Johnsburg’s Charlie Eastland unleashed a bolt from the blue, then she got the father of all bearhugs.

The sophomore midfielder scored a sensational goal with 29 seconds remaining in regulation, giving the Skyhawks a thrilling 2-1 victory over Timothy Christian in a Class 1A state semifinal Thursday night at North Central College.

Johnsburg (13-6) advances to the state championship game for the first time in school history. The Skyhawks will play Columbia (24-2-3) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday for the crown.

Eastland made a proud papa out of her father, Johnsburg coach Rob Eastland, who lifted his daughter off her feet and held her for over 30 seconds.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of,” Charlie Eastland said as she held back tears. “So to be able to do it with him is unreal, and to have him by m

See Full Page