Week 3 Results
| Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clark | 4-1 | Winner via tie-breaker |
| 2 | Alan | 4-1 |
Cumulative Standings
| Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan | 17-2 | 2 | Two-week streak broken |
| 2 | Clark | 13-6 | 1 |
Submit your picks for Week 4 Big Twelve Friday Night Forecast
Photo Gallery |Urbana & Central play season flag football opener
Urbana hosted Champaign Central in a historic girls flag football season opener, with the Maroons earning the program’s first win on the road.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Just'Us Jones tries to throw a pass over Central's Juliana Balogh. The Tigers fell in their season opener 30-6 to the visiting Maroons. Jones, a sophomore, completed two passes for 17 yards and carried the ball five times for 41 yards.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Londyn Grant runs the ball for the Maroons.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central's Sarah Donahoe grabs the flag of Tigers' Just'Us Jones during first-half action.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tigers' Honor Dillon tries to haul in a pass between Maroons' Shanley Davis and Halle Youse.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central junior Molly Kloeppel throws a pass during the first half of the Maroons' first flag football game in school history.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Baylee Russell and Azaiah Braxton celebrate a big play in the second half.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Just'Us Jones tries to unload a pass before Samara McArthur can get in for the sack.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Under heavy pressure from the Maroons' defense, Just'Us Jones looks to throw before Kara Ficek and Juliana Balogh close in.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Honor Dillon runs the ball between Central's Rita Grant and Halle Youse in the second half.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central junior Haley Helm concentrates on unloading a pass to move the ball downfield.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Tiger's Honor Dillon leaps past a Central defender in the fourth quarter. Dillon carried 11 times for 117 yards.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Urbana's Honor Dillon races downfield untouched for a first down on a 37-yard run.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central freshman Serenity Moore runs the ball in the fourth quarter.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Maroon players celebrate the program's first flag football victory after defeating Urbana 30-6.
Harper, Cler shine as St. Joseph-Ogden soccer stays perfect at 12-0
The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in Illinois Class 1A for the first time. Their 12-0 season has featured 10 shutouts and an 82-6 scoring margin.
FARMER CITY - The moment was years in the making, and St. Joseph-Ogden made sure to rise to it. For the first time in program history, when the Spartans stepped onto the field this week, they did so as the No. 1 ranked team in Illinois Class 1A boys soccer. Highly deserving of the recognition, SJO's domination on the pitch continued with a win over Blue Ridge yesterday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Behind four goals from junior Zach Harper and a hat trick from Hunter Cler, SJO powered past Knights 9-0 on the road, stretching their unbeaten season to 12-0 and keeping their storybook run alive.
Harper got down to business early, connecting twice in the first half on pinpoint feeds from midfielder Tyler Hess, who finished with four assists. Harper also turned provider, setting up goals for Cler and freshman Ainsley Freeman, who celebrated her first varsity score.
Cler went on to complete his hat trick, while the Spartans also benefited from a Hoopeston own goal. By the final horn, SJO’s relentless attack had overwhelmed the Knights, keeping their defensive dominance intact with a 10th shutout of the year.
"Steven Newman & Waylon Jones (Batman & Robin) are the dynamic duo on the back line," head coach Chris Stevens said. "Yadi Acosta holds down the middle and Lucas Stevens is up top looking to score or assist his teammates."
Jones and Newman are juniors, which means SJO's soccer program will simply reload in 2026.
The Spartans have now outscored opponents 82-6 this season, their No. 1 state ranking underscoring a rapid rise built on depth and determination. SJO also holds the No. 479 spot nationally, ranked ahead of Chicago Academy and Coal City in Illinois 1A. Since the start of 2022, the program has won 51 matches against just 11 losses, a turnaround that has placed the school the map, mirroring the school's storied football program.
Stevens said three attributes define this year’s roster: discipline, determination, and unselfishness. "They have set big team goals for postseason and want to see them through," he said. "[Every] player, seniors through freshman, want everyone to succeed. This is a cohesive group of players and it’s a privilege to be a part of this journey with them."
Now, the focus shifts to Illini Prairie Conference play. The Spartans host Monticello (4-7-1) today before a quick two-game road swing to Olympia on Wednesday and Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday. After a short rest, they’ll return home to face Illinois Valley Central Saturday morning — all with their new No. 1 target on their backs.
