Week 7 IHSA football scores from around the state


SJO Wyatt Wertz runs the ball against BCC
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - St. Joseph-Ogden's Wyatt Wertz runs the ball in his first game back after a injury in SJO's Week 2 home game last month. Wertz had 11 carries for 54 yards against Central Catholic (7-0) on Friday. The Spartans (4-3) fell 67-28 on the road to the Saints, who became this year's conference champions with the victory.

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

Big Twelve Conference scores

Peoria Notre Dame 53, Bloomington 19
Normal Community 41, Danville 0
Normal West 48, Manual 0
Peoria 64, Champaign Central 27
Richwoods 0, Urbana 0
Champaign Centennial 40, Thornridge 17

Scores from around the state

Abingdon-Avon 31, Havana 26
Amboy 62, Ridgewood 12
Annawan-Wethersfield 17, Princeville 14
Antioch 49, Grayslake North 8
Arlington Heights Hersey 52, Buffalo Grove 2
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond 43, Nokomis 20
Aurora. Christian) 49, Chicago Christian 7
Aurora Waubonsie Valley 51, Stagg 0
BHRA 49, Momence 0
Barrington 23, Fremd 7
Batavia 28, Wheaton North 7
Bensenville Fenton 33, Aurora (East) 6
Bishop McNamara 29, Wheaton Academy 14
Bradley-Bourbonnais 48, DeKalb 19
Brown County 66, Beardstown 0
Carbondale 52, Herrin 14
Carmel 54, DePaul 14
Cary-Grove 56, Crystal Lake South 13
Casey-Westfield 21, Mt. Carmel 20, OT
Central 18, Le Roy 8
Central 20, Huntley 7
Central 46, Routt 3
Central 54, Hoopeston 0
Christopher 48, Carmi-White County 14
Coal City 49, Peotone 7
Deer Creek-Mackinaw 46, Warrensburg-Latham 13
Dixon 50, Winnebago 15
Downers Grove North 41, York 28
Du Quoin 48, Anna-Jonesboro 13
Durand-Pecatonica 34, Forreston 20
El Paso-Gridley 40, Eureka 0
Elgin 25, Streamwood 6
Elk Grove 57, Wheeling 13
Erie-Prophetstown 40, Orion 14
Fenwick 48, Benet 7
Flora 28, Fairfield 20
Fulton 56, Southwestern, Wis. 40
Galva 38, Peoria Heights 12
Geneseo 31, Sterling 10
Glenbard East 41, West Chicago 6
Glenbard North 16, Geneva 13
Glenbard South 42, Ridgewood 7
Glenbard West 44, Hinsdale Central 20
Glenbrook South 42, Deerfield 0
Glenwood 56, Lincoln 0
Grant 65, Round Lake 17
Hampshire 19, McHenry 17
Herscher 19, Reed-Custer 13, OT
Highland Park 38, Niles North 13
Hoffman Estates Conant 43, Schaumburg 28
ICCP 57, Aurora Marmion Academy 14
Illini West 28, Bureau Valley 20
Johnston City 44, Hamilton County 6
Kankakee 48, Bloom 0
Lake Park 41, St Charles East 35
Lake Zurich 35, Mundelein 0
Lakes 46, North Chicago 7
Le Roy 14, Heyworth 12
Lena-Winslow 46, Galena 0
Libertyville 35, Zion Benton 20
Lincoln-Way East 42, Homewood-Flossmoor 14
Lockport 28, Sandburg 7
Macomb 42, Knoxville 19
Maine South 56, Glenbrook North 0
Maine West 49, Maine East 0
Manteno 35, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 13
Marion 48, Collinsville 35
Marshall 34, Lawrenceville 7
Metamora 49, Bartonville (Limestone) 13
Milledgeville 56, Orangeville 16
Minooka 10, Oswego 3
Monmouth-Roseville 57, Hall 14
Montini Catholic 49, Arlington Heights (St. Viator) 3
Morris 42, Ottawa 0
Morrison 48, Dakota 16
Morton 66, East Peoria 32
Mt Carmel 35, Joliet Catholic 7
Mt Prospect Prospect 35, Rolling Meadows 32
Mt Zion 31, Effingham 7
Naperville Central 28, Aurora Metea Valley 21, OT
Naperville North 29, Neuqua Valley 23
Nashville 55, Pinckneyville 7
Newman 24, Riverdale 14
Newton 24, Robinson 21
Oakwood 48, Iroquois West 0
Olney 41, Paris 22
Olympia 50, Maroa-Forsyth 36
Oregon 34, Winnebago 21
Ottawa Marquette 51, Elmwood 6
PORTA 22, Athens 18
Pekin 30, Canton 20
Plainfield East 27, Joliet West 7
Pleasant Plains 27, Pittsfield 14
Polo 50, River Ridge 8
Prairie Ridge 35, Crystal Lake Central 14
Quincy 44, Galesburg 22
Richmond-Burton 21, Woodstock North 0
Riverton 36, Auburn 33
Rochelle 21, Kaneland 20
Rochester 51, MacArthur 14
Rockridge 61, Aledo (Mercer County) 24
Springfield SHG 56, Springfield 33
Salt Fork 48, Georgetown-Ridge Farm 20
Seneca 48, St Bede 16
Shelbyville 42, Clinton 6
South Beloit 38, Abundant Life-St. Ambrose, Wis. 8
South Elgin 55, Bartlett 19
St. Francis 42, Marian Catholic 20
Stillman Valley 21, Oregon 15
Sycamore 34, La Salle-Peru 28
Tri-Valley 21, Tremont 13
United 54, Astoria South Fulton 18
University 55, Eisenhower 12
Villa Grove/Heritage 25, Sangamon Valley 24
Warren 28, Stevenson 13
Washington 23, Dunlap 15
Wauconda 53, Grayslake Central 27
West Carroll 70, Ashton (A.-Franklin Center) 8
West Hancock 62, LCSRV 6
West Prairie 46, Bushnell-Prairie City 8
Westville 55, Watseka 0
Wheaton Warrenville South 33, St Charles North 7
Wilmington 45, Streator 0
Woodstock 42, Sandwich 26



