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FOOTBALL 2016
2 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
INDEX
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
ROAD TRIP Week 1
CONFERENCE BREAKDOWNS APOLLO..............................................................3 (Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon, Mount Zion, Taylorville) CENTRAL ILLINOIS............................................4,5 (Central A&M, Clinton, Meridian, St. Teresa, Shelbyville, Sullivan-Okaw Valley, Tuscola, Warrensburg-Latham) CENTRAL STATE EIGHT........................................ 6 (Eisenhower, Lincoln, MacArthur) OKAW VALLEY.....................................................7 (Monticello) SANGAMO...........................................................7 (Maroa-Forsyth) LITTLE OKAW VALLEY.......................................8,9 (Northwest: Arcola, Argenta-Oreana, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, Cerro Gordo-Bement, LSA, Sangamon Valley. Southeast: Cumberland, Oblong) LITTLE ILLINI.................................................... 12 (Casey-Westfield, Newton, Olney, Robinson) PRAIRIE STATE.................................................. 13 (Nokomis) SOUTH CENTRAL............................................... 13 (Pana, Vandalia)
PLAYERS TO WATCH Quarterbacks................................................................. 10 Running back................................................................. 10 Wide receivers............................................................... 10 Linemen.......................................................................... 11 Defenders....................................................................... 11
RECORDS Area top performances..................................................14 Area state record holders..............................................15
RANKINGS Preseason rankings........................................................15
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Fri, Aug. 26 — Tolono Unity at St. Teresa Last year, with all the excitement surrounding the Bulldogs being in 1A, this game was an early wake-up call. Of course, Unity would go on to the 3A state championship game, so the 41-28 loss had some quality to it. This year, expectations for both teams are higher with plenty of starters returning and it’s a great chance for St. T to see high-level competition. Sat, Aug. 27 — MacArthur vs. Eisenhower, 3 p.m. It’s enough just being the city rivalry game, or it’s enough that Eisenhower figures to be one of the better 5A teams in the state. But add on top that this game is at Millikin, and this may be the best atmosphere you’ll find in the state on Saturday. Other top games: Mount Zion at Mahomet-Seymour, Maroa-Forsyth at New Berlin, Cerro Gordo-Bement at Warrensburg-Latham, Arcola at Central A&M (Sat.), Newton at Georgetown-Ridge Farm (Sat.)
Week 2
Much of Newton’s rushing attack returns, so Other top games: Cerro Gordo-Bement at Sangamon Valley, Marshall at Olney, Tolono Marshall will have to make some big adjustments to avoid a repeat of Mitch Bierman’s Unity at Monticello (Sat.) 45-carry, 354-yard, five-touchdown perforWeek 5 mance. Marshall will have to figure out a new Taylorville at Mount Zion The Apollo rivalry went up a notch after way to score on offense after QB Travis Adthe Tornadoes forged a comeback to handle ams graduated. He threw for 259 yards and Mount Zion in the playoffs. Taylorville is 3-0 all three touchdowns. Other top games: St. Teresa at Tuscola, against the Braves since joining the Apollo, Cerro Gordo-Bement at LSA, Nokomis at and Mount Zion is ready to end that run at Mount Olive, Mattoon at Effingham home.
Shelbyville at Cerro Gordo-Bement Here’s a matchup that’s never happened before. And in the middle of the newly formed LOVC vs. CIC lineup, this might be one of, if not the best game between the two conferences. It’ll be a constrast in styles with CGB pounding the ball behind Dalton Grohler and Shelbyville letting QB Turner Pullen air it out. Other top games: Carlinville at Vandalia, Much of the Braves’ roster is back, includCentral A&M at Argenta-Oreana, Mount Zion ing a good chunk of the senior class that will at Highland have two years of starting to draw from. But the defense will have to slow Taylorville’s run Week 3 game, which has been a large deciding factor St. Teresa at Warrensburg-Latham It’s a rematch after St. Teresa pulled off the the past couple of years. Other top games: Shelbyville at Warrenswild 44-43 win in overtime in Week 9. This year, the matchup kicks off CIC play, burg-Latham, Charleston vs. Mattoon, Arcola and Warrensburg is hoping to get a jump at Cerro Gordo-Bement, Sangamon Valley at on five wins for the first playoff berth since LSA, St. Joseph-Ogden at Monticello (Sat.) 2008. Expect plenty of scoring again this year. Between Jacardia Wright and the Lewis twins, Diondre and Dionte, the track stars should run all over the field for plenty of touchdowns. Whichever defense forces a turnover or two, or makes a key stop may turn up the victor. Other top games: Newton at Lawrenceville, Williamsville at Maroa-Forsyth, Eisenhower at Jacksonville, Sangamon Valley at Cumberland
Week 4
Pana at Carlinville This figures to be one of, if not the deciding game for the South Central title. Both have an overwhelming amount of starters back on offense and defense. Pana’s coming off the best year in school history, Carlinville’s looking to improve from an 8-3 season that was ended by the tough St. Joseph-Ogden. The Panthers will need to figure out how to slow down Jacob Dixon, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored 35 touchdowns. They certainly did that last year, holding Dixon to 25 yards rushing as Pana stomped Carlinville 35-0.
Week 6
Maroa-Forsyth at Athens It always takes a while for the new team in the conference to start building up rivalries. Maroa and Athens, though, have a head start. This game’s important for conference placing — both teams figure to challenge for the Sangamo title — but having run into each other in the past two playoffs makes this a delicious matchup. Maroa trounced Athens two years ago 44-6 before Athens returned the favor 34-24 last season. Expect plenty of the Trojan faithful to make the hour trip to Athens for a third time in three years. Other top games: Eisenhower at Glenwood, Casey-Westfield at Monticello, Pana at Greenville, Arcola at LSA, Cumberland at Oblong
Week 7
Marshall at Newton Last year, Marshall was the only team within a score of threatening Newton’s undefeated regular season. This game figures to determine who wins the Little Illini this season as well.
Week 8
Eisenhower at Rochester Before the Panthers landed on everyone’s radar last year, Eisenhower pushed Rochester in Week 1. This game is likely to feature plenty of quarterback play from Eisenhower’s Cayleb Dehority and whoever emerges from the Rochester battle between Nik Baker and Josh Grant. The Rochester defensive backs will get a workout covering Stephon Bobbitt, Stefon Jarrett and Eric Thomas, and Eisenhower’s will chase Avante Cox, D’Ante Cox and Collin Stallworth all over the field as well. Other top games: Maroa-Forsyth at Auburn, Vandalia at Pana, Newton at Olney
Week 9
St. Teresa at Shelbyville If a summer 7 on 7 was any indication, this game will be plenty intense. Mark Ramsey returns to Shelbyville after leading the Rams to two straight playoff appearances, and he’ll square off against former assistant Bill Duckett. A Shelbyville group with plenty of juniors and sophomores will have had nearly another full season of experience under its belt; St. Teresa should look for a tune-up for the 1A playoffs. Other top games: Pana at Hillsboro, SHG at Eisenhower, North Mac at Maroa-Forsyth, Cumberland at Argenta-Oreana, Arcola at Oblong
FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 3
Apollo Conference Charleston Trojans
COACH: Tyler Hanner (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 795 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 0-9, 0-5 Apollo PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jordan Easton, Sr., OL; Justin Wilson, Sr., QB; Bryce Frederick, Sr., RB; Kevin Reddish, Sr., RB/LB; Dawson Armstrong, Sr., WR/ DB; Reid Littleford, Jr. RB/DB OUTLOOK: The Trojans probably couldn’t afford anymore bad news. But they got it on the first day of practice when Tim Hogan announced his sudden resignation for personal reasons. Defensive coordinator Tyler Hanner takes over as interim head coach. Yet, Charleston can depend on a core of seniors that includes quarterback Justin Wilson who started all nine games last season. He completed 51 of 125 passing attempts for 542 yards and four touchdowns. SCHEDULE Aug 26 – Rantoul Sep 2 – at Mount Vernon Sep 9 – Centralia Sep 16 – at Effingham Sep 23 – Mattoon (at EIU) Sep 30 – Mount Zion Oct 7 – at Taylorville Oct 14 – Salem Oct 21 – at Highland
BREAKDOWN Preseason poll 4. Effingham 1. Taylorville 5. Salem 2. Mount Zion 6. Charleston 3. Mattoon Last year Conf All Taylorville 5-0 11-1 Mattoon 4-1 5-5 Mount Zion 3-2 6-4 Effingham 2-3 4-5 Salem 1-4 3-6 Charleston 0-5 0-9 Games to watch Aug. 26 – Troy Triad at Mattoon Sept. 2 – Mount Zion at Highland Sept. 16 – Mattoon at Mount Zion Sept. 23 – Taylorville at Mount Zion Oct. 14 – Mattoon at Taylorville Outlook Taylorville should breeze through its first four games. Mount Vernon, Wood River East Alton, Rantoul and Salem had a combined 4-32 record last year. That will give the Tornadoes plenty of time to polish their young offense and get ready for their first real test at Mount Zion on Sept. 23.
Effingham Flaming Hearts
COACH: Brett Hefner (2nd year, 4-5 record) ENROLLMENT: 741 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 4-5, 2-3 Apollo PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ash Blunt, Sr., OL/DL; Frank Schneiderjon, Jr., OL/DL; Grant Wolfe, Sr., DB; Terrence Hill, Jr., RB/DB; Jordan McCabe, Jr., RB/DB; Kody Line, Jr., WR/DB; Cory Osborn, Sr., WR/ DB; Lucas Vasquez, Jr., QB; Landon Wolfe, So., QB OUTLOOK: A couple of tough losses against Taylorville and Mattoon knocked the Hearts out of the playoffs in Brett Hefner’s first year. Despite losing their top quarterback and running back, there is plenty of talent returning to make up for it. It starts with junior running back Terrence Hill who had 91 carries for 478 yards last season. But there is much uncertainty at quarterback. Three players are vying to replace standout Hudson Graham: Lucas Vasquez, Landon Wolfe and Nathan Shackelford. A challenging schedule also stands in the way with games against non-conference playoff contenders Breese Mater Dei and Highland. SCHEDULE Aug 26 – at Breese Mater Dei Sep 2 – at Jerseyville Sep 9 – Highland Sep 16 – Charleston Sep 23 – at Salem Sep 30 – Taylorville Oct 7 – at Mattoon Oct 14 – Mount Zion Oct 21 – Mahomet-Seymour
Mattoon Green Wave
COACH: Troy Johnson (8th year, 28-39 record) ENROLLMENT: 1,047 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-5, 4-1 Apollo, lost 38-13 to Troy Triad in 5A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nick Poorman, Sr., QB; Alec Raboin, Sr., WR/DB; Michael Smith, Sr., WR/ DB; Konour Smith, WR/DB; Cole Diepholz, Sr., OL/ DL; Michael Brown, Jr., RB/LB
OUTLOOK: The Green Wave had a strong summer led by senior quarterback Nick Poorman. They won a couple of 7-on-7 tournaments in July, going 6-0 at Urbana and 11-1 at its own camp. Poorman was the team’s leading receiver last season with 32 catches for 491 yards and seven touchdowns. With Garett Rice gone, Poorman’s taking the snaps. Even with Poorman’s move, the Wave don’t have to worry about a void at receiver. He will have several weapons to go to with seniors Alec Raboin, Michael Smith and Konour Smith. They will be tested in their season opener against Troy Triad, who dominated last year’s opener 52-10 and finished the season 9-2. SCHEDULE Aug 26 – Troy Triad Sep 2 – at Mascoutah Sep 9 – Jerseyville Sep 16 – at Mount Zion Sep 23 – at Charleston (at EIU) Sep 30 – at Salem Oct 7 – Effingham Oct 14 – at Taylorville Oct 21 – Marion
Mount Zion Braves
COACH: Patrick Etherton (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 734 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-4, 3-2 Apollo, lost 3614 to Taylorville in 4A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brandon Price, Sr. QB; Garrett May, Sr., RB/LB; Charles Kuhle, Sr, WR/DB; Peyten Chappel, Sr., RB/LB; Alex Scharf, Sr., TE/DL; Andrew Auton, Sr., OL/LB OUTLOOK: Brandon Price took charge of the offense last season and led the Braves to their second straight playoff berth. The Illinois State University commit finished with 2,179 total yards of offense. He will have plenty of offensive support around him, including running back Garrett May and wide receiver Charles Kuhle. However, defense continued to
be a weakness last season, giving up more than 30 points in losses against Taylorville (twice), Mattoon and Bethalto Civic Memorial. That could turn around under first-year coach Patrick Etherton with a group of solid linebackers: May, Chappel and Auton. SCHEDULE Aug 26 – at Mahomet-Seymour Sep 2 – at Highland Sep 9 – Bethalto Civic Memorial Sep 16 – Mattoon Sep 23 – Taylorville Sept 30 – at Charleston Oct 7 – Salem PHOTO BY LISA MORRISON, HERALD & REVIEW Oct 14 – at Effingham Jeb Odam will have a slew of veterans Oct 21 – at Rantoul returning to build a defense that could again make Taylorville a playoff team.