Scoring Summary
- Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
- Hunter Cler (assist: Zach Harper)
- Ainsley Freeman (assist: Zach Harper)
- Own Goal (Hoopeston)
- Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
- Hunter Cler (unassisted)
- Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
- Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
- Hunter Cler (penalty kick)
Williams, Alexander lead SJO volleyball to sweep over Hoopeston
The Spartans swept all singles and doubles matches. SJO's singles and doubles squads were flawless, taking key wins on the road.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden bounced back in commanding fashion Monday night, defeating Hoopeston Area in straight sets in front of a supportive home crowd. Just days removed from a 2-0 loss to Oakwood, the Spartans regrouped and rolled to a 25-15, 25-10 sweep, ending the Cornjerkers’ hopes early and extending Hoopeston’s losing streak to eight matches.
Outside hitter Emerson Williams powered the offense with six kills across the two-set match. Addi Childers chipped in four kills, while Hadley McDonald and Ally Schmitz added three apiece. On defense, Emma McKinney anchored the back row with six digs, and senior libero Katie Ericksen followed with five. McDonald rounded out her solid night by contributing four more digs.
The Spartans also found momentum at the service line. Ava Alexander was unstoppable, landing four aces in her seven serves. McDonald backed her up with four aces of her own in 13 attempts, giving SJO a decisive edge in both sets.
With the victory, the Spartans improve to 4-8 overall and look ahead to a road trip tonight to face St. Teresa in Decatur. The Bulldogs (2-9), who opened the season with seven straight losses, are seeking to gain traction. SJO then returns home Wednesday to host the Danville Vikings. Hoopeston falls to 1-9 with the loss.
Pick your Illini Prairie Conference winners for the Friday Night Forecast
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Do you know Illini Prairie football? Submit your picks for this week's Friday Night Forecast and see how your calls stack up against other Illini Prairie Conference football fans. Drop back by OurSentinel.com Friday morning to see which teams are predicted to win as they work to qualify for this year's state football playoffs.
Week 3 Scores
Central Catholic 34, Unity 27St. Joseph-Ogden 51, Illinois Valley Central 16
Prairie Central 14, St. Teresa 13
Monticello 36, Rantoul 14
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 48, Pontiac 22
Week 3 Results
| Rank | Name | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sara | 4-1 | Week 3 winner ** Tie-Break |
| 2 | Alan | 4-1 | |
| 2 | Denise | 4-1 | |
| 3 | Brooks Look | 3-2 | |
| 3 | Lyman | 3-2 | |
| 3 | Keith | 3-2 | |
| 3 | J | 3-2 |
Cumulative Standings (After Week 3)
| Rank | Name | Total Record | Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks Look | 12-3 | 1 | Week 2 winner |
| 2 | Denise | 11-4 | 0 | |
| 3 | Alan | 10-5 | 0 | |
| 4 | Sara | 9-1 | 1 | Week 3 winner |
| 5 | J | 8-2 | 1 | Week 1 winner |
| 6 | Keith | 3-2 | 0 | |
| 7 | Lyman | 3-2 | 0 |
Previous predictions:
Week 1 Predictions | Week 1 Results
Week 2 Predictions | Week 2 Results
Week 3 Predictions |
Photo Gallery |Illini Prairie clash: Unity drops heartbreaker to Central Catholic, 34-27
A packed Hicks Field witnessed Unity and Central Catholic battle in a thrilling Illini Prairie Conference matchup. The Saints edged the Rockets 34-27.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
With the help of teammate Coleton Langendorf, Unity's Keegan Germano tackles Central Catholic quarterback Matthew Brady for a loss in the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. Scoring the last touchdown of the game, Brady led the visiting Saints to a 34-27 win at Hicks Field on Friday.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity defensive players take a breather on the sidelines while getting advice and instructions from an assistant coach.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central Catholic receiver Crayton Schnierle hauls in long pass between Unity defenders Adam Reedy and Graydin Cler. Schnierle's catch set up BCC's second first quarter touchdown moving the ball from their 18 yard line to Unity's 33.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity fans in the east end zone dance to music during a time out. Over 500 football fans were on hand for an exciting game between the conference's two potential champions this season.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Tre Hoggard is wrapped up from behind by a Central Catholic defender. Hoggard made five catches good for 87 yards and a touchdown for the Rockets.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Crewe Eckstein makes his way into the end zone in the second quarter for a Unity touchdown. Eckstein padded his stats with 151 yards on 17 carries against the Saints. The senior finished the game with two touchdowns.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity fans congratulate wide receiver Tre Hoggard after his touchdown on a 29-yard pass play in the second quarter.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Crewe Eckstein breaks away for a 56-yard romp down the sidelines late in the second quarter.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity student fans show their undying support for the Rockets after a big play.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Blasting his way into the Saints' backfield, Rockets' Coleton Langendorf wraps up Central Catholic's Valshun Powe for a loss in the second half.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity student fans celebrate a first down for the Rockets.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Rockets' Crewe Eckstein barrels his way to the goal line for touchdown, dragging Saints' Greyer Pirtz, who made the initial hit on the eight-yard line, with him into the end zone.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Matthew Brady is hoisted by teammates after scoring a touchdown for Central Catholic. Brady's TD broke a 27-all score with less than two minutes left on the clock. The extra point was good giving his team the 34-27 advantage.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
With very little time on their side, Unity crafted an impressive drive down the field toward the east end zone in response to BCC's go-ahead score. Dane Eisenmenger rolls out of the pocket looking to throw to Tre Hoggard. The pass tipped off the fingertips of Hoggard as the buzzer sounded, ending the Rockets' comeback effort. Unity dropped to 2-1 on the season while Central Catholic remains undefeated headed into Week 4 of IHSA football.
