NORMAL, Ill.—When Rochester’s Nate Swaney picked off a pass from Montini quarterback Israel Abrams and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Friday, it did more than just get the Rockets back into the Class 4A state championship game.
It allowed fans inside ISU’s Hancock Stadium and watching on television a chance to see one of the state’s greatest talents, Abrams, respond.
Abrams, a 6-4, 190-pound junior, is one of the highest-regarded quarterbacks in the country and two of the plays he pulled off on the next drive, which sealed Montini’s 47-33 win and eighth state championship, showed off why.
“[Abrams] and I met eyes at the end of the third quarter,” Montini coach Mike Bukovsky said. “I said hey, this is where you are a champion. Right here.”
On third and 19 from the Montini 6, Abrams took the snap and was under immediate pressure. He dodged a defender in the end zone and threw a dart down the middle of the field that found junior Damacio Ortegon for a 32-yard gain.
“[Bukovsky] prepared us for moments like that,” Abrams said. “When the crap hits the fan like that and everything goes crazy, we fall back on our training.”
The play showcased Abrams’ smarts, guts and athleticism. Three plays later, Abrams amazed the crowd again. He lofted a beautiful, hopeful and high pass down the right sideline for Ortegon, who somehow twisted and turned his body while never taking his eyes off the ball. He caught the pass for a 36-yard gain.
“We have great defensive backs I go against all year in practice,” Ortegon said. “I just had to go up and get it and make a play.”
Senior Charles Flowers scored on a 24-yard run on the next play to put Montini (14-0) ahead 40-26 and seal the win.
Abrams tied the Class 4A state title game record with four TD passes. He was 20-for-30 for 418 yards with two interceptions.
“Great players make great plays in the biggest situation,” Rochester coach Derek Leonard said. “They don’t have him, who knows. That kid is special…they just don’t have any weaknesses. That kid just kept making plays and making plays. Give him a lot of credit.”
Ortegon had seven catches for 167 yards and a TD. Nico Castaldo caught five passes for 21 yards and a TD and Luca Floria had four catches for 130 yards and two TDs.
“It’s been a special year,” Bukovsky said. “We set out with lofty goals. We said we were going to be undefeated and now we sit here with a 24-game winning streak.”
Rochester quarterback Tanner Beal was 18-for-26 for 149 yards with one TD and two interceptions.
It is the first state title game loss for the Rockets (12-2), who have won nine state championships.
Montini, which won the Class 3A state title last season, is loaded with talented juniors, including Abrams and Ortegon, and will be a major factor again next season.