Devils host Greenville Saturday at 1:00 p.m

October 23, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Full 1A-5A brackets…..local teams are in bold

Class 1A

Game 1 — #16 Toulon (Stark County) (5-4) at #1 Lena (L.-Winslow) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 2 — #9 Abingdon (A.-Avon) (7-2) at #8 Milledgeville (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 3 — #13 Cuba [North Fulton Coop] (6-3) at #4 Stockton (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 4 — #12 Fisher (6-3) at #5 Freeport (Aquin) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 5 — #15 Orangeville (5-4) vs. #2 Kewanee (Wethersfield) [A.-Wethersfield Coop] (8-1) at Kewanee (Wethersfield) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 6 — #10 Princeville (7-2) at #7 Dakota (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 7 — #14 Catlin (Salt Fork) (5-4) at #3 Forreston (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:30 pm

Game 8 — #11 Fulton (H.S.) (6-3) at #6 Ottawa (Marquette) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 9 — #16 Chester (5-4) at #1 Tuscola (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 4:00 pm

Game 10 — #9 Mt. Sterling (Brown County) (7-2) at #8 Arcola (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 11 — #13 Madison (6-3) at #4 Carrollton (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 12 — #12 Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] (6-3) at #5 Camp Point (Central) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 13 — #15 Pleasant Hill [Coop] (5-4) at #2 Bridgeport (Red Hill) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 14 — #10 Toledo (Cumberland) (7-2) vs. #7 Decatur (D. Lutheran) [Coop] (7-2) at Decatur (D. Lutheran) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 15 — #14 Moweaqua (Central A & M) (5-4) at #3 Argenta (A.-Oreana) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 16 — #11 Warrensburg (W.-Latham) (6-3) at #6 Athens (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Class 2A

Game 1 — #16 Aurora (A. Christian) (5-4) at #1 Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 7:00 pm

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Orr) (7-2) vs. #8 Chicago (C. Hope Academy) (7-2) at Chicago (Altgeld Park) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 3 — #13 Rockford (R. Christian) (5-4) at #4 Orion (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 4 — #12 Aledo (Mercer County) (5-4) at #5 Clifton (Central) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 5 — #15 Lanark (Eastland) [E.-Pearl City Coop] (5-4) at #2 Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 6 — #10 Savanna (West Carroll) (6-3) at #7 Minonk (Fieldcrest) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 7 — #14 El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) (5-4) at #3 Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 8 — #11 Chicago (Marshall) (6-3) at #6 Knoxville (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 9 — #16 Auburn (5-4) vs. #1 Hamilton [West Hancock Coop] (9-0) at Warsaw (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:30 pm

Game 10 — #9 Carmi (C.-White County) (6-3) at #8 Bismarck (B.-Henning-Rossville-Alvin) (6-3) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 11 — #13 Carthage (Illini West) (6-3) at #4 Maroa (M.-Forsyth) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 12 — #12 Red Bud (6-3) at #5 Eldorado (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 13 — #15 Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) (5-4) at #2 Westville (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 14 — #10 Carlyle (6-3) vs. #7 Sciota (West Prairie) [Bushnell-West Prairie Coop] (7-2) at Sciota (West Prairie) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:30 pm

Game 15 — #14 Bunker Hill [Coop] (5-4) at #3 Downs (Tri-Valley) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

Game 16 — #11 Villa Grove [V.G.-Heritage Coop] (6-3) at #6 Shelbyville (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Class 3A

Game 1 — #16 Winnebago (6-3) at #1 Farmington (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 2 — #9 Elmwood [E.-Brimfield Coop] (7-2) at #8 Wilmington (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 6:00 pm

Game 3 — #13 Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) (6-3) at #4 Peotone (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 4 — #12 Watseka [Coop] (7-2) at #5 Elmhurst (IC Catholic) (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 5 — #15 Spring Valley (Hall) (6-3) at #2 Williamsville (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 6 — #10 Beardstown (7-2) at #7 Bloomington (Central Catholic) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 7 — #14 Eureka (6-3) at #3 Byron (9-0) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm

Game 8 — #11 Poplar Grove (North Boone) (7-2) at #6 Monticello (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 9 — #16 Pleasant Plains (6-3) at #1 Trenton (Wesclin) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 10 — #9 Alton (Marquette) (8-1) at #8 Newton (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 11 — #13 Marshall (6-3) at #4 Decatur (St. Teresa) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 12 — #12 Wood River (East Alton-W.R.) (7-2) at #5 Carlinville (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 13 — #15 Vandalia (6-3) at #2 Fairfield (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 14 — #10 Greenville (7-2) vs. #7 Sesser (S.-Valier) [Coop] (8-1) at Sesser (S.-Valier) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 15 — #14 Hillsboro (6-3) at #3 Anna (A.-Jonesboro) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 16 — #11 DuQuoin (H.S.) (7-2) at #6 Pana (H.S.) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Class 4A

