Photo Gallery: Big numbers on the board, SJO beats IVC at home

Griffin Roesch celebrates an SJO touchdown in the first quarter. The Spartan, looking for their first win of the season, went on to defeat visiting Illinois Valley Central, 48-7. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Spartan quarterback Evan Ingram tosses a pass during the first quarter. The senior signal caller completed five of his seven pass attempts for 105 yards. Two passes, one for 24 and another for 36 yards, resulted in touchdowns for St. Joseph-Ogden. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Angie Chahine gives a thumb up while cheering with the Maroon Platoon. Chahine, a member of the St. Joseph-Ogden tennis team, watched the home team rack up more touchdowns in four quarters on Friday night than their last three games of the pandemic-delayed spring season back in April of this year. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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With Griffin Roesch holding, sophomore kicker Joe Frasca puts the ball between the uprights on an extra point attempt. Frasca made six of his seven PATs for the Spartans. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Surrounded by cheerleaders from the St. Joseph-Ogden youth football program, high school cheerleader JoLeena Reynolds lead them and fans in a cheer during the first quarter of the home football game. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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After coming up with a big play for the Spartans, Tyler Burch celebrates after picking off a Grey Ghost pass. The play help build the Spartans' dominant momentum early in the game. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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IVC's Will Bundren stops SJO's Isaiah Moore's forward progress during the second quarter. Moore scored twice for the Spartans, once on a 1-yard run and on intercepted Grey Ghost pass. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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IHSA official Marv Dampeer watches a play develop in the first half of the game. Dampeer and the officials crew he works with are regulars work football games throughout east central Illinois. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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SJO junior Tyler Burch breaks up an Illinois Valley Central pass intended for wide receiver Gave Ross. The Spartans defensive secondary gave up just 81 passing yards to the Grey Ghost. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Griffen Roesch celebrates a one-yard plunge by teammate Isaiah Moore two and half minutes into the second half. Moore, who also had a pick-6 during the home game, increased the Spartans lead and started the running clock with the score at 42-0. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Spartan running back Justice Wertz is wrapped up by Grey Ghosts Brooklyn Clifford and Jayden Turner in the fourth quarter. Wertz finished the game with 48 yards and one touchdown on eight carries. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Publisher's Note: Check later for more photos from this game. Looking for photos of a specific player? Email us at photos@oursentinel.com with the athlete's name and jersey number for details.

Urbana girls cross country team competes at big race

The Urbana cross country team finished the Richard Spring Invitational with 1,453 points in the 63-team invitational meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria on September 18.

Celia Barbieri led the Tigers to a 53rd overall team finish completing the course in 20 minutes and 2.4 seconds. The senior finished 185th overall.

Ten runners later Urbana's Abby Fairbanks crossed the finish at 20:11.1 followed by freshman Mia Nicholson 142 runners later at 21:46.6. Ellie Scully and Brianne Wefel rounded out the top five finishers with times of 23:51.6 and 24:10 respectively.

The three-mile varsity race was won by York with 93 points. Prospect finished in second place and Hinsdale Central in third.

Guest Commentary: The more you sow, the more you will reap

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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If you want a friend, be a friend. There is never a guarantee. However, if you do not put anything into a friendship it’s certain the friendship will never grow.

Keep in mind that friendships take time. The Bible says a man of too many friends will soon come to ruin,” Proverbs 18:24. Why is this? Because too much time maintaining too many friends doesn’t allow you the time you need to work your job, spend time with your family, do your school work, life work and take care of your business. If a person has ten or twenty friends to spend time with every week or even month, they will eventually neglect their family or careers.

The key is balance. Invest in people with your time and life and some of it will come back to you from others. Sometimes it won’t this is why you have to be realistic in building your network of friends and relationships.

Many years ago, a prospective student called about enrolling in our school and asked, "If I enroll in this school will I get anything out of it?" I said, "If you don’t put anything into it, you won’t get anything out of it. If you put a lot into it, then you’ll get a lot out of it." The man enrolled and went on to become a President of a college.

Growing up, I remember my relatives being hard workers. Some of them raised amazing gardens, while keeping their property clean and maintained. It took work but they took pride in their homes and how they lived their lives. They put a lot into where they lived and it showed.

If you put a lot into something it shows. Your marriage, job, children, career and your life in general. School work will reflect your effort. If you put money into an Individual Retirement Account or 401k or 403b every month your wealth will eventually grow and reflect your efforts. Social Security income checks reflect years worked and how much paid into the system.

However, anyone can put a lot into something without experiencing success. Businesses, marriages and careers have come short or even failed even though people invested everything. Often there are other factors beyond our control that all the work and focus will not resolve or overcome. You can’t control what other people may or may not do that impacts your life’s work and ambitions.

With this said, we have to remember the principle of reaping and sowing. If you want a good garden. You have to sow and care for the garden. Neglecting the garden is a sure path to failure.

