By Ryne Turke
We’re off and rolling with the 2026 football season. The big dogs in the area showed their dominance in the openers and Week 2 should bring some fun matchups. Let’s break down the games to watch around the area.
GREENFIELD NORTHWESTERN (1-0) @ CAMP POINT CENTRAL (1-0)
Everything went GNW’s way in its 45-0 home-opening win against Routt. Quarterback Ty Bowman tossed a pair of touchdowns to Carter Chapman, while Carter Murphy and Logan Ross led the backfield. The defense was locked down from start to finish, but the biggest surprise of the night kicker Landon Albrecht. The freshman was perfect on extra points and drilled a 35-yard field goal. That could be a major X-factor for GNW, especially come postseason time.
Holy cow, Luke Ippensen went off in Week 1. With 102 rushing yards, 109 receiving yards and three touchdowns, the junior set the tone in the Panthers’ 28-0 win over West Central. Quarterback Kale Niekamp looks confident running this offense and his ability to push the ball down the field gives opposing defenses another problem. This one has GAME OF THE WEEK written all over it.
FORT ZUMWALT EAST (0-0) @ JACKSONVILLE (1-0)
A 21-point second half fueled the Crimsons to a come-from-behind win on the road against Jersey. Jeremiah Jackson was a menace, rushing for 166 yards and a score, while Darren Henry found the end zone twice and finished with 93 rushing yards.
The rushing attack piled up a whopping 444 yards, but it was Jason Brown’s interception on the final drive that sealed the deal for Jacksonville. I’m telling you, this team is dangerous.
The Crimsons will host Fort Zumwalt East out of St. Peters, Missouri, a program that has gone 7-15 over the last two years while playing in the Gateway Central Conference.
WEST CENTRAL (0-1) @ ROUTT (0-1)
The Cougars are moving forward after a 28-0 loss on the road at Camp Point. I still believe this is the team in the WIVC that’s going to make a run. They’ve got a talented group of seniors in the backfield and Coach Grant DeWitt knows his team. Look for the power run to get rolling for West Central.
Routt was on the losing end 45-0 at GNW to start the year. The Rockets had a tough time getting things going offensively, but there were a couple positives to come out of the loss.
Brady Rhodes was everywhere for the Rockets, making plays at both linebacker and running back. Look for him to continue carving out a big role. Routt also has to find a way to get Nolan Mossman more opportunities. The Rockets’ top receiver hauled in a few nice catches against GNW, so look for some big shots downfield to go #11’s way.
TRIOPIA (0-1) @ NORTH GREENE (0-1)
Calhoun got the better of Triopia in Week 1, winning 50-0. Running back Jakob Browning carried the ball 15 times and appears to be the workhorse in the Trojans’ backfield. Drake Rhodes stepped up on the defensive side with seven tackles.
A big second half from Beardstown led to a 45-20 loss for North Greene in Week 1. Running back Brock Malin was a beast, rushing for 93 yards and a score. Quarterback Carson Wallis threw for 143 yards and ran for a pair of touchdowns.
Despite the 0-1 record, there’s excitement in this program and community about good things coming.
I’m expecting a big crowd for this one. It’s a huge game for both programs as they look to build some early-season momentum.
PLEASANT HILL (1-0) @ BROWN COUNTY (1-0)
One of the most shocking scores of Week 1 was Pleasant Hill’s 60-0 victory over Mendon Unity. Bing Lowe took over for the Wolves, rushing for four scores. Are the Wolves back?
They’ll get what could be their toughest matchup of the year on the road against the Hornets.
Brown County picked up right where it left off in 2025, taking full control of Carrollton in a 52-0 win. The sky is the limit for the Hornets, buckle up for a fun season.
CARROLLTON (0-1) @ MENDON UNITY (0-1)
The Hawks were limited to around 100 total yards against Brown County’s shutdown defense. Things should open up in Week 2 for first-year head coach Rob Buchanan. Look for a big Friday night from receivers Carter Randolph and Buddy Holmes.
Mendon Unity took a tough loss to Pleasant Hill in Week 1, but give this team some time. There’s a fresh batch of faces starting across the board for Matt Woodworth’s squad. Mendon has been competitive over the last few years, floating around the .500 mark. Give them some time.
BEARDSTOWN (1-0) @ CALHOUN (1-0)
Beardstown’s season is off and running after a 45-20 win over North Greene. For a team that averaged around nine points per game in 2025, this is exactly the jolt the Tiger program was looking for.
Calhoun proved why it is widely being picked as a state title contender with a 50-0 shutout over Triopia. Quarterback Earl Elmore tossed a pair of touchdowns, while four different Warriors rushed for scores. The depth on this team is scary. You never know who’s going to make the next big play.
