CHAMPAIGN - The Saints are champions again! Central Catholic High School captured the Illinois High School Association's Class 4A state football championship, with a 37-28 victory over Aurora Christian at Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois campus Friday night. | Kindred: Championship by, and from, the Saints | Rebholz, Murray lead CCHS offense | Photos | Video

The victory marks state history as Central Catholic becomes the first school to win football championships in four different classes. The Saints were state champions in Class 1A (1982) and Class 2A (1987), both under coach John McIntyre. CCHS won the Class 3A title in 1994 under Bobby Moews, who coached the 2008 team that finishes undefeated at 14-0.

It gives Bloomington-Normal two state football titles in the past three seasons, with Normal Community capturing the 6A crown in 2006.

Before the game, Saints' fans were eager with anticipation to see their team have a chance to capture the state championship and hoping the outcome turned out better than last season's title-game loss, 48-24, to Addison Driscoll.

Dave Schilkoski of Bloomington was a star running back for Central in 1982 and for the 1983 2A state runner-up team. His nephew is starting tailback Brad Connor.

"It's taken me back all year long just watching my nephew," Schilkoski said. "He has the same number I did (34) and he runs similar to the way I ran. It's been a thrill watching these guys. … (Quarterback Adam) Rebholz the way he's taken over this team. He's really driven them this whole way I think."

Saints' fan Joe Van Valey of Bloomington said he thought Central Catholic could reach the state finals again.

"I didn't expect them to win as many (regular season) games this year," he said. "They have proven they were ready to come back down here. The game at Quincy Notre Dame showed what they're made of."

The team will be recognized at a public reception at noon Saturday at the high school.