The Snap

The Journal Star prep football photo blog

Redbirds Make Third Straight Trip To Finals

Nov 21

Posted by Ron Johnson in Metamora, Rochester | No Comments | Purchase these photos

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Redbird banner is prepared by the Metamora cheerleaders before Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Redbird banner is prepared by the Metamora cheerleaders before Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Redbirds tear through the banner to start Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Redbirds tear through the banner to start Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora players pile on each other in the huddle before the start of Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora players pile on each other in the huddle before the start of Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora cheerleaders perform a lift during Saturday's Class 4A semifinal game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora cheerleaders perform a lift during Saturday's Class 4A semifinal game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Quarterback Michael Fay scores Metamora's first touchdown of the day.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Quarterback Michael Fay scores Metamora's first touchdown of the day.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Quaterback Sean Robinson of Rochester is stopped by the Metamora defense.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Quaterback Sean Robinson of Rochester is stopped by the Metamora defense.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora receiver David Kuhne (10) grabs a touchdown pass in the endzone as Wes Alvey of Rochester tries to defend during Saturday's 41-40 by the Redbirds in the Class 4A semifinal game at Malone Field.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora receiver David Kuhne (10) grabs a touchdown pass in the endzone as Wes Alvey of Rochester tries to defend during Saturday's 41-40 by the Redbirds in the Class 4A semifinal game at Malone Field.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Brett McKinney of Metamora brings Rochester quarterback Sean Robinson down.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Brett McKinney of Metamora brings Rochester quarterback Sean Robinson down.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora quarterback Michael Fay scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game with Rochester.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora quarterback Michael Fay scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game with Rochester.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora cheerleaders lend their voices during Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora cheerleaders lend their voices during Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora teammates Tyler White (48) and Michael Fay (15) celebrate a touchdown during Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora teammates Tyler White (48) and Michael Fay celebrate a touchdown during Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Rochester defensive back Colt Gass grabs the helmet of Metamora running back Dan Burk on this run in fourth quarter.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Rochester defensive back Colt Gass grabs the helmet of Metamora running back Dan Burk on this run in the fourth quarter.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Metamora defense stops Rochester quarterback Sean Robinson on the final attempt to beat the Redbirds. Robinson was stopped and Metamora won Saturday's game, 41-40.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR The Metamora defense stops Rochester quarterback Sean Robinson on the final attempt to beat the Redbirds. Robinson was stopped and Metamora won Saturday's game, 41-40.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora senior Dan Burk raises his hands in jubilatiuon in the closing seconds of Saturday's 41-40 Redbird win over Rochester in the Class 4A semifinal game at Metamora. They will play in the Class 4A State Championship in Champaign on Friday.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora senior Dan Burk raises his hands in jubilatiuon in the closing seconds of Saturday's 41-40 Redbird win over Rochester in the Class 4A semifinal game at Metamora. They will play in the Class 4A state championship Friday night in Champaign.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora quaterback Michael Fay, right, and teammate Dan Burk watch the final seconds on the clock tick away.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora quarterback Michael Fay, right, and teammate Dan Burk watch the final seconds of Saturday's 41-40 win over Rochester, sending them to the state finals in Champaign.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora players lift their helmets as the sun sets over Malone Field.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora players lift their helmets as the sun sets over Malone Field.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Head coach Pat Ryan gives his players a hand after winning Saturday's Class 4A semifinal.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Head coach Pat Ryan gives his players a hand after Saturday's Class 4A semifinal victory.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora player Zach Garber gets a hug after Saturday's 41-40 win over Rochester.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Metamora's Zach Garber gets a hug after Saturday's 41-40 win over Rochester.

Hilltoppers top Knights 54-7 in Class 5A semifinal

Nov 21

Posted by Matt Dayhoff in Joliet Catholic, Richwoods | No Comments | Purchase these photos

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Travis Jensen, left, intercepts a pass intended for Richwoods' Noah Moore in the first quarter of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Travis Jensen, left, intercepts a pass intended for Richwoods' Noah Moore in the first quarter of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods Knights begin their ritual dog pile before the start of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday against Joliet Catholic at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods Knights begin their ritual dog pile before the start of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday against Joliet Catholic at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Mike Davis (18) fumbles the ball as Joliet Catholic's Breion Tucker runs him down Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium. The ball went out of bounds on the fumble.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Mike Davis (18) fumbles the ball as Joliet Catholic's Breion Tucker runs him down Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium. The ball went out of bounds on the fumble.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Alex Kolodziej, top, pulls down a pass under pressure from Richwoods' Josh Engelbrecht during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Alex Kolodziej, top, pulls down a pass under pressure from Richwoods' Josh Engelbrecht during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fans whoop it up in the stands Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fans whoop it up in the stands Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Joliet Catholic defense pulls down Richwoods' Marlon Young during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Joliet Catholic defense pulls down Richwoods' Marlon Young during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Jake Stockman brings down Richwoods running back Kendrick Foster during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Jake Stockman brings down Richwoods running back Kendrick Foster during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fullback Tevin Hicks runs for Richwoods' only touchdown of the game during the Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fullback Tevin Hicks runs for Richwoods' only touchdown of the game during the Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fans in the student section cheer for their team after a touchdown in the first half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fans in the student section cheer for their team after a touchdown in the first half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic teammates Alex Kolodziej (28) and Anthony Chignoli (27) take down Richwoods fullback Nate Mahrt during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic teammates Alex Kolodziej (28) and Anthony Chignoli (27) take down Richwoods fullback Nate Mahrt during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods defense piles on Joliet Catholic quarterback Anthony Maddie in the second half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods defense piles on Joliet Catholic quarterback Anthony Maddie in the second half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Mike Mettille, far left, picks up a fumbled kick return during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Mike Mettille, far left, picks up a fumbled kick return during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Peter Cunningham shows some frustration after a Joliet Catholic touchdown Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Peter Cunningham shows some frustration after a Joliet Catholic touchdown Saturday during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic Breion Tucker wraps himself around Richwoods running back Tim Knuttel during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Joliet Catholic's Anthony Chignoli wraps himself around Richwoods running back Tim Knuttel during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Joliet Catholic defense comes down on Richwoods fullback Nate Mahrt during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Joliet Catholic defense comes down on Richwoods fullback Nate Mahrt during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods defense piles on a Joliet Catholic ball carrier in the second half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR The Richwoods defense piles on a Joliet Catholic ball carrier in the second half of their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Zach Rodriguez (15) cover his face as Joliet Catholic's Malin Jones, right, and Kyle Rouse celebrate a touchdown in the first half during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods' Zach Rodriguez (15) covers his face as Joliet Catholic's Malin Jones, right, and Kyle Rouse celebrate a touchdown in the first half during their Class 5A state semifinal Saturday at Richwoods Stadium.

