Richmond-Burton made it to the semifinals for a third consecutive season and pushed powerhouse Joliet Catholic almost until the end. The Rockets have a lot to smile about this football season.

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Richmond-Burton hosted Joliet Catholic for their IHSA Class 4A semifinal football game on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at Richmond-Burton High School in Richmond. Joliet Catholic won 35-18 and delivered Richmond-Burton their first loss in three seasons.

Richmond-Burton did a masterful job of keeping the ball out of Joliet Catholic's hands for the first half. But the Hilltoppers got their offense rolling in the second half and defeated the Rockets, 35-18, in their Class 4A playoffs semifinal game on Saturday.

Friday Night Drive’s Joe Stevenson has live coverage from Saturday’s Joliet Catholic vs. Richmond-Burton Class 4A semifinal football game here

Here are the preview capsules for the Class 4A playoff semifinal between Joliet Catholic and Richmond-Burton, and the Class 6A playoff semifinal between Lake Forest and Cary-Grove.

Richmond-Burton has played strong defense all season, allowing only 123 points in 12 games. The Rockets will see the best offense of the season with Joliet Catholic's juggernaut in Saturday's semifinals.

Nine local players made the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State teams in Classes 4A, 5A and 6A.

Prairie Ridge nearly made it to the Class 6A semifinals in a remarkable season; Crystal Lake Central QB Colton Madura led a strong season for the Tigers and more notes.

Landon Jacoby's interception sealed a 27-26 win for Richmond-Burton over Phillips on Saturday. The win sends the Rockets back to the Class 4A semifinals and sets up a showdown with Joliet Catholic.