Complete second-round IHSA 2025 state football schedule

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

TOLONO - Unity's Michael Hardin tries to get around Mt. Carmel's Zadok Fullop during fourth quarter action of their first-round playoff game on Saturday. Hardin finished with nine yards on four carries, doing a small part in the Rockets securing another home playoff game this Saturday with Illini Prairie Conference rival Monticello. The Rockets (9-1) dominated all aspects of the game to beat the Golden Aces (5-5), 42-14.

Class 1A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Stockton (10-0) at #9 Heyworth (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #4 Clifton (Central) (9-1) at #12 Dwight (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
  • #2 Kewanee (Wethersfield) [Annawan-Wethersfield Coop] (10-0) at #10 Mackinaw (Deer Creek) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
  • #6 Gibson City (Melvin-Sibley) (8-2) at #3 Lena (L.-Winslow) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #8 Greenfield [G.-Northwestern Coop] (7-3) at #1 Hardin (Calhoun) [Coop] (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #4 Casey (Westfield) (8-2) at #12 Nokomis (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
  • #7 Mt. Sterling (Brown County) (8-2) at #2 Camp Point (Central) (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #3 Dupo (9-1) at #11 Carrollton (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 2A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) (10-0) at #9 Downs (Tri-Valley) (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #5 Wilmington (9-1) at #4 Seneca (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
  • #7 Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) (8-2) at #2 El Paso (Gridley) (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 5:00 pm
  • #6 Aurora (Christian) (8-2) at #3 Farmington (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #1 Johnston City (10-0) at #9 Maroa (M.-Forsyth) (8-2), Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #5 Pana (H.S.) (9-1) at #4 Flora (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #7 DuQuoin (H.S.) (9-1) at #2 Westville (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #6 Toledo (Cumberland) (9-1) at #3 Arthur (A.-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond) (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm

Class 3A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Richmond (R.-Burton) (10-0) at #9 Aurora (Central Catholic) (8-2)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #5 Monmouth (M.-Roseville) (9-1) at #4 Bloomington (Central Catholic) (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #2 Byron (10-0) at #10 Pecatonica [Du-Pec Coop] (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #3 Kankakee (McNamara) (10-0) at #11 Elmhurst (IC Catholic) (7-3)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #8 Petersburg (PORTA) [Coop] (7-3) at #1 Williamsville (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #5 Monticello (8-2) at #4 Tolono (Unity) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #2 Vandalia (10-0) at #10 Greenville (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #14 St. Joseph (Ogden) (6-4) at #11 Roxana (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 4A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Lombard (Montini) (10-0) vs. #9 Peoria (Notre Dame) (8-2) at Richwoods High School
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
  • #5 Coal City (8-2) at #4 Dixon (H.S.) (9-1)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #7 Metamora (8-2) at #2 Morris (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
  • #6 Geneseo (8-2) at #3 Macomb (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #16 Jacksonville (H.S.) (6-4) at #9 Cahokia (H.S.) (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #5 Freeburg (9-1) at #4 Breese (Central) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #2 Carterville (10-0) at #10 Springfield (Sacred Heart-Griffin) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:30 pm
  • #3 Rochester (9-1) at #11 Waterloo (H.S.) (7-3)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm

Class 5A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge) (10-0) at #9 Wheaton (St. Francis) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #13 Chicago (King) (6-4) vs. #5 Chicago (Corliss) [Coop] (8-2)
    at Gately Stadium
    Sat., Nov. 8, 5:00 pm
  • #7 Maple Park (Kaneland) (8-2) at #2 Belvidere (North) (10-0)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #14 Chicago (St. Patrick) (6-4) vs. #6 Cary (Grove) (8-2)
    at Triton College - 2000 5th Ave., River Grove, IL
    Sat., Nov. 8, 6:30 pm
    • - - -
  • #8 Mahomet (Seymour) (7-3) at #1 Washington (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #5 New Lenox (Providence Catholic) (7-3) at #4 Kankakee (Sr.) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 3:00 pm
  • #7 Bloomington (H.S.) (7-3) at #2 Oak Forest (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #3 Peoria (H.S.) (8-2) vs. #6 Morton (7-3) at Peoria Stadium
    Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm

Class 6A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy) (9-1) at #9 Wheaton (Warrenville South) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
  • #5 Antioch (8-2) at #4 Lake Zurich (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #7 Machesney Park (Harlem) (8-2) at #2 Burlington (Central) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
  • #14 Rolling Meadows (7-3) at #11 Oak Park (Fenwick) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #8 East St. Louis (Sr.) (7-3) at #1 Chatham (Glenwood) (10-0)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #4 Normal (Community West) (8-2) vs. #12 Chicago (Simeon) (6-4)
    at Gately Stadium
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #2 Bradley (B.-Bourbonnais) (9-1) at #10 Burbank (St. Laurence) (6-4)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 6:00 pm
  • #6 Dunlap (8-2) at #3 Crete (Monee) (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm

Class 7A second-round playoff schedule

  • #16 Arlington Heights (Hersey) (8-2) at #1 Oak Lawn (Richards) (9-1)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #9 New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central) (9-1) at #25 Chicago (St. Rita) (6-4)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #13 Batavia (8-2) at #4 Lombard (Glenbard East) (9-1)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #5 Moline (H.S.) (9-1) at #21 Carol Stream (Glenbard North) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #15 Downers Grove (North) (8-2) at #2 Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #10 Chicago (Kenwood) (9-1) at #7 New Lenox (Lincoln-Way West) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 2:00 pm
  • #14 Mundelein (Carmel) (8-2) at #3 St. Charles (North) (9-1)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm
  • #6 Chicago (Brother Rice) (9-1) at #22 Algonquin (Jacobs) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm

Class 8A second-round playoff schedule

  • #1 Chicago (Mt. Carmel) (10-0) at #17 Belleville (East) (8-2)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 4:00 pm
  • #9 Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) (8-2) at #25 Palatine (H.S.) (6-4)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #13 LaGrange (Lyons) (8-2) at #4 Palatine (Fremd) (9-1)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:30 pm
  • #5 Gurnee (Warren) (9-1) vs. #12 Bolingbrook (8-2)
    at O'Plaine Campus - 500 N. O'Plaine Rd.
    Sat., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm
    • - - -
  • #15 Glenview (Glenbrook South) (8-2) at #2 Barrington (9-1)
    Fri., Nov. 7, 7:00 pm
  • #26 Flossmoor (Homewood-F.) (6-4) at #23 Lockport (Twp.) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
  • #3 Park Ridge (Maine South) (9-1) at #19 Hinsdale (Central) (7-3)
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
  • #6 Chicago (Lane) (9-1) vs. #11 Oswego (H.S.) (8-2) at Lane Stadium
    Sat., Nov. 8, 1:00 pm
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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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Unity wins volleyball regional championship, faces BCC next at sectional

Unity volleyball fans celebrate semifinal win over SJO
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Unity student fans rush the floor after the Rockets defeated regional host St. Joseph-Ogden in an exciting three-set affair in Tuesday's Class 2A semifinal match. Two days later, fans had another reason to celebrate after Unity defeated Westville in straight sets 25-22, 25-15. The Rockets advance to the Clinton sectional semifinal to face Illini Prairie Conference foe Bloomington Central Catholic at 6 p.m. this Tuesday.

More match photos

Claire Meharry celebrate her kill for the Rockets in set two. Unity trailed by as many as four points early in the set, finally tying the contest at 12-all. The two Illini Prairie Conference foes would knot the score five more times until the Rockets scored four unanswered points from a 21-21 score late in set.

LEFT: Emily Osterbur sets the ball for the Rockets. After losing the first set 25-14, Osterbur's passing was a critical factor in Unity's second set rally. MIDDLE: Trying to erase a three-point deficit on the scoreboard, senior Jillian Schlittler serves midway in Set 2. RIGHT: Unity head coach Leah Luchinski gives instructions to her front row players after her team narrows the gap on the scoreboard.
Deri Behm cheers for the Rockets
Deri Behm, the bench and student fans celebrate a critical point for the Rockets. Behm is one of eight seniors on this season's Unity volleyball squad.
LEFT: Jillian Schlittler keeps the ball in play for the Rockets. Unity fought back after a slow start to take command of the match, taking set two from the Spartans, 25-21. MIDDLE: Unity fans sat on the edge of their seats as Rockets fought valiantly to hold off St. Joseph-Ogden's mini-rally to the score at 19-all as Schlittler makes a pass to their outside hitter. RIGHT: Schlittler back sets to middle hitter to start a four-point run. After tying the match 1-all with a 25-21 second set victory, the Rockets hit their stride to take the second 25-22, eliminating rival St. Joseph-Ogden from the postseason.
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Westville Tigers advance in Class 2A volleyball semifinal