Taylorville Tornadoes
COACH: Jeb Odam (8th year, 38-32 record) ENROLLMENT: 796 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 11-1, 5-0 Apollo, lost 4220 to Breese Mater Dei in 4A quarterfinals PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brandon Odam, So., QB; Parker Stokes, Sr., LB; Evan Champley, Jr., RB/LB; Jack Curtin, Sr., DB; Ben Tapscott, Sr., RB; Heath Fleming, Sr., LB; Kyle Woods, Jr., LB; Gunder Reese, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The Tornadoes hope to break through the playoff quarterfinals once and for all with their formidable defense. It will feature six returning starters and will be captained by threeyear starter Parker Stokes. He is moving from his usual safety position to outside linebacker. Look for him to register more than 100 tackles. Much of the
Tornadoes’ offensive production is gone, however. In their place comes much inexperience, including sophomore quarterback Brandon Odam. Running back will be shouldered by some new faces as well, including Evan Champley and Ben Tapscott. Schedule Aug 26 – at Mount Vernon Sep 2 – at East Alton Wood River Sep 9 – Rantoul Sep 16 – Salem Sep 23 – at Mount Zion Sept 30 – at Effingham Oct 7 – Charleston Oct 14 – Mattoon Oct 21 – Bethalto Civic Memorial
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
Central Illinois Conference Clinton Maroons
COACH: John Hayden (7th year at Clinton, 60107 record) ENROLLMENT: 631 LAST YEAR: 5-5, lost 62-27 to Belleville Althoff Catholic in 4A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Noah Griffin, Sr., QB; Alec Cooley, Sr., RB; Dalton Whitted, Sr., TE/LB; Will Scott, Sr., WR; Bryson Carson, Jr., LB OUTLOOK: The Maroons have more confidence than ever, after breaking an 11-year playoff drought last season, and it comes from the top brass. Griffin was the QB his teammates hoped he’d be last season in his first year starting. Also, Cooley was due and delivered a breakout season at RB, finishing with 1,802 yards — fourth-most in the H&R area. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Villa Grove Sept. 2 — at Reed Custer Sept. 9 — vs. Tuscola Sept. 16 — at Central A&M Sept. 23 — vs. St. Teresa
BREAKDOWN 1. St. Teresa 2. Tuscola 3. Shelbyville 4. Clinton
Preseason Poll 5. Warrensburg 6. Sullivan 7. Central A&M 8. Meridian
Last Year Conf All Tuscola 7-0 10-1 St. Teresa 6-1 6-4 Shelbyville 5-2 7-3 Sullivan 3-4 5-5 Clinton 3-4 5-5 Warrensburg 2-5 3-6 Central A&M 2-5 3-6 Meridian 0-7 0-9 Games to Watch Aug. 26—Tolono Unity at St. Teresa Sept. 9—Tuscola at Clinton Sept. 23—Shelbyville at Warrensburg-Latham Oct. 7—Clinton at Shelbyville Oct. 7—St. Teresa at Tuscola Oct. 21—St. Teresa at Shelbyville Outlook Last fall, Tuscola was the team from the CIC getting a lot of state buzz. This time around, it’s St. Teresa with what figures to be a strong rushing attack, led by Jacardia Wright, behind a tough offensive line and a defense equally as good. The regular season comes first. The Bulldogs were unanimous CIC preseason favorites, but teams like Clinton, Tuscola and Shelbyville feel they aren’t too far off. They’ll all have a shot to knock off the Bulldogs, but the second- through sixth-place teams may all be a lot closer together than the first- and second-place teams. There’s a lot of competition in the middle with teams like Warrensburg-Latham and Central A&M knocking on the door.
Sept. 30 — at Sullivan-Okaw Valley Oct. 7 — at Shelbyville Oct. 14 — vs. Warrensburg-Latham Oct. 21 at Meridian
St. Teresa Bulldogs
COACH: Mark Ramsey (1st year at St. Teresa, 256-105 career record) ENROLLMENT: 259 LAST YEAR: 6-4, lost 20-12 to West Central in 1A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jacardia Wright, So., RB; Ryan Fyke, Sr., QB; Brady Moore, Sr., OL/DL; Mac Handley, Sr., LB; Simon Brinkoetter, Sr., WR/ DB; Cade McLeod, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs are in Year 2 with Wright and Year 1 with Ramsey, a combination that has many dreaming big for this team. But the 14-man senior class won’t go unnoticed. It includes Fyke, starting under center for the third season, and a veteran line built to peak right now. Compound that with an experienced offensive line and receiving corps. If the defense can improve — look to the Warrensburg game for motivation — that will put the Bulldogs in the elite group of Class 1A contenders. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Tolono Unity Sept. 2 — at Nokomis Sept. 9 — at Warrensburg-Latham Sept. 16 — vs. Meridian Sept. 23 — at Clinton Sept. 30 — vs. Central A&M Oct. 7 — at Tuscola Oct. 14 — vs. Sullivan-Okaw Valley Oct. 21 — at Shelbyville
Meridian Hawks
COACH: Scott Davis (4th year at Meridian, 236115 career record) ENROLLMENT: 302 LAST YEAR: 0-9 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Cameron Getz, Jr., QB; Gage Hollgarth, Jr., RB; Chris Norman, Sr., OL; Zach Habermaas, Sr., OL; Cole Damery, Sr., OL OUTLOOK: There are numerous returners, and those make up a majority of the team with 23 players listed on the roster. The Hawks will need to stay healthy, but it’s still going to be tough going up against a CIC conference where several of the teams have improved since last season. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Argenta-Oreana Sept. 2 — at LSA Sept. 9 — vs. Central A&M Sept. 16 — at St. Teresa Sept. 23 — vs. Sullivan-Okaw Valley Sept. 30 — at Shelbyville Oct. 7 — vs. Warrensburg-Latham Oct. 14 — at Tuscola Oct. 21 — vs. Clinton
Central A&M Raiders
COACH: Brent Weakly (2nd year, 3-6 record) ENROLLMENT: 248 LAST YEAR: 3-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Keaton Garner, Sr., WR/ DB; Jameson Smith, Jr., QB; Riley Black, Jr., RB/ LB; Peyton Denton, Sr., OL/DL; Luke Schinzler,
First-year Rams coach Bill Duckett has a talented, but still fairly young team to work with in Shelbyville. Sr., LB OUTLOOK: The Raiders were building in the right direction during Year 1 with Weakly. So, expect their ticker to continue going up, especially since they return three of their biggest playmakers – Garner, Smith and Black – to a speedy offensive lineup. Weakly spun success with Ramsey at Shelbyville — can A&M make a similar jump in the coach’s second season back home?
