NORMAL, Ill.—East St. Louis had a bit more than a minute to get downfield and win the game.
That’s more than enough time for the Flyers’ high-powered offense to score, but Cary-Grove senior defensive back Patrick Weaver knew exactly what to look for.
“[East St. Louis] breaks their routes out at times,” Weaver said. “So I was just waiting for that guy to break outside. The ball headed my way and I went and grabbed it.”
What Weaver grabbed was the state-title-sealing interception. The Trojans beat East St. Louis 23-20 to win the Class 6A championship on Saturday at ISU’s Hancock Stadium.
It’s the fourth state championship for Cary-Grove, which shocked the state by upsetting the Flyers in the 2021 Class 6A title game.
Logan Abrams scored the game-winning touchdown on a two-yard run with 1:19 to play. It topped off a 19-play drive that went 71 yards and ate up 10:41 of the fourth quarter.
“It was just a great game by our kids,” Trojans coach Brad Seaburg said. “Look at that last drive. It just kind of sealed the deal. It was a great win for our kids, our program and for our town.”
East St. Louis (11-3) dominated Prairie Ridge, Cary-Grove’s Fox Valley conference rival, in the 6A title game last season. But the triple-option attack foiled the Flyers this year. East St. Louis has won 10 state titles and is loaded with future college players.
The Trojans (12-2) ran for 206 yards and passed just once. But it was a crucial completion. Cary-Grove quarterback Peyton Seaburg, the coach’s son, connected with Andrew Prio on a 19-yard TD pass.
Abrams had 31 carries for 87 yards and 2 TDs. Prio contributed 11 carries for 74 yards for the Trojans.
Cary-Grove’s defense limited East St. Louis to short gains throughout the game. Senior Corey Adams and senior Jack Rocen both had nine tackles for the Trojans.
“We just did the stuff that we have been working on all year,” Abrams said. “Just grinding the ball and grinding the clock out.”
East St. Louis running back Larevious Woods ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Flyers quarterback Robert “Pops” Battle had eight carries for 56 yards and a TD and was 14-for-16 for 139 yards. He left the game with an injury and wasn’t available for the final drive.
“Pops definitely has that extra dynamic that we were missing,” East St. Louis coach Darren Sunkett said. “He’s a dual threat quarterback who can make things happen from the pocket.”