TAGS: Illinois high school football scores, Seneca beats St. Bede by 36 points, Oakwood blanks Iroquois West footballt team,St. Joseph-Ogden falls in flag fest, IHSA football scores

Friday Night Forecast
Week 7 Illini Prairie football predictions



Here are Week 7 predictions from Illini Prairie football pundits for this edition of The Sentinel’s Friday Night Forecast.


URBANA - Each week, we invite Illini Prairie Conference fans to predict the winners from conference matchups. New experts are welcome every week. Below is what this week's team of experts think they have figured out.


Week 7 predictions

Illini Prairie Game of the Week
Illinois Valley Central @ Rock Falls

Denise: Illinois Valley Central .::. 38-7
Sara: Rock Falls .::. 36-12
J: Illinois Valley Central .::. 35-0
Denise J: Illinois Valley Central .::. 47-6
Alan: Illinois Valley Central .::. 34-13

Brooks Look: It was a busy week around the office. Unfortunately, I don't have any quick, guiding thoughts for this week's predictions.

Rock Falls 28, IVC 20


Monticello vs Pontiac

Denise: Monticello .::. 42-14
Sara: Monticello .::. 30-14
J: Monticello .::. 34-7
Denise J: Monticello .::. 48-14
Alan: Monticello .::. 49-0

Brooks Look: I've got nothing.

Monticello 35, Pontiac 13


Rantoul vs Prairie Central

Denise: Prairie Central .::. 21-0
Sara: Prairie Central .::. 28-6
J: Prairie Central .::. 24-6
Denise J: Prairie Central .::. 36-17
Alan: Prairie Central .::. 49-0

Brooks Look: A lot more nothing, but could Rantoul pull off an upset?

