Oakwood-Salt Fork soccer advances to Sweet Sixteen after regional shutout

HOOPESTON - Oakwood-Salt Fork (OSF) claimed their second consecutive IHSA regional soccer title Wednesday with a commanding 6-0 victory over Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville (GRFW) in the final at Hoopeston Area High School. Led by a standout performance from Ethan Merritt, who tallied three goals and an assist, the Comets controlled the match from start to finish, adding yet another chapter to an impressive season under head coach Eric Fenton.

The win improved OSF’s record to 22-3, with a perfect 12-0 mark in the Vermilion Valley Conference, as they continue to build momentum heading into the Class 1A sectional semifinals. Their next challenge will be Fisher-Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (FGCMS), a formidable opponent riding an eight-game win streak. OSF will look to avenge their October 8 loss to FGCMS in the upcoming showdown.

---

Comet striker Macen Phillips pushes the ball away from St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess during their early season match in August. Macen delivered two goals in OSF's title victory.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

---

From the opening whistle, OSF dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, finishing the first half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. The Comets struck early when Macen Phillips connected on a pass from Merritt to open the scoring. Merritt then added two goals of his own before the break, converting assists from Saul Carrillo and Mason Swartz to put OSF in complete control.

In the second half, the Comets picked up where they left off. Phillips scored his second goal of the match, once again assisted by Carrillo, while Merritt completed his hat trick just minutes later, courtesy of another assist from Carrillo. Swartz rounded out the scoring, netting the final goal on a pass from Cooper McCrae, capping off a dominant offensive display.

The Comets outshot GRFW 32-8, with 17 of those shots on target, compared to just five from the Buffaloes. Goalkeeper Matt Darling of GRFW faced constant pressure throughout the match, making 11 saves to keep the score from getting even more out of hand. Meanwhile, OSF keeper Jakob Rupp had a quieter night but still managed five saves to preserve the shutout.

For GRFW, the loss marked the end of a season in which they finished 7-10 overall and 4th in the Vermilion Valley Conference with a 5-7 record. The Buffaloes were unable to find the offensive spark they needed, as their leading scorer, junior forward Simonas Ankstutis, was held scoreless. Ankstutis, who averages 2.5 goals per game and leads his team with 75 shots on goal this season, struggled to break through OSF’s organized defense. Senior midfielder Elijha Jones and freshman forward Landon Heck were similarly stifled, as GRFW managed just eight total shots, with few clear scoring opportunities.

The regional title represents a continuation of OSF’s upward trajectory under Fenton. Last season, the Comets finished 17-8-1, winning the conference with a 10-2 record before falling to Bloomington Central Catholic in the sectional semifinals. Now, with a deeper squad and more experience, OSF appears poised for a deeper postseason run.

Standing in their way is a rematch against FGCMS, who boast a 19-3-1 record and have not lost since September 25. FGCMS is known for its defensive discipline, having allowed only a handful of goals during their current winning streak. Their only recent loss came against Coal City in a 1-0 defeat decided by a late second-half goal.

Saturday’s match, set for 10 a.m. at Monticello High School, will offer OSF a chance to avenge their previous 2-0 loss to FGCMS and continue their quest for a sectional title. With Merritt and Phillips in top form, the Comets will look to test the Bunnies’ defense while relying on their own balanced approach to maintain control of the match.

For OSF, this postseason run represents more than just an opportunity for redemption. With their sights set on a potential state tournament appearance, the Comets are riding a wave of confidence and form as they enter the final stretch of the season.

---

---

St. Joseph-Ogden dominates again! Spartan soccer team wins first regional title in 12 years

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Zach Harper sets up a pass in St. Joseph-Ogden's home match against Central Catholic on October 1. Harper led the Spartans with another hat trick in their long awaited - and expected - regional title.

---

ST. ANNE - St. Joseph-Ogden captured its first regional soccer title in over a decade with a commanding 7-2 victory over Watseka on Wednesday, clinching the St. Anne Regional Championship. The Spartans, who hadn’t tasted postseason success since 2012, are in the midst of a remarkable season, improving their record to 22-2-1 and extending their current win streak to 15 games.

The Spartans displayed their balanced offensive attack once again, led by Zach Harper, who scored a hat trick and added an assist. Harper’s relentless playmaking has been a cornerstone of St. Joseph-Ogden’s dominance this season, and his performance against Watseka proved vital. Yadi Acosta contributed two goals to the Spartans' cause, while Alex Acosta and Tyler Hess each added a goal, with Hess also registering an assist. Logan Mills played the role of facilitator with two assists, and goalkeeper Jaxson Colvin made seven saves on nine shots to anchor the defense.