Photos: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Junior Ady Blakeney celebrates a point for Westville with teammates Lainey Wichtowski and Lexi Shumacher during first set action against Marshall at the St. Joseph-Ogden High School volleyball regionals. The Tigers went on to defeat the Lions in their semifinal match in a three-setter, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18. Westville advanced to the regional championship match to face Unity, who defeated host St. Joseph-Ogden 2-1 in the matinee match.

More match photos

TOP LEFT: Junior Gwen Bennett serves during set one for the Tigers. TOP MIDDLE: Ady Blakeney pounds the ball on an outside hit. TOP RIGHT: Freshman Lexi Shumacher leaps above the net for a kill.
BOTTOM LEFT: Junior libero Daylin Zaayer makes a routine pass to the front row. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Madelyn Doggett celebrates another kill to widen the Tigers lead over Marshall on the way to a first set victory. BOTTOM RIGHT: Doggett pass a serve from the Lions to the front row.

This year's regional varsity squad included Lily Munoz, Lani Newell, Daylin Zaayer, Madison Duke, Isabela Hundley, Taylor Valangeon, Lexi Newell, Madelyn Doggett, Chloe Cox, Lainey Wichtowski, Carlee Miller, Lexi Schumacher, Gwen Bennett, and Ady Blakeney.
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Christie Clinic Shootout returns in January: Unity, Monticello, SJO are back

The 2026 Christie Clinic Shootout tips off Jan. 10 at SJO, featuring six top varsity matchups and a full day of basketball excitement.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Monticello's Ike Young tries to dribble past Seneca's Grant Siegal. The Sages return to the Christie Clinic Shootout without Young in January 2026.

by Clark Brooks

Sentinel Sports
ST. JOSEPH — The calendar may have just turned to a new year, but the competition is already heating up on the hardwood. Just ten days into 2026, the annual Christie Clinic Shootout at St. Joseph-Ogden High School will tip off, marking the unofficial midway point of the IHSA basketball season and for many programs, a perfect midyear measuring stick. The Shootout has grown into more than just a series of basketball games, it’s becoming a midseason tradition for teams gearing up for a deep postseason run.

The one-day showcase on Saturday, January 10, features six varsity matchups between some of central Illinois’ most competitive teams, beginning at noon in the main gym. A full JV slate will also take place in the practice gym starting at 10 a.m., giving fans a chance to settle in for a complete day of basketball.

St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity, and Monticello will once again represent the Illini Prairie Conference, and all three are looking to repeat the sweep they pulled off at last year’s event. The Spartans handled Warrensburg-Latham 59-49, Unity outpaced Fieldcrest 77-68, and Monticello edged Seneca 62-56 in a thriller.

Collin Thomey
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Collin Thomey snags a rebound for St. Joseph-Ogden in the 2025 Christie Clinic Shootout. SJO will play Tremont in the shootout finale on January 10.

Mt. Zion returns to the shootout after a narrow 65-60 loss to Moline in last year’s lineup, while Bismarck-Henning also comes back following a hard-fought 68-62 victory over Normal University earlier this season. Between these returning programs and the IPC contenders, fans can expect fast play, defensive grit, and more than a few highlight moments.

All JV and varsity games will feature eight-minute quarters, with roughly 12 minutes between contests for warmups.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students with valid IDs. One ticket grants access to the entire day — a chance to see six competitive varsity games and an equally engaging lineup of JV contests.