Important aspects to relationships, wealth, health, career success and more are focus and investing wisely. The more you sow, the more you will reap. You can’t control all of life’s circumstances and influencers but you can control what you do.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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Photo Gallery: St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team crushes Danville in two

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Kennedi Burnett cheers after the Spartans score a point against visiting Danville High School during set one of their non-conference volleyball match. SJO picked up the win at home defeating the Vikings in straight sets, 25-10, 25-7. Burnett served up four aces and hammered six kills over the two-set match. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Shayne Immke (12) and her teammates celebrate a point for the Spartans during the first set. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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SJO's Kennedi Burnett prepares to pound the ball over the net into the Danville Court. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Danville outside hitter Simone Atkinson passes the ball to her team's setter during first set action. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Spartan libero Hannah Fox passes the ball to a hitter in set one. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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SJO student fans in the Maroon Platoon help a Danville player locate the ball between points during the first set. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Emma Ward, Madison Atwood and Shayne Immke cheer for their team in set one. SJO quickly jumped out to a 12-4 lead on the scoreboard and never looked back. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Vikings' libero Audriana Alvarez passes the ball to her team's hitters during a long, scrappy point. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Emmalee Trover bumps the ball over the net for the Vikings during set two action on Wednesday. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Spartans' Shayne Immke goes up hoping to block a shot by Danville outside hitter Simone Atkinson. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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SJO's Shayne Immke attempts to put the ball away for a point. The junior outside hitter finished the contest with four kills and one ace against Danville. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Spartan volleyball team to host scholarship fundraiser at October 5 home match

SJO head coach Abby McDonald shakes hands with an IHSA administrator before receiving her third-place medal at the IHSA Volleyball State Finals in 2019. The 13-year veteran coach and her volleyball program are raising funds for a new scholarship program to honor former educator and football coach Dick Duval. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team will host a fundraiser to create a scholarship fund in the name of former longtime head football coach Dick Duval at its October 5 home game against Monticello.

Duval, who built SJO into a respected Class 3A powerhouse football program, passed away on August 26. Not only was he a math teacher and the school's athletic director for many years, but was also a member of the SJO Hall of Fame and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His career coaching record is an impressive 251 wins against 75 losses during his tenure with the Spartans.

Head coach Abby McDonald, who took over the head coach position at SJO in 2008, believes in the importance of her players giving back and leads the varsity, JV, and freshman teams in administering projects to benefit someone or an organization in the community.

"At least once while they are in high school, I like our girls to do some sort of community service project at one of our matches - something to give back to the community because the community does some much for them and for us," McDonald said.

Last year, because of the state's Covid mitigation, the team did not have a project to work on. The program's last effort was a fundraiser for a fellow player who had cancer.

"Coach Duval is such a huge part of who I am as a coach but also a huge supporter of all SJO athletics," McDonald said. Like Duval, she immediately made an impact after taking the reins, building the volleyball program into one that consistently makes deep postseason runs, including two IHSA final four appearances. "We wanted to do something to show support to his family and to continue his legacy. We thought a scholarship in his name, for hopefully several years to come, will be exactly the way we would want his legacy to continue."

For the main event, the Spartans will square off against Illini Prairie Conference foe Monticello. Duval, after retiring from the St. Joseph-Ogden school district, returned to teaching as a substitute teacher and taught mathematics at Monticello.

"There will be several opportunities to support the fundraiser," McDonald pointed out. There will be a pork chop dinner special, a silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and more in addition to the traditional 50/50 contest. "The girls are doing some different fundraiser opportunities. They are going to have pumpkins to buy that they have been working on."

She is hoping for a good turnout at the Tuesday evening match to help seed the scholarship fund so it will be available to SJO graduates entering college for decades to come.

"The more money we raise, the more years we can name a scholarship winner in his name."

Join us on October 5th, as our program raises money to continue Coach Duval’s legacy and passion for the success of student-athletes.@SagesAthletics @SJOsports #MakeItCount #DoItForDuval pic.twitter.com/HnuQwWqmXu

— SJO Volleyball (@SJOVolleyball) September 9, 2021

Spartans put first football win in the books

Members of the St. Joseph-Ogden football team and student fans sing the school's fight song after winning their first game of the season. SJO, after dropping their first three games of the season to the Illini Prairie Conference's frontrunners, beat visiting Illinois Valley Central, 48-7. Photo gallery and game recap coming soon. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Raising the bar; Spartans roll IVC, 48-7

Spartans' Tyler Burch and teammates celebrates his first quarter interception. Thanks to his pick, SJO defeated Illinois Valley Central, 48-7. See more photos here for this game and recap coming soon.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Learn the ins and outs of sports betting

(Family Features) - If you're intrigued by the idea of earning a little extra cash while rooting for your favorite teams, sports betting may be right up your alley. However, betting is a sport in its own right, and competing requires skill and knowledge.

With top tier reporting, free and paid gaming, Yahoo Sports offers sports lovers unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the fan-powered betting experience.

Learn how you can get in on the sports betting scene with these tips from Minty Bets, Yahoo Sports' lead betting reporter and analyst.

Do your research. Before initiating any bets, be sure you understand basics like how to place bets and how your payout is processed. You should also get familiar with the laws about sports betting in your state. Go into your bets well-informed about the predictions and how the teams are performing.

Understand different types of bets. The moneyline bet is one of the simplest wagers in sports betting. You're simply picking whether a team will win or lose. The positive and negative numbers calculate the payout if your team wins. The positive numbers show how much you'll win if you bet on an underdog. The negative numbers show how much you need to bet in order to win with a favorite. 

With totals, or over/unders, you're betting on whether the combined team scores will be over or under a predicted score. Parlays are another type of bet that let you combine multiple bets into one wager to minimize your risk with a maximum payout. The more bets you combine, the bigger the payout; however, if you lose one bet, you lose them all.

Set aside money for betting. Sports betting can become an expensive hobby, and with the unpredictability of the sports world, you can never count on a win. That's why it's important to only place bets with money you can afford to lose. Plan a sports betting amount as part of your regular budget that won't affect your ability to cover your bills or other financial obligations.

