For the 82nd time Saturday, the Du Quoin High School Football team plays in the post season.
Included in those many contests—which now span over a state record of 25 consecutive years—are six appearances in the Class 3A State Championship game.
There have been state titles (1988 and 1992), along with four runner-up finishes. All totalled, on the roads to Normal and Champaign respectively, the Indians have fashioned a spectacular 59-22 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) record.
Saturday afternoon, they'll once again have a chance to build on another Class 3A standard.
The Indians, 11-1, face top-ranked Columbia (12-0) in the semifinal round at 1o'clock in Columbia. Du Quoin's final four appearance is its 14th, a state mark for Class 3A.
Saturday's winner advances into the 2008 title game, playing either Carthage (Illini West) or Oregon next week in Champaign.
There have been two state championships and a spectacular 59-22 record on the roads to Normal and Champaign, respectively.
Since a week three overtime speed bump against Herrin, the Indians have ripped off nine straight victories.
The most thrilling came in last week's quarterfinals, a 14-10 thriller against Decatur St. Teresa.
"As a coach you always wonder if you'll ever get back here again (to the semifinals)," veteran Du Quoin mentor Al Martin (21st year, 214-43, 12 semifinals) admitted. "Its pretty special and a great feat. We've had some great experiences in games like this. And now to play another—especially after such a tough game last week—you just feel so very fortunate and thankful."
Featuring an explosive offense, led by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) first team all-state quarterback Brian Winters (6'1, 185, sr.), the Eagles were state runner-up's last season.
Winters tops the squad in rushing (87 carries, 600 yards, 9 TD) and has passed for 2,450 yards (173-for-280) and 35 more scores.
Wide receiver Brandon Prior (5'10, 160, sr.) also earned All-IHSFCA honors with 682 yards and nine TD catches.
Three other wideouts for the pass-happy Eagles— St. Louis DesMet transfer Joe Streepy (6'3, 170, sr.), Divison I baseball pitcher Joel Greatting (6'0, 190, sr.) and Alex Quinn (5'9, 160, sr.)—sport at least 460 yards receiving, combining for 25 touchdowns.
"We are a spread style team with a quarterback who's a threat to run or pass," Columbia coach Scott Horner (8th year, 48-28, 6-5 in playoffs) confirms. "We also have four wide receivers that can all catch the ball and really get out and go. "
Jarren Galli (5'9, 185, sr.) provides solid balance to the passing attack, joining Winters as top-flight runners. Galli's gained 579 yards.
A small, but fast, offensive line is captained by seniors Clinton Schulte (6'0, 210) and Brode Thoma (6'2, 215).
Columbia's scored right at 41 points per game. They've routed New Berlin 47-14, Pittsfield (28-0) and Greenville (40-14) in a march back to the semifinals.
"They do a super job with their offense," Martin said. "They bring some things to the table that we'll have to defend. The quarterback is an outstanding player with breakaway speed. On film, their defense also looks very quick and very sound."
The Eagles are stout defensively, allowing 10.3 points per outing.
Linebackers Tyler Dillon (6'0, 170, sr.), Kyle Breitenstein (5'8, 155, jr.), Jake Payne (5'9, 190, sr.) and Galli rank among the tackle leaders.
Schulte and Jeff Moallenkamp (5'9, 190, sr.) handle things inside with Greatting (seven interceptions) tops in the secondary.
"We are not real big defensively but do have decent team speed," Horner said. "Du Quoin presents a lot of challenges. They are extremely balanced with a great quarterback and many weapons. Du Quoin is Du Quoin. Big and strong on both sides of the ball. We will have to find a way to win the battle up front."
Despite losing sure-fire all-state tight end/defensive end Dalton Morgan to a serious injury (torn windpipe) earlier in the week, the Tribe still bring plenty to the table.
The Indians defense—like its offense—is a balanced group. Linebacker Matt Gossett (6'4, 180, jr.) and tackle Kyle Paxton (6'2, 235, sr.) join Morgan with 100-plus stops. Linebacker Collin Jones (89 tackles) and the safety duo of Seth Flint and Marcus Clarry all sport 70 or more tackles.
Up front, Paxton is joined by senior standouts Seth Heape (6'0, 295) and Josh Cushman (6'3, 235).
"Defensively we've just continued to improve each and every week," Martin said. "To win Saturday, we are again going to have to play great defense. Columbia can score a lot of points. We'll need to keep them away from the big play. If we can do that, then I really like our chances."
Quarterback A.J. Hill (1,875 yards, 28 TD passing and 667 yards, 15 TD rushing) joined Winters and Prior on the All-IHSFCA list. He completed six passes on what turned out to be the game-winning drive against St. Teresa last week, four to record-setting junior receiver David Rose (840 yards, 11 TD). Flint (457 yards) and Clarry (180 yards) are also solid threats. Martin plans to alternate several players in Morgan's tight end spot. Jordan Day (6'3, 195, sr.) will move into the starting line-up.
On defense, Martin hasn't picked a replacement.
"Right now we are  pretty much just letting the kids compete for those (Morgan's) spot," Martin said. "Dalton's one heck of a football player. We do have a lot of kids who can step up and do a good job."
Martin's teams have traveled the playoff trail in each of  his 21seasons as coach. He knows Saturday  games in the sunshine of a November afternoon, are to be cherished.
"The playoffs never get old," he said. "And they probably never will."
Du Quoin's been to the semifinals a dozen times under Martin, the last coming in 2005.