Washington, defense send Peoria past Mascoutah in IHSA Class 5A quarterfinals
A dominating second half from star running back Malachi Washington and the defensive unit vaulted Peoria High School past Mascoutah in the quarterfinals of the IHSA Class 5A postseason Saturday.
Washington ran for three touchdowns and a two-point conversion after intermission and the Lions’ defense blanked the Indians the final 24 minutes en route to a 36-21 victory.
“We went in and changed our mentality at halftime and came out a different team,” said Lions coach Timothy Thornton, whose team blanked Mascoutah 22-0 after halftime. “That’s who we are. They gave us everything we could handle and our kids responded well. That’s a great program on the other side. They do an extremely good job with their kids. Their culture is fantastic.”
Third-seeded Peoria (11-1) now moves into the semifinals where it will face No. 4 seed Morris (9-2) next weekend.
“It’s a blessing to advance and I feel very blessed,” Washington said. “I’m very grateful to be going to the semifinals with my brothers. This is very special. It’s hard to imagine we’re here right now.”
Washington finished with 268 yards and four touchdowns on 40 carries. Mascoutah coach Aaron Hilgendorf knew his seventh-seeded team would have their hands full with Washington, who he said was, “as good as you will see in this class (5A)“ earlier this week.
“He runs as hard as any back I’ve played against,” said Hilgendorf, whose club finished 8-4. “Their offensive line schemes it up well and he comes downhill and he’s always falling forward. He’s capable of breaking a big one. He’s a heck of a back.”
Mascoutah led 21-14 at halftime behind a rushing touchdown from senior Allen Middleton and a pair of touchdown passes from senior Zane Timon to classmate Quincy Hall, the latter of which came just 1:42 before intermission. Senior Ethan Dee booted all three extra points.
The Lions, however, flipped the script in the second half.
Washington’s 2-yard touchdown run with 6:49 left in the third quarter cut the deficit to 21-20, but the two-point conversion failed. Peoria converted two fourth downs on the 15-play, 83-yard march, including a 4th and 9.
After getting a stop, Peoria took the lead for good at 28-21 late in the third quarter on Washington’s 2-yard touchdown run and subsequent two-point conversion rush. His 63-yard run keyed the drive.
Mascoutah then threw an interception, got a stop and Timon’s 47-yard punt pinned Peoria at the 1-yard-line. The Lions converted one first down before Hall’s interception with 5:13 remaining gave the Indians life. However, Peoria’s defense again slammed the door, sacking Timon on 4th and 14.
‘Their pressure got to us’
Washington’s 38-yard touchdown burst with 1:49 left sealed the outcome. Senior quarterback Ricky Hearn connected with junior Tino Gist for the two-point conversion.
“Their pressure got to us,” Hilgendorf said. “We weren’t able to make the plays we needed to put some points on the board when we needed to most. That’s an excellent football team.”
Middleton also credited the Lions while noting his team did not execute and make the same big plays they did in a 55-42 second round win against Highland.
“We knew it was going to be a battle for four quarters,” he said. “They’re a good football team and they played really well ... there’s nothing you can do about that.”
Middleton, Hilgendorf credit team
Middleton praised his club as well.
“I’m super proud of this group. A lot of people doubted us, but these guys didn’t put their heads down and they committed to the system ... we battled a lot of adversity. This is family. I’m going to miss these guys,” he said.
Hilgendorf echoed Middleton’s sentiments.
“The boys played extremely hard. I’m just proud of their effort and what they accomplished this game. I’m so proud of these kids,” he said. “This one stings, we really wanted to continue to play especially here at home, but that’s a very good Peoria football team. Peoria’s defense won it out.”
This story was originally published November 12, 2022 at 8:20 PM.