Take advantage of easy-to-use tools. For players new to sports betting, there are resources that can help you get up to speed. One example is Yahoo Sportsbook's How-To Guide, which includes information like terminology and how to calculate odds. For example, if you're not sure how your bet might pay out, a tool like the Bet Calculator can help you test different wagers. You can choose the amount you want to bet, select the odds you've been given or test to see the potential payout with the current odds and stake.

Know your limits. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement, so be sure to set a spending limit before you even look at the available bets or odds. Two good rules of thumb are to avoid putting too much into any single game (many experts recommend sticking to 1%-3% of your total budget, 5% being the maximum you should bet) and to limit your bets to sports you know. Betting without any knowledge of the game, the teams or their players' abilities is not a sound strategy.

Take an easy first step. If you're not ready to place a wager, another way to have fun is by playing single-game Daily Fantasy contests, where you can use your sports skills and knowledge to try to win cash and experiential prizes.

Get in on the game with more tips at sports.yahoo.com/sportsbook.

A simple but delicious dinner: Veal Tex Mex Stuffed Shells

(Family Features) - Why order carryout after a busy day when you can save a few bucks and make a tasty meal at home? We all know that ease and convenience can go a long way toward creating weeknight meals that bring the entire family together, which is why it’s helpful to focus your favorite dishes around main ingredients that simplify dinner routines.

Versatile proteins like veal open many possibilities from decadent, romantic meals to easy and beginner-friendly options. Its flavor is light, making it a blank canvas for discovery by pairing it with different combinations of sauces, spices, cheeses and more.

With veal as your main ingredient like in these Veal Tex Mex Stuffed Shells, you can have a quick and easy to make dinner perfect for hectic weeknights that you and your family will enjoy. Requiring just over half an hour in the kitchen, load jumbo pasta shells with taco-flavored ground veal and melted cream cheese topped with your favorite taco sauce to make even your midweek meals special.

Try this exciting mouthwatering recipe to add to your regular family menu while also providing nutrition; a 3-ounce serving of veal includes 27 grams of protein, which is more than half of the daily value for a 2,000-calorie diet.

Want to give this recipe a little extra kick? Dice a medium size jalapeno pepper and garnish shells after baking.

Discover more quick and easy recipe ideas at Veal.org, funded by Beef Farmers and Ranchers.

Veal Tex Mex Stuffed Shells

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

1 pound ground veal
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced poblano pepper
1 package (1 1/4 ounces) taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded colby jack cheese, divided
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 cup taco sauce

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground veal, diced onion and diced pepper until meat is no longer pink, 5-7 minutes.

Stir in taco seasoning and water.

Break cream cheese into chunks and add to skillet; simmer 3-4 minutes, or until cream cheese melts into veal mixture.

Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup colby jack cheese; stir to combine.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil and add pasta shells. Cook according to package directions and drain.

Immediately separate shells on plate to avoid sticking together.

Pour salsa into 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread to cover bottom.

Fill each pasta shell with 1-2 tablespoons veal mixture and place in baking dish.

Top stuffed shells with taco sauce and sprinkle remaining colby jack cheese on top.

Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and shells are heated through.

Are sports stadiums safe? What you need to know

By Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News

and Andy Miller

Photo by: Matthew Henry

The college football season is kicking into high gear, the National Football League season starts Sept. 9, and the baseball pennant races are heating up. For the first time since 2019, nearly all stadiums will be fully open to fans.

In the so-called Before Times, sitting shoulder to shoulder inside a stadium with tens of thousands of boisterous spectators — after a few hours of pregame tailgating — was a highlight of many fans' autumn. But with covid-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths soaring from the delta variant, many fans are wondering if that is a wise idea.

KHN talked to seven health experts to get their takes.

1. Is it safe to go to a packed stadium even if you are vaccinated?

Six out of the seven public health experts that KHN spoke to from big football states were adamant in their response: No way. Not now.

"I am a die-hard sports fan," said Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. "But I would not go to these events right now."

Salemi said that with covid cases at their highest level since late January — with the seven-day average case count rising to just over 149,000 as of Monday — and hospitals filling up around the country, there is too much risk even for people who have been fully vaccinated against covid.

While outdoor events are less likely to lead to infection because the air circulation is greater, sitting within just a few feet of 10 or 20 screaming fans watching football, baseball, soccer or an auto race at a stadium reduces that safety margin, he said.

Vaccines greatly lower your risk of being hospitalized or dying from covid, but the dominance of the more transmissible delta variant is leading to increasing numbers of breakthrough infections, some of which do cause uncomfortable symptoms. Getting infected also increases the likelihood of passing the infection to unvaccinated people, who could become seriously ill.

Even some vaccinated fans — especially those who are older and frail or people with chronic medical conditions — should also realize they face higher risk from an infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not specifically have guidance about sporting events, but it recommends that anyone attending large gatherings in areas with high numbers of covid cases should "consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact" with others who are not fully vaccinated.

"A packed football stadium now is not a good idea," said Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, a professor of medicine and public health sciences at the University of Miami’s medical school. "When there’s a lot of shouting and yelling’’ without masks, “it means they’re spraying the virus."

Football stadiums, which are generally among the largest sporting venues in this country, are typically packed with fans cheering and high-fiving, making it impossible to physically distance from people who may be unvaccinated. Equally difficult is remaining apart from the unvaccinated in crowded concourses and restrooms.

