PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: COVER STORY
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Chester’s Stephen Roth runs upfield last season.
What’s Inside South Seven Carbondale.........................4 Mount Vernon ....................5 Centralia .............................5 Marion.................................6 Cahokia ...............................7 Belleville Althoff................7
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
West Frankfort football coach Brian Beery leads a practice earlier this summer. Beery served as Johnston City’s coach before this season.
SIRR Ohio Murphysboro......................8 Benton.................................9 Massac County ..................9 Harrisburg ........................10 West Frankfort ..................11 Herrin.................................12
STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN
Elverado-Trico coach Jim Hammers works with his players during practice in Elkville, while Johnston City football coach Dan Mings (below) leads his team. Both coaches are new to their respective programs this season.
SIRR Mississippi
Beery, Hammers and Mings seek success at new schools
Du Quoin ...........................13 Pinckneyville ....................14 Carterville .........................15 Anna-Jonesboro...............16 Sparta................................16 Nashville............................17
S
Black Diamond Johnston City...................18 Elverado-Trico...................19 C-Z-R .................................20 Chester .............................20 Hamilton County .............21 S-V-W-W .............................21 The Vienna Co-op............22 Eldorado ...........................22 Carmi-White Co. ..............23 Fairfield.............................23 ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
Page 2 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
Move On the
BY SCOTT MEES / The Southern
even local prep football programs have new head coaches this season, and three of those teams have coaches that switched from one local school to another. Dan Mings left Mount Vernon for Johnston City, Jim Hammers took the Elverado-Trico job after one year as head coach at Murphysboro and Brian Beery took his coaching talents from Johnston City to West Frankfort. Mings, who led Mount Vernon for 10 years, is easily in the best situation of the trio. The Indians are loaded and coming off of a 10-1 season in which they ran through the Black Diamond Conference with an undefeated record.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: COVER STORY school in a more powerful new West Frankfort coach ing to dedicate themselves to another season because does appreciate the hard conference — the SIRR the past few have been work of the players that Ohio Division. Chad tough for them, but the are getting down in the Spence, who led West senior numbers are Frankfort to the playoffs in trenches for him this hurting us those most. But season. three of his first five I believe the classes “The players that have seasons as head coach, is coming up will continue to come out for the team now an assistant coach rise in numbers.” have been awesome,” with Mings at Johnston Wins will be hard to Beery said. “They have City. come by for the Redbirds responded well to me and The Redbirds have won this season, but Beery has the coaching staff. The just one game in the past been impressed with the two seasons, and Beery has respect and the buy-in mindset of his players. were almost automatic. STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN his work cut out for him. “I’ve had players tell me We take it seriously and “You try to change the Elverado-Trico coach Jim they never felt more confwill work hard for them, culture and get kids to Hammers hopes to get the ident going into a season,” and we want that in come back out for the Falcons back in the win Beery said. “I can’t say return.” sport,” said Beery. “They column this season. enough how impressed I Although 46 players haven’t experienced am with the attitude of “You have to be success lately, and morale came out for the football our players. Our goal is to program, Beery believes organized and have a plan, is kind of down when it that number will increase go from the game being and that part was easy for comes to football.” over at halftime to having in the coming years. me,” Hammers said. “We It didn’t help that a chance when the fourth “I had hopes that we used all of our contact several potential seniors quarter rolls around.” could get somewhere days and you just have to basically told Beery they around 60 out for the first be positive with the kids. were tired of losing and scott.mees@thesouthern.com