Quincy Senior High School clinched a dramatic victory in the first round of the Illinois 6A football playoffs, defeating Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy 88-84 in a contest that shattered state scoring records. The Blue Devils, who traveled over 300 miles from the Missouri border to southern Chicago, secured their advancement despite a chaotic final quarter that was interrupted by fading daylight. The final score of 172 combined points broke the previous Illinois state record for the most points scored in a single high school football game, capping off a historic afternoon for both programs.
Quincy Blue Devils survive darkness and state record to secure playoff berth
The matchup’s intensity was compounded by logistical challenges that forced officials to adapt in real-time. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the game was moved to a 3 p.m. Friday start at the request of Quincy to reduce hotel expenses for the long drive. With no stadium lights available, the clock became the ultimate opponent; after a two-hour first half that saw Goode lead 60-59, officials shortened halftime to just six minutes to preserve daylight. The stoppage measure proved necessary but insufficient, as the game was ultimately suspended with 3:42 remaining in the fourth quarter due to darkness, leaving the final moments of the record-setting affair in the shadows.
This result not only advances Quincy to the next round of the 6A tournament but also highlights the extreme lengths high school programs will go to manage resources while competing at the state level. The 88-84 final score stands as a testament to the offensive firepower on display, with both teams exchanging touchdowns in a relentless slugfest. As the IHSA confirms the result, the Quincy Blue Devils will look to carry this momentum forward, having proven their ability to perform under pressure in one of the most unusual and high-scoring games in recent Illinois high school football history.
Source: Yahoo Sports