Dr. Robert Siegel, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University, said that while the risk of dying or ending up in intensive care from covid after being vaccinated is "vanishingly small," he would prefer to even avoid a milder case so he doesn’t have to worry about long-term consequences of the disease. "It's not worth it to me, but if football is your life, you may have a different calculus," he said.

2. What can I do to reduce my risk at the game?

The first line of defense is being fully vaccinated.

If unvaccinated, don't go to the game, all seven experts strongly recommended.

Some colleges such as Louisiana State University are requiring fans to be vaccinated or to show a negative covid test to attend a game — and many players on teams are vaccinated to reduce their risk and stay in the game. But many stadiums will have no such restriction on fans.

Wear a mask except when eating or drinking.

Mask mandates vary by venue for both the NFL and college teams. Even if others around you are not wearing one, your mask will give you a level of protection from inhaling the virus. "It's best if all parties are wearing a mask, but wearing a mask is better than not wearing a mask," said Dr. Nasia Safdar, a specialist in infectious diseases at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Dr. Dale Bratzler, Oklahoma University's chief covid officer, said he would not tell vaccinated people to avoid going to football games. He does strongly advise, however, that fans consider double masking. He doesn’t plan to go to the OU games this fall, but it has nothing to do with covid. "It’s because of the traffic getting into and out of the stadium. I am fine watching at home on TV."

If you want to protect others, consider taking a home covid test the day of the game. If the test results come back positive, or if you feel any symptoms, even a runny nose, mild headache, or cough, don’t go to a game, Safdar said.

And the experts said to pay attention to the level of covid cases in any city to which you are traveling. The incidence could be high, and that should factor into your decision about attending a game.

3. What about tailgating for hours with friends before the game?

Most of the experts agreed tailgating with a few friends outdoors is a less risky part of the football game experience. But that’s only if you know the people you are eating and drinking with are vaccinated.

"It's also that party atmosphere, where people are generally not in a position to wear a mask and you are standing close to people," Safdar said. "It’s still a risk."

4. Millions of people have been attending baseball games, soccer games and other sports events all summer — without many outbreaks. Why worry now about football games?

There have been rare reports of outbreaks from major league baseball stadiums, which often pack in 40,000 fans. But that could be changing, too, because the more highly transmissible delta variant has been widespread only since July. Also, the experts said, it’s difficult to track how many fans get sick because the incubation period can last a week or more. People may not connect their illness to the game, especially if they assume outdoor activities are safe.

"Delta changed the entire equation of how we looked at the risk," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. "I do think there will be transmission in stadiums."

Health experts point to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month that has been linked to more than 100 infections.

5. Can I still get together with other vaccinated friends and family?

Even with the delta variant raging, health experts say people who are fully immunized can safely meet without masks with those they know are fully vaccinated.

"If you know with certainty that someone is vaccinated, you can safely get together for dinner and other activities," said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, a specialist in infectious diseases at Ohio Health, a large, multihospital system based in Columbus.

And the risk of spread can be minimized at events such as an outdoor wedding if organizers include requirements for vaccinations, wearing masks and physical distancing for vulnerable attendees, experts say.

Subscribe to KHN's free Morning Briefing.

Dominate play helps SJO roll Danville

(St. Joseph) - Kennedi Burnett served 15 consecutive points in set 2 of St. Joseph-Ogden's volleyball match against Danville on Wednesday. Behind the senior's pinpoint serving and a strong offensive team effort, the Spartans prevailed 25-10, 25-7, on their home court.

Abby Burnett celebrates a point for the Spartans.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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"It is good for her to go on those kinds of runs," said SJO head coach Abby McDonald, who pointed out Burnett delivered a similar performance against St. Teresa earlier in the season. "We talk a lot about what she can do for us offensively, but she provides a lot for us defensively in the back row as well. It is good for her to build confidence because there will be moments, hopefully in the postseason and as we get closer, that we will need her to be consistent behind the end line."

Burnett, who hit four aces and delivered six kills over the two-set match, left the backline after the Spartans built a 17-1 lead in the final set. McDonald's team would engineer 3 three-point runs for the remainder of the set for the 25-7 victory.

Earlier in the first set, taking advantage of a weak defensive response from visiting Vikings, St. Joseph-Ogden jumped out to an 11-3 lead before their opponents called a timeout in hopes of initiating a momentum shift. Fourteen exchanges later with the score at 20-8, both teams were back on the sidelines after Danville burned another timeout.

"Our goal was to make sure we stayed quick, offensively and defensively, no matter what our opponent was giving us," said St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Abby McDonald. "That was our goal tonight was just make sure we were staying quick and not playing to anybody else's tempo. I thought they did a nice job of that throughout the duration of the whole match."

Addie Roesch, also a senior, contributed five kills and junior Shayne Immke pounded four of her own. Roesch and Burnett were responsible for 10 digs for their team with four and six respectively. Immke also served up an ace for the Spartan cause.

After tonight's match with St. Thomas More, the SJO volleyball team will travel to Urbana on Monday and host Unity at home in the main gym on Tuesday. McDonald's Spartans will finish out the week on a long road trip to Pontiac for another Illini Prairie Conference match on Thursday, September 23.

Let the Esports begin! IHSA ramps up new activity for gamers

It is official. Starting next February Illinois high schools and students will be able to compete against each other via networked computer video games. The Illinois High School Association will host the first-ever esports state championship next April with students competing in three games, NBA2K, Rocket League, and Super Smash Brothers. Esports, short for Electronic Sports, will be classified as an activity with its state finals running from April 17 to April 30 in 2022.

