Rockets celebrate 13 All-Illini Prairie selections following state runner-up finish

Unity’s remarkable 12-2 season led to 13 All-IPC honorees, including eight First Team selections. The senior-heavy roster produced standout players on offense and defense.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Rockets' Dane Eisenmenger hands the ball off to running back Crewe Eckstein while lineman Coleson Miller opens a hole in the Byron defense during a play at the IHSA Class 3A Football Championships this weekend at Hancock Stadium. All three players earned recognition from conference coaches, making the Illini Prairie All-Conference First Team.

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TOLONO - Thirteen members of the Unity Rockets football team have been named to the 2025 All-Illini Prairie Conference team, a fitting tribute to a senior class that led the program to a historic 12-2 season and a Class 3A state runner-up finish.

The Rockets' remarkable season, which culminated in what is being heralded as one of the best Class 3A championship games in decades, saw nearly half of the team's senior roster earn postseason recognition. This group of seniors concludes its tenure with an extraordinary record of 41 wins and 11 losses, having led the program to four quarterfinal appearances, three state semifinals, and this year's unforgettable title game.

Headlining the All-IPC selections are eight First Team honorees, all seniors. The First Team Offense is powered by record-setting all-state quarterback Dane Eisenmenger, dynamic running back Crewe Eckstein, tight end Tre Hoggard, and receivers Tyler Henry and Coleson Miller.

The First Team Defense features standout performers Coleton Langendorf on the defensive line, linebacker Keegan Germano, and defensive back Brayden Henry, underscoring the balanced strength of the Unity roster. Five additional Rockets earned Second Team and Honorable Mention accolades to round out the impressive list of thirteen selectees.

Unity All-Conference players

1st Team Offense

OL - Coleson Miller Sr
WR/TE - Tre Hoggard Sr
WR/TE - Tyler Henry Sr
RB - Crewe Eckstein Sr
QB - Dane Eisenmenger Sr

2nd Team Offense

OL - Hudson Dehart Jr

1st Team Defense

DL - Coleton Langendorf Sr
LB - Keegan Germano Jr
DB - Brayden Henry Sr

2nd Team Defense

DL - Dez Winfrey Sr
LB - Caden Hensch Sr
DB - Graydin Cler Sr

Honorable Mention Defense

DB - Adam Reedy Jr
PNTR - Dane Eisenmenger Sr

2025-26 Illini Prairie All-Conference Football

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Unity Rockets 2025 All-IPC football selections, Class 3A state runner-up high school football recap, Illini Prairie Conference First Team football honors, Unity Rockets senior class playoff legacy

Nine Spartans earn all-conference football recognition

St. Joseph-Ogden was well-represented on the 2025 All-IPC football teams with seven total honorees. First Team selections included Cameron Wagner, Lucas Smith and Kaden Wedig.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner performing blocking duties in the Spartans' home playoff game against Unity. The junior was named to a spot on the First Team in the Illini Prairie Conference end of the season recognition.

ST. JOSEPH - Following a postseason run that captured the attention of the area, the St. Joseph-Ogden football team has been rewarded with seven selections to the 2025 All-Illini Prairie Conference teams and two honorable mentions, the league announced this week.

The Spartans, who finished their season 8-5 after an exciting, high-scoring playoff battle with rival Unity, placed three players on the conference's First Team Offense. Junior standouts Cameron Wagner, an offensive lineman, and receiver Kaden Wedig were honored alongside senior kicker Lucas Smith for their standout seasons.

The accolades continued with three more Spartans securing spots on the Second Team Offense. Senior quarterback Kodey McKinney, who orchestrated the team's attack, was selected alongside his top targets and classmates: running back Wyatt Wertz and receiver Tim Blackburn-Kelley.

Defensive prowess was also recognized, with senior Brennan Oleynichak earning a Second Team nod as one of the conference's top four defensive linemen. Oleynichak demonstrated rare two-way value, also receiving an Honorable Mention for his work on the offensive line. He was joined on the defensive honor roll by senior linebacker Ryker Lockhart (Second Team) and classmate Logan Rosenthal (Honorable Mention, linebacker).