year,” Beery said. “I can At this point of my life I weren’t going to play respect players not want- 618-351-5086 really enjoy being at football this year. But the practice, and I think the kids can tell.” There’s no doubt that Trico has some good athletes, but getting those players to come out for football can be a challenge, especially considering they have to ride a bus 20 S P O RTS M E D I C I N E C L I N I C miles to practice every A Saturday Clinic is offered during the regular football season for day. injuries sustained in Friday night action. “Our Trico players go The clinic is staffed by our sports medicine team, which includes through so much just to orthopedic surgeons with sports medicine subspecialty, athletic get to practice,” Hammers trainers, and physical therapists. said. “We are spread out Athletes should arrive by 9:00AM for evaluation. all over the area, but my Our Sports Injury Drop-In Clinic is also available Monday through Friday. assistant coaches have Athletes are asked to arrive by 8 AM throughout the week unless other been great in terms of arrangements are made. bringing kids in.” The Falcons did have 53 players out for football, which is obviously a positive sign for the program. It was quite interesting to see Beery leave a highly successful Johnston City program for a struggling one at West Frankfort. 510 Lincoln Drive • Herrin Beery was the head coach 618.997.4310 x1086 of the Indians for three seasons and finished with sportsmedicine@sioc.com a solid 23-9 record. But he decided to make ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN Official Orthopedic Provider for: the move to a bigger This will be Brian Beery’s first season at West Frankfort. “This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to go to an established program,” said Mings. “Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, this is a fun thing to do. Community expectations are really high.” As well they should be. The Indians have earned playoff berths in 10 of the past 11 seasons. Mings had short head coaching stints at Edwards County and Fairfield before moving on to Mount Vernon in 2001. But he’s never been in a situation like this. The Rams hadn’t played postseason football in a decade before Mings got there. “Winning is what you’re supposed to do in a football town,” Mings said. “Johnston City is someplace I’ve been intrigued with for years.” The transition from Southern Illinois’ large school conference (South Seven) to a small school conference (Black Diamond) is something that the veteran head coach is looking forward to. “Some people are tailored more toward big school football,” Mings said. “I’m really more toward the 2A and 3A
football. It’s more comfortable for me. My 10 years in Mount Vernon were great mingling with the big boys. But I’m just really happy where I’m at.” Jim Hammers, the new head coach at ElveradoTrico, is also enthusiastic about where he’s at. After serving as Murphysboro’s top coach for one season, the Red Devils decided to go in a different direction. Hammers coached at various levels in Murphysboro for 20-plus years and compiled a 95-65 record combined for the freshmen and sophomore teams. As varsity coach last season, Murphysboro finished 3-6, but did show improvement. “It’s been quite a year for me just in general,” Hammers said. “Things changed for me this spring, and as things changed this job opened up. I was interested in the beginning because it’s close to home. I finally got the opportunity to be a head coach last year, and I enjoyed it.” However, the Falcons haven’t won a football game since 2007 and have only won nine contests since the turn of the century. It’s all about changing the atmosphere in Elkville.
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 3
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Carbondale looking to rebound with new quarterback at helm BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Carbondale Terriers’ bid for a second straight playoff berth was stymied when the Terriers lost their last five games to finish 3-6 and 1-4 in the South
Go Terriers!
Seven Conference. “I think inexperience was one of the reasons,” said coach Dan Koester. “We started out 3-1 and the key was not many turnovers, but down the stretch we made a lot of mistakes.” This year Koester returns 15 starters,
