Minooka answers the call

The Minooka Indians football team has risen to every challenge put in front of it this season. And what could be their biggest challenge of the year doesn't concern head coach Bert Kooi one bit.

With state powerhouse East St. Louis High School looming as the potential challenge in the second round, the Indians (8-2) took care of their own business with a 44-25 win over Edwardsville on Friday night in the opening round of the 7A playoffs.

Minooka wasted little time pleasing the packed house. After forcing an Edwardsville punt, Minooka took over at midfield. A 33-yard field goal by A.J. Zalewski put Minooka on top early 3-0.

Minooka then forced an Edwardsville fumble the next drive. Minooka's Mitch Brozovich took the next snap from scrimmage and find junior Blake Montella for a 50-yard touchdown pass after Montella broke a tackle at the 15 and outran the Edwardsville secondary to give Minooka a 10-0 lead with 4:09 to play.

Edwardsville took over at the 22 yard line. Facing second-and-13, Mason McBride took the snap and dropped back to pass, but his attempt was intercepted by Matt Powers. Powers took the interception 30-yards for the touchdown giving Minooka the 17-0 lead in the first quarter.

"The early lead was huge for us," Kooi said. "It gave us confidence and momentum moving forward."

Edwardsville was in the playoffs for a reason, however, and did not go away easily. The Tigers put together a 15-play drive, ending with an 18-yard touchdown run by Rodney Coe.

Minooka's offense took the field for the first time in over 13 minutes and give the ball back 50 seconds later. Edwardsville forced a Kyle Banks fumble and took over at the Indians 33. However, much like they have all year, the Minooka defense was up to the challenge. The Indians stopped the Tigers on four plays.

Minooka appeared headed for another four and out, but that was before Brozovich found Steve Pullara open for a 14-yard gain while facing a 4th and 2. A Banks 13-yard run and a Brozovich 35-yard run would set up a Pullara 1-yard touchdown run.

Minooka's lead eached 30-7 after the first of Brozovich's two touchdown runs for 45 yards. Edwardsville responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Chase Westra. Brozovich brought momentum back to Minooka's side with a 50-yard run where he broke one tackle and went untouched the rest of the way to give Minooka a 37-13 lead.

Edwardsville scored twice more, on runs by Pat Pranger and Coe, before Banks' 1-yard run with 39 seconds left sealed the victory for Minooka.

So what was Kooi thinking after this win?

"I'm thinking we're in the second round of the playoffs and it is just awesome for this football team and community," he said. "It sounded like there were five thousand people here. These guys have never shown any indication of not being ready to play. They come to play every Friday and tonight was no exception."

The challenge that waits very well could be East St. Louis. Kooi is excited for the opportunity.

"It means that we are playing for another week and we get to get better for another week. Our kids have responded over and over again this season. East St. Louis is a very talented team, but I would never want to bet against our kids, and you know what? Bring it on."

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