Knights Knock Off Number One

Nov 14

Posted by Ron Johnson in Richwoods, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin | No Comments | Purchase these photos

 

 

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods players pile on before the start of their quarterfinal Class 5A playoff game with Sacred Heart-Griffin on Saturday.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods players pile on before the start of their Class 5A quarterfinal game with Sacred Heart-Griffin on Saturday.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods quarterback Mike Davis pushes cornerback Eddie Hubbard of Sacred Heart-Griffin out of his way on a run up the midd

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods quarterback Mike Davis pushes cornerback Eddie Hubbard of Sacred Heart-Griffin out of his way on a run up the middle.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods defensive back Noah Moore (11) breaks up a pass with teammate Nick Hines (28) intended for receiver Jake Smith (9) of Sacred Heart-Griffin.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods defensive back Noah Moore (11) breaks up a pass with teammate Nick Hines (28) intended for receiver Jake Smith of Sacred Heart-Griffin.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Tight end Peter Cunningham (82) of Richwoods is brought down by John McDermott (14) and Jake Smith (9) of Sacred Heart-Griffin.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Tight end Peter Cunningham of Richwoods is brought down by John McDermott, left, and Jake Smith of Sacred Heart-Griffin.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods quarterback Mike Davis jumps from the grasp of Marlendez Harris of Sacred Heart-Griffin during a run in the first half.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods quarterback Mike Davis runs from the grasp of Marlendez Harris of Sacred Heart-Griffin during the first half.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods head coach Roland Brown confers with his players on the sidelines during Saturday's game.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods head coach Roland Brown confers with his players on the sidelines during Saturday's game.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fullback Tevin Hicks carries two Sacred Heart-Griffin defenders along with him.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods fullback Tevin Hicks carries two Sacred Heart-Griffin defenders along with him.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods receiver Noah Moore (11) and corner back Brian Haley of Sacred Heart-Griffin try to get a piece of this pass intended for Moore.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods receiver Noah Moore and corner back Brian Haley of Sacred Heart-Griffin (25) try to get a piece of this pass intended for Moore.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods students bare their true colors as they cheer on the Knights.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods students bare their true colors as they cheer on the Knights.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods cheerleaders try to do 29 push-ups after a touchdown.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods cheerleaders try to do 29 push-ups after a touchdown.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods tight end Peter Cunningham and teammates celebrate their win over top-ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Saturday.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods tight end Peter Cunningham and teammates celebrate their win over top-ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin in the Class 5A quarterfinals on Saturday.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods players celebrate their 29-20 win over top-ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin at Richwoods High School Saturday in the Class 5A playoff.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods players celebrate their 29-20 win over top-ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin at Richwoods High School Saturday in the Class 5A quarterfinals.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Senior offensive lineman Jarred Adams of Sacred Heart-Griffin feels the pain of Saturday's loss to Richwoods.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Senior offensive lineman Jarred Adams of Sacred Heart-Griffin feels the pain of Saturday's loss to Richwoods.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Richwoods players and coaches celebrate their team's 29-20 win over number one ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin in Saturday's Class 5A playoff game at Richwoods.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Running back Kendrick Foster of Richwoods celebrates the team's 29-20 win over top-ranked ranked Sacred Heart-Griffin in Saturday's Class 5A quarterfinal game at Richwoods.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Sacred Heart-Griffin players Ryan Crabtree, left, and Zach Rockford are consoled after their 29-20 loss to Richwoods.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Sacred Heart-Griffin players Ryan Crabtree, left, and Zach Rockford are consoled after their 29-20 loss to Richwoods.

 

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Sacred Heart-Griffin head coach Ken Leonard consoles players Matt Anderson, left, and Christian Jordan after the team's 29-20 loss.

RON JOHNSON/JOURNAL STAR Sacred Heart-Griffin head coach Ken Leonard consoles players Matt Anderson, left, and Christian Jordan after the team's 29-20 loss.