Prairie Central 28, Rantoul 24


Central Catholic vs St. Joseph-Ogden

Denise: Central Catholic .::. 32-21
Sara: Central Catholic .::. 48-27
J: Central Catholic .::. 41-34
Denise J: Central Catholic .::. 48-36
Alan: Central Catholic .::. 49-21

Brooks Look: Central Catholic wraps up the outright conference title tonight? SJO is due for an upset in their favor after suffering two of them.

Central Catholic 35, St. Joseph-Ogden 21


Paxton-Buckley-Loda @ Unity

Denise: Unity .::. 42-14
Sara: Unity .::. 37-28
J: Unity .::. 46-7
Denise J: Unity .::. 47-21
Alan: Unity .::. 49-6

Brooks Look:

Unity 40, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 14



Week 6 Results

Rank Name Record Notes
1 Mike Roy 5-0 Week 6 winner
2 Alan 4-1 3-way tie
2 Sara 4-1 3-way tie
2 Brooks Look 4-1 3-way tie
5 Frank 3-2 2-way tie
5 Denise 3-2 2-way tie

Cumulative Standings (After Week 6)

Rank Name Total Record Wins Notes
1 Brooks Look 25-5 2 Week 2 & 5 winner
2 Denise 21-9 0
2 Alan 21-9 0
4 Sara 18-7 1 Week 3 winner
5 J 16-4 2 Week 1 & 4 winner
6 Lyman 10-5 0
7 Frank 7-3 0
8 Mike Roy 3-2 0 Week 6 Winner!
9 Keith 3-2 0

Cumulative Standings Win % (After Week 6)

Rank Name Precentage
1 Mike Roy 100%
2 Brooks Look 83.33%
3 J   80%
4 Sara 72%
5 Alan 70%
5 Denise 70%
5 Frank 70%
8 Lyman 66.67%
9 Keith 60%



TAGS: Weekly Illini Prairie Conference football predictions, Week 7 St. Joseph-Ogden predictions, Unity football predictions, high school football predictions


Save the flavors of fall, learn to can at upcoming Illinois Extension Workshop



Canning is making a comeback as people look for sustainable ways to enjoy local produce year-round. Participants will gain hands-on experience and valuable tips for food preservation.

Fruit jam made from canning at home

Photo: Elena Leya/Unsplash

CHAMPAIGN - As leaves begin to turn and the crisp air of autumn settles over Central Illinois, it’s the perfect time to hold onto the flavors of the season a little longer. For those who want to savor the taste of homemade apple pie filling or a tangy cranberry-orange chutney long after fall fades, the Illinois Extension has just the workshop.

On Tuesday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen will lead a special fall-themed canning class at 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Suite 3, in Champaign. The session will guide participants through safe food preservation techniques and hands-on practice with two seasonal recipes designed to showcase fall’s finest fruits.

Canning, first developed in the early 19th century in response to a challenge from Napoleon Bonaparte, remains one of the most reliable ways to preserve food. The process involves sealing food in airtight glass jars or metal cans and heating them to destroy bacteria and enzymes that cause spoilage. By creating a vacuum seal, canning keeps foods shelf-stable for months—or even years—without refrigeration.


Photo: Ray Shrewsberry/Unsplash

Fill your pantry with delicious homemade fruits and vegetables this fall.

Participants in Mannen’s workshop will learn about both water-bath canning, ideal for high-acid foods like fruits and pickles, and pressure canning, used for low-acid foods such as meats and vegetables. Beyond mastering technique, the class offers an opportunity to reduce food waste, stretch the harvest, and stock the pantry with homemade goods to enjoy year-round.

The $15 registration fee covers all canning materials. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged at go.illinois.edu/FallCanning


TAGS: Illinois Extension canning workshop, fall food preservation, Rachel Mannen canning class, Champaign IL events, how to can apple pie filling, water-bath vs pressure canning, University of Illinois Extension workshops, sustainable food storage, cranberry-orange chutney recipe, fall cooking classes Illinois


Opinion |
Declaring war on the American people, a government chomping at the bit


Sentinel logo
Trump’s war against “the enemy within” is grounded in lies. Meanwhile, military leaders told to "go along or get out".

by Peter Montgomery
      OtherWords

A recent gathering at the Pentagon was extraordinary. Not in a good way.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered hundreds of generals and other officers to leave their posts all over the world. He demanded loyalty to the new “culture” he’s imposing on the armed forces. His message: go along or get out.