2026 Christie Clinic Shootout Schedule

Varsity (SJO HS Main Gym)

12:00 PM: (SW Locker Room) Eureka vs. BHRA (NE Locker Room)
1:30 PM: (SE Locker Room) Metamora vs. Mahomet-Seymour (NW Locker Room)
3:00 PM: (SW Locker Room) Peoria vs. Mt. Zion (NE Locker Room)
4:30 PM: (SE Locker Room) El Paso-Gridley vs. Monticello (NW Locker Room)
6:00 PM: (SW Locker Room) Warrensburg-Latham vs. Unity (NE Locker Room)
7:30 PM: (SE Locker Room) Tremont vs. St. Joseph-Ogden (NW Locker Room)


Junior Varsity (SJO PRACTICE GYM)

10:00 AM: (SE Locker Room) Eureka vs. BHRA (NW Locker Room)
11:30 AM: (SW Locker Room) Metamora vs. Mahomet-Seymour (NE Locker Room)
1:00 PM: (B103) Peoria vs. Mt. Zion (B106)
2:30 PM: (B102) El Paso-Gridley vs. Monticello (B105)
4:00 PM: (B103) Warrensburg-Latham vs. Unity (B106)
5:30 PM: (B102) Tremont vs. St. Joseph-Ogden (B105)


More Christie Clinic headlines

TAGS: Christie Clinic Shootout 2026, St. Joseph-Ogden basketball, Central Illinois high school sports, Illini Prairie Conference showcase, SJO athletics news

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Backtrack |
Prairie Central battles but falls short to Lexington in tight home matchup

Highlights, Heartbreaks, and Hustle:
Back at the end of August, Prairie Central dropped a hard-fought match to Lexington but showed promise across all levels. The JV team earned a solid 2-0 victory to highlight the night.


FAIRBURY – A long rally here, a dig there, and a crowd that kept holding its breath — Prairie Central’s matchup with Lexington on Sept. 2 had all the energy of midseason volleyball, even if it ended in disappointment for the home team.

The Sentinel's Illini Prairie Conference sports coverage The Lady Hawks dropped a tight 2-0 decision to the visiting Minutemen, falling 25-19 in the opener and 27-25 in a second-set nail-biter that could’ve gone either way. For head coach Kirsten Smith’s squad, it was one of those early-season games that reveal a team’s character as much as its record.

“We came out a little slow tonight but we were able to get some energy as we went on,” Smith said. “The second set was exciting but Lexington got us on a five-point run that swayed the momentum in the opposite direction. Lexington played solid defense and played scrappy when it mattered, keeping our hitters from getting the kills we wanted.”

Prairie Central had its share of bright spots in the loss. Charlee Popejoy led all servers with six service points and two aces, while Kinley Elliott paced the attack with seven kills. Setter Kyah Creek distributed the ball efficiently, finishing with 17 assists, and sophomore libero Paige Young showed her defensive chops by collecting 18 digs. The front line saw contributions from Mia Elliott, who recorded two assisted blocks to slow Lexington’s momentum when the Hawks needed it most.

The loss comes on the heels of a two-set defeat to Illini Prairie Conference rival Pontiac (25-23, 25-18), but it follows a solid showing in the early-season tournament, where Prairie Central swept both Dwight and Tri-Point in straight sets. Those results, paired with Smith’s steady focus on growth and chemistry, suggest a squad capable of tightening up as the season wears on.

“We’re proud of our JV team as they really came alive against Lexington today,” Smith said, noting that the younger groups continue to make big strides. The JV earned a solid 2-0 victory (25-20, 25-16), while the freshman team battled through three sets before falling 25-15, 15-25, 15-6.


Link to more Sentinel articles
Backtrack: Highlights, Heartbreaks, and Hustle is the Sentinel's retrospective look back, highlighting games and athletic performances that might have been lost or overlooked in the regular season chaos.
TAGS: Prairie Central Lady Hawks volleyball, Lexington Minutemen volleyball, Illinois high school volleyball recap, Fairbury sports news, Prairie Central vs Lexington 2025
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St. Joseph-Ogden set to face #3 Benton Rangers in IHSA Playoffs

Benton Rangers, 9-0 and dominant in the Southern River-to-River, host paper underdogs St. Joseph-Ogden for their First-Round IHSA 2025 playoff game.

