Matchups, Predictions & Standings
The Ultimate Central IL Friday Night Lights Preview
Ryne’s Pick ‘Em Record: 38-6
Lanphier (0-3) @ Jacksonville (2-1)
It really was a tale of two halves. Jacksonville looked outstanding on the road against SHG through two quarters. Running back Jeremiah Jackson rushed for a score and kicker Brandon Sims converted a late field goal to give the Crimsons a 10-7 lead.
The Cyclones looked like incredible in the third quarter, establishing the ground game and ripping off multiple 50+ yard scores. The Crimsons were outscored 28-0 in the second half for their first loss of the season, but brighter days are ahead. Next up is Lanphier, a defense that’s been torched this season (42ppg). On a positive note, Lanphier scored for the first time in Week 3. Jacksonville will get back on track at home in Week 4.
My Pick: Jacksonville
Ripon College (1-1) @ Illinois College (1-1 )
In a stunner, Illinois College had its nine game winning streak snapped in a 42-35 road loss to Lake Forest College. Illinois College took a 21-20 lead into halftime, but couldn’t stop AJ Jackson, who ran for five touchdowns. The Blueboys offense had no problem moving the ball. Quarterback Destin Chance threw for 415 yards and five touchdowns, with most of that damage going to Collin Brunstein. The senior receiver finished with seven catches for 227 yards and three scores. Illinois College will most likely need to win out to repeat as conference champs. They host Ripon College in Week 3, coming off a 23-19 win over Grinnell College.
My Pick: Illinois College
West Central (3-0) @ Calhoun (3-0)
Another week, another win for the Cougars.
West Central put together 270 yards of offense in a 12-7 win against Carrollton. Running back Anthony Hance continues to impress, rushing for a game high 81 yards and getting the scoring started in the first quarter with a 12-yard score.
Yet it’s the defensive side of the ball that’s making the Cougars a legit threat in the WIVC. Ryker Ford snagged an interception on the goal line and two plays later tossed a 71-yard touchdown pass to Beau Donovan with 27 seconds left in the first half. There’s a ton of buzz around this team. They look for real.
Another dominate showing for Calhoun, coming off a 69-6 victory against North Greene. Conner Longnecker found the endzone six times and Easton Wallendorf scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns. Everything is clicking for Calhoun as they’re riding a seven game WIVC regular season win streak and rising up the state rankings.
My Pick: Calhoun
Pleasant Hill (1-2) @ Carrollton (2-1)
Week 3 wasn’t kind to Pleasant Hill as the Wolves were blanked 32-0 by Greenfield Northwestern. On a positive, the run game still looks strong as running back Rydor Rodhouse rushed for 74 yards and quarterback Brody Dolbeare scrambled for 62 yards. This is a much improved P Hill squad.
Carrollton’s 12-7 loss to West Central had to sting. They jumped out in front in the first half thanks to a two-yard touchdown pass from Carson Flowers to Carson Grafford. After a defensive themed second half, the Hawks had a shot to pull off a win late in the fourth quarter. Carrollton would push the ball all the way to the Cougar three yard line, but fail to get in the endzone. Carrollton will look to get their exciting offense back on track in Week 4.
My Pick: Carrollton
Greenfield NW (3-0) @ North Greene (0-3)
Greenfield NW has found their groove. The Tigers offense got going early, jumping out 28-0 at halftime, thanks to a lights out game from quarterback Talon Albrecht. The senior threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns and receivers Garrett Costello and Avery Lamb both went over the century mark. The Tigers have outscored P Hill 126-16 over the last three seasons.
North Greene showed life in the first quarter against Calhoun with a 73-yard touchdown pass, marking the second consecutive week the Spartans have scored a touchdown. The struggles continue on the defensive side, as North Greene has allowed 60+ points in all three weeks.
My Pick: GNW
Beardstown (0-3) @ Routt (2-1)
After a 41-0 shutout loss courtesy of Camp Point, the Tigers have now been outscored 97-6 through three weeks. Camp Point was incredible on defense, holding Beardstown to just nine first downs. Beardstown needs a big win to save their season.
Here come the Rockets. After dropping 61 points on North Greene, Routt defeated Triopia 31-0. Trey Gause was a monster, racking up a handful of sacks and constantly creating havoc in the Triopia backfield. Kellen Creviston would find Eli Olson twice for touchdowns, including an 82-yard score. We know the offense can score, but when the defense looks this good…Routt is scary.
My Pick: Routt
Mendon Unity (0-3) @ Camp Point (2-1)
Mendon Unity is the biggest surprise in the WIVC. I had this team penciled in for a playoff spot, but something just isn’t clicking. Three consecutive blowout losses, most recently 32-0 to Brown County, have put the Mustangs on red alert. By the way, now they travel to the home of the defending state champions…
Camp Point came into Week 3 with something to prove after a loss to Calhoun. They more than delivered with a shoutout win over Beardstown. Running backs Zack Wear and Curtis Rigg combined for 224 yards of offense. Marco Rodriguez, Konnor Bush and Elijah Genenbacher all found the endzone. We’ve just started the season and Camp Point already has two shutouts. Full speed ahead for the Panthers.
My Pick: Camp Point
Brown County (1–2) @ Triopia (1-2)
Nobody needed a win in Week 3 more than Brown County…and they got it. A 32-0 victory over Mendon Unity keeps the Hornets in contention for the postseason. Stats don’t lie, Brown County’s defense is lock down. Brown County has allowed just 16 points through three weeks, proving they can compete with anyone in the WIVC.
After a shutout loss to Routt, the Trojans look to hit the reset button in Week 4. Despite a lopsided score, the Triopia defense had highlights with several sacks and an interception. Triopia has to pick up a couple wins over the next few weeks to stay alive in the postseason race.
My Pick: Brown County
Other Area Game Predictions
U High over Lincoln
Rochester over Glenwood
MacArthur over Eisenhower
Springfield High over Southeast
Olympia over Athens
Auburn over Pleasant Plains
Sacred Heart Griffin over QND
Maroa Forsyth over PORTA
Williamsville over Pittsfield
Quincy High over Moline