Game 1 — #16 Chicago (Urban Prep/Englewood) (5-4) at #1 Johnsburg (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 6:00 pm

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Agricultural Science) (6-3) at #8 Rochelle (6-3) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 3 — #13 Norridge (Ridgewood) (6-3) vs. #4 Chicago (Sullivan) (8-1) at Chicago (Lane Stadium) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:30 pm

Game 4 — #12 Kewanee (H.S.) (6-3) at #5 Morris (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 5 — #15 Rock Island (Alleman) (5-4) vs. #2 Chicago (Raby) (8-1) at Chicago (Hanson Stadium) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 6 — #10 Richmond (R.-Burton) (6-3) vs. #7 Chicago (Urban Prep/Bronzeville) (7-2) at Chicago (Gately Stadium) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 7:00 pm

Game 7 — #14 Geneseo (5-4) at #3 Dixon (H.S.) (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 8 — #11 Elmwood Park (6-3) at #6 Genoa (G.-Kingston) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 9 — #16 Fairbury (Prairie Central) (5-4) at #1 Rochester (9-0) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 10 — #9 Carterville (7-2) at #8 Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 11 — #13 Paris (6-3) at #4 Herrin (H.S.) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 12 — #12 Pontiac (6-3) at #5 Tolono (Unity) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:30 pm

Game 13 — #15 Quincy (Notre Dame) (5-4) at #2 Highland (9-0) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 14 — #10 Manteno (6-3) at #7 Effingham (H.S.) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 15 — #14 Columbia (5-4) at #3 Herscher (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 16 — #11 Coal City (6-3) at #6 Taylorville (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

Class 5A

Game 1 — #16 Chicago (Morgan Park) (5-4) vs. #1 Chicago (Phillips) (9-0) at Chicago (Gately Stadium) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Solorio Academy) (7-2) at #8 Chicago (Back of the Yards) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 3 — #13 Woodstock (North) (5-4) at #4 Lemont (H.S.) (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 4 — #12 Chicago (Westinghouse) (5-4) at #5 Lake Villa (Lakes) (8-1) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 5:00 pm

Game 5 — #15 Arlington Heights (St. Viator) (5-4) at #2 Sterling (H.S.) (9-0) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 1:00 pm

Game 6 — #10 Maple Park (Kaneland) (6-3) at #7 Chicago (Lindblom) (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 4:00 pm

Game 7 — #14 Woodstock (Marian) (5-4) at #3 Antioch (9-0) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 8 — #11 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South) (5-4) vs. #6 Chicago (Payton) (8-1) at Lane Stadium (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 7:15 pm

Game 9 — #16 Streator (Twp.) (5-4) at #1 Dunlap (9-0) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm

Game 10 — #9 Marion (H.S.) (6-3) at #8 Olympia Fields (Rich Central) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 11 — #13 Peoria (H.S.) (6-3) at #4 Country Club Hills (Hillcrest) (7-2) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm

Game 12 — #12 Mahomet (M.-Seymour) (6-3) at #5 Chatham (Glenwood) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

Game 13 — #15 Peoria (Richwoods) (5-4) at #2 Troy (Triad) (8-1) (map), Fri., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm

Game 14 — #10 Morton (6-3) at #7 Centralia (H.S.) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 2:00 pm

Game 15 — #14 Tinley Park (H.S.) (5-4) at #3 Washington (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

Game 16 — #11 Peoria (Notre Dame) (6-3) at #6 Decatur (MacArthur) (7-2) (map), Sat., Oct. 28, 3:00 pm

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

Devils draw the Greenville Comets

October 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

I am finally able to get on the IHSA website.  Here are the full pairings for Class 1A-5A.  Local teams will be in bold.  Throughout the week, I will try to preview every playoff game involving River to River and Black Diamond schools.

There could be a battle at the Train Yard II on Week 11.