The seven honorees punctuate a successful season for the Spartans, who rallied to win three playoff games before their season ultimately ended in a shootout against the Unity Rockets.

2025-26 Illini Prairie All-Conference Football

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St. Joseph-Ogden football All-IPC selections 2025, Illini Prairie Conference high school football honors, SJO Spartans postseason recap and awards, Central Illinois high school football all-conference list

Ten local players earn all-conference volleyball recognition in Illini Prairie Conference

The all-conference list reflects depth across local programs, with STM accounting for half of the area selections.

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URBANA - The Illini Prairie Conference released its all-conference volleyball teams last week, and 10 players from St. Thomas More, Unity, and St. Joseph-Ogden earned postseason recognition for their performances throughout the fall.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Jillian Schlittler

St. Thomas More led the area with five selections after finishing 23-13 and second in the league at 7-2. Seniors Campbell Phillips and Cassidy Monahan were named to the First Team, helping the Sabers post wins over four of the five Champaign County opponents on their schedule. Their only local loss came in a narrow 2-1 setback against St. Joseph-Ogden. Senior Sophia Hill earned a Second Team spot, while senior Audrey Gooding and junior Juju Kerr collected Honorable Mention honors.

Unity had two players represented on this year’s list. Senior Jillian Schlittler, who guided the Rockets to a regional championship, earned First Team honors. Sophomore Olivia Williams added an Honorable Mention nod. The Rockets started hot with wins over Bismarck-Henning, LeRoy, and Mattoon before their season ended in the sectional semifinal against Class 2A runner-up Bloomington Central Catholic.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Emma McKinney

St. Joseph-Ogden placed three players on the all-conference lists. Senior Emma McKinney was named to the Second Team, while juniors Hadley McDonald and Emerson Williams received Honorable Mentions. The Spartans closed the season at 13-21 but earned notable wins over Danville, Kankakee, and Rock Island.

Below is the complete list of Illini Prairie Conference all-conference honorees for the 2024 volleyball season.

First Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Kampbell Niepagen Jr. BCC
2 Kayt Miller Jr. IVC
3 Mady Melton Sr. MHS
4 Cassidy Monahan Sr. STM
5 Rosie Krenz Sr. BCC
6 Trinity Cheek Jr. PTHS
7 Jillian Schlittler Sr. UNITY
8 Aubrey Fair Sr. BCC
9 Paige Young Sr. PC
10 Campbell Phillips Sr. STM

Second Team All-Conference

Name - Grade - School
1 Jayce Taylor Jr. IVC
2 Ashley Stiverson Sr. MHS
3 Addison Hoeniges Sr. BCC
4 Ellie Dirks So. PBL
5 Morgan Dewald Sr. PTHS
6 Miranda Hari Jr. PC
7 Emma McKinney Sr. SJO
8 Kendall Fair Jr. BCC
9 Airiana Bell Sr. RHS
10 Sophia Hill Sr. STM

Honorable Mention

Name - Grade - School
1 Trinity Miller Sr. PTHS
2 Olivia Williams So. UNITY
3 Kyah Creek Sr. PC
4 Audrey Gooding Sr. STM
5 Juju Kerr Jr. STM
6 Regan Baker So. BCC
7 Josie Certa Sr. BCC
8 Addison Finet Sr. MHS
9 Josie Roseman Sr. RHS
10 Hadley McDonald Jr. SJO
11 Emerson Williams Jr. SJO

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TAGS: illini prairie conference volleyball awards, st thomas more five all-conference players, unity rockets volleyball first team schlittler, st joseph-ogden volleyball all-conference honorees, central illinois high school volleyball postseason recognition

Four Illini Prairie gridiron warriors earn IHSFCA 3A All-State recognition

Four Illini Prairie players make the Class 3A all-state list. Two quarterbacks and a lineman from the Sentinel area will be honored at the state football playoffs.

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URBANA - Three Sentinel area athletes earned All-State recognition from the Illinois High School Coaches Association. Monticello Sages' Nolan Buehnerkemper, St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner, and Unity's Dane Eisenmenger were names among the 18 Class 3A players on this year list.