Despite Watseka's spirited effort in the first half, which saw them score two goals, the Spartans carried a 3-2 lead into halftime. St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to control possession and create opportunities through its well-organized midfield and clinical finishing proved too much for Watseka to handle. The second half was all Spartans, as they rattled off four unanswered goals to seal the victory.

Tyler Hess attacks the Central Catholic goal looking for a solo shot or open teammate to send the ball. Hess, who is a quiet force behind SJO's dominant offense, scored one goal and notched an assist in his team's first regional title in 12 years.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

---

Watseka, who struggled against St. Joseph-Ogden in their previous meeting earlier this month—an 8-0 shutout—fought valiantly to stay within striking distance in the first half. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Spartans’ tactical adjustments and superior depth. Wednesday’s match marked St. Joseph-Ogden’s 15th consecutive win, a streak bolstered by 14 shutouts throughout the season.

As the final whistle blew, the Spartans celebrated their long-awaited regional title, a moment that seemed increasingly likely as they breezed through the Illini Prairie Conference without dropping a match. Now, with a regional championship under their belts, St. Joseph-Ogden turns its attention to the Monticello Class 1A sectional semifinals, where they will face a formidable opponent in Normal University.

The Spartans' upcoming match against Normal University will be a significant test. The Pioneers, with a 20-5-1 record, finished the regular season with an undefeated 7-0-1 mark in the highly competitive Central State Eight Conference. They boast wins over Sacred Heart Griffin, Quincy Notre Dame, and all five Big Twelve Conference schools on their schedule. Known for their defensive discipline and midfield control, Normal University will pose a unique challenge for St. Joseph-Ogden, whose high-powered offense has made quick work of most opponents this season.

Saturday’s clash at noon will not only test St. Joseph-Ogden’s ability to maintain their scoring prowess but also how they manage against a team with the caliber of Normal University’s defense. While the Spartans have largely been dominant, outscoring opponents by wide margins, Normal University’s balanced approach could force them to adapt their strategy. The Spartans' success may hinge on their ability to break down a defense that has held its own against some of the state’s top programs.

---

Steven Newman keeps the ball away from two Blue Ridge players during SJO's home match on September 16. Newman, a sophomore, and the Spartans made quick work of the Knights in the 9-0 shutout.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

---

With the Spartans riding high on confidence and momentum, the stage is set for an intense matchup that could determine the trajectory of St. Joseph-Ogden’s playoff run. As they seek their first sectional title since their 2012 campaign, the Spartans will need to rely on the consistency and leadership of players like Harper, the Acosta brothers, and Hess, who have been key contributors throughout the season.

For a team that has consistently found the back of the net and controlled matches with superior tactics, St. Joseph-Ogden’s success against Normal University will likely depend on whether they can replicate the offensive precision that has been their hallmark. If they continue to perform at this level, the Spartans could very well extend their remarkable season even further.

St. Joseph-Ogden’s triumph over Watseka represents not only the end of a long postseason drought but also the beginning of a promising path deeper into the playoffs. With a talented roster and a winning mentality, the Spartans look poised to make a serious run at a state title.

---

---

Keywords: St. Joseph-Ogden soccer regional championship, SJO vs Watseka soccer, Illinois Class 1A sectional soccer, St. Joseph-Ogden high school soccer, Normal University vs SJO soccer playoff

Medicare plan for Illinoisans sees changes in new enrollment period

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

---

CHICAGO - Open enrollment for Medicare ends on Dec 7. The federal health insurance program is for anyone aged 65 or older. Some people younger than 65 with certain disabilities or conditions, limited income and resources can also get coverage.

Health research organization KFF reports 43% of Illinoisans have Medicare Advantage and 57% opted for traditional Medicare coverage.

Stephani Becker, associate director of health care justice at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in Illinois, explained the program.

"It covers inpatient care in hospitals, services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment and many preventive services," Becker outlined. "That's your Medicare Part A and Part B. Then there's a part D, which is a drug-coverage program."

KFF also noted in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for prescription drugs covered under Part D, Medicare's outpatient drug benefit, due to a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Another important distinction to know is the difference between the original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Traditional Medicare does not cover dental, vision and hearing insurance. However, many Medicare Advantage programs do. Becker emphasized it is important to review all documentation carefully to understand exactly what is in private plan coverage.

"One is the premium, which is what you pay monthly to your health insurance company," Becker pointed out. "Then the second is your out-of-pocket costs, so things like copays and coinsurance and deductibles, and that's the type of payment that you use when you use your insurance."

