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NORMAL — As a freshman in 2022, Xavier Coleman was called up to Providence’s varsity roster for the postseason and stood on the sidelines for the Class 4A state championship game.

Since then, Coleman has been determined to bring the Celtics back to state. The senior receiver did that this fall as one of the leaders of a young team.

“It meant everything just to be here with these guys,” Coleman said. “After being here my freshman year, it felt like, ‘OK, let’s go get the job done.’”

Coleman did his best to push Providence over the top Tuesday night.

He hauled in four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, but the Celtics came up just short in the final seconds, losing 39-35 to Wheaton St. Francis in the Class 5A championship game at Illino

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