Esports is now the 10th activity offered by the IHSA. It joins joining bass fishing, chess, debate, drama & group interpretation, speech, journalism, music, and scholastic bowl as one of the IHSA’s total State Series offerings. The athletic association now administers 41 total sports and activities.

"It is exciting any time that we can expand the IHSA mission by offering another opportunity for students to represent their schools in competition," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson in a released statement back in August. "We appreciate the time and effort put forth by our staff and the committee members who helped get us to this point."

Anderson added, "Research shows that there are educational, mental, and social benefits to having students compete for their high school in any activity or sport, so we look forward to Illinois high school students who are passionate about esports being able to enjoy those benefits."

Esports is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Played in multiplayer online video game format. A growing number of professional and amateur competitions are broadcasted live with competitors earning significant prize money. Prize pools for international competitions have been as high as $34 million dollars.

If the IHSA had adopted Esports as a sport, then students would be required to follow the association’s amateur rule (IHSA By-law 3.080), which would limit any prizes a student could accept. With Esports classified as an activity, students who compete in high-level amateur or professional tournaments can keep prize earnings and retain still their eligibility to compete in the association's state series.

How can students start an esports club or team at their school? The first step would be to find other students interested in forming a team and then talk to their school's principal, athletic director or activity director to see how they can officially form the new club or team.

SJO football drops to 0-3, team needs to start 'stacking' wins

Coby Miller is wrapped up from behind by a Prairie Central defender. Miller caught three passes for 18 yards and ran for a modest 26 more on seven touches. See more photos from the game here. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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One touchdown and a conversion.

Seven points was all the St. Joseph-Ogden football team needed to pick up their first win of the season. After the grass had settled and the bleachers at Dick Duval Field emptied, the teary-eyed Spartans were 0-3 after a heartbreaking 34-28 to visiting Prairie Central.

"Defensively, we couldn't get a stop when we needed to and it was that way from the very beginning," said SJO head coach Shawn Skinner. He pointed to how well the Hawks' moved the ball down the field. "I want to give them credit for running a well-oiled offense but we just couldn't get off the field defense-wise to give our offense a shot."

Prairie Central's Drew Fehr, who would collect 152 yards against the Spartans, put the first six on the scoreboard. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound running back scored from 3 yards out with four minutes remaining in the first quarter. The junior would score again in the next quarter on an 18-yard run to give his team a 20-6 lead.

With no time remaining in the half, a pass from Evan Ingram to Keaton Nolan and a successful 2-point conversion cut SJO's deficit to a manageable six heading into the locker room.

"If we would have had a stop in the first half it would have been a completely different ball game," said Nolan. The senior finished the night with just 26 yards rushing and caught 7 passes for another 87. "We would have been out of here 1-2."

St. Joseph-Ogden coming off back-to-back losses to Monticello, 43-8, and a 33-8 loss to Unity, mustered just 60 net yards with the running game. Meanwhile, the team's air attack, led by Ingram, wasn't too shabby. SJO pass attack netted three touchdowns.

Skinner said that his team's emphasis on passing was "a by-product of what Prairie Central was giving us."

"The game plan wasn't to throw it that much but Evan kind of got hot," he said. "He (Ingram) did a very, very nice job. The offensive line gave him time to throw the ball and we do have skilled guys that can find holes in the zone."

Ingram completed 15 of 23 passes for 203 yards. While there were a couple of close calls, the senior signal-caller did not give up any interceptions.

Prairie Central, on the other hand, completed just one of two passes for 17 yards. The team's first pass resulted in an interception. Hawks' head coach Andrew Quain was committed to running the ball down the Spartans' throat using his dual running back threat of Fehr and Camden Palmore, who was responsible for 145 of this team's 362 net rushing yards.

"We have to do a better job as a team preparing through the week," Skinner said. "Some of it is getting guys back healthy, getting our full roster back. We are going to have to commit during the week to having better practices.

"We are starting to see some things build that we can use offensively. We've got to figure out a way to put it all together one night."

This Friday, SJO will face a team also looking for their first win of the season. Illinois Valley Central lost their season opener at home against Paxton-Buckley-Loda 28-8 and took a 29-6 beating from Monticello.

At 0-3, what will it take for SJO to start winning games?

"We've gotta dig deep," says Nolan. He hopes this weekend the program will turn the corner and find success with a win over IVC. "We have to understand we have to be all-in."

The Grey Ghosts added their third loss last Friday falling at home to Unity, 55-21.

Skinner said practice today and tomorrow will have to be "on point detail-wise".

"It is hard to win football games and the hardest one to get is the first one," he explained. He is confident his athletes can make that happen this week but aware it won't be easy. "These kids have it in them. We've played really tough teams and so has everybody else. We are going to have to earn whatever we get."

With a third of the season in the books and a playoff spot on the line, a victory this weekend will be more than a nudge in the right direction.

"Once we start getting wins, we've gotta start stacking them," Nolan said fully cognitive of what is on the line this Friday and the next five. "We're running low and we got to start stacking them quick."

Prep Sports Notebook: SJO, Unity posts volleyball wins

SJO's Shayne Immke tallied five kills on Monday against Hoopeston Area. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Spartans deal aces

Hannah Fox and Kennedi Burnett slammed three aces apiece in St. Joseph-Ogden's home volleyball match against Hoopeston Area. The Spartans defeated the visiting Cornjerkers 25-11 in two sets.

