By Ryne Turke
JACKSONVILLE
2023 RECAP
RECORD: 4-5
(4-4 in Conference)
In a season of highs and lows Jacksonville got out of the gates hot with a 51-6 win vs Eisenhower and a last second 35-34 win vs MacArthur. The wheels came off in Week 3 after an injury to quarterback Mani Moore. The Crimsons would lose 4 straight, including a 27-22 heartbreaker to Peoria Notre Dame, and fall one win shy of the postseason
Mark Grounds has some big shoes to fill heading into 2024, losing Moore at quarterback and running back Cam’ron Mitchell, the #2 all time rusher in Crimson history. The Crimsons will rely on a veteran offensive line, several up and coming skill players and the top kicker in the state to make a playoff push.
3 MUST SEE 2024 GAMES
Week 3: Sept 13 at Sacred Heart Griffin
Week 7: Oct 11 vs Quincy Notre Dame
Week 8: Oct 18 vs MacArthur
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brandon Sims – kicker/punter – The Crimsons have the ultimate X factor in Sims, who can change any game with his right leg. Sims was automatic from extra point range last year and became a serious weapon in the punting game, routinely flipping the field in favor of the Crimsons. I’m expecting Grounds to rely on Sims for more field goal opportunities as the young Crimson offense finds its footing. This kid is D1 ready, remember the name.
Ryan McCombs – Offensive line – The offensive line will be the key to the Crimsons success this year and Ryan McCombs has become the face of this group. With an all conference award already under his belt, expect McCombs to receive recognition as one of the top offensive lineman in Central Illinois. McCombs has a unique combination of size and speed and I see Grounds utilizing McCombs in a variety of positions this year. Can’t wait to see what the Crimsons cook up for McCombs.
Lamarion Williams – Running back – Williams is projected to take over as RB1 heading into 2024. He fits the mold of a Mark Grounds workhorse and comes off a season where he got 55 carries and plenty of action in big games. There’s several talented players in the backfield for the Crimsons, but Williams needs to be the bell cow.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
Sam Lockman – Linebacker – After the graduation of standouts Griffin Martin, James Cotton and Casimir Jackson, who will step up as the defensive anchor for the Crimsons?
Lockman will get his shot after a solid 2023 that saw him rack up four tackles for loss and finish fourth on the Crimsons in total tackles. Look for Lockman to set the tone at linebacker Week 1 for the Crimsons.
3 PREDICTIONS
1. Lamarion Williams scores double digit touchdowns
2. Jacksonville wins five Central State Eight Conference games
3. Jacksonville makes the playoffs
ROUTT
COACH: Barry Creviston
2023 RECAP
RECORD: 4-5 (2-3 in Conference)
Routt certainly felt like a playoff team in 2023, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Despite a lights out offense with plenty of firepower, heartbreaking losses to Beardstown and Mendon Unity doomed the Rockets. It’s a clean slate heading into the 2024 season as Routt brings back the best passing attack in the WIVC. Exceptions are high for the Rockets to return to the postseason and a great Week 1 matchup against Calhoun is perfect test to start the Rockets 2024 campaign.
3 MUST SEE GAMES
Week 1: Aug 31 vs Calhoun
Week 5: Sept 27 @ Mendon Unity
Week 8: Oct 19 vs Greenfield/Northwestern
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Trey Gause – Defensive line/linebacker – Gause came just shy of a 100 tackle season in 2023 and continues to be the best weapon on the defensive side of the ball for Routt. With 12 tackles for loss last year, Gause routinely found a way to get into the backfield and cause havoc. Fellow senior linebacker Adam Huffman will play enforcer with Gause, look for a big year from this duo.
Kellen Creviston – Quarterback – Creviston put together a monster junior season, racking up nearly 3,000 total yards, 33 touchdowns and claiming honors around the state. He’s in complete control of the Routt offense and has all the tools to top his 2023 performance. If you want to see a show, check out Creviston on Saturday afternoons in Jacksonville.
Eli Olson – Wide receiver/defensive back – Olson is a problem in the WIVC on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, Olson led Routt across the board with 58 catches, 745 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, Olson was a ball hawk, grabbing five interceptions and locking down teams top receivers in the secondary. Expect an encore performance in 2024 from Olson.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
Charlie Alan – Running back – Speed kills and Charlie Alan has plenty of it. After a solid 2023 season of 416 rushing yards and three touchdowns, I’m expecting big things from Alan. Routt loves to throw the ball, but Alan will get plenty of touches and should easily double his numbers from last year. Alan is the definition of breakout potential.
3 PREDICTIONS
1. Routt goes undefeated on the road
2. Jace Lautemann finishes top three in the WIVC for receiving yards
3. Creviston and Alan combine for 15+ rushing touchdowns
GREENFIELD/NORTHWESTERN
COACH: Joe Pembrook
2023 RECAP
RECORD: 12-1 (5-0 in Conference)
A dominate regular season followed by a wild postseason run, not much more you could ask for from the Tigers in 2023.
After a thrilling 16-14 last second touchdown postseason win over Casey Westfield, GNW would fall in the semi finals to eventual state champion Camp Point Central 54-20.
GNW will look for another magical season, this time without the services of all-staters, QB Dylan Pembrook and RB Kohen Vetter. With talent waiting in the wings, GNW is ready for another postseason push.
