IHSA Class 1A Playoffs #16 Chester (5-4) at #1 Tuscola (9-0)

by Steve Dunford 

The Chester Yellow Jackets recieved a tough draw in the first round against Tuscola, who has been state ranked most of the year.

I spoke with Tuscola Coach Andy Romine this week.  One thing that he told me that was interesting was he drag races at I-57 Dragstrip over the summer.  He told me a little bit about the Warriors.

First of all let me start with Senior OT/DE Hunter Woodard, he is going to continue his football career in the Big 12, playing for the Oklahoma State cowboys.

He told me their QB is Luke Sluder.  He is a Junior.  He has passed for over 2,000 yards this year, and 6,000 for his career.  I watched some clips on Hudl and he can move out of the pocket vertically.  He reminds me of Hamilton Page.

His favorite target is Dalton Hoel.  Coach Romine called him a dynamic kid.  When I pulled him up on Hudl, all that was available was basketball highlights.  He is a lightning quick guard.  Their gym is a spitting image of Gallatin County.

This is his thoughts on Chester coming into tomorrow’s game.  “There quarterback Nick Meyer is intelligent, can rush it in the gap, ant intellgent.”  They run quite a few formations at you that are simple, but effective.”  

“Defensively, we can not think how they line up.  We just have to go out and get a big stop right off the bat”

Here is what Chester Coach Billy Belton had to say about the match-up with Tuscola.  “They are power run team, with some big play guys.  #7 L. Sluder 6’2 195 QB is their main running threat.  They have a big o-line.  Their leading receiver . Hoel 5’6 150 SR, is their big play guy.  He started as a freshman the last time Chester played Tuscola in the playoffs.  They are well coached and will be ready to play”  

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