Lady Redbirds drop conference game

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The Herrin Lady Tigers came into Max Morris Gym Tuesday night and scored an impressive road win over the Lady Redbirds 49-25.

Not only was it a big win for the Tigers, but history was made by one of the opposing players. Standout Abby Horn scored her 1,000th point in her varsity career.

The Redbirds again got behind early and had to try to dig themselves out of a hole. At intermission, Herrin had built a 29-15 lead. They outscored Coach Hampleman’s squad 20-10 in the final two quarters to cruise to the win.

The Redbirds were led in scoring by Calvert’s impressive 17 points. From there, it was all two point totals for Wilce, Cunningham, Melvin and Vershuren.

Horn led Herrin with 15 points..

With the win, Herrin is 3-1 on the year. The Lady Redbirds dropped to 2-7 for the season.

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

Redbird wrestlers finish fourth

December 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
The West Frankfort Redbird wrestling team finished fourth in the prestigious Lawrenceville Invitational Tournament on Saturday.
First place finishes for Rick Arrington’s team came from Keegan Gardner, Gavin and Haden Restivo. Bailey Mennes took home a Second Place medal, while William Lenzini finished in third in his weight class.
The wrestlers return to action Tuesday when they open their dual-Ohio Division schedule at Herrin. The JV match begins at 6:30pm.
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Lady Redbirds score road win

December 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The West Frankfort Lady Redbirds scored a road win Saturday afternoon, at Meridian High School.  The final score was 43-12 in favor of the Redbirds.

West Frankfort opened up a 9-4 lead after the first quarter. However, Matt Hampleman’s team broke the game open by scoring 20 points,and holding the Lady Bobcats to a single field goal, in the second frame.  That 20-6 half time lead was strengthened over the final two quarters as well for an easy win.

Individually, the ‘Birds were led by the 12 points from Kiarha Wilce. Other scorers included: 9 Williams, 4 Calvert, 4 Sailiez, 6 Melvin 2 Jones, 2 Vershueren, 2 Cunningham.

The Lady Redbirds are back in action when they host the Herrin Tigers on Tuesday at Max Morris Gym. Junior Varsity action tips off at 6:15pm.

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

Sesser-Valier Red Devils win hard fought game over West Frankfort Redbirds

December 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By BRUCE A. FASOL
The West Frankfort Redbirds lost their second game of the season Friday night 43-40. Playing a second straight road game this week, the ‘Birds played at Black Diamond conference opponent Sesser-Valier’s gym.
The game began slowly offensively. Both teams had leads in the opening quarter. At the end of the frame. the Redbirds held a slim one point lead, 9-8.  At the half, the same margin favored the visitors, 29-28. A series of shots in the paint, a square up jump shot and more allowed the Redbirds to build as much as a none point third quarter lead. At the end of the third quarter, the Red Devils hit a key three point shot at the buzzer. Jacob Vanway fired his shot as time expired to cut the defcit to 29-28 . That seemed to give the home team momentum that they lacked all quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the two teams spend the first four minutes trading mistakes, fouls and occasionally points. After Sesser-Valier caught and passed the Redbirds, Nic Korolenko regained the lead for West Frankfort with a three point play when he out muscled the Red Devils for a rebound basket, and converted a free throw off the ensuing foul, at the 4:01 mark of the game. N.
Nick Marlo answered with a bucket to give the Red Devils a 39-38 . The two teams traded buckets until the final seconds. Sesser-Valier inbounded the ball with :21 seconds remaining, with the game decided when Derek Hood beat the Redbird defense for a lay in with :12 remaining. A free throw gave them te final margin of victory, 43-40.  The balance of the game wasn’t however, officially decided until Christian Dunning’s full court shot bounced tantalizingly off the rim.
With the win, Sesser-Valier goes to 2-0 for the season. With the loss, Dan Dewerff’s team falls to 0-2 for the year. The Redbirds were led in scoring by Christian Dunning who had 13 points, and 10 rebounds.
Sesser-Valier won the junior varsity game 49-42.
Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Meridian spoils Redbirds’ season opener

November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The Meridian Bobcats rode the 26 points from senior Josh Jones enroute to a 67-43 win over the West Frankfort Redbirds. This was the opening game for coach Dan Dewerff and his Redbird team.