Rounding out the Illini Prairie Conference selectees is Bloomington Central Catholic's Valshun Powe. While Powe and Buehnerkemper's seasons came to a close after last Saturday's second-round losses, Wagner's Spartans and Rockets' Eisenmenger have unfinished business to attend to this Saturday in quarterfinal action.

Eisenmenger will try to lead the Unity past Williamsville on the road. The Rockets lead the series 3-2 between the two programs since the 2012 season. The winner of the contest will face the winner of the St. Joseph-Ogden and Vandalia. OL - Coleson Miller Sr
WR/TE - Tre Hoggard Sr
WR/TE - Tyler Henry Sr
RB - Crewe Eckstein Sr
QB - Dane Eisenmenger Sr

Wagner and the Spartans enjoy their first home playoff game on Saturday, hosting the undefeated Vandals. Their opponent's 11-0 record won't intimidate SJO, who knocked off the undefeated Benton Rangers with field goal at the buzzer in their first-round playoff game.

Here is a look at our area 3A all-staters.

Dane Eisenmenger

Senior - Unity - QB

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Cameron Wagner

Junior - St. Joseph-Ogden - OL

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Nolan Buehnerkemper

Senior - Monticello - DB/QB/K

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Valshun Powe

Senior - Bloomington Central Catholic - RB/DB

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

The other Class 3A players earning recognition from the coaching association include:

(Name, Year, School, Position)
Grant Bowen, Sophomore - IC Catholic Prep - WR/LB
Hunter Carley, Junior - Richmond-Burton - RB/LB
Caden Considine, Senior - Byron - LB/RB
Kohnor Depew, Senior - Vandalia - WR/DB
Casey Etheridge, Senior - Princeton - RB/DB
Nick Huston, Senior - Monmouth-Roseville - RB/LB
Blake Livdahl, Junior - Richmond - LB/RB
Jimmy Lollar, Junior - Olympia - RB
Levi Mallette, Senior - Hope Academy - OL/DL
Julius May, Senior - Bishop McNamara - RB/LB
Ethan McCommons, Senior - Benton - LB/OL
Matthew Miller, Senior - Williamsville - RB
Andrew Talbert, Junior - Byron - DB/QB
Dylan White, Senior - Durand-Pecatonica - OL/DL

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TAGS: Unity's Dane Eisenmenger named to 3A All-State list, SJO's Cam Wagner makes All-State as sophomore, Monticello quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper get the nod for all-state

Late rally propels Rockets past the Sages into 3A quarterfinals

Unity edged Monticello 21-20 in a dramatic Class 3A playoff rematch at Hicks Field. The Rockets sealed the victory on a last-second interception by Tre Hoggard.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Tre Hoggard makes a leaping catch in front of a pass intended for Monticello's Jake Robinson on a two-point conversion attempt by the Sages. The snag by Hoggard as time expired ended the game with the Rockets on top 21-20 and advancing to the Class 3A quarterfinals.

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TOLONO — The atmosphere was as electric and palpable as expected from the opening kickoff to the final interception that sealed Unity’s one-point victory over Monticello (8-3) at Hicks Field in their Class 3A second-round playoff game on Saturday. In a gritty, hard-fought battle, the Rockets avenged last year’s semifinal loss at Monticello with a dramatic finish of their own, winning 21-20 in a finale for the ages.

Unity, which advanced to the state quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season and the 18th time in program history, will play at Williamsville (11-0) at 2 p.m. next Saturday.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Monticello's Zeke Young goes up for a pass between Unity defensive backs Tyler Henry and Adam Reedy early in the second half of their playoff game.

The matchup between the rival Illini Prairie Conference programs was a classic gridiron struggle filled with big plays and momentum swings on a gray, overcast day. Fueled by determination, athleticism, and sound fundamentals on both sides, “epic” might have been an understatement.

“Monticello is a great team with a great game plan,” Unity head coach Tony Reetz said. “We knew they would give us everything we could handle. They did a great job of making long drives and keeping our offense off the field. We never really got the field flipped the way we wanted. Hats off to them.”