Wyatt Wertz run the ball against Pontiac

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Wyatt Wertz slips a Pontiac tackle during their conference game on Friday. Wertz scored three times and racked up 202 all-purpose yards.
ST. JOSEPH - The IHSA playoff brackets are set, and St. Joseph-Ogden fans have something to circle on their calendars: the Spartans are headed south to take on the third-seeded Benton Rangers in the 2025 First-Round matchup. With a 2 p.m. kickoff on the slate, it’s a road trip with plenty of stakes, as SJO, the #14 seed, prepares to face a team that has steamrolled through the Southern River-to-River all season.

Benton enters the postseason riding a perfect 9-0 record, including an unblemished 5-0 mark in conference play. Their regular season reads like a highlight reel of dominance. In every game but one, the Rangers scored at least 34 points. Only DuQuoin came close to slowing them down, eking out a 17-7 loss that stands as the lone blemish on Benton’s record. On defense, the numbers are just as impressive: 66 points allowed over nine games. This is a team that knows how to control both sides of the ball.

Unity football players celebrate a touchdown against SJO
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Crewe Eckstein, Josh Heath, and Tre Hoggard celebrate a touchdown during their regular season game against St.Joseph-Odgen.

A big reason for that control is Riley Spencer, Benton’s feature back. The 5'11", 180-pound junior broke the 2,000-yard mark last Friday, adding another chapter to what has been notable campaign for the Southern Illinois powerhouse. Hard to bring down and even harder to anticipate, Spencer has been a one-man highlight machine for the Rangers all season, and SJO’s defensive staff will have their hands full trying to slow him down.

The Spartans, meanwhile, enter the playoffs with momentum and a renewed sense of confidence. SJO snapped a three-game losing streak with a decisive 56-21 victory over Pontiac last week, ending the regular season at 5-4. They were firing on all cylinders, and the return of Wyatt Wertz two weeks ago has been a game-changer. The senior back has found the end zone repeatedly, scoring three times against the Indians and adding two more in the previous week’s win at Seneca. Kaden Wedig, who has been sidelined since Week 6 against Monticello, is cleared to suit up again and contribute. This depth will be critical against a well-oiled Benton machine.

Playoff preparation isn’t just about individual matchups; it’s about rhythm, timing, and knowing how to handle the spotlight. The Spartans have a chip on their shoulder. They know they’ll be stepping onto Benton turf against a team that has scored at will all season, but SJO’s mix of experience, recent success, and renewed health gives them a fighting chance. If the Spartans can control the tempo and execute cleanly on both sides of the ball, they’ll at least give Benton a game worth remembering.

The Illini Prairie Conference sent three other squads into the postseason as well, proving that local football remains highly competitive. Conference champions Bloomington Central Catholic, the #3 seed in the northern bracket, open against #14 Princeton, setting the stage for what promises to be a gauntlet of tough matchups. Up north, teams like IC Catholic, Bishop McNamara, Byron, and Richmond-Burton are all positioned to make deep runs. Raise your hand if you would like to see a semifinal battle between the Saints and the Byron Tigers in three weeks.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Central Catholic quarterback Valshun Powe carries the ball for a first down against St. Joseph-Ogden last Friday. The Saints, who averaged two TDs per quarter to beat the visiting Spartans, will need that same scoring intensity in the Class 3A northern bracket.

In the south bracket, SJO will be joined by #4 Unity, who boasts an 8-1 record, riding a six-game winning streak, faces #14 Mt. Carmel in the first round. #5 Monticello squares off against #12 Paris in what promises to be a first-round home thriller. For SJO, the challenge is clear: one road game at Benton stands between them and another week of SJO football.

As Spartans fans look ahead, the questions are obvious: Can Wyatt Wertz keep rolling and lead the SJO offense? Will Benton’s Riley Spencer continue to carve up defenses like he has all season? And most importantly, can SJO rise to the occasion and turn the tables on a team that has dominated nearly every opponent it has faced? Suffering two unexpected upset loses, the time is now for Shawn Skinner's Spartans to break a few hearts.


St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans IHSA 2025 playoffs, Wyatt Wertz SJO Spartans football highlights, IHSA Class 3A South bracket, Illini Prairie Conference teams in IHSA playoffs
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Falcons fly high: GCMS clinches division crown with statement sin over Ridgeview

Under Friday night lights, GCMS Falcons defeated Ridgeview 55-27 to clinch the Heart of Illinois Medium Division title.


by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine


Photo: AlanLook.com/Alan Look
COLFAX, Ill. — Under the Friday night lights at Ridgeview High School, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Senior Night. A packed crowd. And the Heart of Illinois Medium Division title hanging in the balance.

