TOLONO - It was a contest that no one wanted to see end and no one will soon forget. Two respected, tradition-rich programs battling on a crisp, chilly autumn night, grappling for momentum heading into next week's first round of the Illinois High School Association state playoffs.

The game needed four overtimes and left an indelible mark on those who witnessed the showdown between Bloomington Central Catholic and Tolono Unity.

"It was a great high-school football game," Central Catholic coach Bobby Moews said. "That's great for the fans; it's difficult for players and coaches. It's an exciting game and that's what high-school football is all about."

In a game that saw 739 yards of total offense and a combined 81 points, Central Catholic stood tall in a 42-39 victory at Hicks Field that left fans shaking with excitement and players shivering with emotions.

"It's real important," Saint quarterback Kyle Hundman said. "It gives us a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs and it was good that we were able to bounce back."

A back-and-forth second half saw each team take leads in each of the final two quarters. With 2 minutes, 50 seconds remaining in regulation, Unity (8-1) tailback Matt Correa scored for two-yards out to give the Rockets a 29-22 lead. The Rockets failed to make it an eight-point lead following a missed extra-point by Mark Burgess.

"It was huge," Hundman said. "It helps your psyche a little bit"

Central Catholic took advantage.

The Saints (8-1) needed only 41 seconds and four plays to march 66 yards to score the touchdown when Ryan Waldrun hauled in a 31-yard reception from Hundman. Michael Fenger's extra-point tied the game with 2:08 remaining.

"That was an excellent drive," Moews said. "We looked very sharp, very crisp."

On the subsequent kickoff, Unity fumbled the ball at its own 36, which was recovered by Hundman. With a little over two minutes remaining and sudden momentum, it appeared that the Saints were poised to win the game.

But this game needed drama.

Central Catholic failed to gain a first down and the Rockets took possession at their own 30. On the first play from scrimmage, Correa marched into the Saint secondary and was caught by Hundman. On the tackle, Correa fumbled the ball and Josh Brent recovered, giving Central Catholic the ball on the Rocket 48 with 32 seconds remaining.

Again, more drama.

With seven seconds remaining, the Saints attempted to score a touchdown when Hundman was sacked at the end of regulation.

The Saints had first possession in overtime and lost two yards on their first three plays. The drive, however, ended with points when Fenger converted a 29-yard field goal. Unity drove to the one-yard line, but could only muster a Burgess 20-yard field goal to tie the game.

On the Rockets' second play in the second overtime, Correa fumbled and the ball was recovered by Central Catholic's A.J. Eyre giving the Saints an opportunity to end the game.

Nope, the game continued.

On the very next play, Fenger missed a 27-yard field goal to enable the game to go to a third overtime.

"I knew we would get another chance," Fenger said.

Both teams scored touchdowns in the third overtime to tie the game at 39. In the fourth overtime, Unity had possession first. On first down, Rocket quarterback Dane Paul rolled to his right and tried to find a receiver. Facing heavy pressure, Paul launched a pass downfield, right into the hands of Hundman.

"The kid made a good play," Unity coach Scott Hamilton said. "I'm sure if I walk down there and ask him he'd tell you he should have thrown the ball away. I think he tried to do that."

But the game rested on a fallen kicker.

"I knew there was no way he was going to miss two (field goals)," Moews said.

On the first play, Fenger converted the 27-yard attempt, enabling Central Catholic to escape with a victory.

"It felt real nice," Fenger admitted.

Fenger tied a state record by converting four field goals during the game, which has been held by ten other kickers. He added two field goals in the third quarter.

Hundman finished 16-of-27 with two touchdowns and 287 yards passing. Waldron rushed 19 times for 86 yards. Javier Safford finished with 125 receiving yards on seven carries and added a touchdown. Brent scored his first touchdown on the season, a one-yard plunge in the second quarter. Correa ran 22 times for 145 yards.

"We really needed to go into the playoffs with a win," Fenger said "It was pretty big."