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including eight on offense and six on defense, and hopes that experience will get the Terriers back to playoffs for only the third time since 1993. “Last year, we really didn’t have a quarterback and very few split ends, so we pretty much stayed out of our spread stuff and ran mostly power stuff,” Koester said. “This year, we had the best summer we’ve had in the few years I’ve been here and plan to run the spread with power.” The big change this year will be at quarterback where All-South Kaid Koester will move back to his natural position as a split end, giving way to sophomore Justin Hoffmann. Hoffmann led the freshman Terriers to an 8-1 record. “Hoffmann has become a leader over the summer,” Koester said. “He is very coachable with a good arm and practices like a senior, so I’m not concerned about starting a sophomore quarterback.” Hoffmann will have an experienced
crew surrounding him with running backs Bryce Reno-Gibson, Elijah Sykes and Jarron Warren, receivers Koester, Antroll Williams and Marquis Edmonds, center John Sarvela and tackles Dalton Joles and J.D. Whitback returning. Also back is kicker/punter Mike Kelley. “We have to replace two all-conference guards Chris Pugh and Kyle Baity, but we have some outstanding athletes coming up,” Koester said. “We have an outstanding junior Jacob Gaertner (270 pounds) and a couple big seniors in Jacob Brown (340) and Zach Simmons (275) who are looking good.” Koester plays a 3-5 slant defense led by All-South inside linebacker Jordan Bowlby. Also back are inside linebackers Jordan Pratt and RaJon Ikner, outside linebacker Eli Uffelman, nose guard Owen Abarca and cornerback Isiah Jones. SEE CARBONDALE / PAGE 24
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Page 4 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
The Shaner Era begins for Rams
CENTRALIA ORPHANS Coach: Ray Kauling Career Record: 68-39 2010 Record: 3-6 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (11): Dyman Sodsaikitch (QB), Andrew Penaga (RB), Rashad Campbell (RB), Stephonta Moore (WR/CB), Matt Baumgartner (WR), Tanner Pitts (G), Brandon Hill (DE/OT), Adrian Williams (ILB), Troy Miller (ILB), DeAndre Downey (ILB), Dylan McAbee (SS) Schedule Aug. 26 at Salem Sept. 2 BETHALTO Sept. 9 at Highland Sept. 16 CARBONDALE* Sept. 23 at Althoff* Sept. 30 CAHOKIA* Oct. 7 at Marion* Oct. 14 at MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 21 MASCOUTAH * conference game Seniors Dylan McAbee Matt Baumgartner Stephonta Moore Adrian Williams Andrew Panega DeAndrew Downey Troy Miller Jakarie Poore Matt Rohrscheib
Ht. 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-9
Wt. 160 165 160 215 190 180 235 185 240
Pos. WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB RB\LB RB\LB TE\LB RB\LB WR\DL OL\DL
Bobby Reider Brandon Hill Adam Halstead Tanner Pitts Levi Alli Anthony Linder Juniors Mason Wathan Dyman Sodsaikitch Charlie Evischi Rashad Campbell Xavier Green Travondis Lee Asante’ Poore Malik Scott Dustin Dekalb Drew Shores Klayton Norman Jason Boyer Mark Pozeg Trevor Gyorkos Dexter Johnson Kaleb Robinson Sophomores Tripp Kessler Chase Alcorn Kyle Davis Brandon Goodiel Jordan Williams Corey Meskil Eug. Weatherspoon Philip Rapp Nick Wilken Rashad Margrum
5-8 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-4 5-11 Ht. 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-8 6-1 Ht. 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-4
170 180 220 265 275 155 Wt. 170 155 160 200 185 155 155 220 205 210 240 210 215 155 150 185 Wt. 145 170 160 170 220 175 210 235 165 140
OL\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB Pos. WR\DB QB\DB WR\DB RB\DB WR\LB WR\DB RB\LB RB\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\DB WR\LB Pos. WR\DB QB\DB RB\LB OL\DL OL\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\DB
Centralia looks to take next step BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
When Ray Kauling was hired two years ago, he took over a program that had been about as consistent as a team could be, but not in a good way. The Orphans were mired in a series of three losing streaks that knocked out his three predecessors. It took Kauling, a successful coach at Breese Mater Dei, only one game to snap the 35-game losing streak and the first game last year to snap the 24-game home losing streak. So if history is any indication, the last losing streak of 44 straight South Seven Conference games dating back to 2002 will fall this year. Last year the Orphans (3-6) had a very
successful non-conference season winning three of the four games beating Salem, Highland and ending the season with a convincing win over Trenton Wesclin, but lost all five South Seven games. “We were in every game last year,” Kauling said. “Carbondale returned an interception on our last drive and we scored with 1:10 to go against Althoff, but snapped the ball over the quarterback’s head on the two-point conversion (to tie the score). “We were beating Cahokia by 10 in the fourth quarter and were down by eight going into the fourth quarter to Marion and down 14 in the middle of the third quarter to Mount Vernon.”
BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Mount Vernon Rams will have a new face on the sideline this season after longtime coach Dan Mings left to take over Johnston City. Jared Shaner was hired to turn the Rams’ fortunes around. During Mings’ 10-year tenure, the Rams won two South Seven Conference titles and qualified for the playoffs six times. But the last two seasons haven’t
been up to that standard with the team falling to 5-13 and 4-6 in the conference. Shaner spent the last five years as head coach at Lincoln, a Class 4A school from the Central State Eight Conference 40 miles north of Springfield. “I was fortunate to get here during the summer and get some work done,” Shaner said. “We want kids to play hard and compete. Hopefully we can put a good product out on the field.” SEE MOUNT VERNON / PAGE 24
MOUNT VERNON RAMS Coach: Jared Shaner Career Record: 12-33 2010 Record: 3-6 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (8): Anthony Moore (RB), Blake Strickland (RB), Patrick Bradford (TE/WR), Dan Morrison (OL), Craig Vishy (G), Clayton Reeves (FS), Michael Jefferson (CB), Caleb Burns (DT) Schedule Aug. 27 ST. LOUIS CAREER ACADEMY Sept. 2 MASCOUTAH Sept. 9 TRIAD Sept. 16 at Althoff* Sept. 23 MARION* Sept. 30 CARBONDALE* Oct. 7 at Cahokia* Oct. 14 at Centralia* Oct. 21 MOUNT CARMEL * conference game Seniors Anthony Moore Leonta Badger Miguel Lisboa Jordan Williamson Blake Stricklin Nick Workman Tyler Bourland Kaleb Jones Cory Gibson Craig Vishy Dan Morrison Cody Rector Juniors Clayton Reeves Travis Mitchell Pat Bradford Michael Jefferson
Ht. 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-7 5-6 5-6 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-2 Ht. 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-11
Wt. 165 180 175 140 160 200 195 225 235 205 345 180 Wt. 150 160 195 155
Pos. RB\DB WR\DB WR\DL RB\DB RB\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL ‘OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\LB Pos. QB\DB RB\LB WR\LB QB\DB
Zach Swinnen 5-8 Derrick Hunter 6-1 Zane Young 5-10 Wes Song 5-7 Jarron Liddell 5-8 Austin Hogue 5-10 Alex Vosburgh 5-9 Bryan Presley 5-9 Jacob Stern 5-8 Dalton Moore 6-4 Justin Armstrong 6-0 Qwymann Cantler 6-3 Joel Duncan 5-10 Aaron Burge 5-10 Josh Brinson 6-0 Sophomores Ht. Dominique Gardner 5-8 Andrew Gill 5-8 Thomas Weber 6-4 Mathew Costello 5-7 Robert Grider 6-0 C.J. Lloyd 5-7 Jacob Williamson 5-8 Demarco Jefferson 5-5 Luke Keip 5-6 Jacob Bruce 5-7 Myles Tate 5-5 Nik Palmer 5-7 Crayton Turner 5-7 John Wells 5-4 Matt Morton 5-8 Kyle Nelson 6-0 Dominique Robinson 5-5 Cody O’Neal 5-8 Enrique Lam 5-6 Josh Bourland 6-0 Caleb Burns 6-5 Eli Phillips 6-4 Jacobee Marshall 5-10 Tyler Knutson 5-10 Ilando Watson 6-0
145 170 145 150 140 150 170 190 175 265 265 275 150 150 205 Wt. 160 145 170 145 165 160 140 125 135 150 160 145 150 125 160 200 220 240 180 175 315 280 150 170 160
K WR\DB WR\DB WR\LB RB\DB QB\LB RB\LB OL\DL OL\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL K WR\DB OL\DL Pos. RB\LB QB\DB QB\LB WR\DB RB\LB RB\LB RB\LB RB\DB RB\LB WR\DB RB\LB WR\DB RB\LB WR\DB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\LB WR\DB
SEE CENTRALIA / PAGE 24
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 5
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
MARION WILDCATS Coach: Kerry Martin Career Record: 149-70 2010 Record: 9-2 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (10): Brett Bradley (QB), Shekeil Ivy (RB), Henry Jones (RB/CB), Cedric Neal (HB/CB), Jay Riley (WR/S), Zach Peterson (OL), Alex Long (ILB), Dylon Woolard (ILB), Keegan McGee (NG), Jake Weaver (S) Schedule Aug. 26 at Granite City Sept. 2 HIGHLAND Sept. 9 at Harrisburg Sept. 16 at Cahokia* Sept. 23 at Mount Vernon* Sept. 30 ALTHOFF* Oct. 7 CENTRALIA* Oct. 14 at Carbondale* Oct. 21 HERRIN * conference game Seniors Braxton Dallas Jay Riley Justin Ivy Tyler Forbes Brett Bradley Danny Gooch Brandon Switzer Cedric Neal Dylon Woolard Shekeil Ivy Alex Long Darien Daniel Keegan McGee Michael Norris Spencer Glasnovich
