Unity crushes Golden Aces, playoff rematch set for Saturday against the Monticello Sages

The Rockets rolled over Mt. Carmel in the first round and now prepare for a revenge-fueled playoff rematch with the Monticello Sages at Hicks Field.
Unity's Colton Langendorf celebrates a sack
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Colton Langendorf celebrates after putting Mt. Carmel quarteback River Deisher on the turf for a stop during first half action of their Class 3A first-round playoff game. Langendorf was a beast, leading the defensive unit to hold the Golden Aces to just 208 yards in the Rockets' seventh consecutive win.
by Clark Brooks
Sentinel Sports


TOLONO - The echoes of last November still linger in Tolono. A bitter 23-20 semifinal loss to Monticello ended Unity’s state title dreams and sent the Sages to the Class 3A championship game. Now, nearly a year later, the Rockets are rocketing toward redemption - and the rematch is set.

Unity made that clear Saturday afternoon at Hicks Field, where the fourth-seeded Rockets (9-1) dismantled Mt. Carmel 42-14 in a first-round playoff rout that felt over before it began.

Tyler Henry celebrates a second-quarter pass TD
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Tyler Henry celebrates his 46-yard TD catch in the east end zone at Hicks Field. The score came after his 35-yard pick-six less than two minutes earlier in the second quarter.

On a sun-splashed Saturday at Hicks Field, the Unity Rockets didn’t just win a playoff game - they made a statement. From the opening kickoff, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be one of those nail-biters fans talk about years later. It was domination, pure and simple, wrapped in maroon and white. The Rockets scored on their second play from scrimmage - just 28 seconds into the game - and never looked back, building a 42-0 halftime lead before turning the second half into a showcase for their freshman squad.

The win marked Unity’s seventh straight and punched their ticket to a second-round showdown with fifth-seeded Monticello, a rivalry game steeped in history, heartbreak, and high stakes.

But before we get there, though, the Rockets had business to take care of first. Let’s rewind to Saturday’s statement win.

Fast Start, Furious Finish

Crewe Eckstein wasted no time setting the tone. The junior running back sliced through the Golden Aces defense for a 21-yard touchdown run on Unity’s opening possession, then added a second score minutes later on a 10-yard burst. By the end of the first quarter, Unity led 21-0.

Tre Hoggard added to the fireworks with an 18-yard touchdown run in the first frame, then hauled in a 47-yard over-the-shoulder strike from quarterback Dane Eisenmenger in the second quarter. Eisenmenger was nearly perfect, completing 6 of 7 passes, while Hoggard finished with three catches for 70 yards.

Tyler Henry delivered the exclamation point before halftime. With 2:17 left in the second quarter, the senior intercepted a Mt. Carmel pass and sprinted 35 yards to the end zone, igniting the Unity bench and student section. Henry had already scored earlier on a 46-yard reception and finished with 55 yards on two catches.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Golden Aces' Jack Webb makes a leaping catch despite tight coverage by Rockets' Brayden Henry. Webb, a senior, finished the last game of his prep career with just three yards rushing on two touches and six yards on this catch.

Defense Dominates

Unity’s defense was relentless. The Rockets held Mt. Carmel to just 208 total yards on 48 plays - a stark contrast to Unity’s 306 yards on 34 plays. Chason Daly recorded two sacks, Desmond Winfrey added a tackle for loss, and Graydin Cler snagged an interception to cap a suffocating defensive effort.

Mt. Carmel’s lone bright spot came in the second half against Unity’s JV unit. Senior Elliott Acree led the Golden Aces (5-5) with 83 all-purpose yards, including a 22-yard reception and 61 rushing yards on 13 carries. Jack Webb and Owen Blake each scored late touchdowns, but the damage had long been done.

Looking Ahead: Monticello Awaits

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Tre Hoggard runs the ball for a Unity touchdown in the first half. The senior rolled up 24 yards rushing and 70 receiving yards. Hoggard and the Rockets turn to defeating Illini Prairie foe Monticello for a second time this season.


The last time the two teams met, Unity rolled to a 34-7 win on the road in their regular season contest back in September. But the memory of last year’s semifinal heartbreak, when Monticello edged Unity 23-20 to reach the state title game, still lingers and there is redemption that needs to be settled.

Last November, nearly 50 weeks ago, Monticello stunned Unity on the last play of the game on their home field, sending the Sages to the state final. Saturday, with revenge and redemption on the line, the Rockets are will put the 2024 game behind them once and for all.

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Hicks Field, where the fence line is expected to be packed three deep with fans, for an Illini Prairie team advance to a quarterfinal game.

TAGGED: Unity Rockets playoff football, IHSA Class 3A second round, Unity vs Monticello rivalry, Tolono Illinois high school sports, Unity Rockets dominate Mt. Carmel 42-14, Unity football wins
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Philo Exchange Bank expanding to Tolono with new branch in 2026

The century-old Philo Exchange Bank will open a Tolono branch in 2026, celebrating new growth and local recognition for excellence.

TOLONO - For more than a century, Philo Exchange Bank has stood as a quiet cornerstone of community life - the kind of place where tellers know your name and your grandkids’ birthdays. Soon, that same hometown warmth is coming to Tolono.