SCHEDULE Aug. 27 — vs. Arcola, 2 p.m. Sept. 2 — at Argenta-Oreana Sept. 9 — at Meridian Sept. 16 — vs. Clinton Sept. 23 — vs. Tuscola Sept. 30 — at St. Teresa Oct. 7 — at Sullivan-Okaw Valley Oct. 14 — vs. Shelbyville Oct. 21 — at Warrensburg-Latham
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DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
FOOTBALL 2016
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 5
Shelbyville Rams
COACH: Bill Duckett (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 353 LAST YEAR: 7-3, lost 43-21 to Auburn in 2A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Turner Pullen, Jr., QB/FS; Cade Watson, Jr., WR/DB; Dillon Birch, Sr., OL/DL; Tyler Gottfriedt, Jr., RB/DL; Justin Hopper, Sr., OL/LB OUTLOOK: The Rams have a lot of production at RB to make up to stay balanced on offense, but their passing attack looks ready to score a ton of points with Pullen and one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. Their defense, led by a strong front line, should keep them in games. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Pawnee Sept. 2 — at Cerro Gordo-Bement Sept. 9 — vs. Sullivan-Okaw Valley Sept. 16 — at Tuscola Sept. 23 — at Warrensburg-Latham Sept. 30 — vs. Meridian Oct. 7 — vs. Clinton Oct. 14 — at Central A&M Oct. 21 — vs. St. Teresa
Sullivan-Okaw Valley Redskins
COACH: Gerald Temples (3rd year at SOV, career 165-95 record) ENROLLMENT: 494 LAST YEAR: 5-5, lost 46-21 to Newton in 3A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ty Nichols, Sr., RB/ LB; Drew Hubbard, Sr., RB/LB; Bryce Farris, Sr., TE/LB; Jared Merryman, Sr., OL/DL; Keith Bone, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The Redskins are in the same place they were a year ago, looking at a list of names and hoping a couple become stars, when QB Ty Molzen was the biggest discovery. They need a new QB for the third straight year. Nichols, Farris and Hubbard are a good start on the rest. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. South Fork Sept. 2 — at Cumberland Sept. 9 — at Shelbyville Sept. 16 — vs. Warrensburg-Latham Sept. 23 — at Meridian Sept. 30 — vs. Clinton Oct. 7 — vs. Central A&M Oct. 14 — at St. Teresa Oct. 21 — vs. Tuscola
Tuscola Warriors
COACH: Andy Romine (2nd year, 10-1 record) ENROLLMENT: 305 LAST YEAR: 10-1, lost 20-13 to LeRoy in 1A second round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dalton Hoel, Jr., WR/ DB; Kaleb Williams, Sr., RB/LB; Hunter Woodard, Jr., OL/DL; Ray Kerkhoff, Sr., OL/DL; Lukas Hortin, Sr., WR/DB OUTLOOK: The Warriors’ 2015 senior class wasn’t all that big, it only seems that way because Nick Bates left a gaping hole to fill. The new offense won’t be as explosive, instead leaning on a good offensive line, capable backs and defense to keep them in games as they try developing a new QB. With St. Teresa receiving plenty of attention, Tuscola is relatively flying under the
Tuscola’s Lukas Hortin is one of several skill players for the Warriors that can break open the game at any time. radar after winning the conference. The Warriors also quietly bring back much of a defense that allowed slightly more than 16 points per game. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Fisher Sept. 2 — at Villa Grove Sept. 9 — at Clinton Sept. 16 — vs. Shelbyville Sept. 23 — at Central A&M Sept. 30 — at Warensburg-Latham Oct. 7 — vs. St. Teresa Oct. 14 — vs. Meridian Oct. 21 — at Sullivan-Okaw Valley
Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals
COACH: Scott Godfrey (4th year, 9-18 record) ENROLLMENT: 278 LAST YEAR: 3-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Diondre Lewis, Jr., RB/LB; Dionte Lewis, Jr., QB/LB; Mitchell Clinton’s Noah Griffin is back for his senior year after completing more than 62 percent of his Leathers, So., DB; AJ Speasl, So., OL/LB; Tan- passes. ner Martin, Sr., K OUTLOOK: The Cardinals faced their QB vacancy this summer by handing the offense over to their two game-breakers, the Lewis twins – Dionte (QB) and Diondre (RB). The speedy combination opens up all kinds of smoked bbq ● ribs ● wings • deli subs and more! possibilities for an option running game to keep defenses chasing. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Cerro Gordo-Bement Sept. 2 — at South Fork Sept. 9 — vs. St. Teresa Sept. 16 — at Sullivan-Okaw Valley Sept. 23 — vs. Shelbyville Sept. 30 — vs. Tuscola Oct. 7 — at Meridian 2612 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. • Decatur, IL 62526 Oct. 14 — at Clinton Oct. 21 — vs. Central A&M
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FOOTBALL 2016
6 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
Central State 8 Eisenhower Panthers
COACH: Drew Wagers (4th year, 10-19) ENROLLMENT: 1,077 LAST SEASON: 7-4, 6-3 CS8. Lost to Champaign Central 49-40 in 5A second round. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Cayleb Dehority, Sr., QB; Stephon Bobbitt, Sr., WR; Bryson Bonds, Sr., LB/RB; Eric Thomas, Sr., WR/DB; LaMontie Williams, Sr., DB; Stefon Jarrett, Sr., WR; Tymon Scott, Sr., DL/RB; Antonio Hamilton, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: After a breakout season in 2016, the Panthers went from unnoticed to wearing a large target on their back. Their offense racked up points like few other teams, which helped out a defense that had trouble keeping teams out of the end zone. Quarterback and County player of the year Cayleb Dehority returns, and he’ll have a majority of his receivers back as well. Eisenhower will have to replace a couple of linemen and the lead running back — the latter of which will likely need good hands for the passing game. The defense needed help last year, particularly against rushing attacks. With Kendall Dehority gone, Bryson Bonds will play an even larger role at linebacker. Look for LaMontie Williams to provide a significant impact as well. SCHEDULE Aug. 27 — at MacArthur, 3 p.m. Sept. 2 — vs. Lincoln Sept. 9 — at Jacksonville Sept. 16 — at Lanphier Sept. 23 — vs. Southeast Sept. 30 — at Chatham Glenwood Oct. 7 — vs. Springfield Oct. 14 — at Rochester Oct. 21 — vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin
Lincoln Railsplitters
COACH: Matt Silkowski (1st year)
ENROLLMENT: 846 LAST SEASON: 0-9, 0-9 CS8 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Quentin Bone, Sr., WR; KaTerreus Gouard, Sr., WR/DB; Titus Cannon, Jr., WR/DB; Zach Montcalm, Sr., OL/LB; Nathan Podunajec, Sr., RB/DB; Andrew Yount, Sr., QB; Gage Wilson, So., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The best thing for Lincoln this season might be to instill some continuity now having three coaches in three years. That would certainly help heading into the Apollo next year. But for the Lincoln seniors, that’s probably not too enticing. Luckily, there’s another goal that is — being known as the team that ended the (current) 27-game losing streak. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Springfield Sept. 2 — at Eisenhower Sept. 9 — vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin Sept. 16 — at Rochester Sept. 23 — vs. MacArthur PHOTO BY LISA MORRISON, HERALD & REVIEW Sept. 30 — at Jacksonville Cayleb Dehority, center, and coach Drew Wagers, right, have helped turn an Eisenhower program Oct. 7 — vs. Lanphier around. Oct. 14 — vs. Southeast Oct. 21 — at Chatham Glenwood Sept. 9 — vs. Springfield It’s a tough start with Eisenhower and SHG, Sept. 16 — vs. Jacksonville but that will help prepare MacArthur for a Sept. 23 — at Lincoln MacArthur Generals real chance for a win at home against SpringSept. 30 — vs. Rochester COACH: Derek Spates (9th year, 37-42) field in Week 3. Oct. 7 — at Southeast ENROLLMENT: 1,092 SCHEDULE Oct. 14 — vs. Chatham Glenwood LAST SEASON: 1-8, 1-8 CS8 Aug. 27 — vs. Eisenhower, 3 p.m. Oct. 21 — at Lanphier PLAYERS TO WATCH: Amir Brummett, Jr., Sept. 2 — at Sacred Heart-Griffin QB; Luke Roberts, Sr., LB; Armon Brummett, Jr., WR; Keishawn Thomas, Jr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: It should be better this season with much of the team returning, but playoffs could still be a year away. Amir Brummett closed last season well, averaging more than 280 yards per week in the last five weeks. Most of his linemen return and have a better idea of how to protect him, and all of young Generals are better equipped to break tackles.
BREAKDOWN Preseason poll 1. Sacred Heart-Griffin 6. Springfield 7. MacArthur 2. Rochester 8. Southeast 3. Eisenhower 9. Lanphier 4. Jacksonville 10. Lincoln 5. Glenwood Last year Conf All SH-Griffin 9-0 11-1 Rochester 8-1 10-2 Eisenhower 6-3 7-4 Jacksonville 6-3 6-4 Glenwood 5-4 5-5 Lanphier 4-5 4-5 Southeast 4-5 4-5 Springfield 2-7 2-7 MacArthur 1-8 1-8 Lincoln 0-9 0-9 Top players Brian Adams, Jr., RB/DB, SHG Tim Brenneisen, Sr., QB, SHG Cayleb Dehority, QB., Sr., Eisenhower Tremayne Lee, Jr., RB, SHG William Putnam, So., OL, Glenwood
Collin Stallworth, Sr., WR, Rochester Outlook Surprise, surprise, it’s looking like SHG and Rochester at the top with a handful of teams battling it out in the middle of the conference race. Brenneisen returns and has three solid running backs behind him and a deep offensive line in front. Rochester’s new QB — whether it’s Nik Baker or Josh Grant — will have three talented recivers to throw to. So how does the rest of the conference stack up? Two of the teams have a similar story. Glenwood emerged as third last year, and Cole Hembrough is back at QB and has one of the best young lineman in the state to protect him. Eisenhower is sure to challenge with Cayleb Dehority returning with a senior class that has plenty of starting experience. Jacksonville figures to challenge as well, but the Crimsons will need unproven players to step up especially with Joe Brannan gone.
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 7
Monticello should vie for the last Okaw Valley crown, at least for the foreseeable future.
Okaw Valley Conference Monticello Sages
COACH: Cully Welter (23rd year, 8th at Monticello, 210-63 career record) ENROLLMENT: 514 LAST SEASON: 10-2, 4-1 Okaw Valley. Lost to runner-up Tolono Unity 41-34 in 3A quarterfinals PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nathan Harman, Jr., LB/ OL; Noah Zimmerman, Jr., OL/DL; Benton Freeseman, Jr., OL/LB; Colton Stumpf, Jr., OL/DL; Isiah Florey, WR/DE OUTLOOK: There’s plenty of experience coming back in the trenches, and much of it is in the junior class. Caleb Hanson gained valuable experience backing up Brandon Wildman, including coming in and helping beat Tolono Unity in Week 4. With a line that should help give him some extra time, that should help smooth the transition. Almost the rest of the offense is gone, though, and Monticello will have to develop plenty of skill players. The defense has plenty returning, including the majority of the secondary. The normal Friday night appointment will be thrown off mid-season with games against Unity and St. Joe on Saturday since they will be aired live on WBUI. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — at Nokomis Sept. 2 — at Sherrard, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 — vs. Olney Sept. 17 — vs. Tolono Unity, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 — at St. Joseph-Ogden Sept. 30 — vs. Casey-Westfield Oct. 7 — vs. Champaign St. Thomas More Oct. 14 — at Rantoul Oct. 21 — vs. Monmouth-Roseville
BREAKDOWN Last year
St. Joseph-Ogden Monticello Maroa-Forsyth Tolono Unity Cham. St. Thomas More Rantoul
Conf All 5-0 12-1 4-1 10-2 3-2 8-3 2-3 10-4 1-4 2-7 0-5 1-8
Top players Nathan Harman, Jr., Monticello DJ Lee, Sr., QB, Champaign St. Thomas More Griffin Meeker, Sr., St. Joseph-Ogden Steven Migut, Jr., QB, Tolono Unity Toby Traxler, Sr., Tolono Unity Outlook It’s the final year with the historic Okaw Valley conference name up for grabs. After Tolono Unity’s slow start with a young group turned into magic with a state championship berth, the Rockets are the favorites. Unity’s line is always solid, so reloading the offensive and defensive lines shouldn’t be an issue. With Migut leading the offense after starting as a sophomore, and Traxler returning to the defense as the leading tackler figures to help set Unity on another playoff run. But don’t count out Monticello and St. Joe. The Sages have a good core coming back on defense, and Caleb Hanson comes into the QB spot with several games of experience. The Spartans, even in their first year since ‘87 without Dick Duval, figure to make the playoffs for the 26th straight year.
Tyler Ray’s hoping to provide some stability to the Trojans offense this year.
Sangamo Conference Maroa-Forsyth Trojans
COACH: Josh Jostes (17th year, 141-50) ENROLLMENT: 380 LAST SEASON: 8-3, 3-2 Okaw Valley. Lost to Athens 34-27 in 2A quarterfinals PLAYERS TO WATCH: Logan Allsup, Sr., LB; Jaxson Nelson, Sr., DB; Austin Walker, Sr., DL/ OL; Wes Livingood, Sr., LB; Connor Aeilts, Sr., LB; Deondre Gregory, Jr., RB/DB; Tyler Ray, Sr., QB OUTLOOK: Even with a slew of injuries and a slog through a conference that had three of the four 3A south quarterfinalists, Maroa came away with eight wins. Still, that’s not much consolation for the Trojans, who were knocked out by Athens and its quick flurry of points to start Week 11. The defense that was so stingy throughout the season before slowly falling apart because of injuries, is mostly back. The linebacking corps of Allsup, Livingood and Aeilts is a formidable one, and there are returners all around them. Quarterback Tyler Ray was one of those injured and he’s back after playing five games last year. He was efficient in the short time on the field (35 of 56 for 547 yards, 9 TDs and 1 INT). SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — at New Berlin Sept. 2 — vs. Pittsfield Sept. 9 — vs. Williamsville Sept. 16 — vs. Pleasant Plains Sept. 23 — vs. at Petersburg PORTA Sept. 30 — at Athens Oct. 7 — vs. Riverton Oct. 14 — at Auburn Oct. 21 — vs. North Mac
BREAKDOWN Last year Conf All North Mac 8-0 10-1 New Berlin 6-2 7-3 Auburn 5-3 10-4 Athens 5-3 7-5 Pleasant Plains 5-3 5-5 Williamsville 4-4 5-5 Riverton 2-6 2-7 Pittsfield 1-7 1-8 Petersburg PORTA 0-8 0-9 Top players Logan Allsup, Sr., LB, Maroa-Forsyth Aubrey Beard, Sr., DL, Auburn Asa Donaldson, Sr., RB, North Mac Jace Franklin, Sr., RB, Williamsville Ryan McLaughlin, Sr., RB, Auburn Jaxson Nelson, Sr., DB, Maroa-Forsyth Outlook Outlook? It’s a complicated one. Williamsville owned this conference until North Mac went undefeated last year, although it was Auburn that actually made a state championship game. Then there’s Maroa, which is used to winning conferences year in and year out, which is barging in. Oh, but the Trojans were beat by Athens in the playoffs last year. It looks like a five-team battle for the top that could become six if New Berlin can reload around five total returners. North Mac and Maroa return the most. The premier matchup all year may be seeing how North Mac’s offense — which return three good running backs behind an experienced offensive line — can penetrate Maroa’s defense, which allowed 8 points per game in the regular season.
