The only previous meeting between Montini and Coal City back in 2004 resulted in the Broncos’ first state championship and was the start of a special run that continues more than two decades later.

The storied programs locked horns again on Saturday, and after Montini’s 35-0 victory over the Coalers in a Class 4A quarterfinal in Lombard, the Broncos’ hopes for an eighth state title and second undefeated campaign remain intact.

Montini (12-0), which was bumped up a class after winning Class 3A last fall, will host Morris next Saturday in the semis with its 22-game winning streak on the line.

“This is very special for us,” said senior linebacker and honorable mention all-state selection Santino Tenuta. “A couple of years ago we were 3-6, and 3-6 (in 2021 and 22). We’ve turned the prog

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