A dynamic first-quarter kickoff return for a touchdown by Carmel junior Lucas Gonzalez gave his team all the momentum it needed Saturday afternoon against visiting Normal Community.

The Corsairs offense did the rest.

Carmel (8-2) put up 540 yards against the Ironmen in a 60-44 Class 7A playoff victory at Baker Stadium, but the win didn’t come without some anxious moments in the fourth quarter.

Normal Community scored 22 points in the final period and was knocking at the door to cut the lead to single digits with four minutes remaining until a big pass breakup by Corsairs senior linebacker Kevin Murphy saved the day.

Carmel’s Nebraska-bound junior quarterback Trae Taylor threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns, all to senior wide receiver Eli Jackson, and ran for a score as well.

Jack

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