Mission accomplished.

The Bloomington High School defensive lineman blocked a punt that led to a touchdown and had six tackles, including two quarterback sacks and three tackles for loss.

It was his block of an Erik Phillips' punt in the first quarter that set the stage for the Purple Raiders' 18-6 victory over Intercity rival Normal Community before a full house in the quarterfinals of the Class 6A football playoffs.

"I look down the line and as soon as I see the ball move, I try to get out of my stance really quick and get there before the blocker has a chance to react," said Pettie, who also blocked a punt last week. "I just managed to get back there and make something happen."

Justin Harrison scooped up the blocked punt and returned the ball 11 yards for BHS' first touchdown with 7:30 left in the first quarter.

The victory moved the No. 9 state-ranked and undefeated Purple Raiders (12-0) into the semifinals at No. 3 Chicago St. Rita next week.

BHS scored its second touchdown with 10:02 remaining in the third quarter on a 2-yard run by Harrison. The score was set up when NCHS running back Eric Scott had the ball knocked loose during a 17-yard run.

Donald Brown jarred the ball loose from behind and Harrison picked it up at the NCHS 40 and returned it to the Ironmen 13.

"He was carrying the ball too loose, so I just kinda punched at it from behind," said Brown.

"Special teams and turnovers decide any playoff game," said NCHS coach Hud Venerable. "Today we made the miscues and they didn't."

NCHS, which ended the season with a 10-2 record, managed to cut its deficit to 12-6 with three minutes remaining in the game on a Jake Hopper 4-yard touchdown run.

The Purple Raiders responded, though, by taking the ensuing kickoff and driving 69 yards in five plays to score on a 4-yard run by Harrison and ice the victory.

"That was a statement touchdown," said BHS running back James Wade, who led all rushers with 116 yards on 20 carries. Wade gained 53 yards on the drive.

Venerable said his staff discussed using an on-side kick in an attempt to get the ball back after its touchdown.

"We decided to kick it deep because the way our defense was playing we felt we had a chance to get the ball back," said Venerable. "Give credit to Bloomington's offense and James Wade because they iced it with that drive.

"I was very proud of our team. We have a bunch of battlers. I thought our defense was magnificent today. Bloomington has so many weapons. The way they scored today is upsetting because they really only scored one touchdown off our defense.

"For our defense to come in here and hold their offense to one touchdown drive ... you ought to be able to take advantage of that. We just didn't convert and give credit to Bloomington for making plays when they needed to."

BHS ended with 243 yards to NCHS' 226. Scott led NCHS with 91 yards on 15 carries. Hopper threw for 88 yards.

"I thought their pass coverage was excellent and they always seemed to get a big rush when they needed it," added Venerable. "We had opportunities. We moved the ball pretty well between the 20s, but when it came time to convert, Bloomington's defense was there.

"Mostly it was Harrison and (Rod) Castillo. When they needed a big play from their defense, they got it."

Castillo finished with a game-high 10 tackles from his nose guard position. Harrison added eight.

"I was really pleased in fourth quarter to see our offense hold onto the ball," said BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer. "Our defense was on the field a lot, but give them credit because they stepped up and did an outstanding job."