Hegseth railed against safeguards that protect service members from abuse and hold people accountable for wrongdoing. He mocked “stupid” and “politically correct” rules of engagement. “You kill people and break things for a living,” he said.

“We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy,” Hegseth said.

These comments became far more alarming when President Donald Trump took the stage and made it clear who he sees as the enemy. Trump told military leaders that he’s sending them to war against “the enemy within.”


U.S. citizens, immigrants with legal status, and children have been among those detained in increasingly brazen and aggressive encounters...

So the “punishing violence” that Hegseth demands is to be deployed against people here at home. More specifically, Trump said the military should use American cities as “training grounds,” saying, “That’s a war too. It’s a war from within.”

Here’s what that war looked like in Chicago recently: federal agents rappelling from a Black Hawk helicopter onto an apartment building in the middle of the night, border patrol agents breaking into apartments and allegedly zip-tying young children (though DHS denies they were zip-tied), detaining American citizens, and leaving people’s apartments and belongings trashed.

It wasn’t an isolated incident. The Washington Post reported that “U.S. citizens, immigrants with legal status, and children have been among those detained in increasingly brazen and aggressive encounters which pop up daily across neighborhoods in the city of 2.7 million and its many suburbs.”

Trump’s war against “the enemy within” is grounded in lies.


Deployment of the military against American citizens is a frightening abuse of power...

The president and his colleagues have been falsely claiming that Portland, Oregon, is “war-ravaged” and “burning to the ground.” That claim was apparently based on a five-year-old video the president saw on Fox TV. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden responded by posting a current video of people peacefully enjoying a beautiful fall day in Portland.

The Trump team’s lying would be laughable if it weren’t propaganda with a deadly purpose.

Fortunately, a federal judge — a Trump appointee — blocked Trump’s plans to federalize National Guard troops and send them into Portland, saying there are no conditions on the ground that could justify it. For defending the rule of law, the judge was savagely criticized by the White House.

On top of all of this, Trump has repeatedly violated the foundational military tradition of nonpartisanship. Speaking to cadets at a recent event honoring the Navy’s 250th anniversary, Trump declared, “We have to take care of this little gnat that’s on our shoulder called the Democrats.” As one commenter noted, Trump basically told the Navy to view half of the country as the enemy.

That’s dangerous. And it’s un-American.

People sometimes interpret Trump’s unhinged rhetoric as a strategy to distract people from other stories. It’s worse than that.

I’m sure the president would like people to ignore that he shut down the federal government to preserve tax cuts for the richest 1 percent while forcing millions of families to face huge increases for health insurance or lose their coverage completely.

But Trump’s “enemy within” is more than a distraction. It is even more than a violent threat against millions of our fellow Americans. It’s promotion for a war the president is already waging — one that’s been denounced by retired generals and veterans.

The unjustifiable deployment of the military against American citizens is a frightening abuse of power that should alarm Republicans and independents as well as Democrats. The Constitution can protect all of us only if we defend the Constitution.


Peter Montgomery

Peter Montgomery is a Senior Fellow at People for the American Way. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.





TAGS: Trump's unhinged rhetoric, foundational military tradition, border patrol agents breaking into apartments, gathering at the Pentagon


Week 7 Friday Night Forecast: Pick the Big Twelve football winners this week


Week 6 Results

Rank Name Record Notes
1 Alan 6-0 Wins again!
2 Clark 5-1


Cumulative Standings

Rank Name Total Record Wins Notes
1 Alan 32-5 4
2 Clark 27-10 2




Tags: Big Twelve predictions 2025, Central Illinois high school football picks, Friday Night Forecast, Week 7 Illinois prep football forecasts, Normal Community football predictions


SJO girls tennis sweeps doubles to complete 5-4 comeback at Centennial



In a thrilling Senior Night, SJO girls tennis rallied from a 4-2 singles deficit to beat Centennial 5-4. Standout doubles performances clinched the win.