The GCMS Falcons delivered a performance that matched the moment, overpowering the Ridgeview Mustangs 55-27 in a game that showcased speed, grit, and championship-caliber execution. With the win, GCMS locked in a 7-2 regular-season record and a perfect 4-0 mark in division play, securing the title outright.

From the opening kickoff, GCMS dictated the tempo. Their offense churned out sustained drives, while the defense kept Ridgeview’s playmakers in check. Ridgeview, celebrating its seniors in front of a spirited home crowd, showed flashes of resilience but couldn’t match the Falcons’ relentless pace.

Photo: AlanLook.com/Alan Look

The Mustangs entered the night with hopes of a title-clinching upset, but GCMS’s balanced attack and disciplined execution proved too much. As the final whistle blew, the Falcons stood tall — not just as victors of the night but as champions of the division.

The win marked a defining moment in GCMS’s season, setting the tone for postseason play and reinforcing their reputation as one of Central Illinois’ most formidable programs.

Relive the GCMS Falcons’ championship-clinching victory with exclusive, high-impact images from the game, captured by Alan Look Photography. With more than 26 years documenting Central Illinois sports, Alan Look brings unmatched precision, timing, and storytelling to every frame. From sideline intensity to celebratory moments, these visuals are more than photos — they’re history in motion.


Visit AlanLook.com today


..::.. Click here to see exclusive photos from this game ..::..


Tags: GCMS Falcons Heart of Illinois Medium Division title, Ridgeview vs GCMS high school football highlights, Central Illinois high school football championship game, Alan Look Photography sports action shots, Senior Night high school football game
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Week 9 IHSA football scores from around the state

Brennan Oleynichak stops Jayden Reed in his tracks in their football game
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden's Brennan Oleynichak and three teammates stop Pontiac running back Jayden Reed from advancing during the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. The Spartans scored 14 points in each quarter on their way to a much needed victory to solidify a spot in the 2025 IHSA football postseason. SJO won the home game at Dick Duval Field 56-21.

Illini Prairie Conference scores

Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Illinois Valley Central 30, Rantoul 27
Monticello 14, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6

Big Twelve Conference scores

Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Bloomington 37, Centennial 6
Champaign Central 55, Peoria Manual 16
Peoria Notre Dame 54, Danville 13
Peoria 36, Normal Community 14
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14

