ST. JOSEPH - Spartan running back Wyatt Wertz gets a solid block from teammate Willis Canamore during first half action against visiting Pontiac (2-7). Despite a couple of scares, St. Joseph-Ogden (5-4) two TDs in each quarter on the way to defeating the Indians 56-21. Wertz finished the night with 180 yards rushing and 13 more from two pass receptions. SJO must now wait to see if they made the playoff cut and who will be their first-round opponent.
Coy Hayes said the best advice he's received from a coach was, "After wrestling, everything is easy." As one of the seniors leading St. Joseph-Ogden through a tough 2025 conference schedule, Hayes embodies the spirit of tenacity, grit and determination.
Leading the team through hard work, dedication, and tradition that comes with being a proud Spartan, he is an intimidating figure on the field. We asked him and his fellow seniors a dozen questions to get to know them better. Here's what he told us:
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Hayes: Co-op
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Hayes: Subway sandwich
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Hayes: Bugatti
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Hayes: My grandpa, grandma, and mom
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Hayes: "After wrestling, everything is easy."
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Hayes: Idk
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Hayes: Jamaica
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Hayes: Cricket on a line - Mud Digger, Colt Ford, The Lacs
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Hayes: Blues Clues. I would be able to fly and shoot money out of my hands.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Hayes: Culver’s
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Hayes: Synchronized swimming
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Hayes: Wrestling four years and football four years.
Few players run harder — or think faster — than Spartan Wyatt Wertz. At a solid 5'11", 180 pounds, the senior back has combined quick reads with relentless determination after returning back to action from an injury suffered earlier in the season. Despite scoring three touchdowns in road losses for the Spartans against Central Catholic and Seneca, Wertz is back to help SJO take a deep stab into the postseason. Averaging 8.7 yards/carry in those two games, upcoming opponents will St. Joseph-Ogden hard to defeat.
As St. Joseph-Ogden heads into Friday’s regular-season finale, here's a few tidbits about Wyatt that he shared earlier this week.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Wertz: Forensic Science
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Wertz: Chicken and rice
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Wertz: Porsche 911 gt3 rs
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Wertz: I wouldn’t tell anyone, so no one
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Wertz: Don’t think, just do
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Wertz: brycecrawford
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Wertz: Japan
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Wertz: I listen to rain noises
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Wertz: I would be called The Dude and I would have super speed and time travel
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Wertz: Cookout in backyard
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Wertz: UFC
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Wertz: Track, past 3 years
Here are Week 9 predictions from Illini Prairie football pundits for this edition of The Sentinel’s Friday Night Forecast.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
ST. JOSEPH - Lucas Smith boots the ball on kickoff for the Spartans. Smith and 15 other seniors will be honored tonight before the start of the Spartans' home game against Pontiac.
Week 9 predictions
Illini Prairie Game of the Week
Rantoul vs Illinois Valley Central
Sara C: Illinois Valley Central .::. 36-12 Alan: Illinois Valley Central .::. 45-20 Denise: Illinois Valley Central .::. 21-0 Denise J: Illinois Valley Central .::. 21-14 J: Illinois Valley Central .::. 18-6 Mike Roy: Illinois Valley Central .::. 24-7 C: Illinois Valley Central .::. 32-0 Brooks Look: Rantoul .::. 21-14
Sara C: Central Catholic .::. 48-27 Alan: Central Catholic .::. 42-17 Denise: Central Catholic .::. 42-14 Denise J: Central Catholic .::. 67-24 J: Central Catholic .::. 42-7 Mike Roy: Central Catholic .::. 55-7 C: Central Catholic .::. 67-14 Brooks Look: Central Catholic .::. 56-7
St. Joseph-Ogden vs Pontiac
Sara C: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 48-21 Alan: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 52-10 Denise: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 56-7 Denise J: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 42-27 J: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 42-26 Mike Roy: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 35-6 C: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 32-21 Brooks Look: St. Joseph-Ogden .::. 42-16
Seneca 39, St. Joseph-Ogden 36
Unity 48, Illinois Valley Central 14
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 46, Rantoul 0
Central Catholic 48, Pontiac 21
Monticello 18, Prairie Central 14
Week 8 Results
Rank
Name
Record
Notes
1
Mike Roy
5-0
Week 8 winner!!!
