Bloomington, Central Catholic and Normal West joined NCHS in the postseason, marking the second year in a row -- and sixth time since Normal West opened in 1995 -- the playoffs have had four Intercity representatives.

It provided a deep talent pool in a year The Pantagraph has resurrected the All-Intercity team. An All-Intercity team was chosen annually until 1986, when it was replaced by an All-Area team featuring Intercity and Area players.

This year, only players outside of Bloomington-Normal were eligible for the All-Area squad, much like the Area teams in The Pantagraph's annual All-Star baseball and softball games.

NCHS' 10th straight postseason berth ended in a 12-2 record and second-place finish in the Class 6A playoffs. The 10th-ranked Ironmen fell to No. 2 Morris, 14-9, in the championship game at Champaign's Memorial Stadium. NCHS also placed second in 1974 in Class 4A.

The Ironmen shared the Big 12 Conference title with Bloomington, which earned its 19th straight playoff appearance.

The Purple Raiders, the 6A runner-up in 2002, 2003 and 2004, finished with a 9-2 record, losing to NCHS 17-14 in overtime in the regular season and 19-7 in the second round of the playoffs. It was the first time the Ironmen defeated BHS twice in one year.

NCHS' six All-Intercity selections were led by All-Staters Darren Dierkes (offensive line) and Shannon Cobb (defensive back). Both were seniors on an Ironmen team which tied the school record for victories.

Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Kirkland Grant, a junior nose guard, also was among NCHS' All-Intercity picks.

Heading the list from Bloomington was senior running back Valshun Powe, whose 1,479 yards rushing trailed only the 1,496 of fellow All-Intercity choice Josh Lacombe of Normal West. Powe scored 18 touchdowns and Lacombe 17.

Central Catholic's 9-3 team produced three two-way All-Intercity picks, led by University of Illinois recruit and All-Stater Michael Hoomanawanui (tight end, defensive end).

Junior lineman Josh Brent and senior All-State quarterback/safety Matt Pelton also were selected on both sides of the ball. They helped the Saints to the Class 4A quarterfinals.

Normal West's 7-4 season marked the Wildcats' first back-to-back playoff appearances. Senior offensive lineman Danny Hafley was among West's five All-Intercity selections after earning All-Area honors last year, along with Lacombe.