NORMAL, Ill. (WAND) - For the first time in program history, the Mt. Zion High School football team has earned a spot in the state title game, after defeating U-High, 21-14.

"No fiery speech or any of that," said Braves' Head Coach, Patrick Etherton addressing his team. "You know why? We've got one more. I am so proud of you guys and what you've accomplished up to this point, but here's the deal - we're not done yet."

The Class 4A semifinal matched two well-coached offenses against one another. The Pioneers were first on the board taking advantage following a Braves turnover. A short time later, senior Brayden Trimble rushed for a score to level the contest 7-7 midway through the opening quarter.

The Illini football commit would tally another two scores before halftime, giving Mt. Zion some cushion with a 21-7 advantage.

U-High and Mt. Zion would trade possession throughout much of the third quarter. As the defenses tightened, the need for points only increased. The Braves pressured Pioneers quarterback, Alek Weiland, numerous times on fourth down to force turnover on downs, keeping the opponents off the board.

With just under six minutes remaining in the game, U-High found the end zone to close the gap to just seven points.

Following a long punt by the braves on a later possession, the Pioneers were faced with a challenge - drive 83 yards in less than 90 seconds to tie the game.

A penalty by the Braves defense kept U-High's hopes alive, leading them to run short passing plays enabling them to step out of bounds and stop the clock.

With just 14 seconds remaining, the Braves were backed up with the ball on the 11 yard line. Weiland threw a pass to try and score, but it was tipped and landed perfectly into the arms of Trimble, who kneeled and effectively ended the game and sealed Mt. Zion's win.

"As far as a leader in our school and a leader in our community, the kid [Trimble] is just 'it'," said Etherton after the game. "You get a kid like that and the other kids buy in... that's what it takes."

Trimble recalled what he told his teammates before they made their final stand.

"At this point it's win or go home," he said. "I said give it everything you've got because if they win, we ain't got a game next week. If you want to play, you've got to leave it all on the field. These guys are so resilient and I just love playing with them."

Mt. Zion will return to Hancock Stadium on Friday, November 29th at 7pm, to compete with DePaul College Prep for the 4A state title.

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