2
J
4-1
5-way tie
2
Denise
4-1
5-way tie
2
Alan
4-1
5-way tie
2
Sara
4-1
5-way tie
2
Brooks Look
4-1
5-way tie
Cumulative Standings (After Week 8)
Rank
Name
Total Record
Wins
Notes
1
Brooks Look
33-7
2
Week 2 & 5 winner
2
Denise
30-10
0
2
Alan
30-10
1
Week 7 winner
4
Sara
26-9
1
Week 3 winner
5
J
25-5
2
Week 1 & 4 winner
6
Lyman
10-5
0
7
Mike Roy
10-0
2
Week 6 & 8 Winner
8
Frank
7-3
0
9
Denise J
5-0
0
New participant this week
10
Keith
3-2
0
TAGS: Illini Prairie Conference weekly football predictions, Week 9 SJO football predictions, Prairie Central Hawks football predictions this week, IHSA football prediction for the IPC
For Landon Smith, physical play in the trenches define what football is all about — toughness, teamwork, and trust. The senior lineman has anchored SJO’s front with in his third year of varsity football, collecting 15 tackles so far across six games. Before the Spartans close out their regular season, #67 shares the best coach advice he's received over the years and more.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Smith: History of American Rock
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Smith: An energy drink
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Smith: SRT Hellcat
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Smith: Cam Skattebo, Jay Cutler, Brian Dawkins
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Smith: “Don’t be a jag” - Coach Sweeney
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Smith: @nflhatememes
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Smith: Greece
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Smith: Walkin by Denzel Curry
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Smith: Landon Smith - invisibility and time freezing
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Smith: Chipotle
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Smith: Football (as a kicker)
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Smith: Track freshmen Year
With one regular-season game left, Hunter Van Meenan is still locked in. Having seen action in five contests this season, his ability to make plays when his number is called is consistent and dependable. The senior rusher has recorded ten tackles, an interception, and one sack. In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, learn a little more about Hunter and his favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
Sentinel:What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Van Meenen: Strength Training
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Van Meenen: A sandwich.
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Van Meenen: Porsche 911 GT3RS
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Van Meenen: Drake, Faze Adapt, and Lil Uzi Vert
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Van Meenen: "Don’t blink"
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Van Meenen: @hunter.vanmeenen.34
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Van Meenen: Japan
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Van Meenen: Survival by Drake
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would be your alias?Van Meenen: Batman
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Van Meenen: Chipotle
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Van Meenen: Hockey
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Van Meenen: Baseball my freshman and sophomore year.
Strong, smart and dependable - that’s how you would have to describe senior linebacker Logan Rosenthal. Whether he’s plugging a hole or trying to rip the ball, the senior brings relentless effort and leadership to every down. As St. Joseph-Ogden prepares for its final regular-season game, we asked about a few of his favorite things for his Spartan Senior Salute.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Rosenthal: Strength
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Rosenthal: Uncrustables / PB & J
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Rosenthal: 2018 Camaro ZL1
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Rosenthal: Johnny Manziel, Kevin Hart, and Tim Tebow
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Rosenthal: "If you’re only here for yourself and not the name on the front of the jersey, then you shouldn’t be here at all."
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Rosenthal: @lrosenthal_1701
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Rosenthal: Jamaica
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Rosenthal: No Role Modelz - J Cole
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would be your two main super powers?Rosenthal: Able to fly and strength
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Rosenthal: Buffalo Wild Wings
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Rosenthal: Baseball
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Rosenthal: Baseball since freshman year.
As one of the seniors leading St. Joseph-Ogden through another hard-fought season, Riker Lockhart embodies the spirit of dedication, teamwork and tradition.
Fierce and tenacious, Lockhart delivered four solo and was in on six more tackles in a career night against Seneca. On offense, his best night at receiver came against Bloomington Central Catholic, making seven catches for 106 yards.
