Adversity hit two-time defending Illinois 8-Man Football Association champion Amboy/LaMoille/Ohio early in Friday’s championship game in Monmouth.

Down two scores to Polo after the first quarter, the Clippers were unfazed. Amboy scored 30 straight points en route to a 30-20 win at Monmouth College’s April Zorn Memorial Stadium.

The defense dug in, and Jose Lopez ran for 292 yards and three touchdowns as Amboy (12-1) became the first three-time state champion in the I8FA.

“It feel great, but I’ve got to give thanks to my O-line,” Lopez said. “They opened up the holes, it was open, and I just had to make the cuts.”

In a battle of two teams with a pair of I8FA state titles, Amboy remains the league’s team to beat after an unprecedented three-peat.

“We have a great coach that pushes u

See Full Page