Monticello senior quarterback Nolan Buehnerkemper’s swan song was bittersweet. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior played quarterback, safety and kicker, seemingly everywhere for the Sages. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns.

Buehnerkemper scored Monticello’s first touchdown on a 1-yard plunge that gave the Sages a 7-0 lead with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Just over two minutes later, he connected with Zeke Young on a 75-yard touchdown strike, stunning the heavily favored Rockets with a 14-0 advantage.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Crewe Eckstein pushes Sages' Drake Weeks away on his way to the tying touchdown before the end of the first half. The senior ran for 157 yards on 25 touches.

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Down two scores at the start of the second quarter, Unity responded immediately. On the first play of the quarter, Tre Hoggard ran nine yards for a touchdown. With 6:16 left in the half, Crewe Eckstein found the corner of the west end zone for another score. Kicker Ty Rodems converted both extra points to tie the game 14-14 at halftime.

“A lot of respect to them. They are a good team,” Eckstein said after posing for photos with friends. The senior finished with 157 yards on 26 carries. “They filled all their gaps. They hustle and they play hard.”

Neither team scored in the third quarter as both defenses stood firm.

Unity took a 21-14 lead with 9:41 left in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Dane Eisenmenger.

“We were all clicking in the second half. The first half was a little iffy,” senior defensive back Coleton Langendorf said. “But we picked it up in the second half.”

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Keegan Germano tries to fold Monticello tight end Jake Robinson in half with a solid tackle during third quarter action. Teammate Coleton Langendorf said Germano delivered an outstanding effort on defense for the Rockets. "He was just flying around everywhere. He was making things happen," Langendorf said singing praises.

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Monticello didn’t back down. With less than nine seconds remaining, Buehnerkemper found Heyden Ramano, who scooped the pass just inches above the ground for a touchdown to make it 21-20.

Instead of kicking the extra point to force overtime, Monticello head coach Cully Welter made the gutsy decision to go for two. Buehnerkemper threw over the middle to senior Jake Robinson, but before the ball could reach his neon-gloved fingertips, Hoggard leapt into the air and intercepted it — ending the Sages’ season and sending Unity to the quarterfinals.

“When the ball touched my finger, it was amazing,” Hoggard said. “I just knew the game was over.”

Not bad for a player who hadn’t played defense all year but stepped in for an injured teammate in the Sages' last drive in the third quarter. He was on the field for just six plays, but his presence made the difference.

“It feels good. I wouldn’t say I was responsible for the win. There are others on our team who stepped up when they needed to. Defense stepped up in the fourth quarter for sure.”

After the game, Monticello players, even after a heartbreaking loss, displayed an impressive level of class, sportsmanship and conference camaraderie during postgame handshakes, telling their opponents, “Go get the big win.”

“They were wishing us good luck,” Eckstein said. “A lot of respect to those guys. They are all nice. They are all great.”

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Desmond Winfrey and Coleton Langendor celebrate a defensive stop in the third quarter. The Rockets move on in the Class 3A bracket with a roadtrip to Williamsville next Saturday.

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Tags: Unity Rockets Class 3A football playoffs, Monticello Sages vs Unity playoff game recap, Illinois high school football quarterfinal preview, Unity football Hicks Field Tolono Illinois, IHSA Class 3A playoff highlights 2025

Illini Prairie Conference 2025 All-Conference Soccer Team

The 2025 All-IPC soccer honors highlight the best players from the Illini Prairie Conference season. St. Joseph-Ogden, Bloomington Central Catholic, St. Thomas More and Illinois Valley Central each earned first-team selections.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess and Illinois Valley Central's Brody Garceau battle for ball control during their regular season match in September. Both players earned recognition from the Illini Prairie Conference coaches and named to this year's First Team.

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SNS - With the season over until next August, the Illini Prairie Conference has announced its 2025 All-IPC soccer team, selected by coaches from member schools.

This year’s first team includes seven seniors, four juniors and one freshman among the honorees who showcased their skill and talent throughout the season, which began in August.

