Senior Will Franklin has been part of St. Joseph-Ogden’s football family for years, contributing on and off the field. As he prepares to close out his final season, he answered 12 questions about his dream car, favorite food, and the best coaching advice that has shaped his Spartan journey.
It is hard to build up stats when opponents know better than to run it on your side for the line. In the first six games, Franklin recorded four solo and 15 tackle assists.
Here is what Will shared with The Sentinel:
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Franklin: Foods with Mrs. Mohr
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal? Franklin: JustBare chicken strips
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Franklin: c6 corvette
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Franklin: My girlfriend, Shane Gillis, and Tim Robinson
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Franklin: “Imagine they (other team) kicked your dog”
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Franklin: BarstoolSJO
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Franklin: Iceland
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Franklin: Stockholm Syndrome - Muse
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Franklin: I don’t know what alias means. I would freeze time and be able to teleport.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Franklin: Chili's
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Franklin: Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Franklin: Football for 3 years, and Shot and Disc for 2 years
Wearing #11 this season, Jonathon Moore has seen it all — the highs, the hard work, and the pride that comes with being a St. Joseph-Ogden Spartan.
The senior corner back has had seven tackles in the team's campaigns against Prairie Central, Paxton-Buckley-Loda and Monticello, collecting 30 tackles in his first six games this season.
In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, he shares the best coaching advice he has ever received and a few of his favorie things. Here's a quick chat with Jonathon and a few photos from his games this season.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Moore: Lunch
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal? Moore: Gummy Candy
Sentinel:What is your dream car? Moore: Dodge Charger Hellcat
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Moore: Justin Jefferson, Randy Moss, Adrien Peterson
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Moore: “Don’t be a jag”- Coach Sweeney
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Moore: @jonathonmoore25
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Moore: Hawaii
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Moore: Hometown Glory by Adele
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your two main super powers?Moore: Super strength and invisibility
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Moore: McDonald’s
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Moore: Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Moore: Wrestling
Proudly wearing #52 this season, Matt Alexander has been a solid player on the O-line. Seeing limited action his junior year, from August until his final regular season home game tonight, Alexander has grown as a solid foundation in the trench. Heading into Friday’s finale, he has 14 tackles on defense through seven games. Taking the time to answer our 12 questions for his senior salute, he shares his favorite pregame snack to his favorite place to eat.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School? Alexander : PE
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal? Alexander : Fruit snacks
Sentinel:What is your dream car? Alexander : 4th gen RAM 2500
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery? Alexander : Landon Frick, Wade Clark, Nick Jackson
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had? Alexander : Don't blink I'll cut your eye lids out. -Coach Skinner
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow. Alexander : @big_red52
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight? Alexander : Nashville, Tennessee
Sentinel:What is your hype-song? Alexander : Blind by Korn
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers? Alexander : Chew - Supper strength and teleportation.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends? Alexander : Hickory River
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing? Alexander : Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long? Alexander : Football 4 years
Focused and determined, Charlie Hale has built his senior season on consistency and effort. Heading into Friday’s finale, the Spartan defensive back has seen action in two of the four games resulting in a SJO victory. Through 12 questions in our senior salute, he shares what is his favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School to the best coaching advice he has received in his life so far.
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School? Hale : Trig pre calc
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Hale : Granola bars
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Hale : 2023 LP5
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Hale : Lucas smith coy hayes Kirby hale
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Hale : Don’t turn your back on the quarter back
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Hale : @Charlie_hale2008
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Hale : Germany, to the Cologne Cathedral
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Hale : Dreams and nightmares - Meek Mill
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Hale : Iron Man, and Spider Man. Super strength and flying
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Hale : Chilli’s
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Hale : Golf
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Hale : Basketball- freshman year
Archived articles published on October 24 in previous years from The Sentinel. Topics include local news, sports, community events, politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints.
Each day, we revisit stories that shaped our community — from thrilling high school sports moments and heartfelt local events to coverage of state politics, healthcare developments, and opinion pieces that sparked conversation. Explore archived stories published on October 24 from previous years, offering a snapshot of life in Champaign County and beyond by The Sentinel.
With Senior Night later this evening, we put St. Joseph-Ogden's #1 player under the spotlight for his 12 and Out. Lucas Smith, who wears #1, gives us the scoop on his pre-game snack and more.
The senior kicker, who also plays in the receiver slot and at d-back, has booted the ball 2,181 yards in eight games this season. After 48 kickoffs, Smith's longest kick is 60 yards, a feat he has performed three times - once in St. Joseph-Ogden's home game Unity, and against Central Catholic and Rantoul on the road. In those same games, Smith is 38-for-38 when it comes to field goal completions.