JustPlainClear.com and MedicareMadeClear.com are good websites to explain various health care plans for members and caregivers.

Becker adds someone who is self-employed and not eligible for Medicare can buy a plan for themselves on the marketplace and may be eligible for premium assistance. A slightly larger business with two or more employees, for example, can work with a broker and buy a small group health plan.

Meanwhile, open enrollment dates vary for other types of health plans. People with employer-sponsored coverage typically select a plan during a two-to-three week period between September and December. And open enrollment for plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace generally runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. More information is available at www.UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

---

---

Keywords:

Regional soccer title on their minds, Tigers crush the Vikings in semifinal match

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Emir Martinez lines up a pass during second half action against Danville. The Urbana junior scored twice in his team's overwhelming victory over the Vikings on Tuesday at the Urbana Tigers Sports Complex.

---

URBANA - The #3 seed Urbana Tigers cruised past Danville in a dominant 7-0 shutout Tuesday evening, advancing to the Class 2A regional final. Playing on home turf at the Urbana Tigers' Sports Complex, the Tigers showcased their offensive prowess, scoring twice in the first half and exploding for five more goals in the second. The win improved their record to 11-8-1, while Danville's season ended at 7-12-4.

Urbana's attack was ignited by junior Emir Martinez, who opened the scoring just 10 minutes and seven seconds into the match. His early strike set the tone for what would be a lopsided contest. Martinez wasn’t finished, netting his second goal of the game with 17:10 left in the second half to push Urbana's lead to 5-0.

The Tigers’ relentless offensive display continued with Winner Nana scoring two goals of his own. His first came with just 5:32 left in the first half, giving Urbana a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. Nana wasted little time adding to that tally after halftime, striking again just 7:34 into the second half to make it 3-0. Not to be outdone by his younger brother, senior Fortunel Nana found the back of the net shortly after, extending the lead to 4-0 with 31:31 remaining.

---

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Fortunel Nana settles the ball during the second half. The senior booked a goal eight and a half minutes into the second half for the Tigers.

---

Danville, seeded #6 in the Warrensburg-Latham Subsectional, struggled to contain Urbana's aggressive offense. The Vikings, who finished 9th in the Big Twelve Conference, failed to generate significant scoring chances throughout the match. Their defense, which had held Urbana to just two goals in their previous meeting on October 1, couldn’t replicate that performance in the postseason.

Urbana continued to apply pressure even as the match seemed out of reach. The Tigers’ sixth goal came courtesy of Arnau Sanchez-Marin, who chipped the ball over the Danville goalkeeper in the 74th minute. Sophomore Lemex Ondongo capped off the scoring with just 53 seconds left, adding the final dagger in Urbana's commanding victory.

The Tigers now turn their attention to the regional championship, where they will face Mahomet-Seymour, a familiar foe. The two teams split their regular-season series, with Urbana winning 3-1 in their first encounter on September 7, but falling 1-0 in the rematch on September 30. Mahomet-Seymour's defensive improvement in the second meeting will be a key storyline heading into the final.

Urbana, which finished 6th in the Big Twelve Conference with a 4-5-1 record, will look to continue its postseason momentum as it chases a regional title.

---

---

Urbana Tigers soccer, Class 2A regional semifinal, Urbana vs Danville soccer, Mahomet-Seymour regional final, high school soccer playoffs

Mahomet-Seymour edges Mt. Zion 3-2 in OT thriller to advance to regional final

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Alexandre Chequim-Fiho celebrates after his overtime score in Mahomet-Seymour's Class 2A semifinal game on Tuesday. The Bulldogs advanced to Friday's regional championship game after beating Mt. Zion, 3-2.

---

URBANA - Mahomet-Seymour secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Mt. Zion in the IHSA soccer regional semifinals on Tuesday, punching their ticket to the regional championship match. A late surge by the Bulldogs, capped by sophomore Alexandre Chequim-Fiho's overtime goal, sealed the win after a hard-fought battle at the Urbana Tigers Athletic Complex.

Mt. Zion controlled much of the first half, with forward Greg Frazier striking twice. His first goal came with 23:27 left in the half, followed by a second at the 9:40 mark, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead and momentum as the half wound down. However, Mahomet-Seymour responded before the break with senior Travis Hoffman netting his 23rd goal of the season, trimming the deficit to 2-1 just 39 seconds before halftime.

The second half saw both teams exchange opportunities, but neither side could break through until the closing minutes. With just 2:40 remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs found the equalizer through Brody Back, sending the match into overtime.

