Nov. 28--The Chicago Public League finally has a state football champion.
Quayvon Skanes zigged, zagged and zoomed his way to 141 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries, and the senior quarterback also passed for a touchdown in Phillips' 51-7 win against Belleville Althoff in the Class 4A championship game at DeKalb's Huskie Stadium.
The Wildcats became the first Public League school to win an IHSA state title since the state playoffs began in 1974. The CPS lost its previous two trips to the finals. Phillips to Rochester 49-28 in last year's 4A final, and Robeson to Rockford Guilford 16-12 in 5A in 1982.
Coach Troy McAllister's team fell behind 7-0 but scored 51 unanswered points. Kamari Mosby rushed for 151 yards and a score, and Qadeer Weatherly caught one pass for a 36-yard touchdown.
Amir Watts started the running clock by returning an Althoff fumble 19 yards for a score that made it 48-7 with 2 minutes left in the third quarter. Isaac Osei completed the scoring with a 21-yard field goal with 4:39 remaining in the game.
Player of the game: Quayvon Skanes, Phillips, 141 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 44 passing yards, TD.
Key performers: Phillips -- Kamari Mosby, 151 rushing yards, TD; Qadeer Weatherly, 36-yard TD reception. Althoff -- Jordan Augustine, 204 passing yards, TD.
