Photo: The Times (Ottawa) Tom Sistak Michael Hermosillo catches a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter putting Ottawa ahead. Defending on the play are Rock Island’s Brian Ruiz (23), Derrick Willies (8) and Trey Sigel (14).

According to the number of clickthroughs on QCOnline.com, these were the most popular sports stories for the past week:

1. 'Mistakes doom Rocky in second-round loss at Ottawa': Up 20-0, the Rocks fall to undefeated Ottawa in the third round of the Class 6A playoffs.

2. 'State title good? Pioneers pound powerhouse Stillman Valley': Top-ranked Alleman posts a 42-7 rout at Augustana's Ericson Field in the 4A third round.

3. 'Football state quarterfinal dates and times announced': Alleman, Mercer County and Annawan-Wethersfield set for Saturday playoff games.

4. 'Quarterfinals football playoff primer'': How the Pioneers, Golden Eagles and Titans stack up against their competition.

5. 'Two TDs in final minutes of first half the turning point as Eagles soar': Mercer County rolls to 43-18 victory over Amboy in the 2A playoffs.

6. ''That's Tom Noe': Alleman fullback providing lift during tough moment': Sports writer Daniel Makarewicz features the Pioneers running back, who suits up in playoff action despite torn ACL.

7. 'Coal City edges Maple Leafs in second round': Geneseo gets sidelined in Class 4A with a 12-10 home loss.

8. 'Alleman-Coal City preview': Makarewicz previews the quarterfinal 4A matchup.

9. 'Sherrard A.D. has nothing but best wishes for Phelps as search for replacement nears its end': Softball coach's ouster caught A.D. Amanda Tidwell by surprise.

10. 'After surprise ouster at Sherrard, Phelps lands on his feet with E-P softball co-op': Phelps winds up taking over the Panthers' program.