Following a thrilling regular season, three players from St. Joseph-Ogden, the Williamsville Sectional runner-up, made this year’s top team. The Spartans finished the season as conference champions with an impressive record of 24 wins, two losses and two ties.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartan's Zach Harper celebrates his game-winning goal against the Grey Ghost in September. The senior, who averaged 2.3 goals per match was St. Joseph-Ogden's most-prolific scorer this season.

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Bloomington Central Catholic, whose only loss came against SJO, finished the season 9-11-3 and second in the Illini Prairie. The Saints had three players named to this year’s first team.

Meanwhile, coaches agreed that two players each from St. Thomas More and Illinois Valley Central, instrumental to their teams’ success, also deserved recognition for their talent and contributions in downstate Illinois’ toughest small-school conference.

Here is the list of this year's conference teams.

1st Team All-Conference

Jack Wyse - Junior, #7, Central Catholic
Lucas Beck - Junior, #2, Central Catholic
Sam Allen - Senior, #8, Central Catholic
Andrew Scheirer - Junior, #5, Illinois Valley Central
Brody Garceau - Senior, #4, Illinois Valley Central
Oscar Valera Echeverria - Junior, #8, Rantoul Township
Zach Harper - Senior, #24, St. Joseph-Ogden
Tyler Hess - Senior, #77, St. Joseph-Ogden
Lucas Stevens - Freshman, #10, St. Joseph-Ogden
Riley Hogan - Senior, #4, St. Thomas More
Owen Yeager - Senior, #17, St. Thomas More
Matthew Hollett - Senior, #25, Unity

2nd Team All-Conference

Benjamin Dappen - Junior, #10, Central Catholic
Mason Clark - Junior, #11, Central Catholic
Jonathan Blankenship - Junior, #1, Central Catholic
Ryan Urbanc - Senior, #8, Illinois Valley Central
Drew Marquis - Senior, #3, Illinois Valley Central
Sully Beccue - Junior, #7, Monticello
Issack Ocadiz - Junior, #11, Monticello
Steven Newman - Junior, #21, St. Joseph-Ogden
Quinn Stahl - Senior, #22, St. Joseph-Ogden
Will Grissom - Sophomore, #16, St. Thomas More
Raphael Enzo Dongo Kengue - Junior, #10, St. Thomas More
Nicholas Ribeiro O’Grady - Junior, #00, St. Thomas More
Jacob Yeager - Junior, #11, St. Thomas More
Caden McCaskill - Senior, #26, Unity
Tyler Huntington - Senior, #35, Unity

All-Conference Honorable Mention

Leo Triveno - Freshman, #14, Central Catholic
John Urbanc - Senior, #10, Illinois Valley Central
Jackson Lopotko - Junior, #12, Illinois Valley Central
Logan Sullivan - Senior, #7, Illinois Valley Central
Channing Morris - Senior, #11, Illinois Valley Central
Chris Clavey - Sophomore, #12, St. Thomas More
Alex Kessler - Junior, #30, Monticello
Walter Saiger - Sophomore - Monticello
Waylon Jones - Junior - St. Joseph-Ogden
Chris Clavey - Sophomore- St. Thomas More

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Unity's Matthew Hollett dribbles the ball down the field in the Rockets' postseason match against St. Joseph-Ogden. The senior and two other teammates earned spots on this season's all-conference list.

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Tags: 2025 Illini Prairie Conference All-IPC soccer selections, High school soccer all-conference team Illinois, St. Joseph-Ogden Illini Prairie soccer champions 2025, Top Illinois high school soccer players 2025 season, Bloomington Central Catholic and SJO All-IPC honorees

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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.

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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

Unity wins volleyball regional championship, faces BCC next at sectional

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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SJO wins 'Senior Night' game with 56-21 win over Pontiac

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.

Week 8 IHSA football scores from around the state

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - Urbana's Marquan Dunn looks to throw a deep pass during the Tigers' 2025 opener against St. Teresa. Facing Peoria Manual for their Senior Night opponent, the Urbana football program won their first game since the fall of 2021, beating the Rams big, 42-26.