FOOTBALL 2016
8 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
Little Okaw Valley Northwest Arcola Purple Riders
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
BREAKDOWN Preseason Poll 1. Cerro Gordo-Bement 2. LSA 3. Arcola 4. Sangamon Valley 5. Argenta-Oreana 6. Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond Last Year Conf All Arcola 5-0 14-0 Sangamon Valley 4-1 9-2 Cerro Gordo 3-2 5-5 LSA 2-3 5-5 Argenta-Oreana 1-4 2-7 ALAH 0-5 1-8 Games to Watch Sept. 16—Argenta-Oreana at Arcola Sept. 23—Arcola at Cerro Gordo-Bement Sept. 30—LSA at Arcola Oct. 7—Cerro Gordo-Bement at LSA Oct. 7—Argenta-Oreana at Sangamon Valley Outlook A three-week stretch from Sept. 23 to Oct. 7 could decide the conference championship. Arcola, the defending Class 1A state champs, aren’t the favorites because its replacing a ton, but the title is theirs until someone takes it. Cerro Gordo-Bement and LSA are the hot picks to do so. Between Sept. 23 and Oct. 7, all three teams play one another.
COACH: Zach Zehr (4th year, 27-7 record) ENROLLMENT: 209 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 14-0, won 35-17 against Stark County in 1A state championship PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dalton Pantier, Sr., OL/ DL; Tony Salinas, Sr., RB/LB; Conner Strader, Jr., QB; Ethan Still, OL/LB; Jack Spencer, OL/DL; Mario Cortez, Jr., RB/DB OUTLOOK: The Riders set out to defend their 1A state title with almost an entirely different team, but they can safely lean on their line. The big movers up front, Pantier, Still and Spencer, will have fun opening the field up for the next athletes in line who you probably saw in second halves last season. SCHEDULE Aug. 27—at Central A&M Sept. 2—Tri-County Sept. 9—at Palestine Sept. 16—Argenta-Oreana Sept. 23—at Cerro Gordo-Bement Sept. 30—LSA Oct. 7—at ALAH Oct. 14—Sangamon Valley QB/DB; Isaac Ashenfelter, So., DL; Kobe Wells, Oct. 21—Oblong Jr., WR/DB; Jacob Larimore, Sr., OL/LB OUTLOOK: The Knights are still a young team Argenta-Oreana Bombers with only five seniors but six others were letterCOACH: Chad Eisenmenger (6th year, 21-27 winners last year, including the backfield which record) looks pretty set. The talented Vanausdoll led the ENROLLMENT: 285 team in rushing, receiving and tackling and was LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 2-7 a key component on special teams. SCHEDULE PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brody Ulrey, Sr., QB; Aug. 26—at Tri-County Parker Haltom, Sr., WR/DB, CJ Vinson, Sr., OL/ Sept. 2—Palestine DL; Jared Gifford, Sr., WR/DB; Trevor Webb, Sept. 9—at Oblong Jr., OL/LB Sept. 16—LSA OUTLOOK: The Bombers have one of the most Sept. 23—at Argenta-Oreana experienced quarterbacks in the conference as Sept. 30—Sangamon Valley Ulrey’s in his third year. It’s a good place to start, Oct. 7—Arcola and the Bombers bring back Ulrey’s favorite tarOct. 14—at Cerro Gordo-Bement get, Haltom. They’ll face a lot of strong rushing Oct. 21—Villa Grove attacks but their defensive line may be athletic enough in the trenches. SCHEDULE Cerro Gordo-Bement Broncos Aug. 26—at Meridian COACH: Andy Kerley (7th year at CGB, 44-27 Sept. 2—Central A&M career record) Sept. 9—at Martinsville ENROLLMENT: 280 Sept. 16—at Arcola LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-5, lost 28-8 to SanSept. 23—ALAH gamon Valley in 2A first round Sept. 30—at Cerro Gordo-Bement PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dalton Grohler, Sr., RB/ Oct. 7—at Sangamon Valley LB; JR Menezes, Sr., FB/DE; Tyler Walker, Sr., OL/ Oct. 14—LSA DL; Noah Hendricks, Sr., TE/LB; Lucas McCarty, Oct. 21—Cumberland Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The Broncos aren’t going to be Arthur-Lovington-Atwoodhard to plan for – it’s ground and pound – but they’ll be hard to stop, running behind a big line Hammond Knights that only lost one piece. Grohler’s got it all and COACH: Dale Schuring (14th year, 79-54 re- Menezes, a defensive end, is a bulldozer. Then cord) on defense, teams have to try to block those ENROLLMENT: 275 guys. Look for the Broncos to perhaps pass a LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 1-8 little more to give Grohler some rest — he carried PLAYERS TO WATCH: Marcus Vanausdoll, Jr., the ball 269 times last year, more than any other RB/LB; Adam Day, So., RB/DB; Will Cohan, Jr., area running back.
Arcola’s Daniel Mendoza is one of the few starters back for the Riders. OUTLOOK: The Lions aren’t done after making their first-ever playoff appearance last year. They didn’t have to wave goodbye to the players who got them there, instead bringing back a ton of experience at key positions, including a tackling machine at linebacker in Reynolds. The offense could beat team with speed, but with another year, strength should be an asset as well. SCHEDULE Aug. 26—at Cumberland Sept. 2—Meridian Sept. 9—at Tri-County Sept. 16—at ALAH Sept. 23—Sangamon Valley Sept. 30—at Arcola Oct. 7—Cerro Gordo-Bement Oct. 14—at Argenta-Oreana Oct. 21—Palestine
Sangamon Valley Storm
Sangamon Valley’s Nate Highley will make the transition from wide receiver to quarterback. SCHEDULE Aug. 26—at Warrensburg-Latham Sept. 2—Shelbyville Sept. 9—at Villa Grove Sept. 16—at Sangamon Valley Sept. 23—Arcola Sept. 30—Argenta-Oreana Oct. 7—at LSA Oct. 14—ALAH Oct. 21—Martinsville
LSA Lions
COACH: Craig Bundy (3rd year at LSA, 140-125 career record) ENROLLMENT: 217 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-5, lost 42-8 to Pawnee in 1A first round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jackson Allen, Sr., RB/ DB; Seth Reynolds, Jr., LB; Israel Cooper, Sr., OL; Kholbe Leaks, Sr., OL/DL; Briley Housh, Sr., QB/DB
COACH: Michael Lee (13th year, 51-66 record) ENROLLMENT: 380 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-2, lost 45-18 to Nashville in 2A second round PLAYERS TO WATCH: Wyatt Royce, Sr., RB/DB; Jimmy Staab, Sr., WR/DB; Nathan Highley, Sr., QB; Gavin Hawkins, Sr., C/DL; Gottlieb Moore, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: The Storm lost a lot at the skill positions, yet that presents an opportunity for Royce who becomes the exclusive starter in the backfield running behind an experienced line. Those veterans then shift to defense where Mason Calloway is expected to lead a revamped group of linebackers. Staab always provides big-play opportunities at wideout as well. SCHEDULE Aug. 26—at Palestine Sept. 2—Oblong Sept. 9—at Cumberland Sept. 16—Cerro Gordo-Bement Sept. 23—at LSA Sept. 30—at ALAH Oct. 7—Argenta-Oreana Oct. 14—at Arcola Oct. 21—Tri-County
FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
Little Okaw Valley Southeast Cumberland Pirates
Oblong Panthers
BREAKDOWN Preseason poll 1. Cumberland 2. Oblong 3. Villa Grove 4. Tri-County 5. Martinsville 6. Palestine-Hutsonville Last year Conf. All Villa Grove-Heritage 5-0 9-2 Cumberland 4-1 5-4 Oblong 2-3 3-6 Palestine 2-3 2-7 Tri-County 2-3 2-7 Martinsville 0-5 0-9 Top players Drew Reider, Sr., WR/LB, Oblong Dalton Skiles, Sr., RB, Tri-County Keaton Titus, Sr., RB, Cumberland Mike Wolke, Sr., LB, Cumberland
COACH: Lucas Watkins (2nd year, 5-4) ENROLLMENT: 277 LAST SEASON: 5-4, 4-1 LOVC SE PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mike Wolke, Sr., LB/OL, Brody Donsbach, Sr., QB; Keaton Titus, Sr., RB/ LB; Dane Lewis, Sr., RB/LB; Ryan Yaw, Jr., WR/DB OUTLOOK: It’s been a tough two-year stretch for Cumberland, which has won five games both years but fell short on playoff points both times. Third time might be the charm. Cumberland returns a good number of starters, including the majority of the offensive and defensive lines. With the Southeast division looking like one Cumberland can run, the Pirates will need on Week 1 — 1,317 of the team’s 1,366 rushing to take at least two non-conference games. yards return. SCHEDULE They’ll know quickly how that will go, as they Aug. 26 — LSA start the season with three non-conference Sept. 2 — Sullivan-Okaw Valley games at home. Sept. 9 — Sangamon Valley With the returners, they should have a jump
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 9
Outlook With Villa Grove’s massive senior class graduated, there’s a void of power in the LOVC Southeast. It’s a void Cumberland seems poised to occupy. Nearly the whole offense is back, as are four of the top five tacklers, including Wolke and Tyson Magee who each had nine tackles for loss. And out of Cumberland’s four losses, two were by a touchdown or less. Oblong could challenge the Pirates with a small but talented senior group leading the way. Drew Reider brings in more than 2,000 yards rushing and receiving combined, and Dawson Maus helped orchestrate that at QB. Add in another offensive weapon in Avery Inboden, whose 2015 season was cut short, and Oblong could contend for its second-ever playoff berth.