Class 1A

Game 1 — #16 Toulon (Stark County) (5-4) at #1 Lena (L.-Winslow) (9-0), TBA

Game 2 — #9 Abingdon (A.-Avon) (7-2) at #8 Milledgeville (7-2), TBA

Game 3 — #13 Cuba [North Fulton Coop] (6-3) at #4 Stockton (7-2), TBA

Game 4 — #12 Fisher (6-3) at #5 Freeport (Aquin) (7-2), TBA

Game 5 — #15 Orangeville (5-4) at #2 Kewanee (Wethersfield) [A.-Wethersfield Coop] (8-1), TBA

Game 6 — #10 Princeville (7-2) at #7 Dakota (7-2), TBA

Game 7 — #14 Catlin (Salt Fork) (5-4) at #3 Forreston (8-1), TBA

Game 8 — #11 Fulton (H.S.) (6-3) at #6 Ottawa (Marquette) (7-2), TBA

Game 9 — #16 Chester (5-4) at #1 Tuscola (9-0), TBA

Game 10 — #9 Mt. Sterling (Brown County) (7-2) at #8 Arcola (7-2), TBA

Game 11 — #13 Madison (6-3) at #4 Carrollton (8-1), TBA

Game 12 — #12 Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] (6-3) at #5 Camp Point (Central) (7-2), TBA

Game 13 — #15 Pleasant Hill [Coop] (5-4) at #2 Bridgeport (Red Hill) (9-0), TBA

Game 14 — #10 Toledo (Cumberland) (7-2) at #7 Decatur (D. Lutheran) [Coop] (7-2), TBA

Game 15 — #14 Moweaqua (Central A & M) (5-4) at #3 Argenta (A.-Oreana) (8-1), TBA

Game 16 — #11 Warrensburg (W.-Latham) (6-3) at #6 Athens (7-2), TBA

Class 2A

Game 1 — #16 Aurora (A. Christian) (5-4) at #1 Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) (9-0), TBA

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Orr) (7-2) at #8 Chicago (C. Hope Academy) (7-2), TBA

Game 3 — #13 Rockford (R. Christian) (5-4) at #4 Orion (7-2), TBA

Game 4 — #12 Aledo (Mercer County) (5-4) at #5 Clifton (Central) (7-2), TBA

Game 5 — #15 Lanark (Eastland) [E.-Pearl City Coop] (5-4) at #2 Gibson City (G.C.-Melvin-Sibley) (9-0), TBA

Game 6 — #10 Savanna (West Carroll) (6-3) at #7 Minonk (Fieldcrest) (7-2), TBA

Game 7 — #14 El Paso (E.P.-Gridley) (5-4) at #3 Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) (8-1), TBA

Game 8 — #11 Chicago (Marshall) (6-3) at #6 Knoxville (7-2), TBA

Game 9 — #16 Auburn (5-4) at #1 Hamilton [West Hancock Coop] (9-0), TBA

Game 10 — #9 Carmi (C.-White County) (6-3) at #8 Bismarck (B.-Henning-Rossville-Alvin) (6-3), TBA

Game 11 — #13 Carthage (Illini West) (6-3) at #4 Maroa (M.-Forsyth) (8-1), TBA

Game 12 — #12 Red Bud (6-3) at #5 Eldorado (7-2), TBA

Game 13 — #15 Mackinaw (Deer Creek-M.) (5-4) at #2 Westville (9-0), TBA

Game 14 — #10 Carlyle (6-3) at #7 Sciota (West Prairie) [Bushnell-West Prairie Coop] (7-2), TBA

Game 15 — #14 Bunker Hill [Coop] (5-4) at #3 Downs (Tri-Valley) (8-1), TBA

Game 16 — #11 Villa Grove [V.G.-Heritage Coop] (6-3) at #6 Shelbyville (7-2), TBA

Class 3A

Game 1 — #16 Winnebago (6-3) at #1 Farmington (9-0), TBA

Game 2 — #9 Elmwood [E.-Brimfield Coop] (7-2) at #8 Wilmington (8-1), TBA

Game 3 — #13 Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda) (6-3) at #4 Peotone (8-1), TBA

Game 4 — #12 Watseka [Coop] (7-2) at #5 Elmhurst (IC Catholic) (8-1), TBA

Game 5 — #15 Spring Valley (Hall) (6-3) at #2 Williamsville (9-0), TBA

Game 6 — #10 Beardstown (7-2) at #7 Bloomington (Central Catholic) (8-1), TBA

Game 7 — #14 Eureka (6-3) at #3 Byron (9-0), TBA

Game 8 — #11 Poplar Grove (North Boone) (7-2) at #6 Monticello (8-1), TBA

Game 9 — #16 Pleasant Plains (6-3) at #1 Trenton (Wesclin) (9-0), TBA

Game 10 — #9 Alton (Marquette) (8-1) at #8 Newton (8-1), TBA

Game 11 — #13 Marshall (6-3) at #4 Decatur (St. Teresa) (8-1), TBA

Game 12 — #12 Wood River (East Alton-W.R.) (7-2) at #5 Carlinville (8-1), TBA

Game 13 — #15 Vandalia (6-3) at #2 Fairfield (9-0), TBA

Game 14 — #10 Greenville (7-2) at #7 Sesser (S.-Valier) [Coop] (8-1), TBA

Game 15 — #14 Hillsboro (6-3) at #3 Anna (A.-Jonesboro) (9-0), TBA

Game 16 — #11 DuQuoin (H.S.) (7-2) at #6 Pana (H.S.) (8-1), TBA

Class 4A

Game 1 — #16 Chicago (Urban Prep/Englewood) (5-4) at #1 Johnsburg (9-0), TBA

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Agricultural Science) (6-3) at #8 Rochelle (6-3), TBA