Photo of the Day | Ironmen dominate the 2nd half to win the Chili Bowl
Normal West battled early, but Normal Community’s strong finish delivered a 35-22 win in the Chili Bowl, one of Illinois’ top prep rivalries.
Photo: www.alanlook.com / Alan Look
NORMAL - Ironman Nico Salvati tries to fight his way past a Wildcat offensive lineman to bring down Noah Gulley during their Big Twelve game in Week 2. Normal Community used a dominant second half to top Normal West 35-22 in the latest edition of the Chili Bowl. After a close first half, the Ironmen found their rhythm, capitalizing on turnovers and converting key possessions. The Wildcats battled but couldn’t keep pace as Community’s defense tightened in the final minutes. The Ironmen left the field with bragging rights in one of the area’s most cherished rivalries. See more photos from this game.
Unity falls just short in thriller vs Bloomington Central Catholic
Rockets and Saints traded punches all night, but BCC had the last word. Unity drops tough 34-27 decision.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
by Clark BrooksThe Sentinel
TOLONO — It was a beautiful evening at Hicks Field. The temperature at game time started in the low 80s and gradually dipped into the lower 70s as the sun set across Central Illinois. With more than 800 fans in the stands, two unbeaten Illini Prairie Conference heavyweights went toe to toe. From the opening kick to the final horn, momentum swung wildly, but in the end visiting Bloomington Central Catholic caught the last wave to victory, defeating Unity 34-27 in a high-quality high school football clash. "We knew that it was going to be a heavy weight fight with two very good teams," said Saints head coach Kevin Braucht. "In a game like that, there are many swings in momentum and our ability to stay calm and focused on our jobs say much about out mental toughness and resiliency. We preach every day about looking at every moment as an opportunity vs. a burden regardless of the outcome."
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Central Catholic found that opportunity when Unity’s first possession ended prematurely after a completed pass was fumbled near midfield. Central Catholic recovered and drove for a one-yard touchdown run. The Saints missed the extra point but struck again before the first quarter ended on a nine-yard run, extending their lead to 13-0. The Rockets roared back in the second quarter. Dane Eisenmenger powered up the middle for Unity’s first score, followed by Crewe Eckstein’s four-yard burst that tied the game. Ty Rodems’ second extra point gave Unity a 14-13 edge. Minutes later, Brayden Henry’s interception set up Eisenmenger’s touchdown pass to Tre Hoggard, sending the Rockets into halftime with a 20-13 lead. Central Catholic regrouped after the break, scoring on runs of nine and 26 yards to reclaim a 27-20 advantage. "Coming out of halftime we wanted to limit their offensive snaps and wanted to control the clock better," Braucht said. A sound plan given how explosive the Unity offense had proven itself in the first two weeks of the season. Eckstein punctuated that thought when responded with his second touchdown run of the night, dragging a defender across the goal line to even the score at 27 in third quarter. "Our kids battled there to the end. I'm pretty proud of them," said Tony Reetz, now 2-1 as Unity's head coach. "They (BCC) were able to control the clock, control the ball, and kept our offense on the sideline. They kind of wore our defense down a little, so credit to them."
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
The decisive drive came late in the fourth quarter. Facing 4th-and-1, Valshun Powe slipped away from Unity’s Adam Reedy to keep the Saints alive. Moments later, a leaping catch in double coverage put BCC on the Unity 12. Matthew Brady finished the drive with the go-ahead touchdown at the 2:50 mark. Unity mounted one final push, reaching the Saints’ four-yard line. On the last play, Eisenmenger rolled left under pressure and lofted a pass toward Hoggard in the corner of the end zone. The ball glanced off his fingertips as time expired, sealing Central Catholic’s win. Unity’s offense posted strong numbers despite the loss. Eckstein finished with 151 yards rushing on 17 carries, including a 56-yard breakaway. Eisenmenger added 40 yards on the ground while throwing for 196 yards. Henry led Rocket receivers with four catches for 92 yards, while Hoggard hauled in five for 87. Overall, Unity ran 52 plays for 382 yards, while the Saints executed 70 plays for 405 yards and held a 31–22 edge in first downs. The Rockets lost the turnover battle 3-1. "They played us in a little bit different coverage than we were anticipating, so it took us a while to get the passing game going," Reetz said. "I was happy with the way we executed when we figured out what we could take from them."
