Sideline view: Spartan football kicks off next week on the road

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

MONTICELLO - St. Joseph-Ogden kicker Collin Thomey puts the ball in play after a touchdown in last fall's season opener on the road at Monticello. Delayed on Friday due to a large line of thunderstorms passing through central Illinois, more than 500 football fans enjoyed a beautiful fall day of high school football. The Spartans, who will be without Thomey, who graduated in May, open this year's campaign on the road at Prairie Central on August 28. After rolling past the Sages, SJO won nine more contests to finish conference play undefeated on the way to a 10-1 season.

After the wake-up call against the Spartans, Monticello reeled off seven straight wins before their next loss to Unity. The Sages exacted revenge four weeks later to seal a spot in the state title game, winning the Class 3A semifinal against Unity in a 23-20 thriller.

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While there was plenty of action on the field, here's a look down the sidelines, and candid moments from St. Joseph-Ogden's 40-28 win at Monticello.

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Will SJO win their opening game against Prairie Central? Give us your prediction and the other Illini Prairie Conference games for Week 1. Click here for details.