By Ryne Turke
Jacksonville (2-0) @ Springfield (0-2)
Jacksonville scored in every quarter as they cruised to a 48-24 home win against Fort Zumwalt East. It was a night of big plays for the Crimsons and a breakout performance for junior quarterback Rylan Rees, who accounted for four touchdowns and 145 rushing yards. Jeremiah Jackson and Darren Henry once again went over the century mark in total yards as this offense is proving to be a force.
The Crimsons will look to keep things rolling at Springfield, coming off a 14-10 loss to Collinsville. Jacksonville will have to contain running back Ed Horton, who’s averaging close to 70 yards of offense per game.
Carrollton (1-1) @ Greenfield-Northwestern (1-1)
After a 52-0 loss to Brown County, Carrollton righted the ship in Week 2 with a 48-6 road win against Mendon Unity. Carrollton exploded for 25 first-quarter points and never trailed. Quarterback Brady Clendenen threw for four scores and ran in two more, with a combined 300+ yards of offense. Carrollton has their mojo back just in time for their biggest rival.
It was heartbreak on the road for GNW in Week 2. Despite two fourth-quarter touchdowns, the Tigers fell short in their battle against Camp Point, 15-13. Carter Murphy and Jason Hoots found the end zone as Greenfield accounted for 174 yards of total offense. Coach Joe Pembrook’s defense held Camp Point to just three points in the second half. This group is tough and will be the key to GNW’s success. I’ll be in the booth at Fleur De Lis for Carrollton vs GNW. Can’t wait.
Routt (0-2) @ Brown County (2-0)
Routt’s home opener was spoiled by West Central in a 42-0 defeat. The biggest improvement for the Rockets is coming on the defensive side, with Chase White, Anson Butcher and Thomas Meehan coming up with key tackles.
The Rockets are still searching for their first touchdown of the year as they head into arguably their toughest matchup of the season.
Brown County is coming out of the gates red hot! With a 56-0 victory over Pleasant Hill, the Hornets have outscored their opponents 110-0. Quarterback Michael Kassing tossed two touchdowns, while tailbacks Jack Sefton and Beau Little combined for four scores.
The Hornets have no weaknesses and should be at the top of everyone’s power rankings.
Triopia (1-1) @ Camp Point (2-0)
Big bounce back in Week 2 for the Trojans, securing a 23-7 win over North Greene. The ground game found its groove, piling up 206 yards and scores from Drake Rhodes, Corvin Morris and Jakob Browning. The key to the night? The defense. Nonstop pressure in the backfield led to multiple turnovers and great field position for the offense. It was the perfect storm for Triopia, and this team has playoffs on their mind.
Shoutout to foreign exchange student Ignacio Suarez Amir for connecting on a 35-yard field goal. Welcome to American football!
Damian Rodriguez was the hero in Camp Point’s Week 2 win over GNW, delivering a game-winning field goal to keep the Panthers undefeated. Quarterback Kale Niekamp tossed a 12-yard touchdown to Corbyn Hoosier, while the running attack of Kolin Bockhold, Grant Hamilton and Luke Ippensen racked up 250+ yards of offense against an impressive Tiger squad. Big win early in the campaign for Camp Point. These guys are once again a legit state title contender!
North Greene (0-2) @ West Central (1-1)
Running back Brock Malin is a star in the making. His eight-yard touchdown run in the loss to Triopia was the highlight of the night, proving he’s a player to build this new-look Spartan program around. Quarterback Carson Wallis has dual-threat ability, but he was constantly pressured and flushed out of the pocket. If the offensive line gives Wallis time, he’ll hit Boen Berry and Evan Scott for big plays.
West Central was all business in their 42-0 win over Routt. The Cougars have a devastating ground offense, as Eli Crain feasted for 134 rushing yards and four scores. Loved what I saw from quarterback Cooper Eddinger and the shots he took downfield to Thrice Kirkpatrick and Blaine Vortman. Of course, the defense set the tone, constantly pressuring the quarterbacks and hauling in a couple of interceptions. Perfect afternoon of execution for the Cougars.
Other games to watch
Pleasant Hill (1-1) @ Calhoun (2-0)
Beardstown (1-1) @ Mendon Unity (0-2)
New Berlin (0-2) @ Auburn (0-2)