Sept. 16 — Martinsville Sept. 23 — at Palestine Sept. 30 — at Oblong Oct. 7 — Tri-County Oct. 14 — at Villa Grove Oct. 21 — at Argenta-Oreana
COACH: Travis Reider (6th year, 19-28 record) ENROLLMENT: 176 LAST SEASON: 3-6, 2-3 LOVC SE PLAYERS TO WATCH: Drew Reider, Sr., WR; Hunter Goodwin, Sr., DL; Luke Lambird, Sr., DB; Dawson Maus, Sr., QB; Avery Inboden, Sr., RB/ LB OUTLOOK: It may look like a young group, but the small senior core for Oblong has a chance to bring the Panthers to the playoffs for the second time in program history. A big reason for that is Drew Reider, who not only was one of the best wide receivers last year (54 catches, 849 yards), he filled in rushing the ball as well after Inboden went down with an injury. And his quarterback Dawson Maus is back as well. If some of the younger players can help relieve attention paid to Reider, Oblong has a good chance to outpace last year’s 23 points per game. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — Westville Sept. 2 — at Sangamon Valley Sept. 9 — ALAH Sept. 16 — Palestine Sept. 23 — at Tri-County Sept. 30 — Cumberland Oct. 7 — Villa Grove Oct. 14 — at Martinsville Oct. 21 — at Arcola
IN THE RECORD BOOK Area players in the IHSA record book and Most Consecutive Points After Touchdowns Most Yards Rushing, Season 3 – 3,127, Sean Dunning, St. Teresa. 2005 (12 Made where they place: games, 327 att.) 20 – 33, Clayton Meyer, Tuscola, 2007 Most Yards Rushing, Game POINTS 4 – 498, Billy McClure, Maroa-Forsyth vs. NianFIELD GOALS Most Points, Career tic-Harristown, 1986 (29 att.) Most Field Goals Made, Game 4 – 642, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 200517 – 418, Sean Dunning, St. Teresa vs. Monti2 – 4, Mike Flynn, Taylorville vs. Springfield 06 cello, Sept 30, 2005 8 – 546, Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 2011- Southeast, Oct. 1, 1994 (25, 27, 32, 34) 15 – 3, Tyler Malcovich, Taylorville vs. Morton, 2014 TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING Oct. 26, 2001 (29, 35, 37) 20 – 488, Kolin Peterson, Arcola, 1995-98 Most Touchdowns Rushing, Career Most Points, Season 8 – 80, Jason Yelton, Casey-Westfield, 1995-98 TOTAL OFFENSE 5 – 312, Wyatt Fishel, Arcola, 2015 16 – 68, Tom Monahan, Arcola, 1978-81 Most Yards Total Offense, Career 10 – 289, Brock Boltz, Central A&M, 2001 19 – 66, Kolin Peterson, Arcola, 1995-98 1 – 11,506, Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 18 – 270, Perry Jordan, Central A&M, 1997 (14 Most Touchdowns Rushing, Season 2011-2014 (701 Receiving, 4079 Rushing, 6726 games) 11 – 40, Sean Dunning, St. Teresa, 2005 Passing) 15 – 38, Jon Monahan, Arcola, 1985 5 – 9,911, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1995-97 (2,385 TOUCHDOWNS 15 – 38, Perry Jordan, Central A&M, 1997 rush, 7,526 pass) Most Touchdowns, Career 15 – 38, Shane Conaway, Maroa-Forsyth, 2006 12 – 7,836, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 6 – 89, Sean Dunning, St. Teresa, 2004-06 2005-06 (690 rush, 7,146 pass) INDIVIDUAL PASSING (0-40-49) Most Yards Total Offense, Season Most Passes Completed, Career 16 – 79, Kolin Peterson, Arcola, 1995-98 1 – 5,138, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1997 (1,086 7 – 492, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1995-97 (492 20 – 75, Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 2011- rush, 4,052 pass) of 897) 2014 5 – 4,396, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1996 (1,092 16 – 434, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, Most Touchdowns, Season rush, 3,304 pass) 2005-06 4 – 49, Sean Dunning, St. Teresa, 2006 12 – 3959, Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, Most Passes Completed, Season 11 – 43, Perry Jordan, Central A&M, 1997 (14 2011-2014 9 – 262, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1997 (459 att., games) Most Yards Total Offense, Game 4,052 yds.) 8 – 550, Dusty Burk, Tuscola vs. Chester, Nov. 18 – 237, Jake Semple, Newton, 2005 (390 att.) POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN 2, 1996 (195 rush, 365 pass) Most Points After Touchdown Made, Career 9 – 549, Dusty Burk, Tuscola vs. Monmouth PASSING YARDAGE 3 – 213, Clayton Meyer, Tuscola, 2004-07 (10- Warren, 1997 (115 rush, 434 pass) Most Yards Passing, Career 68-72) 9 – 7,526, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1995-97 5 – 189, Dan Walker, St. Teresa, 2004-08 RUSHING YARDAGE 14 – 7,146, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, Most Points After Touchdown Made, Season Most Yards Rushing, Career 2005-06 8 – 72, Clayton Meyer, Tuscola, 2007 (84 att.) 7 – 6,200, Jason Yelton, Casey-Westfield, 1995Most Yards Passing, Season 13 – 68, Clayton Meyer, Tuscola, 2005 (78 att.) 98 5 – 4,052, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1997 13 – 68, Alex Chiligiris, Maroa-Forsyth, 2006 16 – 4,789, Austin Ray, Mount Zion, 2011-2013 18 – 3,304, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1996
Most Yards Passing, Game 3 – 602, Brandon Wildman, Monticello vs. Tolono Unity, Sept. 19, 2014 (27-55, 6 TD) TOUCHDOWNS PASSING Most Touchdowns Passing, Career 4 – 95, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 200306 (2-19-35-39) 10 – 83, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1995-97 18 – 70, Mitch Snyder, Casey-Westfield, 200508 Most Touchdowns Passing, Season 6 – 48, Dusty Burk, Tuscola, 1997 (12 games) 14 – 41, Adam French, Newton, 2006 20 – 39, Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth, 2006 Most Touchdowns Passing, Game 3 – 8, Jerry Unser, St. Teresa vs. Clinton, 1971 INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING Most Passes Received, Career 6 – 216, Levi Richards, Newton, 2004-06 (3,307 yds., 43 tds.) 14 – 174, Jeff Finke, Casey-Westfield, 1982-1985 (2,806 yds.) Most Passes Received, Season 19 – 84, Levi Richards, Newton, 2006 (1,067 yds.) RECEIVING YARDAGE Most Yards Receiving, Career 3 – 3,307, Levi Richards, Newton, 2004-06 14 – 2,806, Jeff Finke, Casey-Westfield, 19821985 (174) Most Yards Receiving, Season 5 – 1,575, Robert Kreps, Maroa-Forsyth, 2006 18 – 1,358, Luke Little, Tuscola, 1997 (79 recep.) Most Yards Receiving, Game 1 – 356, Dionte Lewis, Warrensburg-Latham vs. Clinton, 2015 (9 rec., 5 TD)
10 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
Little Illini Conference Casey-Westfield Warriors
OUTLOOK: The Eagles are looking for a deeper run in the playoffs, led by Mitch Bierman. The speedy and strong senior running back was one of the best in the area last season with more than 2,000 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns. Even better, Newton returns four offensive linemen, including junior center Gabe Fulton. At quarterback, senior Tim Weber will replace Brock Mammoser. He will have a couple of playmakers to throw to, including Joe Stone, Nate Muska and Trenton Duncan. SCHEDULE Aug. 27 – at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 2 p.m. Sept. 2 – Casey-Westfield Sept. 9 – at Lawrenceville Sept. 16 – Bridgeport Red Hill Sept. 24 – at Robinson, 1 p.m. Sept. 30 – at Flora Oct. 7 – Marshall Oct. 14 – at Olney Oct. 21 – Paris
COACH: Tom Monken (2nd year, 2-7 record) ENROLLMENT: 297 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 2-7 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Christian Cochonour, Sr., QB; Joe Adams, Sr., RB/DL; Trey Clark, So., RB; Elijah Escalante, Jr. RB/LB; Jarod Brandenburg, Jr., QB/RB/DB OUTLOOK: Injuries derailed Tom Monken’s first season. Altogether, eight starters missed action, including all-conference quarterback Isaac Elkins with a torn ACL in Week 2. This year doesn’t bode much better, with five more potential starters expected to miss the season due to injuries — three of those on the offensive line. However, the Warriors can rally around senior quarterback Christian Cochonour, who filled in for Elkins last season. He will also have plenty of support behind him at running back with Joe Adams, Trey Clark and Elijah Escalante. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 – Paris Sept. 2 – at Newton Olney Tigers Sept. 9 – Flora COACH: Matt Music (5th year, 27-22 record) Sept. 16 – at Robinson ENROLLMENT: 729 Sept. 23 – Lawrenceville LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-4, lost 52-8 to HerSept. 30 – at Monticello rin in 4A first round Oct. 7 – Bridgeport Red Hill PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gage Miller, Sr., WR; Oct. 14 – at Marshall Dalton Mitchell, Sr., QB; Luke Lambird, Sr., WR/ Oct. 21 – Olney DB; Trevor Dobbs, Sr., WR/DB; Jacob Greifzu, Sr., LB; Gunnar Michels, Jr., RB/LB; Kyle Beasley, Jr., OL/DL Newton Eagles COACH: Jason Fulton (10th year, 40-45 record) OUTLOOK: The Tigers may have lost quarterENROLLMENT: 440 back Derek Deimel, but senior Dalton Mitchell LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 10-1, lost 49-36 to still brings plenty of experience to the plate. Monticello in 3A second round He can punish teams through the air or on the PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mitch Bierman, Sr., RB/ ground. He threw for more than 400 yards and LB; Gabe Fulton, Jr., OL/DL; Nate Meinhart, Sr., three touchdowns while running for more than DB/WR; Tim Weber, Sr., QB; Kiel Apple, Sr., LB; 230 yards and one touchdown last season. His Joe Stone, Sr., WR/DB; Trenton Duncan, Jr., WR; favorite target figures to be Gage Miller, who Mitch Jansen, Sr., LB had 31 catches for 425 yards and nine touch-
downs last season. The defense should also be improved with leading tackler Jacob Greifzu back at linebacker. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 – at Lawrenceville Sept. 2 – Bridgeport Red Hill Sept. 9 – at Monticello Sept. 16 – Marshall Sept. 23 – Flora Sept. 30 – at Paris Oct. 7 – at Robinson Oct. 14 – Newton Oct. 21 – at Casey-Westfield
Robinson Maroons
COACH: Tim Nolen (29th year, 9th at Robinson, 165-124) ENROLLMENT: 482 LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 3-6 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jake Powell, Sr., RB/ DL; Ethan White, Sr., QB/DB; Dylan Dirks, Sr., WR/CB; Dalton Albright, Sr., TE/LB; Chase Crampton, Sr., WR/DB; Wyatt Elliott, Sr., RB/ CB OUTLOOK: Depth is a major concern for Robinson. Only 23 players are listed on the varsity roster. But, the Maroons do have experience in the backfield with senior running back Jake Powell and senior quarterback Ethan White. Powell accumulated 632 rushing yards while White tossed for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 – at Bridgeport Red Hill Sept. 2 – Flora Sept. 9 – at Marshall Sept. 16 – Casey-Westfield Sept. 24 – Newton, 1 p.m. Oct. 1 – at Lawrenceville, 2 p.m. Oct. 7 – Olney Oct. 14 – at Paris Oct. 22 – Stanford Olympia
BREAKDOWN Preseason Poll 6. Red Hill 1. Newton 7. Robinson 2. Marshall 8. Casey-Westfield 3. Olney 9.Paris 4. Lawrenceville 5. Flora Last year Conf All Newton 9-0 10-1 Marshall 8-1 8-2 Lawrenceville 7-2 8-3 Olney 6-3 6-4 Red Hill 5-4 5-5 Flora 4-5 4-5 Robinson 3-6 3-6 Casey-Westfield 2-7 2-7 Albion 1-8 1-8 Paris 0-9 0-9 Games to watch Aug. 26 – Olney at Lawrenceville Sept. 9 – Newton at Lawrenceville Sept. 16 – Marshall at Olney Oct. 7 – Marshall at Newton Oct. 14 – Newton at Olney Top players Mitch Bierman, Sr., RB/LB, Newton Nate Meinhart, Sr., WR/DB, Newton Gage Miller, Sr., WR, Olney Ethan White, Sr., QB/DB, Robinson Outlook Newton will have one of the most formidable rushing attacks in the area this season. That’s why the Eagles are the heavy favorites to win the conference for the second consecutive season. Not only does Mitch Bierman return at running back, but also most of the offensive line.