CHAMPAIGN - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis team delivered one of its most memorable performances of the season last Thursday, edging Champaign Centennial 5-4 in a dramatic dual meet on the Chargers’ Senior Night.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brook

SJO's Ainsley Rhoten attacks a short ball during her doubles match against Urbana, Rhoten and partner Shelby Warns, won their #1 doubles match at Centennial, upsetting Ria Modi and Taylor Diep. The Spartan pair also won their previous #1 doubles match against Watseka juniors Rose Koester and Elika Hardisty on September 30.
Fueled by clutch singles play from veterans Samantha Kelso and Lily Rice and a clean sweep through doubles, the Spartans (now 8-3 overall) earned a program-defining road victory heading into the final week of the regular season.

Kelso (8-3), who’s playing the best tennis of her prep career, set the tone early with a straight-sets win over Centennial’s top player, Ria Modi, 6-4, 6-4, at No. 1 singles. The senior extended her win streak to four, following victories over St. Teresa, Watseka and Urbana.

Rice (9-1) responded with poise and determination at No. 2 singles, bouncing back from a tough September 29 loss to Urbana’s Ananyah Tangmunarunkit. The senior battled through three sets to outlast Taylor Diep 6-2, 3-6, 10-6, earning her second consecutive win.

Centennial briefly took control of the match after claiming the remaining singles courts, with strong showings from Krishna Patel, Asma Cheema, Romi Sagiv and Veronica Hooper against Spartan competitors Audrie Helfrich, Avarie Dietiker, Maddie Wells and Ava Midkiff. The Chargers’ surge gave them a 4-2 lead heading into doubles play.

With their backs to the wall, the Spartans’ doubles lineup came through in dominant fashion.

At No. 1 doubles, Ainsley Rhoten and Shelby Warns took down Modi and Diep in a tense 8-7 (2) tiebreaker, while the No. 2 pairing of Madison Farber and Kenley Ray rolled to an 8-2 win over Patel and Ellie Marinichev. The clinching point came from the No. 3 team of senior Karleigh Spain and junior Sophie Schmitz, who defeated Believe Mondika and Shaniece Clayborn 8-6. The duo improved their combined varsity records to 8-3.

St. Joseph-Ogden continues a strong late-season surge with two regular-season matches remaining, hosting Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on Thursday at Atkins Tennis Center and closing at Maroa-Forsyth next Monday before postseason play begins.

Match Results

Singles
No. 1 — Samantha Kelso (SJO) def. Ria Modi (CENT), 6-4, 6-4
No. 2 — Lily Rice (SJO) def. Taylor Diep (CENT), 6-2, 3-6, 10-6
No. 3 — Krisha Patel (CENT) def. Audrie Helfrich (SJO), 6-3, 6-2
No. 4 — Asma Cheema (CENT) def. Avarie Dietiker (SJO), 6-3, 6-0
No. 5 — Romi Sagiv (CENT) def. Maddie Wells (SJO), 6-1, 7-6 (2)
No. 6 — Veronica Hooper (CENT) def. Ava Midkiff (SJO), 6-4, 6-3

Doubles
No. 1 — Ainsley Rhoten/Shelby Warns (SJO)
def. Ria Modi/Taylor Diep (CENT), 8-7 (2)

No. 2 — Madison Farber/Kenley Ray (SJO)
def. Krisha Patel/Ellie Marinichev (CENT), 8-2

No. 3 — Karleigh Spain/Sophie Schmitz (SJO)
def. Believe Mondika/Shaniece Clayborn (CENT), 8-6



TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden girls tennis 2025, SJO vs Champaign Centennial match recap, Samantha Kelso tennis highlights, Lily Rice comeback win, high school doubles tennis strategies, Karleigh Spain varsity performance, Sophie Schmitz junior tennis standout, Illinois high school tennis results, Senior Night tennis victories, SJO Spartans late-season surge


Viewpoint |
Mental health, gender care, and justice: The debate around Sophie Roske’s prison term



Sentinel logo
From assassination plot to prison: Sophie Roske’s case highlights mental health, gender care, and political accountability.


by Terry Hansen
      Guest Commentary

Sophie Roske, a transgender woman, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for her plot to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Prosecutors sought a minimum sentence of 30 years.