Here's what Lucas shared with The Sentinel:
Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?Smith: My strength class
Sentinel:What is your go-to pregame meal?Smith: Just a Peach
Sentinel:What is your dream car?Smith: Porsche 911
Sentinel:Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?Smith: Both my parents and my financial adviser
Sentinel:What is the best coaching advice you ever had?Smith: "It's just a game, have fun"
Sentinel:Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.Smith: @arc_bros
Sentinel:If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?Smith: Italy
Sentinel:What is your hype-song?Smith: Lose Yourself by Eminmem
Sentinel:If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?Smith: Hercules because that's my nickname. I would have super strength and super speed.
Sentinel:Favorite place to eat with you friends?Smith: Raising Canes
Sentinel:If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?Smith: Football
Sentinel:What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?Smith: Football for 4 years. Baseball for 2 years. Basketball for 1 year. Track for 2 years.
Archived articles published on October 23 in previous years from The Sentinel. Topics include local news, sports, community events, politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints.
Each day, we revisit stories that shaped our community — from thrilling high school sports moments and heartfelt local events to coverage of state politics, healthcare developments, and opinion pieces that sparked conversation. Explore archived stories published on October 23 from previous years, offering a snapshot of life in Champaign County and beyond by The Sentinel.
ST. JOSEPH - Zach Harper gently guides the ball into the net to score his sixth of the game in St. Joseph-Ogden's regional semifinal game against Unity on Tuesday. SJO advanced to Saturday's regional title game after a 7-0 victory over the Rockets at Dick Duval Field. The Spartans (22-1-2) will face #5 seed Urbana University High (12-6-4), who defeated St. Thomas More 1-0 on Wednesday. Open kick is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. More photo and game recap coming soon.
Everyday actions make a difference. Say thank you a lot and use kind words often.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
America’s continued national success is dependent on all of us-the American people. Our American people are what makes America a great nation. We have a beautiful land. We have plenty of natural resources and we have a great heritage but it’s our everyday actions that make America great.
Everyday actions make a difference. For example, don’t randomly beep your car horn at people. You never know what someone is dealing with in front of you. Possibly, they are not in as big a hurry as you. Maybe they are trying to obey the speed limit. Maybe they are elderly and they have slowed down a bit in life. Riding their bumper and beeping your horn never makes the situation better. You will not advance yourself any faster plus you will only frustrate the driver in front of you and yourself. Lay back, relax and wait for an opportunity to safely pass the car.
Don’t fight with people at the restaurant buffet. Buffets typically have more than enough. I seldom have seen a skinny person filling his or her plate at the buffet. There is no need to rush in front of people to get a spoonful of mashed potatoes. Bide your time, be patient in line and your opportunity to select your chicken or ribs will come. I found myself in a buffet line on a cruise ship not long ago. I began to think that David surely wrote Psalm 23 while navigating a cruise ship’s dessert section.
Treat people the way you like be treated.
Open the door for people but stand and wait for someone to open one for you. Be the one who opens the door and encourage the person close by to go ahead of you. Pushing ahead of someone often prompts them to push forward and there is nothing gained by everyone trying to push forward ahead of the other, except ill will.
Say thank you a lot and use kind words often. We all have the ability to complain and sometimes we have to complain or nothing gets done. When there is a big pot hole in your road then kindly ask the highway department to fix it. Try kindness, speaking respectfully and writing kind letters. Be very nice. You can always get ticked off and angry if there is no other alternative. However, usually there is higher road that we can take and in the end we will feel better if a positive result was met without having to act crazy.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is a good Bible rule that works well in all aspects of life. Treat people the way you like be treated. If we, the American people, will do so, our country will run more smoothly, peacefully and happily.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. 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.
Hot and delicious, your morning pick me gets you ready for another day of work or play. Love coffee but worried about your teeth? Coffee lovers, rejoice! Here's the truth about stains, enamel erosion, and how to enjoy your daily brew.
Photo: Timothy Barlin/Unsplash
A cup of coffee is a great way to wake up in the morning and great to have for an afternoon pick-me-up.
by Casey Cartwright Contributor Writer
You love your morning cup of coffee. That rich aroma, the warm comfort, the energy boost that gets you through the day—hard to beat, right? Despite these amazing benefits, you probably have heard that this caffeinated beverage can damage your teeth, primarily through staining. But then again, you’ve probably also heard many people dispute this.
What’s the truth? What does the science say? While coffee does present certain risks to your oral health, the complete picture includes both potential benefits and drawbacks that every coffee lover should understand. This article is all about revealing the facts about whether coffee is actually bad for your teeth.
We’re going to start with the most pervasive claim, which is that it stains. Well, this is true. The dark compounds in coffee, called tannins, can indeed discolor your enamel. These polyphenolic compounds easily stick to tooth enamel and accumulate over time.