RECENT AWARD WINNERS AREA COACH OF THE YEAR 1966 — Jack Klosterman, Effingham 1967 — Larry Beavers, Bement 1968 — Gene McDonald, Lincoln 1969 — Chuck Dickerson, Mattoon and Merv Baker, Charleston 1970 — Jerry Smalling, Illiopolis 1971 — Jack Klosterman, Effingham 1972 — Bill Estes, Cerro Gordo 1973 — Max Ward, Shelbyville 1974 — Bob Herrmann, Mount Zion 1975 — Bob Johnson, Cumberland 1976 — Larry Engle, Argenta-Oreana 1977 — Steve Thomas, Arcola 1978 — Steve Thomas, Arcola 1979 — Chuck Budde, Charleston 1980 — John Lyons, Atwood-Hammond 1981 — Fred Thompson, Maroa-Forsyth 1982 — Keith Sinclair, Casey-Westfield 1983 — Denny O’Boyle, Shelbyville 1984 — Ron Goodwin, Clinton 1985 — Keith Sinclair, Casey-Westfield 1986 — Larry Bienias, Tuscola 1987 — Kevin Crandall, Bethany 1988 — Hud Venerable, Monticello 1989 — Mark Ramsey, Moweaqua
1990 — Hud Venerable, Monticello 1991 — Terry Roche, Robinson 1992 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 1993 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 1994 — Scott Alberssen, Taylorville 1995 — Joe Marks, Arcola 1996 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 1997 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 1998 — Mick Roberts, Casey-Westfield 1999 — Bob Horst, Newton 2000 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 2001 — Mark Ramsey, Central A&M 2002 — John Beccue, Monticello 2003 — Dale Schuring, Arthur-Lovington 2004 — Rick Woolverton, Shelbyville 2005 — Bob Horst, Newton 2006 — Stan Wienke, Tuscola 2007 — Jarod Kiger, Arcola 2008 — Keith Sinclair, Casey-Westfield 2009 — Rick Reinhart, Tuscola 2010 — Al Stupek, Pana 2011 — Brian Halsey, Charleston 2012 — Matt Music, Olney 2013 — Cully Welter, Monticello 2014 — Zach Zehr, Arcola 2015 — Zach Zehr, Arcola
AREA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1966 — Jerry Hemphill, Flora (FB) 1967 — Don Langley, Effingham (LB) 1968 — Larry Huisinga, DeLand-Weldon (HB) 1969 — Steve Hagenbruch, Clinton (QB) 1970 — Larry Ring, Tuscola (QB) 1971 — Steve Melton, Villa Grove (HB-LB) 1972 — Mark Calvin, Sullivan (QB) 1973 — Bob Lockart, Shelbyville (QB) 1974 — Rod Sink, Mattoon (QB) 1975 — Robin Bone, Vandalia (FB-LB) 1976 — Robin Bone, Vandalia (FB-LB) 1977 — Craig Donna, Charleston (C-LB) 1978 — Jeff Fishel, Arcola (HB) 1979 — Ed Walker, Mount Zion (QB) 1980 — Charlie Vinson, Monticello (HB) 1981 — Greg Thompson, Maroa-Forsyth (QB) 1982 — Steve Bates, Tuscola (RB) 1983 — Scott Johnson, Newton (QB-DB) 1984 — Jeff Finke, Casey-Westfield (WR) 1985 — Mike Davis, Arcola (TE-LB) 1986 — Jim Brookins, Tuscola (FL) 1987 — Kurt Endebrock, Effingham (QB-DB) 1988 — Drew Daniels, Shelbyville (RB-LB-P) 1989 — Heath Weddle, Monticello (RB-DB-P) 1990 — Willie High, Mattoon (RB)
1991 — Mark Monahan, Arcola (RB-LB) 1992 — Brad Coffman, Central A&M (RB-DB) 1993 — Kevin Trimble, Mattoon (WR) 1994 — Steve Duzan, Marshall (RB) 1995 — Luke Tillman, Central A&M (RB) 1996 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (QB) 1997 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (QB) 1998 — Kolin Peterson, Arcola (RB) 1999 — Jared Grant, Arthur-Lovington (QB) 2000 — Kenny Hogue, Tuscola (RB) 2001 — Brock Boltz, Central A&M (RB) 2002 — Pat Striegel, Monticello (RB) 2003 — D.J. Walker, Mattoon (RB) 2004 — Jake Semple, Newton (QB) 2005 — Jake Semple, Newton (QB) 2006 — Levi Richards, Newton (WR-DB) 2007 — John Wienke, Tuscola (QB) 2008 — Taylor Biggs, Casey-Westfield (WR/TB) 2009 — Evan Hayes, Central A&M (RB) 2010 — Cody Shelmadine, Tuscola (WR) 2011 — Philip Meyer, Tuscola (QB) 2012 — Sean Hussey, Charleston (QB) 2013 — Jared Pilson, Mattoon (QB) 2014 — Tanner Champley, Taylorville (QB) 2015 — Wyatt Fishel, Arcola (LB/RB)
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
FOOTBALL 2016
South Central Conference
BREAKDOWN Preseason poll 1. Pana 2. Carlinville 3. Greenville 4. Vandalia 5. Roxana 6. Hillsboro
Pana Panthers
COACH: Trevor Higgins (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 408 LAST YEAR: 11-1, lost 20-7 to Auburn in 2A quarterfinals PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jacob Beeson, Jr., QB; Blake Stauder, Sr., WR/DB; Josh Simac, Sr., WR/ DB; Joe England, Sr., WR/DB; Ian Harbert, Jr., RB/LB; Nick McMillen, Sr., WR/LB; Nick Smart, Sr., OL/LB; Connor Voudrie, Jr., OL/DL; Owen Herbord, Sr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: Expect the Panthers to stick with PHOTOS BY LISA MORRISON, HERALD & REVIEW the spread offense under first-year coach Trevor Blake Stauder’s part of a large group of starters that return for the 11-win Panthers. Higgins. He will have much speed and athleticism at his disposal. Junior quarterback Jacob Beeson may have to replace standout Rhett Zahradka, but he will have a slew of options at receiver. That’s even despite the loss of all-conference playmaker Adam Miller, who’s going to focus on soccer instead. In his place will be Blake Stauder, Josh Simac and Joe England. Ian Harbert, meanwhile, will punish opposing defenses with his fullback mentality in the backfield. Schedule Aug 26 – Staunton Sep 2 – Roxana Sep 9 – at Gillespie Sep 16 – at Carlinville Sep 23 – Piasa Southwestern Sep 30 – at Greenville Oct 7 – at Litchfield Oct 14 – Vandalia
Vandalia Vandals
COACH: Jason Clay (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 447 LAST YEAR: 4-5 PLAYERS TO WATCH: Chandler Boyd, Jr., RB/ LB; Ethan Bayles Jr., OL/DL; Marcus Zimmerman, Jr., WR/DB; Garrett McNary, Jr., RB/LB; Richie Well, Sr., QB/DB OUTLOOK: The Vandals narrowly missed the
It’s Trevor Higgins first season at the helm of Pana football. playoffs in John Stout’s 13th and final season at the helm. Vandalia was competitive in virtually every game in the packed South Central, even upsetting 8-3 Carlinville 27-18. Tough-nosed defensive coordinator Jason Clay takes his place. Scoring may be hard to come by this season
Prairie State Nokomis Redskins
COACH: Paul Watson (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 172 LAST SEASON: 4-5, 4-3 Prairie State PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ryan Archibald, Sr., RB; Drew Watson, Jr., WR/DB; Carter Flowers, Jr., OL/DL OUTLOOK: While Nokomis is one of the better teams in the Prairie State, its non-conference games are brutally tough. Between Cully Welter and Mark Ramsey, Nokomis starts with a pair of coaches that have a combined 55 years of experience and 466 wins.
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 13
after losing first-team all-conference running back Bobby Bradley. However, senior starting quarterback Richie Well and steady junior backup running back Garrett McNary return. Well is a natural. Last season, he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against Staunton.
7. Piasa SW 8. Gillespie 9. Litchfield 10. Staunton
Last year Conf All Pana 9-0 11-1 Carlinville 7-2 8-3 Roxana 7-2 8-3 Greenville 4-5 4-5 Hillsboro 4-5 4-5 Litchfield 4-5 4-5 Vandalia 4-5 4-5 Gillespie 3-6 3-6 Piasa 3-6 3-6 Staunton 0-9 0-9 Top players Jacob Dixon, Sr., RB, Carlinville Nick McMillen, Sr., WR/LB, Pana Games to watch Sept. 2 – Carlinville at Vandalia Sept. 16 – Pana at Carlinville Sept. 30 – Pana at Greenville Oct. 14 – Vandalia at Pana
Outlook Pana will defend its conference title with a bevy of seniors — 19 all together. The Panthers will strengthen the defense that will be led by senior linebacker Nick McMillen. But Carlinville should give the Panthers a run with senior running back Jacob Dixon. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns last fall. Schedule Aug 26 – Gillespie Sep 2 – Carlinville Sep 9 – at Staunton Sep 16 – at Roxana Sep 23 – Litchfield Sep 30 – Hillsboro Oct 7 – at Piasa Southwestern Oct 14 – at Pana Oct 21 – Greenville
BREAKDOWN Archibald’s a three-year starter and should help anchor an offense that found its footing as the season went along last year. SCHEDULE Aug. 26 — vs. Monicello Sept. 2 — vs. St. Teresa Sept. 9 — at Alton Marquette Sept. 16 — vs. Metro-East Lutheran Sept. 23 — at Bunker Hill Sept. 30 — at South Fork Oct. 7 — at Mount Olive Oct. 14 — vs. East Alton-Wood River Oct. 21 — at Pawnee
Last year Conf All Pawnee 7-0 9-2 Alton Marquette 6-1 6-4 Mount Olive 5-2 5-5 Nokomis 4-3 4-5 South Fork 3-4 3-6 Bunker Hill 2-5 4-5 East Alton-Wood River 1-6 1-8 E. Metro-East Lutheran 0-7 0-3 Top players Austin Galloway, Sr., RB, Pawnee D’avion Peebles, Jr., RB, Alton Marquette Marshall Youngblood, Sr., OL, Alton Marquette
Outlook After finding tough sledding in the Sangamo, Pawnee has been the class of the Prairie State for two straight seasons. But losing a massive senior group and having a first-year coach may give a team like Alton Marquette a chance to grab the conference crown. Alton Marquette is nearly the opposite of Pawnee, returning 18 starters from a 6-4 team. With tough non-conference games, the Pioneers know how much more improved they are from last season quickly.
14  |  AUGUST, 26, 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 15
PRESEASON RANKINGS Here is a look at how we think our top teams rank going into the opener:
15. Arcola
12. Clinton
A sizeable group graduated, but there’s a good core returning, including running back Alec Cooley who rushed for 1,802 yards and 22 touchdowns, and quarterback Noah Griffin (1,911 total yards passing and rushing). The question is, can the Maroons defense bounce back after giving up 44 points per game in the CIC?