Game 3 — #13 Norridge (Ridgewood) (6-3) vs. #4 Chicago (Sullivan) (8-1) at TBA, TBA

Game 4 — #12 Kewanee (H.S.) (6-3) at #5 Morris (7-2), TBA

Game 5 — #15 Rock Island (Alleman) (5-4) vs. #2 Chicago (Raby) (8-1) at TBA, TBA

Game 6 — #10 Richmond (R.-Burton) (6-3) vs. #7 Chicago (Urban Prep/Bronzeville) (7-2) at TBA, TBA

Game 7 — #14 Geneseo (5-4) at #3 Dixon (H.S.) (8-1), TBA

Game 8 — #11 Elmwood Park (6-3) at #6 Genoa (G.-Kingston) (7-2), TBA

Game 9 — #16 Fairbury (Prairie Central) (5-4) at #1 Rochester (9-0), TBA

Game 10 — #9 Carterville (7-2) at #8 Belleville (Althoff Catholic) (8-1), TBA

Game 11 — #13 Paris (6-3) at #4 Herrin (H.S.) (8-1), TBA

Game 12 — #12 Pontiac (6-3) at #5 Tolono (Unity) (8-1), TBA

Game 13 — #15 Quincy (Notre Dame) (5-4) at #2 Highland (9-0), TBA

Game 14 — #10 Manteno (6-3) at #7 Effingham (H.S.) (8-1), TBA

Game 15 — #14 Columbia (5-4) at #3 Herscher (8-1), TBA

Game 16 — #11 Coal City (6-3) at #6 Taylorville (8-1), TBA

Class 5A

Game 1 — #16 Chicago (Morgan Park) (5-4) vs. #1 Chicago (Phillips) (9-0) at TBA, TBA

Game 2 — #9 Chicago (Solorio Academy) (7-2) vs. #8 Chicago (Back of the Yards) (8-1) at TBA, TBA

Game 3 — #13 Woodstock (North) (5-4) at #4 Lemont (H.S.) (8-1), TBA

Game 4 — #12 Chicago (Westinghouse) (5-4) at #5 Lake Villa (Lakes) (8-1), TBA

Game 5 — #15 Arlington Heights (St. Viator) (5-4) at #2 Sterling (H.S.) (9-0), TBA

Game 6 — #10 Maple Park (Kaneland) (6-3) vs. #7 Chicago (Lindblom) (8-1) at TBA, TBA

Game 7 — #14 Woodstock (Marian) (5-4) at #3 Antioch (9-0), TBA

Game 8 — #11 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South) (5-4) vs. #6 Chicago (Payton) (8-1) at TBA, TBA

Game 9 — #16 Streator (Twp.) (5-4) at #1 Dunlap (9-0), TBA

Game 10 — #9 Marion (H.S.) (6-3) at #8 Olympia Fields (Rich Central) (7-2), TBA

Game 11 — #13 Peoria (H.S.) (6-3) at #4 Country Club Hills (Hillcrest) (7-2), TBA

Game 12 — #12 Mahomet (M.-Seymour) (6-3) at #5 Chatham (Glenwood) (7-2), TBA

Game 13 — #15 Peoria (Richwoods) (5-4) at #2 Troy (Triad) (8-1), TBA

Game 14 — #10 Morton (6-3) at #7 Centralia (H.S.) (7-2), TBA

Game 15 — #14 Tinley Park (H.S.) (5-4) at #3 Washington (7-2), TBA

Game 16 — #11 Peoria (Notre Dame) (6-3) at #6 Decatur (MacArthur) (7-2), TBA

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

Christopher-Zeigler Royalton’s season ends losing to Hamco last night

October 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

This is the first year that I have wrote these for football.  The last couple years, I have wrote these after each team loses out in the post season.

High school football is a different animal than the other sports, in which you have to qualify for the post season.

This is the second 0-9 season in a row the Bearcats have put up.  They did not have a game that did not go into running clock toward the end.

I had the opportunity to be around the program a lot last season.  In the midst of a losing season, one thing that blew me away was the fan support.  Even though there have been a shuffle in roles, the coaching staff is basically the same.