Fox was also credited with eight digs and two assists. Burnett contributed another seven digs and led the team in scoring with nine kills. Senior Becca Steinbach had 19 assists and five digs while junior Shayne Immke tacked on another five kills.

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Rockets knock off Clinton in straight sets

Emma Bleecher collected 12 kills in Unity's 25-19, 25-12 win over Clinton.

Macie Knudsen added another five kills to the book and had eight digs. Taylor Henry led the team defensively with 12 digs.

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Uni falls 2-0 to STM

Uni-High gave up two first-half goals to fall 2-0 to visiting St. Thomas More. Goalkeeper Arjun Kala made three saves for the Illineks.

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Unity soccer suffers road loss

Georgetown-Ridge Farm scored four unanswered goals to beat the Rockets, 4-0. Before hosting back-to-back home matches starting Thursday, Unity travels to Bloomington to take on Central Catholic today at 4:30.

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Five natural ways to boost your immune system

Photo by Caleb Oquendo/Pexels

(Family Features) - Your body's immune system protects against illness and infection, fighting off threats before you even know there's a problem. Even though your immune system usually does its job automatically, you can give it a boost with habits that promote wellness and support immunity.

Eat healthy fruits and vegetables
Although you may not be aware they contain flavonoids, these phytochemicals found in some fruits and veggies are a vital part of maintaining health. Flavonoids are found in colorful fruits and vegetables like cranberries and elderberries. When it comes to power foods, elderberries' exceptional flavanol levels make them an immune system powerhouse. Especially important during cold and flu season, elderberries can also be enjoyed in a cup of warm tea for instant comfort.

Reduce stress with outdoor activity
Keeping physically fit provides numerous health benefits such as reducing stress by being one with nature through taking a walk outside. The sun's UV rays help your body produce vitamin D, which is important for your bones, blood cells and immune system, as well as helping absorb and use certain nutrients. Yoga and massage can also be used to help stimulate the immune system and promote well-being.

Keep a regular sleep schedule. Sleep gives you an opportunity to recharge. This is when cellular regeneration and other healing is most efficient. Keeping a regular routine helps signal to your system that it's time to rest so you can fall asleep easier and reap the whole-body benefits of a healthy sleep cycle.

Wash hands frequently
Especially during the school year, when germs are rampant and easily carried from school to home, you can give your immune system a hand, literally, by frequently scrubbing away germs before they have the chance to attack.

Rely on natural remedies
Modern, stressful lifestyles and exposure to environmental pollutants can put immune systems under pressure. However, some of your existing soothing rituals can actually support better health, too. One example is relaxing with a hot cup of tea. The natural and organic ingredients found in Buddha Teas provide numerous health benefits. Options like Mushroom Wellness, Divine Immunity, Elderberry Tea and Reiki Mushroom blends all contain immunity-boosting ingredients.

While they're not an obvious ingredient, mushrooms have been incorporated into healing practices for thousands of years for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich properties. There are several powerful medicinal mushrooms but one stand-out is the reishi mushroom, known as the "mushroom of immortality" and "divine plant of longevity." This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is known to promote healthy cell growth and healthy blood pressure, along with improving immune function.

Learn more about boosting your immunity naturally at buddhateas.com.

A Golden Way to Get Better Sleep

While golden milk has become a trendy beverage of choice, this comforting, herb-filled blend is actually ancient. For thousands of years, golden milk has been an Ayurvedic ritual, with Indian families enjoying a warm nightly cupful before bed.

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric, the main component in golden milk, is thought to impart the energy of the sun to the body, hence its radiant, golden color. Turmeric's documented healing properties impart substance to this traditional "elixir," and have given golden milk a reputation as a healing cup of comfort.

In addition to improving physical and mental well-being, regularly drinking golden milk has the potential to lessen your chance of becoming ill in the first place. It's also an anti-inflammatory that supports healthy digestion and promotes calm.

This turmeric-dominant blend includes ginger root and black pepper to aid digestion; ashwagandha to tonify, energize and calm; and cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla bean, all meant to encourage rejuvenation and peace. Consider an option like Buddha Teas' CBD Organic Golden Milk, which includes a THC-free CBD isolate for added wellness benefits.

Prepared by mixing with a warm cup of your favorite milk, the smooth, slightly sweet, pungent brew offers a soothing treat just before bed. Many people also enjoy golden milk prepared cold.

Photo Gallery: Spartan football falls at home to Prairie Central

SJO's Isaiah Moore helps a teammate bring down Prairie Central's Camden Palmore during fourth quarter action. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Isaiah Moore finds open pasture on 42-yard kick return for the Spartans. The senior picked up 107 yards for the night returning kickoffs and punts for the Spartans. His shortest run was 14 yards, his longest was this 42-yard run. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

SJO's Owen Birt hangs on to Prairie Central's Drew Fehr during a play in the second quarter. The Hawks outscored St. Joseph-Ogden 20-14 at the midpoint of the game. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Spartans' Ethan Vanliew puts his shoulder into Hawks' Drew Fehr to help teammate Bryson Helfrich make a tackle during second quarter action of the game. Just a TD away from winning their first game of the season, SJO fell at home to Prairie Central, 34-28. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Lineman Conrad Miller gets physical while playing on the offensive line against the Hawks. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Seniors Griffin Roesch and Keaton Nolan (right) celebrate an SJO touchdown. Nolan found the end zone on a 25-yard Evan Ingram pass in the second quarter to narrow the Hawks' lead to eight points, 20-12. Later, the senior hauled in a second pass on a 10-yard play as time expired at the end of the third quarter. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