---

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bulldog goalkeeper Hayden Litteken leaps forward to block a shot by Mt. Zion's Will Grohne in the second half.

---

In the first overtime period, Mahomet-Seymour capitalized on their renewed momentum. Chequim-Fiho found the back of the net with 1:57 left, putting the Bulldogs ahead 3-2. Despite a strong push from Mt. Zion in the second overtime, including several near-miss opportunities, Mahomet-Seymour’s defense held firm to preserve the victory.

With the win, Mahomet-Seymour improved to 15-7-2 on the season. The Bulldogs, who captured the Apollo Conference title with an 8-1-1 record, have now strung together two consecutive wins in the postseason. They will face Urbana on Friday for the regional championship. Mahomet-Seymour previously defeated Urbana 1-0 earlier in the season, setting the stage for a tightly contested rematch at the Tigers Athletic Complex, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

Mt. Zion (12-9-2) saw their season come to a close with the overtime defeat. The Braves, who finished third in the Apollo Conference with a 6-3-1 record, were known for their strong defensive efforts, recording seven shutouts during the season. However, despite a promising start in Tuesday's semifinal, they were unable to hold off the late charge by Mahomet-Seymour.

---

---

Keywords: Mahomet-Seymour soccer, Mt. Zion soccer loss, IHSA regional semifinals, Apollo Conference soccer, Illinois high school soccer, Mahomet-Seymour vs Urbana soccer

Early voting in Champaign County; here's the dates and times

URBANA - Early voting is now open county-wide for the 2024 election in Champaign County. Voters can cast their ballots at any designated early voting locations in the county before Election Day. You can vote at ANY polling place, including your home polling place, regardless of where you live in the county.

Upon arrival, check in with Election Judges, and follow the procedure to cast your ballot. Voters do not need to show ID unless they have updated their voter registration or their signature does not match the records on file.

Before you head over to vote, look up what will be on your ballot and then research the candidates and issues. You are allowed to take a list of candidates you want to vote for into the booth with you. Learn more about researching your ballot and the candidates.

In case of any issues while voting, such as filling in the ballot incorrectly, Election Judges will be available to assist with a replacement ballot. Once your ballot is submitted, it cannot be rescinded.

Early voting is available at the locations and times below.

Brookens Administrative Center Gymnasium
1776 E Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802:

October 7th – October 11th
October 14th – October 18th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Monday, October 21st – Monday, November 4th

Monday – Friday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM

Saturday, 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Sunday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Additional Early Voting Sites
Open October 21st, 2024 to November 4th, 2024

Days / Hours:

Monday – Friday, 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Saturday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sunday, 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Champaign Public Library
200 W Green Street, Champaign, 61820

Illini Union
1401 W Green Street, Urbana, 61801

Lake of the Woods Pavilion
109 S Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet, 61853

Leonhard Recreation Center
2307 W Sangamon Drive, Champaign, 61821

Meadowbrook Community Church
1902 S Duncan Road, Champaign, 61821

Parkland College
Building E – 2400 W Bradley Avenue, Champaign, 61821

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
802 E Douglas, St. Joseph, 61873

Rantoul Youth Center
1306 Country Club Lane, Rantoul, 61866

Savoy Recreation Center
402 W Graham Drive, Savoy 61874

The Church of The Living God
312 E Bradley Avenue, Champaign 61820

Tolono Public Library
111 E Main Street, Tolono 61880

---

---

Voting, Early Voting in Champaign County, Election 2024

Editorial |Pro or Con?

Khalil Bendib / OtherWords.org

A nation of laws... or lawlessness?

---

Sentinel area regional soccer scores

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - Urbana's Arnau Sanchez-Marin celebrates his second-half goal against Danville on Tuesday. The Tigers rolled to 7-0 shutout over the visiting Vikings, advancing to Friday's 4 pm regional title match on their home field. Urbana will square off against Mahomet-Seymour, who won their match over Mt. Zion 3-2 (2OT). Below are the other regional semifinal results for our area teams.

---

Urbana - 7
Danville - 0
Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Urbana vs Mahomet-Seymour

Champaign Central - 2
Mattoon - 1
Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Charleston vs Centennial

Champaign Centennial - 5
Charleston - 0
Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Charleston vs Central

Mahomet-Seymour - 3 (2 OT)
Mt. Zion - 2
Next: Regional Championship - Friday 4pm @ Urbana vs Urbana

Regional Championship Results:
Oakwood - 6
Georgetown-Ridge Farm - 0
Next: Sectional Semifinal - Saturday 10am @ Monticello vs Fisher

---