Matchups, Predictions & Standings
The Ultimate Central IL Friday Night Lights Preview
Ryne’s Pick ‘Em Record: 53-9
Southeast (0-4) @ Jacksonville (3-1)
Jacksonville dropped 49 points in the first quarter and cruised to a 76-14 homecoming win over Lanphier in Week 4. Cross Mitchell continues to be the most dangerous return man in the CS8, returning the opening kick 90-yards to the end zone. Terrion Jackson rushed for a pair of scores, as the Crimson backfield totaled 200 yards on the ground. The Jacksonville defense was phenomenal with three touchdowns. Jacksonville will look for a repeat performance against winless Southeast at home Friday.
My Pick: Jacksonville
Camp Point (3-1) @ Brown County (2-2)
Camp Point runs away with another big win, 35-6 over Mendon Unity. The Panthers are averaging 40 points a game and got another big night from Elijah Genenbacher, 112 rushing yards and a touchdown. Camp Point collected 377 yards on the ground and used nine different running backs. The defending state champs are here to stay.
Brown County comes off their most dominant game of the season, a 51-6 victory over Triopia. The Hornet defense is yet to allow more than 10 points in a game and is making waves in the WIVC. This has potential to be a good one between two of the best defensive squads in the area.
My Pick: Camp Point
Routt (3-1) @ Mendon Unity (0-4)
A 41-8 home win over Beardstown gives the Rockets three straight one sided victories. Nothing could stop the Creviston to Olson connection as the two hooked up for three touchdowns and 138 yards. Give running back Charlie Alan the breakout player of the year award. The senior has been lights out and adds 149 yards and two scores to his 2024 resume. The defense is getting better each week. Adam Huffman, Gavin Sheehan and Trey Gause all finish with double digit tackles. Routt is playing like a team ready to make a postseason run.
The odds aren’t great, but Mendon Unity’s postseason dreams are still alive. Don’t call it impossible though, since Mendon won their final five regular games last year to make the playoffs. This is a must win game for the Mustangs.
My Pick: Routt
Calhoun (4-0) @ GNW (4-0)
Here’s your game of the week!
Calhoun remains the top dog in the WIVC with a 46-6 win over previously undefeated West Central. The Warriors rushed for almost 400 yards, led by Drew Wallendorf (134 yards, 3 touchdowns), Conner Longnecker (113 yards, 1 touchdown) and Will Lorton (63 yards, 2 touchdowns). There’s no better ground game in the WIVC than this squad right here, yet it’s their defense which makes them truly elite.
A 56-14 victory vs North Greene makes 13 straight regular season wins for Greenfield NW. Quarterback Talon Albrecht throws for 169 yards and three touchdowns on just seven completions. Caleb Albracht, Avery Lamb and Rimbey White all found the end zone for the Tigers, who continue to show strong depth on both sides of the ball.
You’re not only looking at two of the best in the WIVC, these are two of the best 1A teams in the state! There will be a ton of eyes on this matchup.
My Pick: Calhoun
West Central (3-1) @ Pleasant Hill (1-3)
Quarterback Ryker Ford’s 56-yard touchdown run was the lone bright spot in West Central’s 46-6 loss to Camp Point. After a 50 point Week 1 performance vs Mendon Unity, the Cougars have scored a combined 28 points in three weeks. A win against Pleasant Hill would almost guarantee a return to the playoffs for West Central.
The Wolves 34-12 loss is a bit deceiving, as P Hill was down just one point heading into halftime against Carrollton. The Wolves haven’t won a home game since Week 5 of 2022. A victory here would be a season defining moment for the Wolves.
My Pick: West Central
North Greene (0-4) @ Carrollton (3-1)
Despite their fourth consecutive loss, North Greene put up their highest point total of the season in a 56-14 loss to GNW. It’s a little victory that hopefully sparks bigger moments in the second half of the 2024 season.
Carrollton was all business again in their victory against P Hill. The Hawks have outscored their opponents 107-36, averaging 33 points in each of their three wins. Carrollton will look to build momentum in Week 5 as their final four opponents, Calhoun, GNW, Camp Point and Routt, are all playoff hopeful squads.
My Pick: Carrollton
Triopia (1-3) @ Beardstown (0-4)
Triopia is trending in the wrong direction. The Trojans have been outscored 85-6 over the last two weeks and are dealing with several key injuries.
Beardstown kept the first quarter competitive against Routt, but couldn’t contain the Rocket offense, falling 41-8. That’s three times in four weeks the Beardstown defense has allowed 40 or more points.
Both teams need a win in the worst way.
My Pick: Triopia
Other Area Game Predictions
Athens over Auburn
New Berlin over Pittsfield
PORTA over Pleasant Plains
Williamsville over Olympia
Glenwood over MacArthur
Lincoln over Eisenhower
U High over Rochester
QND over Springfield
SHG over Lanphier
Quincy over East Moline
