By Ryne Turke
JACKSONVILLE (4-0) @ SHG (3-1)
The comeback kids are at it again. Jacksonville’s defense blanked QND in the second half and ran away with a 35-20 victory. Jacksonville’s rushing attack averaged 12 yards a carry, led by Terrion Jackson’s 119 yards on just four touches. The writing was on the wall last year for this club. Tons of experience, speed and belief that they can achieve anything. This team is dangerous, but Friday night they’ll prove how good they really are with a trip to Sacred Heart Griffin. The Crimsons are rolling, but SHG brings a different level of intensity. Is this the year for Jacksonville? I’ll have my eyes all over this one in our GAME OF THE WEEK!
WEST CENTRAL (3-1) @ CALHOUN (4-0)
The word is out … West Central is legit. The offense is averaging 45+ points over their last three wins, and the defense has held each of those teams to single-digit points. West Central is coming off a 52-8 victory over Carrollton, which featured 243 rushing yards and touchdowns from six different Cougars. Grant DeWitt’s crew is getting better and better, but this week they’ll get their ultimate test. Calhoun is riding high off a 56-0 shutout over North Greene. The Warriors showcased their depth, getting touchdowns from Parker Baalman, Will Lorton, Jake Brannan, Lane Eilerman, Ian Gilman, Easton Wallendorf and Charlie Goode. Through four weeks, Calhoun has outscored their opponents 214-13, and after seeing them in person, this team is even better than advertised.
GREENFIELD-NW (3-1) @ NORTH GREENE (0-4)
It was all business in Week 4 for GNW in their 44-0 road win against Pleasant Hill. In the Tigers’ three wins, they’ve outscored their opponents 129-6, with that lone loss coming 15-13 at Camp Point. GNW may not be getting the same recognition as Brown County, Calhoun and Camp Point, but I think they’re right there. That massive offensive line is a major X factor, and when it comes time for playoff football, you know they’ll be ready to battle in the trenches.
It wasn’t the night North Greene hoped for, but Calhoun is playing on another level this season. The Spartan defense was able to force and recover a fumble, plus there were some flashes of offense from Carson Wallis and Brock Malin. With a junior-heavy roster, this team is building experience and waiting in the wings to make their mark in the WIVC.
BROWN COUNTY (4-0) @ TRIOPIA (2-2)
Good luck finding a better resume than what Brown County has put together in 2026. They’ve outscored their opponents 238-0…yeah, these guys haven’t allowed a single point. It was Jack Sefton’s night, pulling the hat trick of touchdowns for the Hornets with a kickoff return, punt return and pick-six. The Hornets added nearly 300 rushing yards on the night and have more than proved they’re the team to beat in 1A football.
Triopia is one step closer to the playoffs after their hard-fought 14-7 win over Routt. It was an afternoon dominated by defense, and in the end, the Trojans made several key plays to shut down the Rocket offense. Sophomore running back Drake Rhodes continues to impress me. Triopia called his name a ton in the second half, and he consistently moved the chains. Buy in on the Trojans now. They’re young and only getting more confidence with each win.
PLEASANT HILL (1-3) @ CARROLLTON (1-3)
The Wolves are hoping to hit the reset button following their 44-0 loss to Greenfield-Northwestern, their third straight defeat. Let’s not forget, Pleasant Hill put the WIVC on notice by dropping 60 points in Week 1. If they can find some of that magic over the final five weeks, they just may find themselves in the postseason.
The Hawks never had an answer for West Central in Week 4, but we continue to see the chemistry between quarterback Brady Clendenen and receiver Buddy Holmes grow as they connected on a 20-yard touchdown. Good things are coming for this program with several matchups ahead against teams fighting for playoff spots.
BEARDSTOWN (2-2) @ ROUTT (0-4)
Beardstown is proving to be the best turnaround story in 2026. Coming off a one-win season in which the Tigers averaged around nine points a game, this new-look roster stood tough against Camp Point in a 37-14 loss. Mind you, last year the Panthers rolled Beardstown 62-0. Congrats to Coach Chris Sawyers and his staff. The Tigers are back!
Routt may have fallen to Triopia, but this was a turning-point game. The Rockets scored their first points of the season and kept it competitive for all four quarters. Receiver Nolan Mossman stole the show, sparking the Rocket offense with a 15-yard touchdown run and a pair of long scores that were called back by penalties. The Rocket offense expanded their playbook in Week 4, showcasing some big-play potential and a much tougher defense. It’s go time for Routt. They need this one.
OTHER AREA GAMES TO WATCH
Mendon Unity (0-4) @ Camp Point (4-0)
New Berlin (0-4) @ Riverton (1-3)
Williamsville (4-0) @ Pittsfield (0-4)
Olympia (3-1) @ Athens (2-2)
