MURPHYSBORO, Ill. -- Murphysboro is our final high school football team alive. The Red Devils are still standing after winning their last two playoff games by a total of just six points. Now, MHS has a chance to reach its ultimate goal of playing for a state title.Â
The Red Devils are coming off of one of the most exciting wins we have seen all year. MHS defeated Harrisburg in the quarterfinals with a Hail Mary touchdown on the game's final play to win 25-20.Â
The Red Devils are expecting a big crowd for their home semifinal game against Rochester on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
Next up for Murphysboro: a home meeting against No. 1 Rochester in the state semifinals. The Red Devils are 11-1, the Rockets a perfect 12-0.
Rochester is coming off of a dominant, 49-13 win over Breese Central last Saturday.Â
News 3 caught up with a few Red Devils at practice on Tuesday who know the Rockets will be a challenge, but say, they are ready to compete.
"You know, they're a really solid team. They play fast you know, they're big and they've been a great team in past years and probably years to come. So, we respect them a lot, but we're not afraid of them, you know. We're ready to play our game," said junior quarterback, Gibson Fager.
Junior running back, Bryson Canaley added, "You know, their defense is pretty solid, they're fast, they fly around. They're kind of like us in a way. Our defenses are really good, and their offense is pretty good too. We respect them a lot, so, we've got to prepare for them if we want to play."
The Red Devils are expecting a big crowd for their home semifinal game against Rochester on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.Â
