Big 12 Update: Danville Only One Left Standing

The Danville Vikings are left alone to represent our proud conference in the IHSA quarterfinals this weekend. The Vikings scored a come-from-behind victory on Saturday at Oak Lawn Richards. Danville was down 20-10 at halftime, but they scored twenty unanswered points in the second half to advance. The Vikings came alive scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions following Coach Luke's speech in the locker room. That stingy Viking defense was resurected as well. After allowing nearly 200 yards in the first half, Danville surrendered only 61 yards the rest of the game. The defense will most likely carry the Vikings to the 6A finals, but a lot can be said for their running game too. Four Danville players rushed for a combined 350+ yards in the second-round showdown. I know the Vikings's hometown must be proud. Besides Royal Donut and Inflatables Day, the citizens of D-Vegas have little to boast according to some. But as Chad Dare of the Commercial-News put it, "For those people that believe Danville is a dying town, you did not make the trip north to Oak Lawn on Saturday night." Well Chad, you are correct. I did not make that trip. However, I did witness a strong Viking win at Normal Community where I was impressed by the number of enthusiastic fans willing to travel with the team. But I have also dined at Danville's exclusive Little Nugget, which provides strong evidence for the opposition. Next up for the Big 12 Champs, though, is #4 Lemont, who stands at 10-1. The game at Danville will start at 3:00 on Saturday afternoon.

The Normal Community Ironmen were also in action on Saturday, but unfortunately, they will not advance after a loss to Crete-Monee High School. NCHS lost 35-10. Good season, though, Ironmen!