Scores from around the state

AddisonTrail 35, Willowbrook 0
Alden-Hebron 26, Ashton-Franklin Center 8
Arthur 49, Villa Grove/Heritage 26
Athens 55, Riverton 13
Aurora Waubonsie Valley 49, DeKalb 28
Aurora West Aurora 52, Streamwood 8
Bartlett 48, Elgin 0
Batavia 45, Wheaton Warrenville South 12
Benton 42, Harrisburg 7
Bishop McNamara 56, St Edward 0
Bolingbrook 26, Yorkville 21
Bradley-Bourbonnais 53, Andrew 41
Byron 38, North Boone 26
Byron Center, Mich. 38, Morris 26
Canton 50, Bartonville Limestone 28
Carmel 38, Fenwick 24
Carterville 55, Anna-Jonesboro 7
Cary-Grove 44, Algonquin Jacobs 29
Central 42, Dundee-Crown 6
Central 49, Salt Fork 30
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Centralia 21, Effingham 16
Chester 29, Nashville 19
Christopher 50, Albion Edwards County 25
Crete-Monee 27, Kankakee 14
DePaul 35, Benet 6
Deer Creek-Mackinaw 50, Kelly, Mo. 13
Dixon 58, Genoa-Kingston 20
Downers Grove North 47, Proviso East 0
Du Quoin 47, Murphysboro 20
Dunlap 30, Metamora 23, OT
Dwight 41, Oregon 8
El Paso-Gridley 37, Shelbyville 6
Eldorado 42, Carmi-White County 30
Fairfield 44, Hamilton County 25
Flanagan-Cornell 64, Bushnell-Prairie City 20
Flora 29, Red Hill 6
Galena 26, Fulton 7
Galva 55, West Prairie 22
Geneseo 45, Quincy 7
Geneva 45, St Charles East 20
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 55, Lexington 27
Glenbard East 45, Riverside-Brookfield 43
Glenbard North 39, Wheaton North 20
Glenbard South 35, Larkin 7
Glenbrook South 45, New Trier 0
Glenwood 38, Springfield 28
Grayslake Central 41, Round Lake 7
Herscher 35, Peotone 28
Highland Park 49, Maine East 0
Hinsdale Central 35, OPRF 15
Homewood-Flossmoor 50, Aurora (Metea Valley) 8
Illini West 34, Elmwood 24
Johnston City 36, Sesser-Valier 18
Joliet Catholic 30, Providence 27
Knoxville 55, Stark County 14
Lake Zurich 49, Stevenson 9
Lanark Eastland-Pearl City 53, Dakota 22
Lena-Winslow 40, Durand-Pecatonica 20
Leyden 21, Hinsdale South 19
Lincoln Way Central 49, Rich Township 0
Lincoln Way West 49, Stagg 0
Lockport 41, Neuqua Valley 17
Lyons 34, York 26
Macomb def. LCSRV, forfeit
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14
Manteno 33, Streator 6
Marion 49, Mattoon 21
Marist 42, Notre Dame 14
Maroa-Forsyth 44, New Berlin 34
Marshall 32, Newton 15
Minooka 15, Oswego East 14
Moline 63, Galesburg 6
Momence 29, Georgetown-Ridge Farm 20
Monmouth-Roseville 40, Newman 7
Montini Catholic 23, St. Laurence 0
Mt Carmel 35, Loyola 24
Mt Prospect 56, Elk Grove 28
Mt. Carmel 42, Lawrenceville 15
Naperville North 21, Naperville Central 15
Nazareth 42, St. Francis 16
Niles West 20, Maine West 14
Nokomis 63, Arcola 21
Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Oakwood 21, BHRA 13
Olney 43, Robinson 21
Oswego 37, Plainfield North 7
Ottawa Marquette 66, Morrison 23
Palatine 35, Hoffman Estates Conant 7
Paris 22, Casey-Westfield 17
Plainfield East 53, Plainfield Central 7
Prairie Ridge 54, Crystal Lake South 26
Princeville 47, United 8
Quincy Notre Dame 49, MacArthur 7
Reavis 42, Oak Lawn 0
Richards 51, Evergreen Park 0
River Ridge 46, Christian Life 8
Rochelle 27, Waterloo 6
Rochester 31, Sacred Heart-Griffin 28
Rockridge 48, Hall 21
Salem 32, Charleston 23
Sangamon Valley 34, Tri-County 0
Seneca 48, Carlyle 13
Southeast 26, Eisenhower 18
St Anne 61, Blue Ridge 12
St Charles North 35, Lake Park 16
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
St Rita 38, ICCP 21
Sterling 42, Rock Island 14
Stockton 44, Forreston 6
Sullivan 34, Argenta-Oreana 27
Tremont 40, Clinton 0
Tuscola 38, Le Roy 28
Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
Warren 49, Libertyville 21
Warrensburg-Latham 22, Fieldcrest 14
Washington 49, Morton 21
Wauconda 31, Lakes 14
West Carroll 43, Kirkland Hiawatha 26
West Chicago 44, Bensenville (Fenton) 34
Westville 52, Iroquois West 13
Wheaton Academy 42, Christ the King 0
Wilmington 44, Coal City 21
Pana 43, Carlinville 26
Greenville 42, Staunton 7
Hillsboro 56, Southwestern 20
North Mac 32, Gillespie 12
Vandalia 49, Litchfield 14
Calhoun 21, Brown County 12
Carrollton 35, Concord Triopia 12
Greenfield 47, Mendon Unity 44
Camp Point Central 70, North Greene 8 (Thursday)
Pleasant Hill 22, Jacksonville Routt 14
West Central 46, Beardstown 13
Highland 34, Alton 24
St. Louis De Smet 30, Edwardsville 15
Taylorville 24, Civic Memorial 17
Jersey 49, Columbia 21
Roxana 41, Marquette Catholic 7
Dupo 69, East Alton-Wood River 24
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 14, East St. Louis 13 (OT)
O’Fallon 34, LaSalle-Peru 0
Belleville East 27, Jefferson City (Mo.) Capital City 10
Belleville West 21, St. Louis Vianney 19
Collinsville 16, Triad 7
Rochelle 27 Waterloo 6
Mascoutah 47, Carbondale 28
Maple Park Kaneland 55, Belleville Althoff 28
Breese Central 55, Herrin 6
Ottawa 52, Granite City 0
Sycamore 30, Cahokia 28
Wesclin 70, Madison 32
Mount Zion 52, Breese Mater Dei 14