 

Randall Risley let me use his pictures this year but I am going to post what he said about the coaching staff.

“No matter the situation, no matter the score, all of the coaches for CZR, coached, taught and encouraged the kids. They will be better players because these coaches, even, maybe especially the gruff looking Buddy Velasco, care. Now it is up to the players to, when taught, learn and when encouraged, work. I would be happy to have a son play for these coaches.”

First hand, I can attest what Randall Risley said about the coaching staff.

I remember a conversation that I had with Eldorado two weeks ago that sums up how to rebuild a program.  He was telling me about the early days when Brandon Hampton took over the program.

He said you put two or three possessions together. Then you get a win.  Then you beat a quality opponent.

I have talked to Coach Hargrove a couple of times through the season.  He always said the goal on Friday night is to increase the Football IQ.  The wins we concentrate on are on Monday Night.

I moved to West Frankfort a little over two years ago.  I caught a few games in an 0-9 season.  There was a 1-8 season the year before.  When Edwards County went in the Black Diamond, there some arm chair AD’s that were calling for West Frankfort to join the Diamond.

In week 1 they went down and nearly knocked off a good A-J team down at Anna. I was at Spann Field two years ago when I heard Adam Rosho announce the losing streak was over.  The next week the Redbirds picked up a big win over Sparta.

The next week, on a windy Saturday afternoon finishing up a suspended game, the Redbirds picked up their signature win against Harrisburg.  A few weeks later I was covering a playoff football game in Canton.

Last night a young WF team was five seconds away from making another playoff appearance.

You might be reading this and say who cares about Frankfort?  This is about Christopher.

There is a very talented sophomore class from Christopher.  There is a talented freshman class at Z-R.  I hope my few words about the Redbirds will give some optimism for 2018.

Story from the Benton News

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20171021/bearcats-drop-battle-of-the-winless-with-hamco

 

 

 

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports

Rangers did not make the field of 256

October 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The field has been set by the IHSA around an hour ago.   The cutoff was at 39 playoff points to receive a postseason bid at 5-4.  The Rangers were at 36.

Even if the West Frankfort Redbirds or the Harrisburg Bulldogs were not upset last night, it would have taken an upset win by Murphysboro, Pinckneyville. or Sparta for the Rangers to have 39 points.

Parings will be announced shortly after 8:00 p.m.

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports

Teams that will be going south in 3A

October 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

I have made a lot of chicken scratches over the last few days trying to figure out who is in let alone where.  That will come to pass in the next few hours.

With West Frankfort and Harrisburg being upset last night,  created a lot of shifts in the playoff map.

I just talked to Kyle Peach, the voice of the Mt. Carmel Golden Aces, as well at the voice of the Evansville Purple Aces on ESPN- 3.  Mt. Carmel was already out.  The playoffs started in Indiana last night.  I was wondering what the formula was since they play in the Big 8, and all Indiana conference.

For future reference, Mt. Carmel gets playoff points one week before the season starts, as they start a week earlier in the Hoosier State.

There will be a lot riding on the Vienna-Goreville vs. Carmi White County game this afternoon.  If the Eagles win, it could mean another Southern Illinois team in.  They are also riding the fence as being the largest 3A school with a 548 football enrollment.  If they win they might be 4A.  However, with the number crunching I feel they will be 3A.

It will be known tonight where the SVWW Devils will be placed. (Red Devil Booster Club Photo)

With the S-V-W-W Red Devils definitely in,  I went down and broke down 3A.  The teams listed use the I-72 corridor as the dividing line.  There could be teams sent south, that could be around I-74, with a 309 zip code.

The following are the teams that I feel that are definitely in the southern bracket in 3A.  There are 14.  If V-G wins today it will be 15.

In a Black Diamond note, it looks like Chester will be bumped to 2A.

The list will be by seed, record, playoff points, conference they play in, last night’s game, and a few comments.

1.  Fairfield– (9-0) 36 points, Black Diamond, Defeated Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 18-6.  The Mules are a classic Justin Townsend coached team.  They pound it on the ground and hit very hard.  It would awesome to see them and A-J meet in the semi finals

2.  Anna-Jonesboro (9-0) 31 points, Southern Illinois River to River, Mississippi Division, Defeated Benton 62-28.  The explosiveness of Hart and Turner has been well documented throughout this season.

3.  Decatur St. Teresa (8-1) 43 points, Central Illinois Conference, Defeated Shelbyville 28-20.  The Bulldogs have played a basically 1A schedule.  I don’t know much about the area, but it could be a soft high seed.

4.  Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (8-1) 37 points, Black Diamond, Lost to Fairfield 18-6.  There will be a game at Carroll Kelly Field next Satudray.  Who?  We will know in a few hours.