The Purple Riders are coming off an undefeated, state championship season which was led by a senior class jam-packed with talent. It included 2015 H&R Area Football Player of the Year running back Wyatt Fishel and quarterback Clayton Strader. Bottom line: there’s a lot 11. Shelbyville to replace, but coach Zach Zehr has a good thing Look for Turner Pullen to show the fruits of going and the cupboard isn’t bare. last year’s labors and the strong-armed quarterback seems to have a deep group of targets. 14. LSA If new coach Bill Duckett can get the defense Nearly everyone is back for the Lions after clicking, the Rams may be able to push St. Teresa they made their first playoff berth. That includes for a Central Illinois Conference title. Briley Housh (1,300-plus yards from scrimmage), Jackson Allen (1,000-plus yards) and Seth Reyn- 10. Mount Zion olds (500-plus yards). They’ll play behind an Many of this senior class started as sophoequally experienced offensive line that returns mores, especially on the defensive side. New firepower as well. coach Patrick Etherton can have solace in that, as well as having a quarterback in Brandon Price, 13. Warrensburg-Latham who got his feet wet at the quarterback position. The Cardinals went through several heartbreaking games on the way to a 3-6 season. Even 9. Tuscola with a couple of key linemen now graduated, There are a couple question marks with the Warrensburg has the tools to make a run at the Warriors, but how those are answered will probplayoffs for the first time since 2008, and it helps ably make the difference between a lower playoff the younger players have come up in coach Scott seed or a higher one. Most of the team returns, including much of the line play and skill players Godfrey’s system. like Dalton Hoel, Lukas Hortin and Kaleb Williams.
8. Cerro Gordo-Bement
4. Newton
7. Taylorville
3. Maroa-Forsyth
6. Pana
2. Eisenhower
5. Monticello
1. St. Teresa
It’s hard to ask for more than four linemen and a 1,900 yard rusher returning, especially for a coach like Andy Kerley. Those five are all seniors, no less, and are surrounded by a Broncos team full of returning starters — eight on offense, nine on defense. The Tornadoes’ question marks were much like last season’s — how will a nearly brand-new offense do? — and Taylorville then turned out 10 straight wins. With six defensive starters back, including three in a stout linebacking group, that should give the offense time to gel. Team brings back seven starters on a defense that gave up just six points a game a year ago. New skill players will have a veteran line to work with as they continue to iron out first-year coach Trevor Higgins’ more uptempo offense. It’s a favorable non-conference schedule before the Sages take on some of the best small down-state schools in the Okaw. Even if Monticello has quite a few sophomores and juniors in the starting units, don’t expect that to mean they’ll be a step behind.
The Eagles made an undefeated run through the regular season a year ago and seem armed to maybe make a deeper push this season behind running back Mitch Bierman and a number of all-conference players back on defense. The Trojans return the majority of its key players from last year’s 8-3 team. That includes Tyler Ray, who will start at quarterback after missing most of last year. One question may be how will all that stand up in the move to the Sangamo Conference? The Panthers have plenty of starters back from a team that could hang with anyone and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Among those returning are All-County Player of the Year Cayleb Dehority at quarterback. An all-state caliber running back, a huge, talented offensive line, a three-year starter at quarterback who seems much improved from a year ago and a Hall of Fame coach who knows how to get a team deep into the playoffs. What’s not to like about this team?
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16 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 17
TOP PERFORMANCES Top performances all-time by area athletes:
Rushing, single game
498 — Billy McClure, Maroa-Forsyth (1986 vs. Niantic-Harristown) 418 — Sean Dunning, St. Teresa (Sept. 30, 2005 vs. Monticello) 410 — Dalton Grohler, Cerro Gordo-Bement (Aug. 28, 2015 vs. Tri-County) 395 — Akeem Topps, MacArthur (Oct. 24, 2003 vs. Rantoul) 388 — Josh Bates, South Piatt (1997 vs. Tuscola) 378 — Cody Woollen, Cerro Gordo (Sept. 30, 2011 vs. Tri-County) 375 — Joe Mickle, MacArthur (Oct. 14, 1995 vs. Mount Zion) 374 — Emannuel Minter, Taylorville (Sept. 9, 2005 vs. Springfield Southeast) 368 — Ross Johnson, Sangamon Valley (Sept. 30, 2005, vs. South Piatt) 366 — Akeem Topps, MacArthur (Aug. 30, 2003 vs. Champaign Central) 357 — Cody Shaw, Cumberland (Sept. 30, 2005 vs. Martinsville) 357 — Alec Cooley, Clinton (Aug. 28, 2015 vs. Flanagan/Woodland) 356 — Quartus Stitt, Argenta-Oreana (Oct. 15, 2004 vs. Central A&M) 354 — Mitch Bierman, Newton (Oct. 9, 2015 vs. Marshall) 353 — Pat Pierce, Tuscola (1992 vs. Bethany) 345 — Jon Lewis, Bement (1988 vs. Farmer City Blue Ridge)
Rushing, single season
3,127 — Sean Dunning, St. Teresa (2005) 2,870 — Sean Dunning, St. Teresa (2006) 2,849 — Quartus Stitt, Argenta-Oreana (2004) 2,417 — Leonard Parks, Maroa-Forsyth (2004) 2,338 — Perry Jordan, Central A&M (1997) 2,304 — Quartus Stitt, Argenta-Oreana (2003) 2,260 — Nicolo Casarta, Hillsboro (2002) 2,292 — Mitch Bierman, Newton (2015) 2,224 — Steve Bates, Tuscola (1982) 2,218 — Shane Overocker, St. Teresa (1995) 2,146 — Phil Taylor Jr., Mount Zion (1997) 2,140 — Shane Conaway, Maroa-Forsyth (2006) 2,139 — Kolin Peterson, Arcola (1997) 2,105 — Luke Tillman, Central A&M (1995) 2,096 — Steve Oliver, Maroa-Forsyth (1976) 2,058 — Stephen Duncan, St. Teresa (2007) 2,043 — Akeem Topps, MacArthur (2003) 2,030 — Wyatt Fishel, Arcola (2015) 2,028 — Jason Yelton, Casey-Westfield (1998) 2,026 — Clint McLeod, St. Teresa (1998) 2,023 — Travis Blain, Vandalia (1997) 2,016 – Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth (2014) 2,010 — Cody Shaw, Cumberland (2005) 2,006 — Jason Yelton, Casey-Westfield (1996) 2,004 — Steve Isbell, Cerro Gordo-Bement (2013) 1,999 — Brad Kirby, Macon (1990) 1,992 — Jon Monahan, Arcola (1985) 1,960 — Brent Minick, Argenta-Oreana (2001) 1,912 — D.J. Walker, Mattoon (2003) 1,906 — Dalton Grohler, Cerro Gordo-Bement (2015) 1,885 — Jon Lewis, Bement (1988)
Passing, single game
587 — Brandon Wildman, Monticello (Sept. 19, 2014 vs. Tolono Unity) 514 — Jared Pilson, Mattoon (Oct. 25, 2013 vs. Jerseyville) 474 — Jacob Napier, Warrensburg-Latham (Oct. 9, 2015 vs. Clinton) 441 — Amir Brummett, MacArthur (Oct. 23, 2015 vs. Springfield Southeast) 434 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Monmouth Warren) 420 — J.W. Sheering, Clinton (Sept. 17, 2004 vs. Argenta-Oreana) 415 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Illiopolis) 401 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Oakland) 400 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Robinson) 391 — Sean Hussey, Charleston (Sept. 30, 2011 vs. Newton) 384 — John Wienke, Tuscola (2006 vs. Aledo, state title game) 377 — Paul Sauer, Casey-Westfield (1985 vs. Maroa-Forsyth) 376 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Auburn) 374 — Justin Bailey, Olney (2012 vs. Breese Mater Dei) 374 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1996 vs. Illiopolis) 370 — Paul Sauer, Casey-Westfield (1985 vs. Oblong) 370 — Chad Ely, Mattoon (1993 vs. Rantoul) 367 — Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth (Sept. 15, 2006) 363 — Brody Ulrey, Argenta-Oreana (Sept. 11, 2015 vs. Champaign St. Thomas More) 359 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997 vs. Cerro Gordo)
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Passing, single season
4,052 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1997) 3,304 — Dusty Burk, Tuscola (1996) 3,221 — John Wienke, Tuscola (2006) 3,198 — Brandon Wildman, Monticello (2014) 3,105 — Peyton Grinestaff, Mount Zion (2014) 3,049 — Jake Semple, Newton (2005) 2,907 — Brandon Wildman, Monticello (2015) 2,849 — John Wienke, Tuscola (2007) 2,844 — Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth (2006) 2,737 — Paul Sauer, Casey-Westfield (1985) 2,735 — Adam French, Newton (2006) 2,732 — Jared Pilson, Mattoon (2013) 2,731 — Bell Palla, Monticello (2009) 2,710 — Cayleb Dehority, Eisenhower (2015) 2,529 — Jack Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth (2012) 2,471 — Dakota Getz, Meridian (2008) 2,381 — Jake Semple, Newton (2004) 2,381 — Duckett, Shelbyville (2014) 2,377 — Doug Hughes, Taylorville (1998) 2,357 — Sean Hussey, Charleston (2011) 2,343 — John Neiers, St. Teresa (1986) 2,327 — Luke Hockaday, Maroa-Forsyth (2005) 2,307 — Richard Harvey, Mount Zion (1986) 2,272 — Sean Hussey, Charleston (2012) 2,268 — Braden Smith, Mattoon (2014) 2,259 — Jordan Kling, Tuscola (2005) 2,231 — Keith Hancock, Monticello (1990) 2,167 — Mitch Snyder, Casey-Westfield (2008) 2,150 — Mitch Snyder, Casey-Westfield (2007) 2,117 — Eric Gentry, Charleston (2007) 2,020 — Paul Sauer, Casey-Westfield (1984) 2,011 — Nick Walker, Cerro Gordo (1999) 2,001 — Ryan Prehn, Taylorville (1997)
18 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
FOOTBALL 2016 LINEMEN TO WATCH
DEFENDERS TO WATCH Logan Allsup, Maroa-Forsyth, Sr.
The linebacker followed a 70-tackle sophomore season with a second straight first-team all-county performance for the Trojans.
Bryson Bonds, Eisenhower, Sr.
Bonds
Champley
JR Menezes, Cerro Gordo-Bement, Sr. A bullish defensive lineman, he was also quick enough to register 18 tackles for loss en route to a second straight all-county recognition.
Jaxson Nelson, Maroa-Forsyth, Sr.
With Kendall Dehority gone, A first-team all-county pick at DB, Nelson was Bonds will be looked to as a the leading tackler on a Trojans defense that leader for the Panthers. A sec- gave up less than 100 yards per game during ond-team all-county linebacker the regular season. last year, he finished with 91 tackles. Seth Reynolds, LSA, Jr. The athletic linebacker was credited with 148 tackles and a couple interceptions in a breakout Evan Champley, sophomore season. Now he’s put on 20 more pounds. Taylorville, Jr. First-team all-area as line- Tymon Scott, Eisenhower, Sr. backer as a sophomore, he At times, Scott could take over from his dedemonstrated speed and power fensive line position. He was a second-team as he registered 19 tackles for a all-county performer for the playoff Panthers loss, including seven sacks. a year ago.
Peyten Chappel, Mount Zion, Sr.
Simeon Smith, St. Teresa, Jr.
A unanimous choice as a first-team all-Apollo Smith has been moved around and is now linebacker a year ago, he will be counted on to listed at linebacker, where the 6-2, 225 Smith help the Braves defense develop under first-year could provide some ferocious collisions. coach Patrick Etherton.