In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, he shared with us some of his favorite things, his dream car and more.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Lockhart: Math with Coach Duval
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Lockhart: String cheese with trail mix
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Lockhart: Matte black Ferrari LaFerrari
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Lockhart: Bryce Crawford, Baylen Levine, Sharife Cooper
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Lockhart: “You’re a beast, so play like one.” - Tucker Barron
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Lockhart: @ryker_lockhart.13
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Lockhart: Jamaica
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Lockhart: 3 Headed Goat by Lil Durk, Polo G, and Lil Baby
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Lockhart: Shadow Blaze. Teleportation and Invisibility.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Lockhart: Raising Cane’s
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Lockhart: Basketball "
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Lockhart: Soccer - 1 year
Basketball - 3 years "
Before Jackson Mohr trades his SJO jersey for a cap and gown next May, the senior shared a few insights into his life, his alter-ego superhero identity and well, more about Mohr.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Mohr : 504 Study Hall with Mr Wolf.
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Mohr : Mac Snack from RibCage
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Mohr : 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Sport 4x4 long bed Club cab with Bright White Exterior and Camel Brown interior
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Mohr : Jeff Wendling, my dad, and my brother Cole
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Mohr : Don't be sorry, be better
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Mohr : @Curdisthecurd
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Mohr : Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Mohr : Stricken by Disturbed
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Mohr : I'd be like Iron Man but with a car/mech thingy
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Mohr : China King.
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Mohr : Nascar.
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Mohr : Scholastic Bowl and manage Baseball
As the regular season winds down, Brennan Oleynichak continues to be a force in the trenches — setting the tone with every snap and every block. The senior lineman has been a cornerstone of the Spartans’ success, helping pave the way to a 4-4 record in the face of tough competition in the Illini Prairie Conference this season. In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, he shares his favorite coaching advice and more.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Oleynichak: Trigonometry/ Pre-Calc
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Oleynichak: Uncrustable and Gatorade
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Oleynichak: GMC Sierra 1500
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Oleynichak: Jonathon Taylor, Cody Johnson, Wyatt Wertz
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Oleynichak: "Don’t be a JAG," Coach Sweeny
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Oleynichak: @brennanoley27
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Oleynichak: Bora Bora
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Oleynichak: Dreams and Nightmares- Meek Mill
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Oleynichak: Super O. - Strength and ability to read minds
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Oleynichak: Buffalo Wild Wings
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Oleynichak: Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Oleynichak: Track and Field, all four years
From early morning practices to Friday night victories, Colton Overstreet has left a quiet mark on the St. Joseph-Ogden football program. On the field, Overstreet has been in on 24 tackles in his seven games on defense and one interception to his name.
In his Spartan Senior Salute, the SJO senior shares his favorite place to eat with friends and three people he would invite to dinner if he won the lottery.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Overstreet: Foods
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Overstreet: Spaghetti and meatballs
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Overstreet: Bugatti Chiron
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Overstreet: My mom, dad, and girlfriend
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Overstreet: “Don’t blink” - Coach Skinner
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Overstreet: @coverstreet42
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Overstreet: Australia
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Overstreet: Swag Surfin’ by F.L.Y.
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Overstreet: I’d be Thor. My main super powers would be flying and super strength.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Overstreet: Las Palmas
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Overstreet: Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Overstreet: Basketball for one year, soccer for a year, track for four years, and football for three years.
As one of the few three-year veteran varsity players leading St. Joseph-Ogden through a hard-fought season, Tim Blackburn-Kelley, a three-sport athlete, has seen it all — the highs, the hard work, and the pride that comes with being a Spartan. With 699 all-purpose yards this season across eight games, he has finished three games with over 100 receiving yards.
From his favorite go-to pregame snack to where he likes to meet friends for food and good times, Tim shares tidbits about life beyond the gridiron in his Spartan Senior Salute.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School? Blackburn-Kelley: Accounting
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal? Blackburn-Kelley: Trolls' gummy worms
Sentinel:What is your dream car? Blackburn-Kelley: 2020 Matte Black Hellcat with a red interior and chrome rims.
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery? Blackburn-Kelley: Kodey Fitch and Waller
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had? Blackburn-Kelley: Play fast and physical
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow. Blackburn-Kelley: @Parke.Fitchfanpage
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight? Blackburn-Kelley: Utah
Sentinel:What is your hype-song? Blackburn-Kelley: 25, Rod Wave
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers? Blackburn-Kelley: Batman. I can time travel and have super speed.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends? Blackburn-Kelley: Cane's
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing? Blackburn-Kelley: Basketball
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long? Blackburn-Kelley: Track and Basketball