Judge Deborah Boardman explained that Roske voluntarily abandoned her assassination plan, expressed remorse, had no prior criminal record, and was experiencing a mental health crisis.

Boardman also questioned whether Roske would receive adequate mental health treatment in prison, citing President Trump’s executive order banning gender-affirming care for federal inmates.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and conservative media outlets like the New York Post and National Review have expressed outrage over the 8-year sentence.

oursentinel.com viewpoint Yet by their standards, the scores of January 6 rioters who breached the Capitol while chanting "Hang Mike Pence!" should also have been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison. After all, they are domestic terrorists who attempted to execute the Vice President. Instead, they have all been pardoned by President Trump.

Appallingly, in an interview with Jonathan Karl of ABC News, Trump actually defended the January 6 rioters' "Hang Mike Pence!" chants.

How can anyone claim to oppose political violence while supporting a person who pardoned January 6 rioters who assaulted police officers and publicly defended their violent chants?


Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change. He lives in Milwaukee, WI.

TAGS: Sophie Roske assassination plot, Brett Kavanaugh threat, Supreme Court security, transgender inmate prison sentence, mental health and criminal justice, gender-affirming care ban, January 6 rioters pardons, political violence in the U.S., Trump executive orders, criminal sentencing controversy

University of Illinois Extension hosts double feature on healthy aging and family harmony



The University of Illinois Extension will host a Double Feature in Savoy focused on health and harmony. Vanessa Jones leads a session on smart eating habits for aging well, while Emily Harmon offers advice for handling family heirlooms without hard feelings. The event is free and open to all.

Family photos
Photo: Suzy Hazelwood/PEXELS

SAVOY - Let’s face it, the golden years aren’t so golden if you’re too tired to enjoy them. Between morning walks, grandkid playdates, and the occasional round of golf or competitive bingo, keeping your energy up takes more than a steady diet of coffee and willpower. Good nutrition can make the difference between napping through the afternoon and seizing the day with enthusiasm, whether that means tackling yard work, volunteering, or finally taking that ballroom dance class you’ve been talking about.

To help make healthy living easier and more enjoyable, the University of Illinois Extension will host a “Double Feature” wellness program Thursday, Nov. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Savoy Room at The Windsor of Savoy, 401 Burwash Ave.

The event begins at 1 p.m. with Eating Well as You Age, led by Vanessa Jones, Extension Program Coordinator. Jones will share simple, practical strategies for staying fit and nourished through smart food choices that promote energy and long-term health.

After a short break, Emily Harmon, Family Life Educator, will present Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate? at 2 p.m. The second session helps families navigate decisions about meaningful heirlooms and keepsakes with fairness, understanding, and open communication to keep relationships strong.

Participants can attend one or both sessions of this free event. Registration is encouraged for anyone ready to make the most of their golden years with a healthy plate and a happy heart.

For details or to register, visit the University of Illinois Extension website.

For those who may need reasonable accommodations to participate, you can contact Emily Harmon at ebaine@illinois.edu.



TAGS: healthy aging tips for seniors, nutrition for older adults, staying energized in retirement, family heirloom planning, managing family conflict, University of Illinois Extension events, free senior wellness programs, eating well as you age, healthy lifestyle for retirees, Savoy Illinois community events


Week 7 Illini Prairie football, submit your Friday Night Forecast predictions


SJO's Lane McKinney dives in to break up a pass play
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Lane McKinney dives in to break up a Unity pass play to Brayden Henry during their regular season game last month. SJO (5-1) takes on undefeated Bloomington Central Catholic this week while the Rockets (5-1) host Paxton-Buckley-Loda (3-3) for senior night.

