CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Quarterback Mike Lafferty hit Jake Schmudlach with an 18-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds left to lead Illini West-Carthage to a 21-14 victory over DuQuoin in the Class 3A state championship game Friday.

The dramatic go-ahead strike came one play after the Chargers (14-0) were whistled for an illegal substitution. Zack Burling's interception stifled DuQuoin's (12-2) attempt at a last-second comeback.

It's Illini West's first state football championship in the two-year history of the school.

Chargers running back Stefan Flynn rushed for 213 yards and two touchdowns to help set up the last-minute heroics.

Duquoin scored on a pair of 77-yard drives of 22 and 16 plays. Indians senior quarterback A.J. Hill was 16-of-31 for 145 yards and hit David Rose for a touchdown. Hill also ran 23 times for 45 yards and a touchdown.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)