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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

Big Twelve Conference scores

Peoria 42, Bloomington 14
Normal West 34, Champaign Central 14
Normal Community 56, Champaign Centennial 6
Danville 41, Richwoods 22
Urbana 42, Peoria Manual 26

Scores from around the state

Civic Memorial 21, Jersey 7
Waterloo 21, Triad 14
Highland 13, Mascoutah 10
Roxana 55, East Alton-Wood River 0
Breese Central 41, Columbia 8
Freeburg 45, Salem 18
Carlinville 35, Hillsboro 28
Staunton 27, Gillespie 8
Greenville 42, Southwestern 13
Vandalia 49, North Mac 0
Pana 63, Litchfield 21
Greenfield 35, Concord Triopia 12
Brown County 63, North Greene 0
West Central 58, Mendon Unity 50
Camp Point Central 60, Pleasant Hill 8
St. Louis St. Mary’s 23, Belleville Althoff 0
Cahokia 34, Collinsville 14
Doniphan (Mo.) 21, Granite City 13
Breese Mater Dei 65, Decatur St. Teresa 39
Chester 42, Red Bud 18
Wesclin 34, Carlyle 0
Dupo 29, Sparta 23
Amboy 68, West Prairie 8
Andrew 47, DeKalb 28
Annawan-Wethersfield 42, ROWVA-Williamsfield 6
Arlington Heights Hersey 38, Mt Prospect Prospect 34
Athens 29, New Berlin 27
Aurora Christian 28, Wheaton Academy 27
Barrington 42, Schaumburg 0
Batavia 31, St Charles East 13
Benton 56, Pinckneyville 7
Bradley-Bourbonnais 35, Lincoln Way West 13
Brother Rice 48, St. Laurence 6
Byron 77, Rockford Lutheran 0
Carterville 28, Murphysboro 7
Cary-Grove 40, Hampshire 7
Central 41, Crystal Lake Central 6
Central 44, Iroquois West 8
Central 60, Pleasant Hill 8
Centralia 48, Mt Vernon 44
Coal City 56, Herscher 7
Crete-Monee 52, Bloom 7
Danville 41, Richwoods 22
Deer Creek-Mackinaw 28, Lexington 19
Dixon 65, Streator 0
Downers Grove South 42, Leyden 3
Du Quoin 28, Nashville 18
Effingham 36, Mattoon 16
Elk Grove 10, Buffalo Grove 4
Erie-Prophetstown 27, Mendota 14
Fairfield 56, Christopher 12
Flanagan-Cornell 42, Peoria Heights 30
Flora 39, Hamilton County 23
Fremd 23, Palatine 13
Galena 46, Dakota 6
Galva 50, Ridgewood 44
Genoa-Kingston 62, Rock Falls 6
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 34, Fieldcrest 6
Glenbard East 21, Glenbard South 14
Glenwood 35, Sacred Heart-Griffin 31
Grant 54, Grayslake Central 20
Harrisburg 14, Herrin 7
Heyworth 30, Tuscola 14
Homewood-Flossmoor 29, Naperville Central 10
Huntley 48, McHenry 36
Illini West 42, United 22
Jacksonville 36, MacArthur 33
Johnsburg 24, Woodstock 21
Joliet West 31, Plainfield Central 7
Kaneland 23, La Salle-Peru 21
Lakes 35, Grayslake North 0
Libertyville 31, Lake Forest 6
Lincoln Way Central 37, Aurora Waubonsie Valley 3
Lockport 34, Aurora Metea Valley 21
Lyons 24, Downers Grove North 20
Macomb 42, Elmwood 13
Mahomet-Seymour 49, Charleston 0
Manteno 25, Peotone 20
Marion 39, Carbondale 35
Marist 51, Aurora Marmion 6
Metamora 63, East Peoria 20
Milledgeville 54, Alden-Hebron 22
Momence 44, Watseka 19
Monticello 18, Prairie Central 14
Morris 50, Sycamore 10
Morrison 31, Fulton 21
Morton 20, Dunlap 19
Mt. Carmel 35, Marshall 0
Naperville North 14, Lincoln-Way East 6
Nazareth 42, Benet 14
Newton 34, Lawrenceville 20
Oakwood 28, Salt Fork 7
Olney 28, Casey-Westfield 27
Olympia 54, Pleasant Plains 13
Orangeville 56, Christian Life 29
Oswego 33, Oswego East 21
PORTA 38, Riverton 8
Paris 41, Robinson 19
Pawnee 21, Metro-East Lutheran 20
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 46, Rantoul 0
Peoria 42, Bloomington 20
Peoria Notre Dame 47, St Bede 13
Pittsfield 34, Auburn 21
Plainfield South 49, Joliet Central 0
Polo 54, Kirkland Hiawatha 14
Princeville 48, Stark County 7
Providence 48, Marian Catholic 13
Richards 54, Lemont 27
Richmond-Burton 42, Marengo 13
Ridgewood 35, Bensenville Fenton 27
Riverdale 34, Hall 25
Riverside-Brookfield 31, West Chicago 14
Rochelle 42, Ottawa 3
Rochester 55, Springfield 10
Rock Island 41, Galesburg 6
Rockridge 48, Monmouth-Roseville 12
Rolling Meadows 63, Wheeling 0
Sandburg 24, Neuqua Valley 21
Saxony Lutheran, Mo. 42, Massac County 27
Seneca 39, St Joseph-Ogden 36
Sesser-Valier 24, Eldorado 20
St Charles North 31, Glenbard North 20
St. Francis 35, DePaul 14
Sterling 38, Quincy 17
Stockton 18, Durand-Pecatonica 14
T.F. North 31, T.F. South 12
Tri-Valley 50, Shelbyville 6
Unity 48, Illinois Valley Central 14
University 50, Southeast 14
Urbana 42, Manual 26
Vernon Hills 14, Maine West 7
Warren 27, Lake Zurich 17
Washington 48, Canton 12
Wauconda 25, Antioch 20
West Carroll 41, South Beloit 22
West Central 59, Bushnell-Prairie City 36
West Hancock 48, Bureau Valley 12
Westville 59, Hoopeston 0
Wheaton North 21, Geneva 20
Wilmington 54, Reed-Custer 6
York 21, Glenbard West 20

