Written by Seth Laurence
Monticello has knocked off Tolono Unity in the regular season for the first time since 2018.
In a game heard on WEZC 95.9 FM and at DeWittDailyNews.com, the Sages rallied late behind a career performance from senior quarterback Colton Schubert, defeating the Rockets 27-23 Friday night in Illini Prairie Conference action in Tolono.
With Unity holding a 23-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, Monticello needed a big response. The Sages delivered.
Monticello converted a critical fourth-and-two on a Schubert quarterback dive to keep the drive alive. Then, facing third-and-12, Schubert escaped pressure in the backfield before rolling and dropping a perfect pass to fellow senior Zeke Young, who was running a wheel route.
Young hauled in the 26-yard touchdown, giving Monticello a 27-23 lead with the eventual game-winning score.
Unity had one final opportunity to answer. On third down with eight seconds remaining, Monticello’s defense brought enough pressure on Rockets junior quarterback Carter Schmid to force a backwards pass as time expired, sealing the Sages’ victory.
Schubert was outstanding throughout the night, throwing for a career-high four touchdowns while completing 17 of 27 passes for 260 yards and one interception.
His connection with Young was particularly dangerous.
The two seniors connected three times for touchdowns, including a 16-yard score with 3:45 remaining in the first half, a 30-yard touchdown to open the second-half scoring and the 26-yard game-winner. Young finished with six receptions for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
Monticello opened the scoring with 5:10 left in the first quarter when Schubert found Will Osborne for a 37-yard touchdown. The score was set up by a Unity special teams miscue after the Rockets had forced the Sages into a three-and-out.
Unity answered a few minutes later when Beckham Brink took a 46-yard screen pass to the end zone, tying the game at 7-7.
Monticello regained the lead late in the second quarter on Schubert’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Young.
The Rockets responded once again, tying the game at halftime when Schmid scored on a fourth-down keeper from eight yards out.
Monticello received the opening kickoff of the second half and marched down the field before Schubert connected with Young for a 30-yard touchdown, putting the Sages ahead 21-14.
Unity trimmed the deficit with a 30-yard field goal with 3:17 left in the third quarter before eventually taking its first and only lead of the night.
With 6:55 remaining, MJ Hardin scored on a one-yard touchdown run to put the Rockets ahead 23-21.
But Monticello had the final answer.
Schubert led the Sages down the field, converted the crucial fourth down with his legs and then found Young for the go-ahead touchdown.
Osborne also turned in a strong night for Monticello, catching six passes for 98 yards.
Unity was led by Schmid, who completed 18 of 26 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 64 yards and scored another touchdown. Hardin finished with 72 rushing yards on 22 carries, while Brink caught six passes for 94 yards.
The victory moves Monticello to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in the Illini Prairie Conference. The Sages will return home next Friday to host Rantoul.
You can hear Monticello football action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at DeWittDailyNews.com.