Tannins on your teeth work similarly to how they stain fabric. They bind to the porous surface of your enamel, creating discoloration that becomes more pronounced with repeated exposure. The longer coffee stays in contact with your teeth, the more opportunity these compounds have to create lasting stains.
Now, surface stains are one thing, but deeper staining can occur when enamel becomes weakened by acid exposure. Once tannins penetrate beyond the surface, professional dental treatment may be needed to restore your teeth’s natural color.
Speaking of acid exposure, that leads us to the next big concern that coffee drinkers should know about: enamel erosion. Most coffee has a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, making it one of the foods that can harm your enamel. When you sip coffee, the acid interacts with the minerals in your enamel. This process, called demineralization, weakens the protective outer layer of your teeth. Your saliva naturally works to restore these minerals, but frequent exposure to acidic beverages can overwhelm this natural defense system. The temperature of your coffee also matters. Hot beverages can make your teeth more susceptible to staining.
Photo: Navy Medicine/Unsplash
Regular professional cleanings are the best option for removing coffee stains that brushing can’t.
By now, you might be thinking that it’s true; coffee is actually bad for your teeth. But research has revealed some unexpected ways coffee might, in fact, support your oral health. For instance, coffee contains antibacterial properties that could help fight certain harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Coffee also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in your gums. These compounds, including chlorogenic acids, have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially benefit your overall oral health.
The key factor here is black coffee. Adding sugar, cream, or other sweeteners eliminates these potential benefits and introduces new risks for tooth decay. Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, creating an environment where tooth decay can flourish. Each time you sip a sweetened coffee drink, you’re essentially giving these bacteria a meal, and they produce acid as a by-product.
You should know that flavored coffee drinks from popular chains probably contain shocking amounts of sugar. A single large flavored coffee beverage can contain 25 grams of sugar or more. This amount of sugar, combined with the natural acidity of coffee, creates a perfect storm for dental problems.
So what should you do? Is it possible to reap the benefits of coffee drinking without the harm? We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to give up your beloved coffee to protect your teeth. Making a few simple adjustments to your coffee routine can dramatically reduce its potential impact on your oral health.
Limit how much sugar and cream you use in your daily cup of Joe.
For one, drink your coffee within a shorter timeframe rather than sipping it slowly throughout the morning. This limits the duration of acid exposure to your teeth. Your saliva has a better chance to neutralize acids and begin remineralization when you’re not constantly reintroducing acidic substances.
Next, try to use a straw when possible, especially for iced coffee drinks. This helps the liquid bypass your teeth, thereby reducing direct contact between the coffee and your enamel.
Another tip is to sip water after drinking coffee, taking care to swish it around over your teeth. This simple step helps wash away acids and tannins before they have a chance to cause damage. Additionally, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, as brushing immediately after acid exposure can harm softened enamel.
And lastly, limit how much sugar and cream you use in your daily cup of Joe. As we mentioned, the best way to take it is black. However, a bit of cream and sugar won’t hurt you if you’re smart with your other dental care practices. Keep in mind that you can also use sugar-free sweeteners if you like the taste. These aren’t necessarily good for your teeth, but they don’t feed your mouth bacteria like real sugar does.
That’s what we have to say about personal dental care, but these practices are not a replacement for professional treatment. Rather, regular dental checkups become even more important when you’re a daily coffee drinker, even if you do everything “right” at home. Your dentist can monitor any changes in your enamel and catch potential problems early.
These simple steps allow you to enjoy your daily coffee
Moreover, professional cleanings can remove coffee stains that regular brushing can’t eliminate. Your dental hygienist has specialized tools and techniques that can safely remove surface stains without damaging your enamel.
So make sure to discuss your coffee habits honestly with your dental team. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual oral health needs and risk factors.
In the end, coffee isn’t inherently bad for your teeth. In fact, the research shows that moderate coffee consumption, particularly black coffee, may even offer some oral health benefits. But how you consume it and how you care for your dental health play a big role in how much damage the beverage can do.
The key is being mindful of your habits. Choose black coffee when possible, drink it within a reasonable timeframe, maintain excellent oral hygiene, and schedule your semiannual dentist visits. These simple steps allow you to enjoy your daily coffee while protecting your dental health. Now go enjoy your next cup of coffee in peace!
Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
Archived articles published on October 22 in previous years from The Sentinel. Topics include local news, sports, community events, politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints.
Each day, we revisit stories that shaped our community — from thrilling high school sports moments and heartfelt local events to coverage of state politics, healthcare developments, and opinion pieces that sparked conversation. Explore archived stories published on October 22 from previous years, offering a snapshot of life in Champaign County and beyond by The Sentinel.
