By Ryne Turke
Week 1 Football
Matchups, Predictions, Standings & Stats
The Ultimate Central IL Friday Night Lights Preview
Jacksonville (4-5 2023) @ Pittsfield (2-7 2023)
Matchup Breakdown
Jacksonville felt like a playoff team last year but came up a win short. That won’t be the case this year. Jacksonville boasts one of the top offensive lines in the area, an elite special teams game and plenty of up and coming talent in the backfield, like senior LaMarion Williams and future superstar Darren Henry. Jacksonville may not light up the scoreboard every game, but they’ll be in the driver’s seat and a favorite almost every night. If Head Coach Mark Grounds can get consistency on both sides of the football, especially against a very favorable schedule, this is going to be a special year for Jacksonville.
The Sangamo Conference was a gauntlet in 2023. Pittsfield dropped their first seven games of the season, but found life in the final two, coming up with a pair of dominant victories. Pittsfield touchdown leader, senior running back Jesse Davidsmeyer, should be the focal point of the offense that will look for a season-defining win against the Crimsons.
My Pick: Jacksonville
Calhoun (7-4 2023) @ Routt Catholic (4-5 2023)
The Game of the Week in the WIVC. Expect a packed house on Saturday for this one, featuring two squads with extremely high exceptions. Get ready for an impressive all around year from Calhoun athletics. They’re going to make a push towards the top of the WIVC and it all starts with senior running back Conner Longnecker, who should push for 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns. He’s the key to the Warriors smash mouth attack on both sides of the ball.
Routt’s air attack, led by senior quarterback Kellen Creviston, will be in full force and should be one of the top passing offenses in the area. Routt wants this to turn into a shootout, but that’s not the key to a Rocket win. The Rocket defense has to make key stops and keep the offense in the game. I’m also looking at the running game, led by senior back Charlie Alan, who has potential for big plays every time he touches the ball. Folks, this one is going to be fun.
My Pick: Calhoun
Beardstown (4-5 2023) @ Carrollton (5-5 2023)
Matchup Breakdown:
Beardstown loses the anchor of their offense, as running back Christy Domitien and his 1,200+ yards of offense, will be making waves at Western Illinois this year. Look for senior quarterback Ethan Heller to become the focal point of the Tiger attack. The dual threat signal caller proved himself in 2023 with 18 total touchdowns. Fellow senior receiver Zach DeSollar is primed for a big year, coming off a near 500 yard season and all conference honorable mention senior defensive lineman Ryder Hamlin has the tools for a big breakout year for Beardstown.
It was a season of highs and lows for Carrollton, winning their first five and dropping their final five. This year is no different with a winnable first half and grueling final four regular season games. All conference senior defensive lineman Eli Flowers continues to be a standout in the WIVC, expect a huge season. The Hawks also bring back a loaded lineup of skill players in quarterback Carson Flowers, running back Lucas Howard and receivers Caleb Howard and Grant Cox. Expect a return to the playoffs for the Hawks and they build momentum in Week 1.
My Pick: Carrollton
North Greene (0-9 2023) @ Camp Point Central (14-0 2023)
Matchup Breakdown
It’s a nightmare matchup for North Greene, kicking the season off on the road against the reigning 1A IHSA state champions. The Spartans bring back quite a bit of experience at every skill position, led by senior receiver Garret Hazelwonder. After three straight winless campaigns, North Greene is looking to turn the corner in 2024.
There will be plenty of new faces in the mix for the Panthers this year, but expect the same results as always under Head Coach Brad Dixon. Senior running back Elijah Gennenbacher is the best small school player in the state and junior defensive lineman Kaiden Niekamp is right behind him. Camp Point has a legit chance to win back to back state titles. Watch out.
My Pick: Camp Point Central
Triopia (1-8 2023) @ Pleasant Hill (1-8 2023)
Matchup Breakdown
New coach, new offense, new attitude… things are changing in Triopia. A breakout season from quarterback Grant Fricke is exactly what the Trojans need to make a playoff push. They got plenty of speed in the backfield, and if the offensive line can create gaps, this offense will find the endzone. This is a must have win for Triopia.
The Wolves bring back a pair of workhouses in the backfield. Junior Rydor Rodhouse and senior Waylon White led P Hill in rushing yards (1,075 total) and tackles (153 combined). These two, along with senior quarterback Brody Dolbeare, have to be the catalysts on both sides of the ball for the Wolves to pull off a victory.
My Pick: Triopia
Mendon Unity (6-4) @ West Central (6-4 2023)
Matchup Breakdown
Keep an eye on junior Mustang quarterback Sawyer Allen. Coming off a 25 touchdown season, this is the year he puts it all together to become an elite name in the WIVC. Mendon also brings back all conference running back Connor Howell and a roster with a ton of playoff experience. They’re good and everyone knows it.
How do you replace 2000+ rushing yards and 22 touchdowns? That’s the question the Cougars have to answer heading into 2024 after graduating running backs Chance Little, Mason Berry and Conner Turner. Junior quarterback Ryker Ford and senior linebacker Carson Brown, who led West Central with 111 tackles, will look to anchor the Cougars. Looking forward to seeing what Head Coach Matt Coultas cooks up for West Central in Week 1.
My Pick: Mendon Unity
Brown County (3-6 2023) @ Greenfield Northwestern (12-1 2023)
Matchup Breakdown
One of the biggest wild cards of the WIVC. All conference selections Trey & Tyce Fullerton will man the backfield and linebacker positions, while defensive lineman Drew Market will aim to break 100+ tackles again. Add in a great mix of underclassmen talent and the Hornets might just find themselves in the playoff mix.
All-state selections Dylan Pembrook and Kohen Vetter paved the wave for the Tigers in 2023, as GNW marched their way to the Final 4 in the 1A IHSA postseason. Now it’s time for a trio of seniors, quarterback Talon Albrecht, linebacker Wyatt Stuart and tight end Garrett Costello, to take charge. The Tigers should boast one of the top defenses in the area, making them a favorite in the WIVC to make a big postseason run.
My Pick: GNW
Other Area Matchup Predictions
Maroa Forsyth over Athens
Williamsville over Auburn
Edwardsville over Glenwood
Rochester over Chicago Simeon
New Berlin over Pleasant Plains
Olympia over PORTA
Quincy High over Quincy Notre Dame