Meridian jumped out to a 15-9  lead after one quarter of play. The Redbirds mounted comebacks but could not get close enough to make the game in doubt. Meridian continued to build their lead in each quarter.

Leading the way for the Redbirds was sophomore Christian Dunning with a dozen points. Seniors Trent Easley and Nick Korolenko were the only other ‘Birds in double figures with 10 points apiece.

The Redbirds stay on the road as they travel to Sesser-Valier Friday night. The home opener is set for Saturday night against Pinckneyville.

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

Redbirds ready for season opener tonight

November 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

Coach Dan Dewerff begins his third season at the helm of the West Frankfort Redbird boys basketball team on Tuesday night.

The opening game of the season was to have been this past Saturday as the ‘Birds were scheduled to host Benton. However, the Rangers asked to move the game, and it will now be played Dec. 21.

So, the Redbird junior varsity and varsity open their 2012-2013 season tonight against Meridian High School in Mounds. While always a top notch Class A program, the Bobcats mark a change in the Redbird schedule under Dewerff. In his first two years, he was tasked with preparing the Redbirds to play powerful Pinckneyville.
This year’s edition of the Redbirds feature eight seniors as part of their roster. Two freshmen starters from a year ago also return.
One sophomore  expected to start and heavily contribute is Hunter Johnson. However a knee injury will keep him on the sidelines tonight.
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , ,

12 Franklin County students named to SIRR-Ohio All Conference Football Team

November 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Twelve players from Benton and West Frankfort high schools have been named to the 2012 Southern Illinois River to River-Ohio Division All Conference Football Team. Here is the full team line-up:

1st Team Offense

QB                  Mat Buntin                     JR                    Benton

RB                  *Dylan Sheeks              SR                   Benton

RB                   *Dylan Hathaway               SR                   Harrisburg

RB                   *Diamante Bradley            SR                   Murphysboro

RB                  *Hadin Restivo            SR                   West Frankfort

TE                   *Jared Daugherty               SR                   Herrin

WR                 *Austin Butler                     SR                   Herrin

WR                 Daz Nickerson                     SR                   Massac County

C                      *Jordan Quertermous       SR                   Harrisburg

OL                   *Gavin Suver                 SR                   Benton

OL                   Daulton Ward               SR                   Benton

OL                   Issac Ingram                        SR                   Harrisburg

OL                   *Dakota Upchurch             SR                   Harrisburg

At Large Selections

QB                  Ryne Roper                          SR                   Harrisburg

RB                   Capel Henshaw                   SR                   Harrisburg

2nd Team Offense

QB                  Austin Starkweather          SR                   Herrin

RB                   Chase Merrill                       SO                   Herrin

RB                   Jordan Troutman                JR                    Massac County

RB                 Dakota Cali                      SR                   Benton

RB                   Aeian Baird                          JR                    Murphysboro

TE                   Kevin Gude                           SR                   Murphysboro

WR               Austin Myers                   SR                   Benton

WR                 Kane Wilson                         SR                   Murphysboro

C                      Sheldon Klaus                     JR                    Murphysboro

OL                 Ethan Sisk                       JR                    West Frankfort

OL                   Artur Romanishyn             SR                   Herrin

OL                   Corey Vaughn                     JR                    Herrin

OL                   Mark Sawyer                       SR                   Murphysboro

1st Team Defense

DB                  *Austin Butler                     SR                   Herrin

DB                Cameron Rock               SR                   Benton

DB                  Justin Younger                   SR                   Harrisburg

LB                 *Dakota Cali                   SR                   Benton

LB                   *Brandon Pate                    SR                   Harrisburg

LB                   Nathan Vaughn                  SR                   Herrin

LB                 Hadin Restivo                SR                   West Frankfort

DE                *Cole Forby                      SR                   Benton

DE                   Kevin Gude                          SR                   Murphysboro

DE                   Gabe Oglesby                      SR                   Harrisburg

