Effingham enters the quarterfinals of the playoffs for the first time since 1987 after their win last week against Paris. Their quarterfinal opponent Kankakee Bishop McNamara comes into the game 10-1. While Effingham is riding a nine game winning streak, Bishop McNamara have a seven game winning streak of their own. The Fighting Irish’s lone loss came in week 4 to the #1 Seed in the northern portion of the 4A bracket Elmhurst (IC Catholic) 21-20 on a hail mary in the final seconds.
Effingham to no surprise being this deep into the playoffs are playing their toughest test to date. McNamara bolsters an outstanding running game led by senior running back Tyshon King, he’s athletic and a touchdown machine. Last week however in their 49-14 win against Murphysboro it was their Junior QB Tyler Hiller, who threw for 6 touchdowns to 5 different receivers. So if this Irish team can get their passing game going along with King on the ground look out this team could be very tough to beat. Leading this Bishop McNamara is head coach Rich Zinanni who is in his 44th year as head coach of this team. Coach Zinanni has a very impressive resume during those 44 years he has lead them to all of their 35 playoff appearances in school history, including 5 state championships one as recent as 2015-16 and three 2nd place finishes. Coach Zinanni also picked up his 350th win during these playoffs.
Effingham are quietly 22 points away from breaking last year’s team record for most points in a season. Effingham will be honoring members and cheerleaders from the 1987 team at halftime of the game on Saturday. Kickoff is at 2 o clock admission set by the IHSA for this week’s game is $6.00 PER PERSON fans are encouraged to bring exact change.
As always you can listen to the Hearts games on 100.5 and 105.5 Jack FM or the Effingham Radio App