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Prep Confidential

Playoffs underway

Posted by: Marcus Jackson

Saturday, November 1, 2008 12:14 AM

Heading into Friday's first-round playoff contests, you had to figure the two area teams hosting, Fisher and Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley would pull one out.

Wasn't the case as both the Bunnies and Falcons were sent packing after suffering upsets Friday.

The Bunnies dropped their game to Annawan-Weathersfield and about the only thing more surprising than the outcome was the score — 39-20. But don't be fooled, it wasn't even that close.

The Titans jumped out to a 39-6 lead and the Bunnies tacked on a couple of late touchdowns to make the score a little more respectable.

Can't be completely surprised by the outcome, A-W was a 9 seed and Fisher an 8, but you just had to figure playing at home would give the Bunnies an edge.

Fisher coach Matt Leng admitted A-W was a lot more physical than he anticipated, but even after the Bunnies figured that out, they couldn't match the Titans.

It was the last game in the career of Fisher's all-time rushing leader Colten Unzicker, who racked up 140 yards and a touchdown Friday.

Afterward Leng called Unzicker the best high school football player he's coached in his seven years there.

Pretty high praise when you consider Alex Deer, Austin Deer and Josh Ingold wore the black and orange.

GCMS, fresh off an emotional upset win over Fisher dropped its game 28-26 to Flanagan, another team from the Heart of Illinois. The Falcons missed a two-point conversion late and missed a chance to send the game into overtime. Mike Allen's squad finished the season 8-2.

St. Thomas More, playing in arguably the state's toughest bracket in any class, lost to undefeated Bloomington Central Catholic 49-8. Tough draw for the Sabers who were bumped up to Class 4A this season.

Be back for more tomorrow as there are 11 more games involving area teams. Hope everyone had a safe Halloween!

mjackson@news-gazette.com