Matchups, Predictions & Standings
The Ultimate Central IL Friday Night Lights Preview
Ryne’s Pick ‘Em Record: 23-5
Jacksonville (2-0) @ Sacred Heart Griffin (1-1)
Cross Mitchell is a problem. The senior had the Jacksonville fans going nuts with three special teams return touchdowns in a 65-12 win over Eisenhower. Running back LaMarion Williams led the backfield with 92 rushing yards and a touchdown. Add sophomore running back Terrion Jackson to the list of impressive underclassmen making waves for Jacksonville. You really couldn’t have scripted a better win for Jacksonville to head into a massive matchup with SHG.
After a 45-0 loss to Missouri powerhouse Christian Brothers, SHG bounced back with a 43-22 win at home vs Mascoutah. The Crimsons went into Week 3 last year with high hopes of knocking off SHG, but fell 51-10. The Cyclones have always been a thorn in the Crimsons side when it comes to the gridiron. Expect a huge crowd for this one, as the winner will be the favorite to take the Central State Eight West crown.
My Pick: Sacred Heart Griffin
Camp Point (1-0) @ Beardstown (0-2)
A 14-13 loss to Calhoun snapped a 20 game regular season win streak for Camp Point. It was the game most people expected: physical, competitive and down the wire. After 425 yards of offense in Week 1, Calhoun held the Panther ground game in check with just 185 yards. Elijah Genenbacher’s 50 yard pick six interception and Kadin Niekamp’s 16 tackles once again prove these boys are the best defensive combo in the area. Emerging stars Kale Kiekamp (10 tackles) and Zack Wear (76 yards) are becoming focal points of the Panther attack. There may be a changing of the guard at the top of the WIVC for now, but don’t be shocked if these two don’t clash again deep in the postseason.
It’s been a rough start for Beardstown, being outscored 66-6 through the first two weeks of the season. A tough way to kick off the year for a program that’s consistently been in the playoffs for the last decade. Things won’t get any easier this week as Camp Point looks to avenge their loss to Calhoun.
My Pick: Camp Point
Routt Catholic (1-1)@ Triopia (1-1)
Routt put together a perfect night on both sides of the ball against North Greene with a 61-6 win. Running back Charlie Alan had a career night with 250 total yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback Kellen Creviston was dialed in throwing for 258 yards, hitting Alan, Jace Lautemann and Samuel Long for scores. Gavin Sheehan and Henry Rawe combined for 15 tackles for the Routt defense, which has shown a more aggressive demeanor in 2024. When Routt is clicking they can play with anyone in the area.
I love what I’m seeing out of the 2024 Trojans. Running back Caleb Carpenter put on a show in Week 2, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown vs Carrollton. The Trojans totaled 267 yards of offense on the ground and continue to take steps in the right direction. Safety Bronc Bogner is becoming a standout on the defensive side, as he racked up a team best nine tackles and an interception last week. Tanner Shade, Cole Strubbe, Alex Schild and Brady Seymour provide legitimate depth to the Trojan defense. The secondary will need to bring their A game to shut down the prolific Routt passing attack.
My Pick: Routt Catholic
Mendon Unity (0-2) @ Brown County (0-2)
For the second straight year, Mendon Unity jumps out of the gates at 0-2. There’s some concern on the defensive side of the ball, as the Mustangs have allowed 86 points through two weeks. Mendon Unity showed last year they can make a run, winning their final five games of the season. The Mustang playoff hopes are still very much alive.
The Brown County defense is legit, allowing a combined 16 points through two weeks to a pair of undefeated teams. The Hornets could easily be 2-0 if a couple plays go in their favor. In Week 1 it was penalties and turnovers and in Week 2 the Hornets missed a potential game winning 27 yard field goal with two minutes left. Brown County’s ground game is coming off 194 yards and their first touchdown, a 14 yard run from Jack Sefton. If they win this one, it could change the Hornets entire season.
My Pick: Brown County
Carrollton (2-0) @ West Central (2-0)
Folks….this one is going to be fun.
After a blowout win against Beardstown, Carrollton was tested against Triopia. A strong second half, led by quarterback Carson Flowers’ 153 passing yards and touchdown, pushed the Hawks to a 20-6 win. The player to watch in this matchup will be defensive lineman Eli Flowers, who continues to be a sack machine, picking up two more last week. If Carrollton wins the battle of the trenches it’s going to be a tough night for the Cougar offense.
West Central has found something in quarterback Ryker Ford. The junior has rushed for touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and has drawn a ton of eyes to Cougar football. It’s also time to start talking about Anthony Hance, who’s logged a pair of touchdowns and a game winning field goal for the Cougars. He’s one of the top up and coming athletes in the conference. There’s a lot of bragging rights on the line here. Whoever jumps out to a 3-0 start should be a lock for the postseason.
My Pick: West Central
Greenfield NW (2-0) @ Pleasant Hill (1-1)
GNW is back. The Tiger offense exploded in Week 2 with 36 points against Mendon Unity, led by quarterback Talon Albrecht’s three passing touchdowns. GNW dropped 52 points on P Hill last year, one of nine games of over 40 points scored for the Tigers. If GNW can build momentum over the next few weeks, they’ll give Calhoun a ballgame on September 23rd.
Pleasant Hill is on the board. A 20-0 win over Beardstown is the first win against a conference team (other than North Greene) since the 5-5 team of 2017. Rydor Rodhouse and Waylon White couldn’t be stopped, combining for over 200 rushing yards and 19 tackles. Congrats to the Wolves, who may have a few wins left in the tank.
My Pick: GNW
Calhoun (2-0) @ North Greene (0-2)
If you’re not on the Calhoun bandwagon yet, now is the time. The Warriors knocked off the defending state champions, Camp Point Central, in a wild 14-13 Week 2 win. There wasn’t a ton of offense in this one and that’s what everyone expected. Calhoun put together the perfect final drive, as Conner Longnecker scored from two yards out to tie the game with two seconds left. A Jack Webster extra point sealed the deal. The season defining victory has officially put the Warriors on the radar of 1A teams across the state. This could be their year…
Whoever made the 2024 schedule did North Greene dirty. The Spartans open their year against Camp Point, Routt Catholic, Calhoun and GNW, all teams who should make strong pushes in the postseason. North Greene was able to avoid a shutout vs Routt, but they’ve been outscored 130-6 to start the season.
My Pick: Calhoun
Illinois College (1-0) & Lake Forest College (1-0)
The Blueboys opened their season with a 46-21 non-conference win over Millikin University. Quarterback Destin Chance is going to contend for most passing touchdowns in the country if he continues the streak he’s on (seven Week 1 scores). Receivers Collin Brunstein and transfer Trey Birdsong each hauled in a pair of touchdowns and running back Tanner Spencer rushed for 182 yards. This team is flat out special. Keep in mind, Illinois College’s lone regular season loss last season came to Lake Forest in Week 2 (37-6).
My Pick: Illinois College
Other Area Game Predictions
Athens over Pleasant Plains
Maroa Forsyth over Auburn
New Berlin over PORTA
Pittsfield over Olympia
Glenwood over Eisenhower
Rochester over Lincoln
U High over MacArthur
QND over Southeast
Springfield over Lanphier