4.   Carlinville (8-1) 37 points, South Central.  Lost to Greenville 35-28.  The South Central is a conference that runs the I-55 corridor between St. Louis and Springfield.  The conference will be well represented in 2A.

6.  Newton (8-1) 35 points, Little Illini.  Beat Jeremy Clodfelter’s Paris Tigers, 45-35.  The Little Illini was a closed conference until Edwards County joined the Black Diamond.  It is a 1A to a 4A conference.

7.  Alton Marquette (8-1) 33 points, Prairie State.  Defeated Kinkaid South Fork 42-0  The Prairie State is a 2A-3A conference that follows the same corridor of the South Central.

8.  Greenville (7-2) 38 points, South Central, Defeated Carlinville 35-28.  The Comets have been a perennial powerhouse across the South Central Illinois region for years.

9.  DuQuoin (7-2) 35 points, Southern Illinios River-to-River, Mississippi Division.  Defeated Muprhysboro, 41-21.  The Indians have been bumped up to 3A in the last couple of outlooks by the IHSA.  There still could be a small chance they make the 14 mile trip to Sesser.

10 East Alton-Wood River (7-2) 34 points,  Prairie State.  Defeated Bunker Hill 32-14.  There will be a lot of 7-2 teams that will be on the road during Week 1.  They could also be a potential first round opponent for the Devils.

11.  Marshall (6-3) 39 points, Little Illini.  Defeated Lawrenceville 53-6.  Marshall, near Terre Haute, IN is one of those teams that are always in the playoffs.  They could go north, but I do not see it.

11.  Hillsboro (6-3)  39 Points.  South Central.  Defeated Litchfield 48-0.  This time of year, it seems like Hillsboro either comes south or someone heads up there to face them.

11.  Vandalia (6-3) 39 Points.  South Central.  Lost in a basketball game to Pana. 63-55.  It seems like it is going to be the the South Central Conference Tournament.  Even though I am showing them even, the Vandals get the tie breaker defeating Hillsboro in Week 12.

11.  Pleasant Plains  (6-3)  Sangamo, Defeated Petersburg PORTA 42-12.  This is a Springfield area conference.  I definitely see them going south.

On the bubble between North and South.  I believe there will be one 8-1 team that will be in the 3A bracket down here.  If Tolono Unity is 4A, the IHSA will send Monticello this way.  If both are 3A there will be one of the teams sent this way.  Prairie Central 5-4 could be sent out of this conference.  Beardstown 7-2 could also be sent.

We will all know at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

West Frankfort will not make the playoffs, Benton has a very slim chance of getting in

October 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

I was holding the antenna out the window to pick up WFRX in the last few minutes of the game tonight.  I was heartbroken.  I might get ran out of West Frankfort for saying this, I am,  heartbroken for whom the late Bruce A. Fasol used to refer to as, the team six miles to the north.”

The Redbirds picked up playoff points from Nashville, A-J, and Herrin, which has them at 33.  It was known they had to pick up a win to get in.

The Rangers are sitting at 36 points.  They picked up three points as well from Carterville, Herrin, and AJ.  They needed a lot of help.  I was looking good in the “early returns.”   Murphy was hanging around with DuQuoin.  Harrisburg was beating Carbondale, and the Redbirds lost a heart-breaker.

Of all places, it was looking possible that both Benton and WF might get a point from Pinckneyville.  The Panthers were tied with Carlyle at halftime.

One win between Pinckneyville and Sparta really hurt both the Redbirds and the Rangers getting at large bids at 5-4.

I will be writing two stories in the morning.  I will be writing a season in review for the Redbirds, as well as the C-Z-R Bearcats.

I will also be writing an extensive breakdown for what could take place around 8:00 p.m. when the playoff parings are announced.  I will mainly focus on Class 3A.  There is one team that is for sure alive, the S-V-W-W Red Devils, who suffered their first loss tonight to the Fairfield Mules.

For what was supposed to be a rebuilding year in West Frankfort, the Redbirds were 15 seconds away from making the playoffs.  Even though the results were not what we wanted tonight, it is a great day to be a Redbird.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

High School Football Final Regular Season Scoreboard

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Black Diamond

(9-0) Fairfield 18  Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 6 (8-1)

(1-8)  Hamilton County 62  Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 14 (0-9) 

(5-4)  Chester 47  Edwards County 35 (3-6)

(7-2)  Eldorado 30 Johnston City 6 (2-7)

Carmi-White County (5-3) at Vienna (4-4)

 

Southern Illinois River to River

(4-5)  Nashville 42   West Frankfort 38 (5-4) 

(9-0)  Anna-Jonesboro 62   Benton 28  (5-4)  

