NORMAL, IL – Normal U-High faced off with Mt. Zion on a frigid Saturday evening at Hancock Stadium for a chance to play for a state title at the same venue.
Despite a final drive full of heroics in the last two minutes, the Pioneers’ comeback effort fell short with Mt. Zion taking a 21-14 victory and advancing to the IHSA Class 4A State Finals.
For the Pioneers, it’s a game that felt very much within reach, and a loss that will sting. However, the Pioneers posted a historic season in 2024, sharing the Central State 8 title and advancing further than any Normal U-High football team ever had before.
They hope it will be the beginning of a highly successful run for the program.
“We’re gonna have to replace a lot of guys next year, but we’re excited about those guys,” Normal U-High head coach Brody Walworth said.