Normal Community freshman Alec Bozarth rushed for three touchdowns Friday. (Photo By B Corbin/You Name It Sports)

By Paul Morello

NORMAL - Normal Community's football team secured its 17th consecutive post-season berth Friday night with a 37-6 win over Big 12 foe Champaign Central.

Leading the way for NCHS was freshman running back Alec Bozarth, who finished with 86 yards and a touchdown in the first three quarters.

"He's a pretty good little freshman," Ironmen coach Wes Temples said. "I think he'd be the first to tell you that those guys in front of him are the reason he's able to do what he can do. That's a senior group and 'Boz' is getting spoiled right now as a freshman."

The victory moved the Ironmen's record to 6-3 overall, while Champaign ended winless in nine games.

Champaign tallied on its opening drive on a touchdown by running back Tion Posey. The extra point was missed.

Bozarth's first touchdown on a 1-yard run came on the ensuing drive and the Ironmen wouldn't look back. In the second quarter, Grant Donath added a 16-yard field goal, while D.J. Frank galloped 53 yards for a score and Bozarth found the end zone again on a 6-yard run.

Bozarth sprinted 35 yards for a score in the third quarter and quarterback Austin Jones also got in on the action with a 1-yard run.

"It may not have been one of our prettier games, but after that first drive we settled down and played pretty well," Temples said. "Our kids battled and we're excited for what happens tomorrow (Saturday) night and getting prepared for another week."

CC - Tion Posey 1-yd. run

NCHS - Alec Bozarth 1-yd. run (Grant Donath kick)

NCHS - Donath 16-yd FG

NCHS - Bozarth 6-yd. run (Donath kick)

NCHS - D.J. Frank 53-yd. run (Donath kick)

NCHS - Bozarth 35-yd. run (Donath kick)

NCHS - Austin Jones 1-yd. run (kick failed)