationship, but it's as solid as it can be in its productivity.

Rhode connected with Westerkamp 11 times for 331 yards and five scores — both state title game records — as the Broncos (12-2) won their third consecutive state title with a 70-45 victory Saturday against Joliet Catholic at the Class 5A title game at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium.

Rhode, who transferred to Montini from Marian Catholic this summer, also hit Joe Borsellino 10 times for 142 yards and Anthony Taylor seven times for 113 yards. Rhode set the all-time title game record for passing yards with 587 and for touchdowns with seven.

Class 6A

Prairie Ridge 35, Peoria Richwoods 14: Prairie Ridge used a powerful running game to pull away from Peoria Richwoods, scoring four second-half touchdowns.

The game was tied at 7 at halftime, but Prairie Ridge hammered out nearly 250 yards of offense as the Wolves defense held Richwoods to just 86 yards and three first downs in the second half. The defense wasn't dominant, but it was effective.

Class 7A

Rockford Boylan 21, Wheaton-Warrenville South 14: Lamont Toney threw for 133 yards and a score, rushed for 86 yards and another touchdown and Rockford Boylan hung on to win its second-straight title with a 21-14 victory against Wheaton-Warrenville South.

Toney was part of two big plays for the Titans. He snapped off a 72-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to give his team the lead, then found Jaxson Meister for a 79-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to put the Titans up two scores.

Class 8A

Bolingbrook 21, Loyola Academy 17: Aaron Bailey scored his second touchdown on a 33-yard run with 5:01 left to give Bolingbrook the win over the Ramblers.

Loyola then went four-and-out, and Bolingbrook ran out the clock.

The Ramblers, coached by Marian Catholic grad John Holecek, took a 17-14 lead on Will Cushaw's 40-yard field goal with 1:48 left in the third quarter.