The locally owned bank announced plans to open its newest branch at 411 N. Long St. in Spring 2026, expanding its reach and its roots at the same time. Unlike many national chains that trade familiarity for speed, Philo Exchange Bank says its mission remains personal.

“We look forward to providing the community with a locally-owned banking partner that will assist in all banking needs,” said Kevin Rogers, President and CEO. “This branch will continue our commitment to provide the friendly customer service that has been our trademark for 142 years.”

The new location will be staffed by familiar faces - residents of Tolono who already serve the community. Alongside teller services, customers can expect access to loan officers and other full-service banking options that have made Philo Exchange Bank a trusted name across East Central Illinois.

If you’ve ever wondered how a small-town bank endures for nearly a century and a half, Philo Exchange Bank’s history might hold the answer. Founded in 1883 by Dr. Calvin Ebeneezer Parker, the institution was later purchased by Elisha Hazen, a local grain and implement dealer, in 1899. Through the decades, ownership passed from the Hazen family to Nathan Rice in 1952, and eventually to Yankee Ridge, Inc. in 2001, which also owns the State Bank of Allerton.

From those early days of hand-written ledgers and horse-drawn deposits, the bank has grown to five branches - in Philo, Allerton, Broadlands, and St. Joseph - while keeping the neighborly charm that has defined it for six generations.

That community focus hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the News-Gazette People’s Choice Awards, Philo Exchange Bank recently placed third in three categories: Best Bank, Best Home Mortgage, and Best Place to Work.

And while the Tolono branch is still months away from opening, the bank’s next community celebration is just around the corner. On Saturday, Dec. 6, families are invited to the Santa Breakfast at the R.E. Franks Meeting Center in Philo. The event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and features donuts, games, and a visit from Santa himself. Guests who bring a donation for Toys for Tots will receive 10 free game tickets, while additional tickets are 25 cents each.

From its beginnings as a one-room bank to its newest chapter in Tolono, Philo Exchange Bank’s story remains rooted in service, trust, and a belief that community banking still matters.

For more information about the new Tolono branch, visit www.philobank.com or call (217) 684-2600.

Philo Exchange Bank expansion in Tolono, Local community banking Illinois, Philo Exchange Bank history, Tolono new bank branch opening, News-Gazette People’s Choice Awards Philo Bank
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Guest Commentary |
41.2 million Americans won't receive SNAP benefits, here is what they can do

During the government shutdown, Americans should support their local food banks as well as church and non-profits.


by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Glenn Mollette
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is a government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. Here are some key things to know about SNAP.

SNAP is administered by the US Department of Agriculture and is available in all states The program helps people with limited incomes buy food and maintain good nutrition. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. The card can be used to buy food at authorized stores, farmers markets, and online retailers.

As of November 2025, about 41.2 million Americans are receiving SNAP benefits each month, which is roughly 12.3% of the U.S. population.

To qualify for SNAP, your income must be below a certain amount. The income limits are based on the size of your household. Here are the limits for 2026: 1 person: $1,305/month, 2 people: $1,763/month, 3 people: $2,221/month, 4 people: $2,680/month, 5 people: $3,13month, 6 people: $3,596/month, 7 people: $4,055/month, 8 people: $4,513/month.

Keep in mind that these limits may be higher if someone in your household is 60 or older, or has a disability.

SNAP recipients can buy a wide variety of food items, including:

  • Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs)
  • Meat, poultry, fish, and seafood
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs)
  • Breads and grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereals)
  • Pantry items (canned goods, oils, spices)
  • Snacks (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
  • Beverages (juice, milk, coffee, tea)
  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Seeds and plants to grow your own food

Recipients can also buy prepared meals from certain retailers in some states.

California has the most SNAP recipients, with about 5,496,920 people receiving benefits. Wyoming has the least, with about 5.0% of its population participating in SNAP, or 11,890 people.

Many people who receive SNAP benefits also qualify for other programs, including:

  • Medicaid or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program
  • Free or reduced-price school meals
  • Low-cost phone or internet service
  • Housing assistance
  • Energy assistance
  • Veterans' benefits
Some states also offer additional benefits, such as:
  • Summer EBT programs for children
  • SNAP match programs at farmers' markets
  • Discounts on museum or zoo visits
The government shutdown is affecting SNAP recipients in several ways.
  • November SNAP benefits will be delayed due to the shutdown, but a court has ruled they must be paid.
  • Some states are providing emergency funds to help with the delay.
  • SNAP recipients can still use their EBT cards and apply for benefits during the shutdown.
  • Food banks are preparing for an increase in demand.
  • Some businesses are offering discounted meals and other resources to help.

Americans should support their local food banks as well as church and non-profits who are trying to provide food during this difficult time.


About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.


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The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
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The Sentinel On This Day |
November 3

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — honoring veterans, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, sports, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 3 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

Editor's top pick for today ~

Unity advances to Round 2 after ousting Roxana from playoffs

Garrett Richardson scores a Unity touchdown
Photo: For the Sentinel/Lori Garrett

ROXANA - Unity's Garrett Richardson outruns Roxana defensive players Dalton Carriker (10), Mason Shaw (51), Zebediah Katzmarek (22), and Mason Forsythe (72) for Unity touchdown.

Read more . . .

Sentinel Article Archive for November 3

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