photo credit: Bonnie Snyders
Matchups, Predictions & Standings
The Ultimate Central IL Postseason Preview
Ryne’s Pick ‘Em Record: 147-34
Camp Point (10-1) @ Calhoun (10-1)
Camp Point v Calhoun PT 2…here we go!
The defending state champions wasted little time rolling over Toledo Cumberland in a lopsided 40-0 win. Camp Point got another huge game from Elijah Genenbacher, who contributed three touchdowns for the red-hot Panthers. Kadin Niekamp continues to be a wrecking ball in the backfield, adding two more scores in the win. The defense was as good as ever, holding Cumberland to under 50 total yards and securing their fourth shutout of the season. Perfect execution from one of the toughest postseason teams we’ve seen over the last decade.
Calhoun never trailed in their 14-6 win over Sesser-Valier, jumping out two an early two score lead, thanks to touchdowns from Jack Webster and Conner Longnecker. A mud cover field played to the Warrior’s ground and pound, battle in the trenches game flow. Longnecker, who led the backfield with 147 rushing yards, is closing in on 1,500 yards for the season. Calhoun has now held opponents to single digit scoring in seven of their last nine games.
Camp Point is playing next level football with the emergence of Elijah Genenbacher at quarterback. We all knew he was an elite runner, but his passing skills have given coach Brad Dixon a new weapon.
The same can be said about Calhoun, who boast the deepest roster of talent in the WIVC. Through 12 weeks, Calhoun has rushed for over 3,000 yards and 43 touchdowns. That’s the kind of football that leads to state championships.
You could make the case that both teams are playing their best football of the season, leading to the perfect recipe for an instant classic matchup. Calhoun got the better of Camp Point back in Week 2 with a 14-13 win. I’m picking Camp Point to avenge that loss and punch their ticket to the final four in a rematch against Althoff Catholic. Shoutout to both teams for once again putting the WIVC on the map. Good luck boys!
My Pick: Camp Point
Other Game Predictions
Belleville Althoff Catholic over Casey Westfield
Farmington over Dwight
Johnston City over Pana
QND over Maroa Forsyth
Breese Central over Mt Zion
U High over Cahokia
Joliet Catholic over Peoria
East St Louis over Glenwood
Quincy over St Rita
Illinois College over Beloit College
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s been a fun ride folks, but we’ve come to the finish line of our football coverage for 2024. Before I sign off and make the switch to basketball, let’s hand out some season awards to our area teams and players.
TOP AREA TEAM: Calhoun
BREAKOUT TEAM: New Berlin
2025 TEAM TO WATCH: Brown County
MVP: Elijah Genenbacher, Camp Point
OFFENSIVE POTY: Conner Longnecker, Calhoun & Clark Nelson, New Berlin
DEFENSIVE POTY: Kadin Niekamp, Camp Point
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jeremiah Jackson, Jacksonville
TURKE’S 2024 ALL AREA TEAM
Tyce Fullerton, Brown County
Conner Longnecker, Calhoun
Elijah Genenbacher, Camp Point
Carson Flowers, Carrollton
Garrett Costello, Greenfield Northwestern
Collin Brunstein, Illinois College
LaMarion Williams, Jacksonville
Clark Nelson, New Berlin
Garet Hazelwonder, North Greene
Waylon White, Pleasant Hill
Kellen Creviston, Routt
Caleb Carpenter, Triopia
Ryker Ford, West Central
PLAYERS TO WATCH 2025
Vince Little, Brown County
Lane Eilerman, Calhoun
Kadin Niekamp, Camp Point
Charlie Stumpf, Carrollton
Kayden Roberts, Greenfield Northwestern
Kyle Leonard, Illinois College
Darren Henry, Jacksonville
James Johnson, New Berlin
Landon Gilmore, North Greene
Rydor Roadhouse, Pleasant Hill
Gavin Sheehan, Routt
Bronc Bogner, Triopia
Anthony Hance, West Central
