Abrams Shines Under Pressure as Montini Clinches 8th State Title
In a thrilling matchup, Israel Abrams led Montini to a 47-33 victory over Rochester in the Class 4A state championship game, securing his team's eighth state title. The 6'4", 190-pound junior quarterback proved himself to be one of the country's top talents, making several clutch plays under pressure that left fans and opponents alike in awe.
Abrams' poise and composure were on full display as he navigated the Rockets' defense, dodging defenders and launching pinpoint accurate passes downfield. On third and 19 from the Montini six-yard line, Abrams showcased his quick thinking, dodging a defender before unleashing a beautifully placed pass to junior Damacio Ortegon for a 32-yard gain.
Three plays later, Abrams made another spectacular play, lofting a high pass down the right sideline that Ortegon somehow managed to catch for a 36-yard gain. "We have great defensive backs I go against all year in practice," Ortegon said of his impressive performance. "I just had to go up and get it and make a play."
Senior Charles Flowers sealed the win with a 24-yard touchdown run, putting Montini ahead 40-26. Abrams tied the Class 4A state title game record with four touchdowns, completing 20-of-30 passes for 418 yards with two interceptions.
"We have great players making great plays in the biggest situation," Rochester coach Derek Leonard said of Abrams' incredible performance. "That kid is special...they just don't have any weaknesses. That kid just kept making plays and making plays. Give him a lot of credit."
Montini's coach, Mike Bukovsky, praised his team's overall performance, saying it was a "special year" that culminated in this 24-game winning streak. The team's loaded roster of talented juniors will undoubtedly be a major factor again next season.
For Rochester, the loss marked their first state title game defeat since 2014, when they won nine championships. Despite being shut out in the final count, the Rockets' quarterback Tanner Beal showed resilience with 18 completions for 149 yards and one touchdown.
In a thrilling matchup, Israel Abrams led Montini to a 47-33 victory over Rochester in the Class 4A state championship game, securing his team's eighth state title. The 6'4", 190-pound junior quarterback proved himself to be one of the country's top talents, making several clutch plays under pressure that left fans and opponents alike in awe.
Abrams' poise and composure were on full display as he navigated the Rockets' defense, dodging defenders and launching pinpoint accurate passes downfield. On third and 19 from the Montini six-yard line, Abrams showcased his quick thinking, dodging a defender before unleashing a beautifully placed pass to junior Damacio Ortegon for a 32-yard gain.
Three plays later, Abrams made another spectacular play, lofting a high pass down the right sideline that Ortegon somehow managed to catch for a 36-yard gain. "We have great defensive backs I go against all year in practice," Ortegon said of his impressive performance. "I just had to go up and get it and make a play."
Senior Charles Flowers sealed the win with a 24-yard touchdown run, putting Montini ahead 40-26. Abrams tied the Class 4A state title game record with four touchdowns, completing 20-of-30 passes for 418 yards with two interceptions.
"We have great players making great plays in the biggest situation," Rochester coach Derek Leonard said of Abrams' incredible performance. "That kid is special...they just don't have any weaknesses. That kid just kept making plays and making plays. Give him a lot of credit."
Montini's coach, Mike Bukovsky, praised his team's overall performance, saying it was a "special year" that culminated in this 24-game winning streak. The team's loaded roster of talented juniors will undoubtedly be a major factor again next season.
For Rochester, the loss marked their first state title game defeat since 2014, when they won nine championships. Despite being shut out in the final count, the Rockets' quarterback Tanner Beal showed resilience with 18 completions for 149 yards and one touchdown.
. I mean, have you seen that kid play? He's like a superhero on the field! Under pressure, he just takes over and makes magic happen. And those defenders are like, what can they do against him? 
It was amazing to watch. And yeah, Abrams is definitely one of the country's top talents right now. I think Montini's got an awesome team with all those talented juniors. They're gonna be a force to be reckoned with next season for sure! 
his composure under pressure is insane, I love how he just takes the hits and keeps going 
Montini is so lucky to have him leading their team, they're gonna be super tough to beat next year 
congrats to Montini on their 8th state title, you guys deserve it! 
! I mean, that kid's got skills for days 
, with everyone contributing to their 8th state title win 
. Abrams' stats are insane 418 yards in one game? That's crazy numbers 
! And Ortegon's catch on that high pass was everything 
. I'm so hyped for Montini next season #MontiniNation #StateChamps 
montini is so lucky to have him leading their team to that 8th state title 
damacio ortegon's play was insane too 
. Montini's got some serious talent on their roster and it's awesome to see them bring home that 8th state title 
think montini's depth is underrated rn... team got destroyed by rochester but still managed to pull off a win lol 
He's got more clutch than a coffee machine 
! And that third-and-19 pass to Ortegon? FORGET ABOUT IT 
️. Rochester might've lost, but they're still rockstars 
. And can we talk about Ortegon? 
I love how the coaches are giving it up to Abrams – he totally deserves all the credit 
his poise and composure on the field are just amazing to watch. and wow, those clutch plays?! 
. But, at the same time, I'm a bit concerned about Montini's reliance on their talented juniors - what happens when those guys graduate? 
that pass to Ortegon? 
it's clear why Montini is gonna dominate next season with their team of talented juniors 
I'm so disappointed that Rochester didn't win it all! 
. No trash talking or gloating, just pure excitement and pride 
. I'm not surprised he tied that record though, he's been doing this stuff all season 
. Can't wait to see what next season brings! 
. And four touchdowns?! That's insane. I mean, we all knew the kid was good, but that's just ridiculous.
And on a lighter note, Rochester's QB Tanner Beal showing resilience with 18 completions for 149 yards and one touchdown? That's like the ultimate "I didn't give up" vibes 
. I mean, the dude's got ice in his veins, you know? He's not just a talented QB, he's like a conductor leading his team to victory. And what really stood out was how calm and collected he stayed under pressure... it's like he's got this inner peace that just allows him to perform at a higher level.
! He's got the whole country eating out of the palm of his hand, especially when he's under pressure 
.
, and his pass to Ortegon was an absolute beauty. I love how the coaches are recognizing Abrams' strengths, saying he's just one of those special players who doesn't have any weaknesses 