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Record-Setting D-II Quarterback Matocha has La Grange Connections
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John Matocha is the son of La Grange High School grad Keith Matocha, and he had several uncles who were standout La Grange athletes, including Garry, Thomas and Greg Matocha. Many locals will remember John’s grandmother, the late Helen Matocha, who was a longtime La Grange teacher and swim instructor.
A record-setting quarterback with local connections played in the NCAA Division II national title football game this weekend.
John Matocha is a senior star for No. 1-ranked Colorado School of Mines (14-1) which lost 38-7 to No. 2 Harding (15-0) in the NCAA Division II title game Saturday Going into Saturday’s title game Matocha had thrown for 4,028 yards and 42 touchdowns this season with only six interceptions.
In the title game Matocha threw for 270 more yards and a touchdown but it was not enough.
In last week’s national semifinal win against Kutztown, his three TD passes made him college football’s all-time career leader for touchdown passes with 161.
Matocha, whose 191 total college career touchdowns (passing and rushing) are also the most ever, leads the nation in passing efficiency (176.70).
He is the son of La Grange High School grad Keith Matocha, and he had several uncles who were standout La Grange athletes, including Garry, Thomas and Greg Matocha.
Many locals will remember John’s grandmother, the late Helen Matocha, who was a longtime La Grange teacher and swim instructor.
John Matocha played his high school ball at Magnolia West.
Last season as a junior Matocha won the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to Division II’s most valuable player. This year we was runner-up for the award.