Ht. 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-3 5-7 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11
Wt. Pos. 175 DB\SE 175 SE\DB 175 SE\LB 165 HB 215 QB 215 TE\DL 155 SE\DB 180 RB\DB 200 OL\DL 205 RB\LB 210 RB\LB 205 OL\DL 205 OL\DL 195 OL\LB 190 OL\DL
D.J. Boggs Brandon England Dylan Carrico Zach Peterson Drew Johnson Juniors Jon Evetts Jake Weaver Matt Lewis Henry Jones Troy Slinkard Logan Hunt Dustin Irwin Gregory Taylor Conner Jackson JD Ray Christian Porter Caleb Stewart Brock Stigall Dustin Hanson Kyle Emery David Acree John Stutz Preston Lunon Eric Neagle Caleb Hurst Kaleb Terry Sophomores Braden Travelstead Jordan Bradford Carsen Cash Jared Dorris Tyrone Maples Hunter Odum John Dalton Austin Morrison Sam Brown Chase Hughart Ryan Bayer
Go Wildcats!! 102 Comfort Dr. Marion
Page 6 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
6-0 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-0 Ht. 5-9 6-3 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-8 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-2 5-11 Ht. 5-11 6-0 6-3 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-11
250 200 225 260 155 Wt. 160 185 175 170 195 175 150 235 230 190 190 195 195 215 240 265 285 265 230 190 190 Wt. 200 165 185 160 190 160 175 185 200 160 140
OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL Ol\DL SE\DB Pos. SE\DB SE\DB QB RB\LB RB\LB RB\DB RB\LB DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL SE\LB OL\DL Pos. WR\LB WR\DB QB\DB RB\DB RB\LB RB\DB WR\LB OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\DB
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Marion’s Shekeil Ivy takes off for a long run in the first quarter of the Wildcats’ win over Carbondale last season. The 5-foot-11 running back returns the year for his senior season.
Marion has bull’s-eye on its back BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
The Marion Wildcats earned a playoff berth for the sixth straight season last year and swept the South Seven to win its first outright conference title before losing, 47-45, to Springfield in the second round of the playoffs. “Coming off the conference championship, we know they will be gunning for us, so there’s a sense of urgency to be at our best every Friday night,” said coach Kerry Martin. “This team has to do what the previous six teams did and play hungry to earn that playoff berth. We also want to be the first team from the south to repeat as conference champion since the early 1990s.” This year, Martin returns 10 starters from last year’s 9-2 team, including the nucleus of both the offense and defense. However, Martin has to replace four offensive linemen, both defensive ends and two defensive backs. Returning on offense are quarterback Brett Bradley, running backs Shekeil Ivy, Cedric Neal and Henry Jones, wide receiver Jay Riley and offensive lineman Zach Peterson. “Offensively, we have a lot of skill kids back, including our quarterback and top
rusher and receiver, so our mission is to get some solid offensive linemen to go with them,” Martin said. “We have good competition for the offensive line with some talented sophomores competing for starting jobs.” Leading the battle for a spot on the offensive line are juniors Conner Jackson, John Stutz and Brock Stigall. “We’re optimistic our offense will be just as good as it was last year (36 points per game),” Martin said. “We got some speed so we will spread the field and get the ball to our playmakers.” Martin runs a 3-4 scheme on defense and returns defensive lineman Keegan McGee, inside linebackers Alex Long and Dylon Woolard, cornerbacks Neal and Jones and safeties Riley and Jake Weaver. “We have a nice mix on defense,” Martin said. “We return players at almost every position and don’t have a void at any position in particular.” The leading candidates for the outside linebacker spots are seniors Brax Dallas and Justin Ivy. On the line senior Michael Norris and junior J.D. Ray are the leading contenders. “We lost to a very good football team and that left us short by a little bit,” Martin said. “Hopefully we can use that as motivation to go further this year.”