DL                 *Shane Bettenhausen SR                  Benton

DL                   *Dakota Upchurch             SR                   Harrisburg

DL                 *Brady Karnes                SR                   West Frankfort

DL                   Diamante Bradley              SR                   Murphysboro

DL                   Tyler Bebout                        SR                   Harrisburg

K                      *Josh Haynes                      SO                   Herrin

P                      Kane Wilson                        SR                   Murphysboro

At Large Selection

DB                  Tylon Kerrans                       SR                   Murphysboro

* Denotes unanimous selection

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FCHS Redbird basketball chair seats on sale this week

November 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Chair seat season tickets are on sale starting today for the FCHS Redbirds basketball season. Tickets are $35 for available chair seats below the walkway in Max Morris Gymnasium, and $30 for available chair seats above the walkway.

Ticket sales will be in the gym lobby on the following days and times:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 14 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 16 – 5 p.m. through the end of the basketball scrimmage that night
  • Saturday. Nov. 17 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 19 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 21 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Filed Under: High School Sports, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort High School Sports

OBITUARY – JOHN LOGAN DAVIS – BENTON

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

John Logan  Davis, 100, of Benton ‘went home to be with the Lord’ Monday evening Oct. 29, 2012 at his home.

Mr. Davis was born in Bessie, IL on Sept. 27, 1912, the son of John W. and Ethel (Sandusky) Davis.

He married Merle I. Kerley on Oct. 31, 1937 in Marion, KY by the Rev. J.C. Lilly, who was the pastor of the First Baptist Church, in Marion, KY.

John and Merle operated Davis Electric/Lawn Mower/Parts.  John was also a journeyman electrician, operating Davis Electric, having worked for many contractors throughout the country.  He was a 57-year member of the IBEW.

Mr. Davis was a 62-year member of East Benton Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1964.

Mr. Davis loved keeping his yard mowed and groomed and maintaining a large flower garden.  In his spare time he was always doing odd jobs.  He was also avid photographer.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife Merle Davis, of Benton and three children; Kenneth Dale Davis, Parrish, IL, Ruth Ann West and husband Danny, of Benton and Tommy Eugene Davis and wife Debbie of Yules, Florida.

Also surviving are his grandson Kevin Scott Hefner, of Benton; grandson Logan Scott Hefner, of Benton and his nephew, Eugene Davis and wife Pat.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents, two grandaughters, Terri Renee Hefner and Shelley Renee Davis; sisters-in-law Pauline Davis, Esteleta Kinnison and Tena Wilkerson and brother-in-law Paul M. Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Carroll Toler officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.  Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Thursday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, Obituaries, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

FCA Daily Devotion – Renewal

October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
II Corinthians 4:16
When do you feel like your body is wasting away and your strength is drying up?  Maybe that’s at the end of practice, half-way through preseason or with one week to go in a long, difficult season.  How can we have our hearts renewed and find the strength to press through such feelings?  Today’s scripture gives us such encouragement.
In the second letter to the church at Corinth at chapter 4 and verse 16 we read, “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  Paul was aware of his friends’ perilous times and the physical toll it was taking on them.  He identified with their plight.
It’s the nature of competition and long seasons to wear down our bodies.  We can identify with these people and the outward wasting away of their bodies.  The wisest among us also know how to be inwardly strengthened, day by day in our hearts.
Here’s the challenge for us.  Can we trust our hearts to lead us to do the right thing, even when our bodies are crying out for us to quit?  Can we continue to find new strength through renewed hearts and press through the hard times?
As you prepare to compete today, trust your heart to the one who gives strength without measure.  Ask Him to fill your heart with courage and to enable you to compete strongly.  You will be amazed at how your mind and your body will respond to your heart’s lead.
Bible Reading Plan:
Song of Solomon 4:8-16
Jeremiah 52
Filed Under: Akin Junior High Sports, Benton High School Sports, Benton Junior High Sports, Christopher High School Sports, Christopher Junior High Sports, Columns, Ewing Junior High Sports, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, Junior High Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sesser-Valier Junior High Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, Thompsonville Junior High Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, West Frankfort Junior High Sports, Zeigler Royalton Junior High Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News