3 MUST SEE GAMES
Week 2: Sept 9 @ Mendon Unity
Week 5: Sept 27 vs Calhoun
Week 8: Oct 19 @ Routt
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Talon Albrech – Quarterback – Albrecht gets his shot to lead the Tigers offense in 2024. Coming off an all conference wide receiver season, Albrecht’s resume as one of the top athletes in the WIVC is well known. If anyone can take over for Dylan Pembrook, Albrecht is the guy.
Wyatt Stuart – Linebacker – Defense wins championships and in 2023 Wyatt Stuart was the defensive MVP for GNW. One of the most dependable linebackers in the WIVC, Stuart racked up 141 tackles and six tackles for loss. Stuart was a fixture in the backfield last season and in 2024 I expect to see him fed the ball quite a bit. You’re looking at one of the best all around football players in the WIVC here.
Garrett Costello – Linebacker/tight end – A player I always find myself rooting for, Costello continues to get the job done for GNW on the gridiron. From big tackles to clutch receptions, Costello has made a name for himself in the WIVC. Costello recorded 73 tackles last season and has a legit shot at 100 if Stuart doesn’t steal them all. Costello may be more valuable on the offensive end though, as the best tight end in the WIVC. He steps into Week 1 as Albrecht’s #1 receiver and should easily shatter his 541 receiving yard and eight touchdown 2023 season.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
Ashton Preusen – Wide receiver – Preusen made the most of his touches last year with 330 total yards of offense and four touchdowns. Why do I think he’s poised for a breakout season? In GNW’s playoff run Preusen constantly found himself on the field. That tells me he’s earned the trust of the GNW coaching staff to step up in big moments. Whether he’s in the slot or lined up in the backfield, expect Preusen to make a mark in his senior season.
WEST CENTRAL
COACH: Matt Coultas
2023 RECAP
RECORD: 6-4
(3-2 in Conference)
The Cougars put together a solid 2023, thanks to a bounty of quality running backs and a tough defense. West Central picked up a few banner wins early in the year vs Calhoun 30-19 and Mendon Unity 28-15. Despite 178 West Central rushing yards, the Cougars weren’t able to get on the board in the first round of the playoffs, falling to Salt Fork 7-0.
The biggest question heading into 2024 is how to replace the West Central running attack. Chance Little, Mason Berry and Conner Turner, who combined for 2,000+ rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, have all graduated. West Central will be looking for new names to step up and lead the offense in 2024.
3 MUST SEE GAMES
Week 2: Sept 6 @ Brown County
Week 3: Sept 13 @ Carrollton
Week 9: Oct 18 @ Triopia
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ryker Ford – Quarterback – West Central was a run first offense in 2023 with only 541 total passing yard. With the Cougars graduating their top three backs, Ford may be asked to do more with the ball in 2024. Expect Ford to be on the move and be amongst the leading rushers on the Cougars this season.
Carson Brown – Linebacker – Brown enters his senior season as the captain of the defense. Brown’s 2023 season included 111 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. Don’t expect Brown to just dominate on the defensive side of the ball. He’ll need to make an impact on offense if the Cougars want to push for the playoffs.
Jeffrey McIntire – Linebacker – The freshman put himself on the map in 2023 with a stellar 62 tackle season. McIntyre showed no fear getting into the trenches to make the tough tackles and I’m expecting more of that in 2024.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS
Nolan and Liam Melanson – Tight end/running back – There’s a lot of opportunities for touches in the 2024 Cougar offense and the Melanson boys should get their shot. Whether it’s running the ball or coming up with first down receptions, expect these two to carve out a big role this season.
TRIOPIA
COACH: Cody Winkelman
2023 RECAP
RECORD: 1-8 (0-5 in Conference)
After kicking off the season with a 28-2 home win against Pleasant Hill, Triopia would drop their next eight. The Trojans struggled to move the ball in 2023, scoring just 49 points after Week 1. Triopia brings in a new coach and hopes for an improved 2024 season.
3 MUST SEE GAMES
Week 3 – Sept 14 @ Routt
Week 4 – Sept 20 vs Brown County
Week 5 – Sept 27 @ Beardstown
3 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Grant Fricke – Quarterback – Triopia has to find a way to get give Fricke more playmaking opportunities. Whether that’s throwing or running the ball, Fricke need to be the focal point of the Triopia offense. With the right gameplan, Fricke can be a game changer for the Trojans.
Caleb Carpenter – Running back – There’s a lot of options at running back this year for Triopia, but Carpenter may have the highest ceiling. With good speed and an ability to break tackles, Carpenter will look to lead the way for the Trojans offense in 2024. Carpenter showed he can be a force on the defensive end as well with a career high 90 tackles. He’ll need to be a big time two way player for the Trojans once again.
Brock York – Running back – Coming off a 2nd team all conference season, York is ready for another feature back role for Triopia. York’s speed and shiftiness makes him tough to take down, especially in the open field. He’ll look for another strong season for the Trojans.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
Andrew Hobrock – Tight end – Triopia is going to run the ball, that’s what they do best. But if they pass, Hobrock is the #1 target. He’s a mismatch in the secondary with his height and has the skills to be a dependable receiver.