(3-6)  Carbondale 32  Harrisburg 22 (4-5)

(7-2) DuQuoin  47  Muphysboro  21 (2-7)

(6-3)  Carlyle  38 Pinckneyville 14 (0-9)

(8-1)  Herrin 49 Breese Central 0 (4-5)

(7-2)  Carterville 47  Massac County 21 (0-9)

 

South Seven 

(5-4) Mt. Carmel 33 Mt. Vernon 28 (0-9)

(7-2)  Centralia 42 Mascoutah 14 (3-6)

(6-3)  Marion 56  Mattoon 0 (2-7)

 

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

WEEK 9 PREVIEW: West Frankfort (5-3) at Nashville (3-5)

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

In a do or die situation, the West Frankfort Redbirds travel to Washington County to take on the Nashville Hornets this evening.

Here are the common opponents between the two teams:

ANNA-JONESBORO:

West Frankfort lost 43-18 Week 1

Nashville lost 71-41 Week 4

PINCKNEYVILLE:

West Frankfort won 36-14 Week 2

Nashville won 34-7 Week 7

SPARTA:

West Frankfort won 33-16 Week 3

Nashville won 35-14 Week 5

MASSAC COUNTY:

West Frankfort won 49-8 Week 8

Nashville won 17-12 Week 2.

West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had this to say about tonight’s matchup. “Nashville has a tall dual threat QB that can run and pass, as well as several talented receivers. Furthermore, their offensive line is big and physical. They have a good downhill running game to compliment their passing game. Thus, I expect a very physical game in terms of the run, but at the same time our defensive backs will have to do a good job of covering their receivers.”

“Offensively we will have to take care of the football, and compliment our run game with more balance in the passing game. They have two very big defensive ends, backed up by quick linebackers.”

I asked Nashville Coach Stephen Kozuszek to give some background information on the Hornets.  He said, “We are a young team, with only 3 seniors on the roster. Our QB is senior Cameron Parker, who was an all-conference WR last year. He is a dual threat player, who has been solid for us all year (1,333 Passing Yds, 8 TD, 7 Int / 572 Rushing Yds, 10 TD). Our leading rusher is sophomore Jullian Metcalf (805 Rushing Yds, 9 TD). Our receptions have been spread out between 3 primary WR’s, all of which are juniors: Tanner Bergmann (19 Rec, 329 Yds, 3 TD), Tabor Kozuszek (33 Rec, 365 Yds, 3 TD), and Dalton Novak (38 Rec, 456 Yds, 2 TD).”

“We dropped a couple close games early on to Carlyle and Wesclin (both playoff qualifiers), which made things tough on us going into conference play, as we then needed to steal a game from Carterville, A-J, or DuQuoin to give us a shot at a playoff berth going into Friday.”

I asked him what his thoughts were about coming into tonight’s game with the Redbirds.  West Frankfort appears to be a physical team, whose running game is the strength of their offense. We need to be able to limit their big plays on the ground and try and force them into passing situations. Both their QB and RB are good looking players, and their offense creates confusion with all of their different formations and motions.  

I am going out on a blind date with this one.  Last years Hornet squad was loaded with seniors.  Other than a few highlights on MaxPreps, I have not watched them play.

I had a few conversations this week with some individuals that are familiar with both programs.  They said that Nashville could put up some points in a hurry as well as give up some in a hurry as well too.

In their opinions, the Redbirds would be the definite favorite.  I am going with West Frankfort by 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

WEEK 9 PREVIEW: Benton (5-3) at Anna Jonesboro (8-0)

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

The Benton Rangers are playing to keep their season alive tonight as they face off against the undefeated Anna Jonesboro Wildcats.  Here are the common opponents between the two:

CARTERVILLE:

Benton lost 28-15 Week 1

A-J won 41-7 Week 5

SPARTA: 

Benton won 29-13 Week 2

A-J won 46-14 Week 8

PINCKNEYVILLE:

Benton won 41-0 Week 3

A-J won 34-0 Week 6

WEST FRANKFORT: 

Benton won 47-14 Week 5

A-J won 43-18 Week 1

MASSAC COUNTY: 

Benton won 53-13  Week

A-J won 40-7 Week 3

MURPHYSBORO:

Benton lost 19-14  Week 8

A-J won 43-14  Week

With last Friday night’s upset loss at Murphysboro, the Rangers has put themselves in a must win position.  This is what Benton Coach Bob Pankey has to say coming into tonight’s game.  “Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a much tougher situation now with the loss to Murphy. In that game, we could never really get our offense clicking and it hurt us. Now we have a tough match up with A-J this week. But as was proven last Friday night, upsets can and do happen.”