A member of the SJO Maroon Platoon cheers after her football team puts another six points on the scoreboard in the second half. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Senior Coby Miller reacts to the Spartans' third loss of the season as he walks of the field. Miller finished the night with just 26 rushing yards and 18 more from three passes. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Playing the roll of a valiant prince, Elijah Weinman performs with the SJO Marching Band during halftime show. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Flag girl Alyssa Shoviak performs during the SJO Marching Band's halftime performance. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Members of the SJO Marching Band reed section play during halftime. The band performed two numbers from this year's competition routines. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden junior Aidan McCorkle drags down Prairie Central quarterback Owen Rafferty for a loss. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Assistant coach and St. Joseph-Ogden football alum Nick Bialeschki passes along saged advice to junior defensive lineman Peyton Sarver. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Tyler Burch runs the ball back 28 yards on a punt return for the Spartans. The explosive junior speedster posted 106 yards on special team returns on Friday. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Joe Frasca boots the ball deep in the second half after a SJO touchdown. The Spartans scored four times during this week's game, doubling the sophomore's time on the field over the previous two weeks combined. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Keaton Nolan sprays his face with water during a timeout in the second quarter. The senior finished with 102 all-purpose yards in this season's home game against the Hawks. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden cheerleader Kyle Meccoli helps lead fans with a cheer during the fourth quarter. This season's cheer squad features 21 students under the direction of first year head coach MiReena Burris. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

St. Joseph-Ogden defenders Alex Funk and Jett Morris wrap up Prairie Central running back Drew Fehr. Fehr, who scored twice during the week three conference game, tallied 152 yards on 25 carries against the Spartans. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

An SJO cheerleader watches her team's football games between cheers. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Quarterback Evan Ingram looks for an open receiver as he drops back to pass during the second half. The senior completed 15 of the 23 passes for 203 yards. Three of the completions (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Prep Sports Notebook: Burnett tallies 4 aces, Urbana tennis nips Watseka

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SJO's Kern, Carter top two at golf

In a triangle match with Tri-Valley and Fisher, the SJO golf team finished in first place with 180 points after the nine-hole competition at Indian Springs in Saybrook.

Jacob Kern shot a match-best of 40 strokes to lead the field on Thursday. Maddux Carter finished in second place with a 43 on the par-36 course.

McGwire Atwood (46), Logan Smith (51), Jack Robertson (50) and Andrew Beyers (64) contributed to the Spartans' ninth win of the season.

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Uni-High blanks Arthur Christian

Teo Chemla collected a hattrick to help the Illineks roll over the Conquering Raiders, 7-1. The junior standout was also credited with two assists.

Uni-High scored five goals in the first half. Luca Zepeda-Flores, Henry Wang and Arya Thirodira put the ball between the posts along with Chemla's first two in the first 45 minute period. Noah La Nave (2 assists) added another goal at the 51-minute mark before the final score by Chemla.

Uni keeper Arjun Kala made six saves.

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St. Joseph-Ogden tennis falls at Centennial, 9-0

The Spartan tennis team dropped all nine matches on the road against Champaign Centennial on Thursday. Doubles duo Hope Rajlich and Kelsey Martlage made a valiant effort for SJO at number one doubles against the Chargers' Sandhya Subbiah and Grace Kahler. Katie McDermott and Emma Rydell also made a strong showing for the Spartans at number three doubles.

Box Score:

Singles:
No. 1 - Sandhya Subbiah, CENTENNIAL def. Abbey Dow, SJO, 8-1
No. 2 - Anna Park, CENTENNIAL def. Claire Huffman, SJO, 8-1
No. 3 - Grace Kahler, CENTENNIAL def. Grace Schmitz, SJO, 8-1
No. 4 - Yehyun Nam, CENTENNIAL def. Ashlyn Lannert, SJO, 8-1
No. 5 - Aastha Patel, CENTENNIAL def. Allison Kearney, SJO, 8-4
No. 6 - Sofia Hartmann, CENTENNIAL def. Ella Armstrong, SJO, 8-6

Doubles:
No. 1 - Sandhya Subbiah/Grace Kahler, CENTENNIAL def. Hope Rajlich/Kelsey Martlage, SJO, 8-4
No. 2 - Yehyun Nam/Anna Park, CENTENNIAL def. Jacey Lewis/Abby Behrens, SJO, 8-2
No. 3 - Kayleigh Cox/Tammy Marinichev, CENTENNIAL def. Katie McDermott/Emma Rydell, SJO, 8-5

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Spartans rebound from loss

After dropping a dramatic three-setter to visiting Champaign Central 2-1 on Tuesday evening, the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team cruised past the Oakwood volleyball team, 25-7, 25-6 on Wednesday evening.

Addie Roesch led the Spartan attack with eight kills. Senior Kennedi Burnett pounded four aces and seven kills against the visiting Comets.

SJO got 10 digs from senior Hannah Fox. Burnett was also credited with 10 digs, Roesch with two, and setter Becca Steinbach, who had 18 assists, tallied six digs.

The Spartans host Hoopeston Area on Monday, and Danville High School on Wednesday next week.

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Brown scores five goals for Cornjerkers

Hoopeston Area senior Ben Brown scored all five goals in his team's 5-0 shutout against Bismarck-Henning.

Hoopeston hosts the Conrnjerker Classic featuring teams from Monticello, Iroquois West, Grant Park, Bloomington Central Catholic, Oakwood-Salt Fork, and St. Joseph-Ogden. The championship and third-place games will start at 4:00p on Saturday.