Illini Prairie Conference scores

Unity 46, Prairie Central 7
Paxton-Buckley-Loda 38, Illinois Valley Central 30
Pontiac 42, Rantoul 22
Monticello 28, St. Joseph-Ogden 21
Central Catholic 61, St. Teresa 21

Week 6 Results

Rank Name Record Notes
1 Mike Roy 5-0 Week 6 winner
2 Alan 4-1 3-way tie
2 Sara 4-1 3-way tie
2 Brooks Look 4-1 3-way tie
5 Frank 3-2 2-way tie
5 Denise 3-2 2-way tie

Cumulative Standings (After Week 6)

Rank Name Total Record Wins Notes
1 Brooks Look 25-5 2 Week 2 & 5 winner
2 Denise 21-9 0
2 Alan 21-9 0
4 Sara 18-7 1 Week 3 winner
5 J 16-4 2 Week 1 & 4 winner
6 Lyman 10-5 0
7 Frank 7-3 0
8 Mike Roy 5-0 0 Week 6 Winner!
9 Keith 3-2 0

Cumulative Standings Win % (After Week 6)

Rank Name Precentage
1 Mike Roy 100%
2 Brooks Look 83.33%
3 J   80%
4 Sara 72%
5 Alan 70%
5 Denise 70%
5 Frank 70%
8 Lyman 66.67%
9 Keith 60%



TAGS: Weekly Illini Prairie Conference football predictions, Week 7 SJO football predictions, Unity football predictions this week, IHSA football predictions this season


Dodge colds and flu this winter with these simple habits and this fun recipe


Woman shopping at her local grocery store
Photo: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

During cold and flu season load up on fruits and vegetables to give your immune system a healthy boost. See the recipe for a Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad below you will want to try.

(Family Features) - You can hear it before you see it. That unmistakable hack-cough-sneeze echoes down the aisles at Aldi’s or Costco, and suddenly you’re weaving through like you’re in a germ-filled game of dodgeball, hoping no one sprays you with their “I’m fine, it’s just allergies” excuse.

Then at work on Tuesday morning, another barrage of coughing hurls your way, proving the germs really don’t take a day off. Cold and flu season has arrived, and for those determined to dodge the sniffles, the best defense starts with good habits: wash your hands often, eat smart, and steer clear of anyone who forgot how to cover their mouth.

Adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way toward avoiding the sniffles and sneezes. Start by talking with your health care provider about any concerns you may have then follow these lifestyle recommendations for natural immune system support.

Wash Your Hands

While it's probably the first rule you learn about getting sick as a child, washing your hands remains a critical first line of defense. Use warm, soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don't forget the backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails. Rinse off the soap then dry with a clean towel.

Commit to Healthier Eating

Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains are recommended by experts as essential foods for optimizing your immune system. Consider fresh grapes, a prime example of food that contains beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans.

Healthy cells are the foundation of good health, and the antioxidants and other polyphenols naturally found in grapes help protect the health and function of cells. The good news is that improving your diet doesn't require a complete overhaul - small steps such as swapping in fresh California grapes for processed snacks or simply adding a handful of fresh grapes to your day will add these beneficial compounds to your daily routine.

Or, you can add grapes to recipes like this Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, a vibrant and fresh melody of color and flavor. Roasted red and yellow beets meet sweet and juicy grapes, peppery arugula and pumpkin seeds all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health.

Avoid Others Who are Sick

Along with washing your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are ill may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes it's easier said than done. When loved ones, close friends or coworkers come down with a cold or flu, do your best to keep your distance and avoid touching items with which they came into contact. After bedtime routines with a sick child or afternoon meetings with an under-the-weather associate, thoroughly wash your hands and clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs or conference room keyboards.