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Braucht praised his team’s balance and once again highlighted their overall resiliency. "When you have three players of their abilities, you need to make sure they are getting most of the calls," he said, pointing to Powe, Brady and Crayton Schnierle as difference-makers. "Those three are very good players, but the real difference in that game was our offensive and defensive lines and how we controlled the line of scrimmage in the second half." Reetz said the Saints exposed a few weaknesses that the team will work on. The luxury of having a tough game early in the season is that it gives you plenty of time to turn those shortcomings into strengths. "It is just week three of the season. We're in this for the long haul. We're not trying to be ready with everything Week 3," he said. "This will be a good case study to look at." The loss drops Unity to 2-1 heading into a road trip to unbeaten St. Joseph-Ogden (3-0) next Friday at Dick Duval Field. The Spartans dominated Illinois Valley Central 51-16. Central Catholic improves to 3-0 and will host Rantoul.
St. Joseph-Ogden celebrates win, next on to IVC
Spartans improve to 2-0 with a dominant 35-12 win over PBL behind McKinney’s 197 passing yards and strong team effort.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback Kodey McKinney and teammate Tim Blackburn-Kelley high-five SJO fans after the Spartans' 35-12 home opener victory over Paxton-Buckley-Loda.
McKinney completed 16 of 18 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard connection with Kaden Wedig. He also ran for a touchdown, finishing with 26 yards on seven carries.
Blackburn-Kelley contributed six receptions for 40 yards and totaled 67 all-purpose yards for the game.
The Spartans (2-0) travel to Chillicothe tonight to face 0-2 Illinois Valley Central at 7 p.m. SJO leads the all-time series against the Grey Ghosts 5-3. The last time Illinois Valley Central defeated the Spartans was during the spring of 2021, amid pandemic recovery schedule.
Just’Us Jones had highlights for Urbana, but the Tigers suffered loss Belleville East
Urbana football lost to Richwoods and Belleville East on Wednesday. The Tigers seek their first win Saturday against Centennial.
Urbana's Just'Us Jones runs the football past a Belleville East player during the Tigers' home flag footbal game on Wednesday. The Tigers (0-5) fell 32-6 in their doubleheader nightcap against the Lancers. UHS opened the twin bill with a loss to Richwoods at McKinley Field, 59-0. Urbana hopes to end their five-game slide when they face 0-3 Centennial at the Mahomet-Seymour Jamboree on Saturday.
Sophia Cooper leads Belleville East past Richwoods in non-conference matchup
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
URBANA - Belleville East's Sophia Cooper runs the ball past Richwoods' Jaydah Green during their game at Urbana High School on Wednesday. Cooper hauled in seven passes, three resulting in touchdowns for the Lancers, who went on to win 26-13, improving to 5-1 on the season after the non-conference game.
Cooper tallied 157 yards of the Lancers' 222 passing yards. The junior also finished the game with one punt return good for 15 yards.
Belleville East, now in their second season of girls' flag football, is back in action again on September 17, facing Peoria High School in one game and Peoria Manual in the second.
Friday Night Forecast |Week 3 Big Twelve football predictions
URBANA - This week's prediction poll for the Friday Night Forecast is closed. Here are this week's picks from area sports soothsayers.
Bloomington & Peoria Manual
GAME-of-the-WEEK!Alan: Bloomington .::. 34-14
Clark: Bloomington .::. 42-14
Centennial @ Richwoods
Alan: Centennial .::. 28-12Clark: Centennial .::. 21-14
Danville @ Normal West
Alan: Normal West .::. 42-20Clark: Normal West .::. 28-14
Normal Community @ Urbana
Alan: Normal Community .::. 49-6Clark: Normal Community .::. 42-6
Peoria vs Morris
Alan: Peoria .::. 38-28Clark: Morris .::. 24-14
Champaign Central vs Peoria Notre Dame
Alan: Peoria Notre Dame .::. 35-17Clark: Champaign Central .::. 22-13
With Week 3 voting closed, check back Sunday to see how accurate this week's guesses were to the real thing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a proud alum, or just love the spirit of high school football, Friday Night Forecast brings the fun of the season straight to area prep football fans. Think you know who will win? Drop back by on Monday to cast your picks for the Week 4 Friday Night Forecast!
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Central wins first flag football game
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
