Michael O'Brien

The No. 2 quarterback in the country led back-to-back state champs Montini into Morris on Saturday for a playoff showdown.

The football-crazed city had waited a full year for this game. And their team delivered with a dominant win.

“Yeah, they have a five-star quarterback,” Morris QB Marion Persich said. “I might not have all that many offers, but I am going to come out here and give it my all, and I’m going to play with all my heart.”

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Israel Abrams was heartfelt and eloquent just a few minutes after a crushing, career-ending defeat at Morris:

“I want to thank everyone on this coaching staff and this team. All the classmates and people who have helped me. I came here knowing one person. Montini is the school that gave me a chance, and [coach Mike Bukovsky] gave me a chance. Three years later we are two-time state champions.

“We came out, and we fought. That’s all I can expect of the guys. Everyone fought. We are all brothers, and that is what matters.”

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Asked Morris coach Alan Thorson if he wanted public vs. private matchups like tonight's game against Montini to go away....

"If I am winning, I love it. I don’t even know how to answer that. We’ve lost some good ones to these guys and JCA. But man, when you can beat them it is such a special thing. What a great atmosphere. Credit to both schools and both communities. To play a game like this, in this environment, this is what high school football is all about."

Morris beats Montini 41-7. The Warriors will face Sterling in the 4A quarterfinals next weekend.

And a fireworks show starts.

Caden Medler with an INT and a 96-yard return for a TD. That should do it.

Morris leads Montini 34-7 with 4:29 left.

Montini won 4A last season and 3A in 2024.