By Ryne Turke
Get ready for an absolutely stacked week of football with primetime matchups from the Central State Eight, WIVC and Sangamo conferences!
— Calhoun (5-0) @ Greenfield-NW (4-1)
Calhoun keeps getting better as they hand a very good West Central squad a 50-6 loss. The Warriors stormed out to a 44-0 lead at halftime thanks to three touchdowns apiece from Lane Eilerman and Easton Wallendorf. Calhoun has outscored their opponents 264-19. This defense isn’t getting enough credit. At the moment, they’re the best team I’ve seen this season. This is their week to make a statement.
GNW scored on every possession in the first half and spoiled North Greene’s homecoming with a 46-6 victory. Brennen Vetter and Carter Murphy provided the thunder and lightning in the backfield, combining for over 200 total yards. Carter Chapman hauled in a pair of scores as his breakout season continues. It was a mistake-free evening, GNW will need to do just that to defeat Calhoun.
Two squads that check all the boxes. It’s the matchup we’ve been waiting for. The battle for the WIVC South crown is our GAME OF THE WEEK. See you at Fleur De Lis!
— Camp Point (5-0) @ Brown County (5-0)
How about a double feature for GAME OF THE WEEK?! Camp Point got a bye in Week 5 with a forfeit win over Mendon Unity. The Panthers boast a pair of marquee wins over GNW and WC, proving they’re more than ready for the Hornets.
The three-headed monster of Hamilton, Ippensen and Bockhold is averaging 220+ rushing yards a game. They’ll be relied on to move the chains against the stout Brown County defense.
The Hornets look unstoppable, five weeks and five dominant victories. A Brown County win proves they are the #1 team in the state, while a Camp Point victory makes the Panthers a top choice for the state title. The entire state will have their eyes on this matchup.
— Lamphier (0-5) @ Jacksonville (4-1)
The Crimsons had no answer for Mikey Groesch and SHG in Week 5, falling on the road 55-14. The Cyclones tailback ran wild for 117 yards and four touchdowns, handing Jacksonville their first defeat of the season.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Crimsons as they’ll be big favorites at home over the next two weeks. Lanphier is averaging 14 points a game, but remember, Jacksonville coasted to a 48-0 win in this matchup last year. The Crimsons have a lot to play for, and a strong final four weeks will secure a home playoff game.
— Routt (0-5) @ Mendon Unity (0-5)
The Rockets put together an impressive third quarter, but weren’t able to take down Beardstown, falling 47-7. It was the second consecutive week Nolan Mossman found the end zone, hauling in an impressive 70-yard touchdown. Chase White, Thomas Meehan and Evan Cors provided plenty of big hits for the Rockets, but the Tigers had the formula to move the chains all afternoon.
Both fan bases are craving a win, hopefully we see everyone healthy and on the field in Week 6.
Beardstown huddle after clinching postseason birth.
— Triopia (2-3) @ Beardstown (3-2)
Triopia becomes the first team to score against the #1-rated team in the state, falling to Brown County 66-10. The Trojans have dealt with three state-ranked teams through the first five weeks of the season. Coach Winkelman’s crew is one win away from the postseason. Is this the week they secure that spot?
Congrats to the playoff-bound Beardstown Tigers! Quarterback Zach Meyer paced the way with four touchdowns, including a pick-six, to defeat Routt 47-7. Receiver Noe Larios was a mismatch nightmare, coming through with multiple scores. Beardstown continues to prove they’re the best bounce-back team in the conference. This one has potential to be a battle.
— North Greene (0-5) @ Carrollton (2-3)
Brock Malin continues to deliver for North Greene. The junior tailback hauled in a 50+ yard reception and added a touchdown to lead the Spartans’ offense. Despite the loss to GNW, we saw flashes from the passing game, with Carson Wallis releasing the ball quickly and hitting Nate Coates and Evan Scott for multiple receptions. Brick by brick, this team is trending in the right direction.
Carrollton needed a big win, and they got just that, taking down Pleasant Hill 27-6. Quarterback Brady Clendenen ran for 75 yards and two scores, but it was running back Ethan Nolan who was the star of the game. The senior racked up 97 rushing yards, six tackles, forced a fumble and opened the second half with a kickoff return touchdown. The Hawks have another gear to them, I’m expecting big things over the final four weeks.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
Rochester (5-0) @ Glenwood (4-1)
West Central (3-2) @ Pleasant Hill (1-4)
Pittsfield (0-5) @ New Berlin (0-5)
Athens (2-3) @ Auburn (2-3)
Olympia (4-1) @ Williamsville (5-0)
