NORMAL—East St. Louis is the best high school football team in Illinois this season. The Flyers beat some of the best teams in the country, only losing to powerhouse prep school IMG Academy from Florida.
Geneva, in the state finals for the first time since 2008, gave East St. Louis a stout challenge before losing 48-28 in the Class 6A state championship on Saturday at ISU’s Hancock Stadium.
It was the most points allowed by the Flyers all season.
Quarterback Anthony Chahino led the Vikings’ upset bid. He was 20-for-39 for 323 yards and three touchdowns.
Georgia recruit Talyn Taylor had 8 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown for Geneva (12-2). Finnegan Weppner caough six passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Weppner’s 28-yard touchdown catch with 7:01 left in the third quarter cut East St. Louis’ lead to 34-28. The Flyers responded with two touchdowns in the next five minutes.
Larevious Woods had 10 carries for 113 yards and three touchdowns for the Flyers (13-1). Ronnie GoMiller caught five passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
East St. Louis quarterback Kendrick Lyons, who played for winless Granite City last season, was 14-for-21 for 225 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
It’s the 11th state title for East St. Louis.
Check back later for reaction from East St. Louis and Geneva players and coaches.