Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MONTICELLO — One play for the right to go to the state semifinals, that’s what the 3A quarterfinal between Benton and Monticello came down to. The Sages came up with the clutch defensive stand, stopping the Rangers’ two-point conversion attempt in overtime for a 27-26 win.
After trailing by 14 points early and 11 early in the fourth quarter, the Rangers rallied to force overtime. Down 20-9, Tiffin Kouzoukas’ 37-yard touchdown pass to AJ Craven and subsequent two-point conversion pulled Benton within 20-17. Jesser Zepeda tied the game with a 27-yard field with 20 seconds left in regulation.
Benton won the toss and elected to play defense first in overtime. Ike Young found Carter Foran on 4th and goal to put Monticello on top. The Sages booted the extra point for a 27-20 lead.
Kouzoukas’ 7-yard touchdown pulled the Rangers back within 27-26, but the Sages stopped Kouzoukas on the two-point, setting off a wild celebration.
Both quarterbacks had massive days. Kouzoukas finished with 158 yards rushing and 229 yards passing and was responsible for all three Rangers touchdowns. Young tallied 234 yards passing to go with 67 yards rushing, and he accounted for all three Sages’ touchdowns.
Monticello (10-2) will now host conference foe Tolono Unity (9-3) in the semis next week. Benton finishes the season 8-4.