Prioritize Hydration: Even during cooler weather, staying hydrated remains important for immune health by keeping the body's defenses functioning properly. Drink water throughout the day, and for an extra dose, increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water. Find more health and nutrition information at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.


Photo provided"

Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad

Servings: 6
  • 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cups peeled and sliced (1/8-inch thick) raw red and yellow beets, cut into small half-moons or triangles
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 cups halved red Grapes from California
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups (3 ounces) baby arugula
  • freshly ground pepper, to taste

Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and honey; set aside.

Place sliced beets on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Add salt and toss well to coat. Spread in single layer and bake 25 minutes, or until tender; let cool.

Add grapes and pumpkin seeds to bowl with dressing and toss well to coat. Add cooled beets, green onions and arugula. Toss lightly; season with pepper, to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 250 calories; 5 g protein; 25 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (58% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 320 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.


TAGS: cold and flu prevention tips, immune-boosting foods, stay healthy at Aldi's, stay healthy at Costco, Champaign-Urbana winter wellness, how to avoid germs at work, healthy habits for winter, grapes for immunity, winter hydration tips, avoid getting sick in public, delicious grape and beet salad recipe


Illinois, Chicago sue to block Trump’s National Guard deployment in the state



Pritzker blasts “Trump’s Invasion” after federalizing Illinois National Guard for deployment in Chicago.

CHICAGO - President Donald Trump authorized the federalization of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to protect federal officers and assets in Chicago this weekend, escalating his administration’s use of federal intervention in American cities.

U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block the deployment today but urged federal officials to delay sending troops until Thursday, when she will hear arguments in a lawsuit filed by the State of Illinois and the city of Chicago challenging the move.

The White House said the deployment is needed to safeguard federal immigration agents and facilities following recent clashes with protesters. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other Democratic leaders warned that the action would inflame tensions rather than calm them.

“We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion,” Pritzker said in a statement Sunday night. “It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state’s military troops.”

An Illinois official confirmed to ABC News that the Pentagon had authorized the mission. The Guard will require several days to mobilize and train, with the first troops possibly arriving in Chicago by the end of the week.

The memo from the Pentagon to the Illinois National Guard adjutant general read:

"On October 4, 2025, the President of the United States called forth at least 300 National Guard personnel into Federal service pursuant to section 12406 of title 10, U.S. Code, to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, and other U.S. government personnel who are performing Federal functions, including the enforcement of Federal law, and to protect Federal property, at locations where violent demonstrations against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur based on current threat assessments and planned operations.

"This memorandum further implements the President's direction. Up to 300 members of the Illinois National Guard will be called into Federal service effective immediately for a period of 60 days. The Chief of the National Guard Bureau will immediately coordinate the details of the mobilization with you, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander, U.S. Northem Command. The mobilized Service members will be under the command and control of the Commander, U.S. Northern Command."

The Trump administration also plans to send members of the Texas National Guard after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requested additional support to protect federal immigration officers and facilities, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has seen repeated clashes between ICE agents and demonstrators.

A similar mobilization of 200 National Guard troops in Oregon was temporarily blocked Sunday after a federal judge found Trump was likely overstepping his legal authority in responding to relatively small protests near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland.

The League of Women Voters of Illinois and the League of Women Voters of the United States issued a stern statement rebuking the President's move to send in troops to escalate tensions between Illinois and the Trump administration.

"Illinoisans will not be bullied into submission by acquiescing to warrantless attacks on our citizens nor to inhumane treatment of our neighbors and family members. We have no interest in federal troops descending on our neighborhoods to impose terror in our streets simply as a show of power," the League wrote, representing over 800 local and state organizations. "The League strongly condemns the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and every other American city without cause."


Tags: Trump federalizes Illinois National Guard, Chicago federal deployment controversy, J.B. Pritzker Trump clash, federal troops Chicago protests, Illinois Guard lawsuit



Editor's Choice


Area baseball scores for March 28

Unity 4, Illinois Valley Central 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E Unity 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 ...



More Sentinel Stories