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TAGS: Illinois high school football scores in October, Week 8 IHSA football results, Urbana wins first game in two years, SJO loses tight game to Seneca on the road, Wilmington crushes Reed-Custer

You pick 'em, make your Week 8 Illini Prairie Conference football predictions

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - St. Joseph-Ogden's Will Franklin tries to fight his way through the Central Catholic offensive line to get to ball carrier Valshun Powe during the first quarter of their conference game last Friday. The Spartans fell 67-28, dropping to 4-3 on the season. SJO looks to rebound this week at Seneca to secure their fifth win for a possible playoff bid.

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Illini Prairie Conference scores

Central Catholic 67, St Joseph-Ogden 28
Illinois Valley Central 28, Rock Falls 0
Monticello 27, Pontiac 6
Prairie Central 40, Rantoul 6
Unity 47, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 0

Week 7 Results

Rank	Name	Record	Notes
1	Alan	5-0	Week 7 winner via tiebreak!!!
2	J	5-0	3-way tie
2	Denise	5-0	3-way tie
2	Denise J	5-0	3-way tie
5	Sara	4-1	2-way tie
5	Brooks Look	4-1	2-way tie

Cumulative Standings (After Week 7)

Rank	Name	Total Record	Wins	Notes
1	Brooks Look	29-6	2	Week 2 & 5 winner
2	Denise	26-9	0
2	Alan	26-9	1	Week 7 winner
4	Sara	22-8	1	Week 3 winner
5	J	21-4	2	Week 1 & 4 winner
6	Lyman	10-5	0
7	Frank	7-3	0
8	Denise J	5-0	0	New participant this week
8	Mike Roy	5-0	1	Week 6 Winner!
10	Keith	3-2	0

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TAGS: Illini Prairie Conference weekly football predictions, Week 8 Unity football predictions, Rantoul football predictions this week, IHSA football predictions in Central Illinois

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