Sixty-two rushing attempts meant Cary-Grove was moving the chains and keeping Providence quarterback Justin Hunniford and receiver Miles Boykin on the sideline for long stretches of time.
Two-hundred ninety-four rushing yards meant the Trojans’ powerful offensive line was imposing its will.
A 31-28 loss meant Trevor Ruhland, Michael Gomez and Matt Sutherland had to accept being second best for the second time in three years.
Just as it did in a 33-26 loss to Crete-Monee in the Class 6A final in 2012, Cary-Grove put together a performance worthy of a state championship Saturday evening, only to come up short.
“It’s really bad,” said Gomez, a four-year starter and two-way lineman. “Sophomore year I had a very different perspective, knowing I had more time. Senior year, losing, it hurts worse.”
While Providence did not approach Cary-Grove’s 294 rushing yards, the Celtics ran the ball effectively too.
Richie Warfield rushed for 123 and all four Celtics’ touchdowns, but he was not the Providence player the Trojans credited most for beating them.
“Their quarterback (Hunniford), just making plays, he was so elusive,” Cary-Grove coach Brad Seaburg said. “So many times we almost had him and he got out. It seemed like we couldn’t get him down.”
“Their quarterback made a ton of plays and saved a bunch of sacks,” said Sutherland, a three-year starter at defensive back. “It is disappointing, but I’m so proud of these guys.”
