Matchups, Predictions & Standings
The Ultimate Central IL Friday Night Lights Preview
Ryne’s Pick ‘Em Record: 93-20
MacArthur (2-5) @ Jacksonville (4-3)
Another tough loss for the Crimsons, who fall at home to Quincy Notre Dame 35-21. Jacksonville had no answer for running back Ivan Hun, who found the end zone four times, including a touchdown in the final few minutes to secure the win. Jacksonville’s Cross Mitchell continues his standout season with 160 total yards of offense and LaMarion Williams rushes for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
With two weeks remaining, Jacksonville needs one more win to secure a postseason spot. MacArthur is on the ropes, losing four of their last five games. Jacksonville will be the clear favorite in this one.
My Pick: Jacksonville
Calhoun (6-1) @ Brown County (4-3)
Calhoun bounces back after their Week 6 loss to Carrollton with a 32-0 win over Pleasant Hill. QB Jake Snyders was the star, racking up two passing touchdowns and rushing for another. Conner Longnecker’s career year continues with two more rushing touchdowns. When Calhoun plays like this, they’re as good as anyone in the area.
Brown County’s postseason hopes are very much alive after a 60-39 win over Routt Catholic. QB Vince Little was effective, throwing for 73 yards and a touchdown on just four passes. Trey Fullerton led the Hornet backfield with 113 yards and Tyce Fullerton added 60 receiving yards. Brown County secured three interceptions and continues to prove how dangerous this defense can be. They’ve got momentum, watch out, this one is my game of the week.
My Pick: Calhoun
Greenfield NW (6-1) @ Routt Catholic (4-3)
Have a night Garrett Costello. The senior tight end put up career highs with 219 receiving yards and four touchdowns in a rivalry win over Carrollton. Talon Albrecht passed for 295 yards and Ashton Preusen ran for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The defense, led by Kayden Roberts’ 12 tackles, made the big plays when it mattered. GNW is out to prove 2023 was no fluke. This team is going to be a blast to watch in November.
Routt QB Kellen Creviston sets the WIVC single game passing record with 407 yards, but it’s not enough for the Rockets to get the win. It was a six touchdown night for Creviston, who hit three different receivers for scores. Dalton Brown put up a team high 174 receiving yards, followed by Jace Lautemann’s 117 yards and Eli Olson’s 95 yards. Adam Huffman and Trey Gause had busy nights, combining for 39 total tackles.
Routt has backed themselves into a corner, needing to win one of their final two games to secure a playoff spot. For GNW, a victory would put them in position to host a Week 1 postseason game. There’s a lot on the line in this one!
My Pick: GNW
West Central (5-2) @ Triopia (1-6)
It was a perfect night for Ryker Ford in West Central’s 60-8 win against North Greene. The junior goes 6-6 through the air for 120 yards, rushes for a game high 149 yards and scores three touchdowns. Eli Crain would add touchdowns from five and 30 yards, Gavyn Thomas scores from 16 yards and Lane Clayton finds the end zone late from two yards out. Another big game for Carson Brown, who finishes with 13 tackles. It’s been an extremely impressive season from the Cougars in a talented WIVC. They should make waves once the postseason hits.
That’s six straight losses for Triopia and the final two weeks won’t be easy (West Central and GNW). The Trojans will look for big games from the backfield trio of Caleb Carpenter, Gameli White and Brock York (170 combined yards per game).
My Pick: West Central
Mendon Unity (2-5) @ Pleasant Hill (2-5)
After starting the season 0-5, Mendon has rattled off back-to-back victories. Sawyer Allen was locked in for the Mustangs in their 26-12 win over Beardstown. The junior QB threw for 245 yards, rushed for 45 yards and scored three touchdowns. Kendall Knox, Blake Arnsman and Skylar Goudschaal all caught touchdowns. Mendon is playing some inspired football.
A 32-0 loss to Calhoun marks the second time the Wolves have been shutout this year. Pleasant Hill has a great 1-2 punch in the backfield with Rydor Rodhouse and Waylon White. I look for them to get back on track with a victory.
My Pick: Pleasant Hill
Carrollton (5-2) @ Camp Point (6-1)
Carrollton may have lost the South Division crown, but they’re going to be a tough out once we hit the playoffs. Carson Flowers, who threw for 264 yards, found Carson Grafford twice for touchdowns in Carrollton’s 42-26 loss to GNW. Don’t sleep on Carrollton.
Is there anything Elijah Genenbacher can’t do? The senior was incredible in Camp Points 56-0 win over Triopia, rushing for 102 yards, passing for 58 yards and scoring four touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough, he also broke the Panther all-time tackle record. Genenbacher’s supporting cast stepped up, as Konnor Bush, Kadin Niekamp, Kellen Meyer and Nate Peters all scored. That’s the third shutout this year for Camp Point’s defense. This team is ready for the postseason.
My Pick: Camp Point
Illinois College (3-2) @ Knox College (2-3)
QB Destin Chance delivered in the clutch all night in the Blueboys 50-37 win over University of Chicago. It was a six touchdown night for Chance, who threw for 327 yards and rushed for 86 yards. Collin Brunstein secured two huge touchdowns and racked up 149 receiving yards. Kyle Leonard added 97 receiving yards and a touchdown. That’s 498 wins all-time for the Illinois College football program. They should add another this weekend.
My Pick: Illinois College
Other Area Game Predictions
Glenwood over SHG
QND over Lincoln
Rochester over Springfield
U High over Southeast
New Berlin over Athens
Pittsfield over Auburn
Maroa Forsyth over Williamsville
Olympia over Pleasant Plains
Beardstown over North Greene
Eisenhower over Lanphier
Quincy over Geneseo