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Unity soccer team suffers Labor Day loss

The Urbana girls tennis team picked up another team win on the road at Watseka yesterday after a 6-3 decision.

Matika Pounginjai, Alisa Tangmunarunkit, Eisla Madigan, and Ashton Peters won their varsity singles matches against the Warriors' top players.

Box Score:

Singles:
No. 1 - Ashton Peters, WATSEKA def. Myra Stevens, URBANA, 8-3
No. 2 - Jacie Owens, URBANA def. Emma Simons, WATSEKA, 8-5
No. 3 - Eisla Madigan, URBANA def. Baler Rigsby, WATSEKA, 9-7
No. 4 - Ava Swartz, WATSEKA def. Hannah Null, URBANA, 8-6
No. 5 - Alisa Tangmunarunkit, URBANA def. Moriah Pueschell, WATSEKA, 8-2
No. 6 - Matika Pounginjai, URBANA def. Tiffany Zhao, WATSEKA, 8-1
Doubles: No. 1 - Hannah Null/Jacie Owens, URBANA def. Ashton Peters/Baler Rigsby, WATSEKA, 8-4
No. 2 - Emma Simons/Ava Swartz, WATSEKA def. Eisla Madigan/Myra Stevens, URBANA, 9-8 (5)
No. 3 - Alisa Tangmunarunkit/Matika Pounginjai, URBANA def. Moriah Pueschell/Tiffany Zhao, WATSEKA, 8-4

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Unity falls to Judah Christian

The Unity soccer team fell 8-2 on the road to Judah Christian on Thursday.

Nolan Romole and Teaguen Williams scored one goal each, but it was enough to hold off the Lions, who scored six unanswered goals in the second half of the non-conference contest.

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5 ways for your pet to have a spooky, safe Halloween

by Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA

(NAPS) — It's no secret that pets are like family—holiday traditions included. This Halloween bring your pups in on the spooky fun by decking them out in a scary cute costume and training them to be the most polite trick-or-treater on the block.From fun costumes to virtual and in-person dog training, Petco has everything a pet parent needs to make Halloween a howling good time for the whole family.

Photo provided

Whether your family is planning to trick-or-treat or celebrate at home, here are five surefire ways to help prep your pet:

• Plan Your Pet's Look: Petco’'s latest "Bootique" collection features an array of ready-to-wear Halloween apparel, accessories, matching costumes and more. Dogs can play a different role in the animal kingdom as a shark or cow or even twin with their human as tigers. From easy-on options to full-body costumes, the "Bootique" is full of costumes designed with care so all types of pets and preferences can find their match.

• Take Precautions: Once the whole pack has picked their costumes, have a pre-Halloween dress rehearsal so your pup can get used to the outfit and accustomed to everyone else’s.

Before any festivities begin, triple-check your pet's costume for any hazardous materials that could be chewed or cause choking. To stay safe after sundown, every Halloween look should also include reflective gear and proper pet identification.

• Learn the Training Basics: Basic skills such as "sit" and "stay" can make all the difference for dogs when it comes to safely interacting with trick-or-treaters and helping your pet navigate the Halloween commotion. "Drop it" or "leave it" are additional key training cues in case your curious pup sniffs or picks up any human treats—such as chocolate—that could be toxic to dogs. Preemptive Petco positive dog training can be helpful to teach your pet proper Halloween etiquette and keep the holiday fun for all.

• Offer Treats in Moderation: Although it's tempting to indulge pets around the holidays, it’s important to remember that no more than 10% of a pet’s daily calorie intake should be from treats. Help keep pets energized for the Halloween festivities by giving them protein-packed treats, such as Wholehearted stick treats for dogs or new freeze-dried treats for cats, or find other ways to celebrate the season with them through fun seasonal toys such as a plush pumpkin spice latte or rope toy. To help keep pets feeling their best year-round, give them the ultimate treat of Vital Care for just $19 a month to enjoy savings on grooming, vet exams and more.

• Create a Spook-Free Safe Haven: Between constant doorbell rings, unknown trick-or-treaters and spooky costumes, Halloween festivities can add to pets’ anxiety. The best way to help your pet is by learning to identify their anxious behavior and which calming tactics work best for them. Petco offers an array of calming aids, chews or oil diffusers to help keep pets at ease. Background noise from either music or the TV can help drown out unusual sounds, but it's also a good idea to give pets a quiet room away from the action.For more tips on how to safely celebrate Halloween with the whole family—cats, bearded dragons, and guinea pigs included—check out a Petco pet care center or petco.com/halloween.

About the author - Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, is the National Dog Training Manager at Petco. He has worked in the industries of animal training and behavior, pet lifestyle and broadcast journalism, and has been a professional dog trainer for more than 10 years.

Photo of the Day: Heads up!

SJO's Zachary Dahman heads the ball away Fisher's Jaden Recker during their match on Tuesday before a pop-up summer storm soaked the area. St. Joseph-Ogden fell 2-0 to the visiting Bunnies. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Photo of the Day: Spartan volleyball team suffers loss to Champaign Central

St. Joseph-Ogden's Addie Roesch tips the ball over Champaign Central blockers Olivia Jackson (left) and Olivia Gustafsson on Tuesday, September 7. The Spartans fell after a thrilling three-set match, 25-22, 24-26, 16-25. Roesch finished the night with 10 kills and 15 digs for SJO. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)