With 2004 being the “Year of the Horse” in the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Montini Catholic football team turned in one of the most unforgettable seasons in program history. After a Week 1 non-conference loss to Sacred Heart- Griffin, the Broncos would not lose again for the rest of the season. Montini finished the regular season with an 8-1 record and captured the Suburban Catholic Conference championship. In the playoffs, Montini defeated St. Francis, Burlington Central, and Marian Central Catholic in the first three rounds, three team which had stymied the Broncos in the postseason in prior campaigns. The Broncos then defeated Herrin High School by a 28-11 final score to secure their first-ever birth in a state championship game. Facing Coal City on the turf at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, the Broncos jumped out to a 29-0 halftime lead en route to an eventual 44-7 victory and the program’s first state championship. Montini set a school record with 3, 573 rushing yards for the season, including 319 in the title game alone. Five players earned All-State honors: Mike Mucha, Joey Borsellino, Bob Dobry, Neal Revane, and Ben Murphy.
Schedule:
08/28 @ Sacred Heart-Griffin–L 47-3
09/4 vs. Geneva– W 42-28
09/11 @ Immaculate Conception–W 39-15
09/18 vs. Marian Central Catholic–W 31-28
09/25 @ Marmion Academy–W 56-14
10/2 vs. St. Edward–W 32-7
10/9 vs. St. Francis–W 30-13
10/15 @ Aurora Central Catholic–W 45-0
10/22 @ Driscoll Catholic–W 23-13
10/30 vs. St. Francis–W 33-0
11/6 vs. Burlington Central–W 25-13
11/13 @ Marian Central Catholic–W 34-14
11/20 vs. Herrin–W 28-11
11/27 vs. Coal City at Memorial Stadium–W 44-7
Montini Bronco Football 