Luke Lambird, Olney, Sr.
Austin Walker, Maroa-Forsyth, Sr.
In a shortened season (7 games) the Trojan Leaks was a definite run stopper from his de- linebacker was almost unstoppable, with nine fensive line position in helping LSA to its first tackles for loss, including four sacks, and he retrip to the playoffs. He is a returning first-team covered a fumble as well. all-county player.
Nick McMillen, Pana, Sr.
Dalton Whitted, Clinton, Sr.
One of the area’s more productive defenders, McMillen may find some touches on offense the 6-0, 210 linebacker hopes to be a leader on this season, but he’ll shine on the defensive side. a team trying to make a second straight playoff The linebacker finished with 85 tackles last year. appearance.
Nate Meinhart, Newton, Sr.
Ash Blunt, Effingham, Sr.
Mike Wolke, Cumberland, Sr.
When the Eagles’s offense racked up points, it Already recognized twice as one of the area’s was on Meinhart to shut down opponents’ pass- top defenders, the Pirates’ 6-2, 245-pound lineing game to prevent any comebacks. He earned backer will look to improve on his 113-tackles all-state honorable mention last year. junior season.
Brady Moore, St. Teresa, Sr.
The Hearts have produced a number of good, Moore has slimmed down since a season ago big guys who can move people around. Can (5-11, 260) and that could make the first-team all-county performer even more dangerous as Blunt (6-3, 300) be the next stud? a blocker.
Israel Cooper, LSA, Sr.
At 6-3, 345, the senior can create plenty of Dalton Pantier, Arcola, Sr. space for a veteran backfield to maneuver behind. The senior is back from the state championship team that he was a big part of as firstHe was a first-team all-county pick as a junior. team all-area anchor on both sides.
Gabe Fulton, Newton, Jr.
The Eagles’ center has been starting since his C.J. Vinson, Argenta-Oreana, Sr. freshman year and is a big reason (5-11, 250) A force for the Bombers on each side of the that teammate Mitch Bierman was able to pile ball (he was the team’s leading tackler as a juup 2,292 yards a year ago. nior), Vinson will be called upon for leadership this season.
Anthony Guo, Tuscola, Sr.
Connor Voudrie, Pana, Jr.
Guo isn’t as big as some of his teammates, but his technical skill and speed make him a valuable part of the Warriors’ line. HM all-area, 5-10, 191, Sr.
Nathan Harman, Monticello, Jr.
The junior already has lettered twice and will Voudrie be a leader on a veteran line for the Sages.
Cade McLeod, St. Teresa, Sr.
Max Todd, Sullivan-Okaw Valley, Sr.
Coming off a 77 tackle season, the defensive Though a bit smaller, Lambird proved tough to back may be counted on for even more with throw against as he broke up seven passes while coach Gerald Temples returning a young squad. also registering 63 tackles from his DB position.
Kholbe Leaks, LSA, Sr.
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
McLeod
Tough enough to start on a veteran Panthers team as a sophomore, the 6-0, 240 Voudrie will be among three returning offensive linemen.
Tyler Walker, Cerro GordoBement, Sr.
He missed all of last season Dalton Grohler and JR Menezes are tough with an injury but McLeod is runners, but Walker leads a quality line from capable of being a dominant his right guard position that should provide force on a line loaded with them room to motor. talent.
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FOOTBALL 2016
DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH
QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH Amir Brummett, Jr., MacArthur
Jackson Allen, Sr., LSA
Coach Derek Spates spoke highly of Brummett ahead of last season and, at times, the reasons were obvious. He’s quick on his feet and can really sling it. He had growing pains, but it was a solid year (1,995 yards, 17 TDs) and now he’s a year better.
Cayleb Dehority, Sr., Eisenhower Said last winter, on the heels of a county player of the year season, that his statistics went “overboard” from his expectations. But it gives him someDehority thing to chase individually, not that he’s focused on it – this bulldog of a QB is all about taking Eisenhower another step forward.
Ryan Fyke, Sr., St. Teresa
Through a trial by fire in the CIC for the last two years, Fyke has improved. He showed last season that he’s an efficient passer and good runner. His steady hand at QB will be key this season.
St. Teresa’s Ryan Fyke ent when Price moved from WR to QB mid-season, nearly rushing and passing for 1,000 yards apiece. He’s still their best playmaker. The question is: How will new coach Patrick Etherton utilize him?
Turner Pullen, Jr., Shelbyville
Coach John Hayden had a two-year plan in mind last year, moving Griffin to starter and the incumbent Tanner White to WR. Griffin was the right choice, helping the Maroons end an 11-year playoff drought and totaling 1,911 yards and 21 TDs (passing and rushing).
Attempted the second-most passes (291) in the area last year but made little noise while completing only 32 percent. Expect those numbers to Pullen get better in an offense with more questions at running back than receiver, where Pullen’s options are plentiful.
Caleb Hanson, Sr., Monticello
Tyler Ray, Sr., Maroa-Forsyth
Briley Housh, Sr., LSA
Brody Ulrey, Sr., Argenta-Oreana
Noah Griffin, Sr., Clinton
The Sages are high on their replacement for two-time all-state QB Brandon Wildman and blips over the past two years show why. Hanson appeared three times last year, including a 3 TD emergency performance in a win vs. Tolono Unity, and once as a sophomore.
AUGUST 26, 2016 | 19
Sent the Trojans into disarray at QB when he went down with a torn ACL in Week 5 but was playing well before it. He had 9 TDs to only 1 INT, 547 passing yards at a 62 percent (35-of-56) completion rate, as Maroa started the season 5-0 (3-3 without him).
The numbers don’t jump off the chart at you, Struggled to settle in at the position when but Housh is a dual-threat QB – good arm, good he was called into action two years ago for feet – who’s a vocal leader for the Lions’ offense. injured QB Keegan McHood but has really grown up. He went from 2 TDs and 8 INTs He’s a tough guy, and a good defender, too. sophomore year to 17 and 5 last year and Brandon Price, Sr., Mount Zion should be even better this fall with a few faThe Braves’ offense looked remarkably differ- vorite targets back.
Diondre Lewis, Jr.,
He steered the Lions to their first-ever play- Warrensburg-Latham off berth last season and sparked a strong rushing game with 695 yards and nine touchTwin brother Dionte sprinted to 1,058 downs. yards last season, but he’s now at quarterback. Diondre is just as capable. Equally fast Mitch Bierman, Sr., Newton and nimble, he had 26 receptions for 500 Bierman has an uncanny ability to run yards and five touchdowns as a receiver last through tackles and break away for touch- fall. downs. He led the area with eye-popping numbers last season: 2,292 rushing yards and 37 Garrett May, Sr., Mount Zion touchdowns. Newton also returns most of its He provides the Braves an extra spark in the dominant offensive line. backfield. Last season, he racked up 559 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Alec Cooley, Sr., Clinton
He certainly lived up to expectations last Wyatt Royce, Sr., season with more than 1,800 rushing yards. He Sangamon Valley may have to work with a young offensive line this fall, but he has two years of experience to He was part of a two-headed monster with make up for it. Wyatt Beals last fall. Both carried for more than 800 yards en route to a stellar 9-2 campaign. Dalton Grohler, Sr., Although Beals may be gone, Royce returns with a veteran offensive line that includes cenCerro Gordo-Bement ter Gavin Hawkins, Gottlieb Moore and Marcello He plows over defenders like a big fullback, Gonzalez. and he will once again carry the Broncos with his brute strength. He was one of the top running Keaton Titus, Sr., Cumberland backs last season with 1,906 rushing yards and He is a bruising back with outstanding vision. 25 touchdowns. He rumbled his way to 758 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He will give the Pirates much balance alongside quarterback Terrence Hill, Jr., Effingham Effingham’s success will rest on Hill’s shoul- Brody Donsbach. ders. He carried quite a heavy load behind Drew Vasquez with 91 rushes for 478 yards and two Jake Powell, Sr., Robinson touchdowns his sophomore year. Depth is a major concern for the Maroons, but that means Powell will get plenty of Avery Inboden, Sr., Oblong touches this season after piling up 632 rushHe returns after a devastating injury in ing yards last fall. He will certainly have help. Week 2 sidelined him last season. Inboden Returning quarterback Ethan White should will be poised for a breakout year after he keep opposing defenses from stacking the was first-team all-conference as a linebacker box. in 2014.
Jacardia Wright, So., St. Teresa
With a combination of speed and physicality, Wright made a big splash his freshman year with 1,557 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. That grabbed immediate attention. He’s listed on Scout.com’s early watch list for 2019 four-star prospects in the Midwest.
Tony Salinas and Mario Cortez, Arcola
The Purple Riders will again trot out a combo of power and speed in the backfield. Salinas, a senior, has the most experience with 37 carries for 448 yards and four touchdowns. Cortez brings the track speed.
RECEIVERS TO WATCH Stephon Bobbitt, Sr., Eisenhower Keaton Garner, Sr., Central A&M
Another year with Jameson Smith should Bobbitt turned into a receiver last year instead of a runner. He made teams that doubled help the speedy wideout. Smith found Garner Colton Lockwood pay not just with yards, but often, connecting 38 times for 442 yards. points. Bobbitt had nearly as many touchdowns Parker Haltom, Sr., as Lockwood, coming up with 11.
Simon Brinkoetter, Sr., St. Teresa With the running game eating up so much of the defenses attention, the Bulldogs will be sure to find some open spots downfield. It’ll be hard to miss the tall Brinkoetter, who can be difficult to catch.
Armon Brummett, Jr., MacArthur
Argenta-Oreana
Argenta’s receiving game was led by Haltom, who finished with 42 catches for 571 yards and 7 touchdowns. Here’s a resume point: Haltom was one of two players to score on Arcola’s first-team defense in the regular season.
Dalton Hoel, Jr., Tuscola
Few have as good of hands as Hoel, which Behind Dallas McClain and Keymonta John- makes sense considering his talent at shortson, Brummett showed how valuable he can stop. And he has speed, helping him average be, hauling in 20 catches for 438 yards. Those more than 25 yards per catch last year. He finished with 708 yards and eight touchdowns. numbers should improve this season.
Charles Kuhle, Sr., Mount Zion
Michael Smith, Sr., Mattoon
Kuhle was reliable as a junior, coming up Smith will need to develop chemistry with with 51 catches (fifth-most in the area) for 699 receiver turned QB, Nick Poorman, but Smith’s yards. And with Sammy Schultz (49 catches) ability to change directions on a dime and turn and Max Gensler (30) gone, there will be plenty an effective jet sweep will help that along. of opportunities.
Gage Miller, Sr., Olney
Blake Stauder, Sr., Pana
Miller was consistent all season long, finishing with 31 catches for 425 yards. The speedy receiver creates space everywhere on the field, including the end zone where he caught nine touchdowns.
The Panthers are looking to move into more of a spread, and Stauder’s primed to break out. His speed and vision for the field — which helped out on punt returns, too — will be crucial in making Pana go.
Drew Reider, Jr., Oblong
Joe Stone, Sr., Newton
Reider kept the Oblong offense moving, thanks to a uniform seemingly made of butter. Reider broke plenty of tackles after hauling in 54 catches for 849 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Eagles’ passing game doesn’t win all the accolades of the rushing attack, but Stone is as talented as anyone in the Little Illini. He’s back after 406 yards and should help Tim Weber ease into his new digs.
20 | AUGUST, 26, 2016
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