“A-J has one of the better running games in Southern Illinois with a great RB in Jayce Turner and a great wing/slot in Arieh Hart. Both have the potential to make big plays. Our goal will be to try to contain the run game well enough to get our offense on the field. And then we have to be able to establish momentum with our offense”

Benton WR Cade Thomas

This is what Anna Jonesboro coach Brett Dietering had to say about tonight’s matchup with the Rangers.  “I expect the same thing as in the past three years, a heavy dose of Hamilton Page.  It all comes down to the ability to attack the run and pass game. If Page is not hooking up with Cade Thomas, you then have to worry about stopping Blaine Pankey running the ball.”

I’ve had the opportunity to watch both teams a few times on film, and once live.  I think that Page is the best QB in Southern Illinois.  I think Turner is the best RB.  Turner and Pankey would probably go in as the number three and four linebackers in Southern Illinois.  I think they are about even, with Luke Ford being Number 1, and Jordan Bartok #2.

Yes the Rangers are coming in the underdogs.  I might get ran out of Franklin County but I have to go with A-J in this one, especially at home.  If the Rangers get defeated, they can still get in with a lot of help from their “friends.”

It is also a game that I would not be surprised if the Rangers would win, especially if Hamilton Page has a big passing night.

This is the second best game of the night in all of Southern Illinois.  Leave early, stop at Giant City Lodge for supper, grab some apples and enjoy a great night of high school football.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports

Playoff probabilities for S-V-W-W, West Frankfort, and Benton

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

First of all we need to continue prayers for Zeigler-Royalton head basketball coach Matt Morgan, who suffered a heart attack this evening.  He is resting comfortably in an area hospital.  Lets pray for a speedy recovery and that he will be back on the sidelines at the Christopher Turkey Tournament.

In something that I have been looking at being a possibility since week three,  The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Red Devils and the Fairfield Mules will be facing off against each other at the Train Yard, undefeated, with a conference title on the line.

For 3A, I was looking at the possibility of quadrants.  I found out today they were a thing of the past.  So the south will be seeded 1-16.

Going into tomorrow night’s game there are four undefeated teams in 3A from Springfield, south.  Along with the Devils and The Mules, the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats and Carlinville.

If Carlinville beats Greenville (6-2) tomorrow night, there will be a tie for the Number one and Two seed for the south half of the bracket between the winner of the Train Yard Showdown.

The Number one seed will then have the possibility of drawing Vienna-Goreville, Mt. Carmel or Harrisburg, all with 4-4 records.  If the Eagles beat Carmi-White County on Saturday, they will be in the best playoff point shape with 40.  Harrisburg is sitting at 36, as they face Carbondale.  Mt. Carmel has 33 and they face win less Mt. Vernon tomorrow night.

There is a chance that Harrisburg and V-G could be bumped up to 4A, as the cutoff line has been dropped  to 548 which is the Eagles enrollment.  Harrisburg is six below the cutoff at 542.

For West Frankfort it is as simple as this, they have to beat Nashville to get in. They are sitting at 30 playoff points, which if they beat the Hornets tomorrow night, would be the lowest 6-3 seeded team in the south.   If all the 4-4 teams do not get in and the Devils win tomorrow night, there is a very good possibility you could see the Redbirds and the Devils match up at Carroll Kelly field a week from Saturday.

I have had a gut feeling for a couple weeks that however things turn out, the Redbirds would end up facing the winner of the Train Yard battle.

If S-V-W-W would lose and the teams on the bubble at 4-4 would get in, West Frankfort still could be a possibility.  There is also an outside chance they could end up with the DuQuoin Indians.  They have been bumped up to 3A, and that could be whether they win or lose to Murphysboro.

I went local with this.  There are numerous possibilities from the Metro East.  We can start breaking them down more around 9:00 p.m.

Now onto the Rangers.  They have a task of facing an undefeated team in A-J on the road.  They are in similar but better shape than their arch enemy’s the West Frankfort Redbirds.  Win or lose the Rangers will be Redbird fans tomorrow night, for one thing, playoff points.  They will get one if WF leaves Washington County with a win.

They will be rooting for the Harrisburg Bulldogs to beat Carbondale.  They will be rooting for Murphysboro to beat DuQuoin.  Carterville vs. Massac they will get a playoff point either way.  They will also be rooting for Pinckneyville and Sparta to pull major upsets.

If they go down to A-J and lose they will be at a lot of teams mercy.  The Rangers will be in a unfamiliar role, being underdogs. However, it is a very winnable game for Benton.  It would be well worth taking the drive to Union County tomorrow night, enjoy the scenery on the way down, and watch what I would believe to be a whale of a football game.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports
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