TAGS: Roxana crushes Marquette by 34 points, Illinois high school football scores in October, Week 9 IHSA football results, Camp Point Central runs up 70 points on North Greene, Central Catholic wins IPC with perfect record
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SJO wins 'Senior Night' game with 56-21 win over Pontiac

SJO's Wyatt Wertz runs the ball for a huge gain
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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.

St. Joe-Ogden Athletics
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Friday Night Forecast |
Week 9 Illini Prairie Conference football predictions

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

Monticello vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda

Sara C: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 32-27
Alan: Monticello .::. 35-14
Denise: Monticello .::. 28-7
Denise J: Monticello .::. 36-14
J: Monticello .::. 24-22
Mike Roy: Monticello .::. 27-7
C: Paxton-Buckley-Loda .::. 21-18
Brooks Look: Monticello .::. 28-21

Central Catholic vs Prairie Central

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

Unity @ Mt. Vernon

Sara C: Unity .::. 30-27
Alan: Unity .::. 49-28
Denise: Mt. Vernon .::. 28-21
Denise J: Unity .::. 48-12
J: Unity .::. 34-7
Mike Roy: Unity .::. 46-14
C: Unity .::. 32-0
Brooks Look: Unity .::. 36-28

Last week's Illini Prairie Conference scores

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

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Pick your Week 9 Illini Prairie Conference football winners

Jameson Ennis play defense for the SJO football team
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Spartans' defensive lineman Jameson Ennis shucks off a Monticello offensive lineman J.D. Bailey trying to shutdown a drive in the second half. SJO (4-4), suffering their first three-game slide since the 2021 season, needs a win over Pontiac (2-5) this Friday if they hope to find a spot in the 2025 playoffs.


Illini Prairie Conference scores

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

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Tri-Valley rolls past Shelbyville, shows postseason form in 50-6 rout

Tri-Valley crushed Shelbyville 50-6 in Downs, showing power, precision and playoff readiness.
Photo: Alan Look Photography

Three Shelbyville tacklers bear down on a Tri-Valley ball carrier.
by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine


DOWNS - In a commanding display of speed, discipline and depth, the Tri-Valley Vikings dismantled the Shelbyville Rams 50-6 on Friday night in Downs, Illinois. The victory, played under crisp October skies, marked a pivotal moment in Tri-Valley’s postseason trajectory and showcased a team firing on all cylinders.

From the opening whistle, the Vikings dictated the tempo. Tri-Valley (6-2) surged to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter, then exploded for 28 unanswered points in the second, effectively sealing the game before halftime. Their third-quarter dominance added 14 more, while Shelbyville (5-3) managed a lone touchdown in the final frame.

Photo: Alan Look Photography

A Shelbyville ball carrier sticks his arm out to avoid a tackle during their road game at Tri-Valley. The Rams were held to just one touchdown in the Heart of Illinois Conference game on Friday night. See more photos from the Shelbyville at Tri-Valley game.

The Vikings’ offensive execution was relentless, capitalizing on short fields and defensive takeaways. Their defense, meanwhile, stifled Shelbyville’s attempts to gain momentum, holding the Rams scoreless through three quarters. The 50-6 final was not just a win — it was a statement.

The result places Tri-Valley in strong standing as the regular season winds down, with playoff implications looming. The team’s cohesion and depth were evident, and its ability to maintain intensity across all four quarters signals readiness for tougher competition ahead.

TAGS: Tri-Valley Vikings football, Shelbyville Rams, Illinois high school sports, IHSA Class 2A playoffs, Friday Night Lights Illinois
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