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN
Cahokia getting back in the hunt BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Cahokia coach Antwyne Golliday had just one starter returning last year when his Comanches suffered through his first losing season since he took over in 2003. Cahokia finished 4-5 and fourth in the South Seven (2-3) snapping a seven-year playoff run and a two-year conference championship streak. “Last year, I knew from Day 1 it was going to be a learning experience and in our first game we lost to O’Fallon, 41-0, and that was the worst loss of my career,”
Golliday said. “We had a young team and I figured we would go 0-9, but we ended up fooling four teams and just missed the playoffs.” This year Golliday has 10 returning starters and is hoping the experience his young players got last year will translate a return to the playoffs. “Offensively we are going to run a little multiple everything,” Golliday said. “I usually go with what we have talent wise and this year we have talent to go one back, two back, three back.” SEE CAHOKIA / PAGE 24
CAHOKIA COMANCHES Coach: Antwyne Golliday Career Record: 62-27 2010 Record: 4-5 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (10): Leon Gillispie (WR), Xjavion Boyd (WR), Calvin Owens (OT/DT), Mike Williams (OT/DT), Tim Nicholson (C), Quinntarius Hill (RB), Jalen Thomas (RB/MLB), Shayeen Edwards (RB), Maquion Fridge (CB), Melvin Collins (NG) Schedule Aug. 26 O’FALLON Sept. 2 at Alton Sept. 9 at St. Louis Carnahan Sept. 16 MARION* Sept. 23 at Carbondale* Sept. 30 at Centralia* Oct. 7 MOUNT VERNON* Oct. 14 ALTHOFF* Oct. 21 at Hales Franciscan * conference game Seniors Darius Fridge Shanquanja Bonner X’Javion Royd Leon Gillespie Andrew Tucker Antonio Beverly Quinntarius Hill Marquis Jones Bryan Wilson Marlyn Jackson Lamar Ford Justin House Brandan Lee Paris Grimmett
Ht. 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-9 6-1 6-5 6-0
Wt. Pos. 180 WR\DB 160 QB\DB 180 WR\DB 175 WR 175 WR 190 DB\LB 175 RB 175 LB 185 RB\LB 160 RB 170 LB 220 OL\DL 295 OL\DL 320 OL\DL
Calvin Owens 6-3 Eric Powers 6-1 Juniors Ht. Jalen Thomas 5-10 Dale Gantt 5-10 Shayeen Edwards 5-9 Larry Overall 5-10 Demario Phillips 5-2 Lonnie Best 5-8 Mark Quan Fridge 5-9 Jewell Webb 5-7 Darnell Bevely 5-11 Dominque Hill 5-10 Ernest Suggs 5-10 Melvin Collins 6-0 Tim Nicholson 6-2 Tevin Edwards 5-10 Frank Gully 6-0 Mike Williams 6-4 Sophomores Ht. Keenan Hogan 5-11 Antoine Stevenson 5-10 Lamarriel Taylor 6-2 Romeion Moore 5-11 Stacy Minor 5-10 Darby Perry 5-8 Demeko Stringfellow 5-6 Michael Reid 5-9 Cameron Grinston 5-11 Shelton Pippen 5-9 Chris Brown 5-11 Jeremy Lewis 6-1 Jamarco Wiley 5-8 Jaren Ferguson 5-10 John Leach 5-11 Ronney Moore 6-0 Gary Hickman 6-0 Freshman Ht. Kenny Knight Jr. 6-0
325 200 Wt. 175 160 165 155 150 160 160 140 175 170 175 280 240 210 240 290 Wt. 175 180 150 180 165 150 135 180 160 190 265 210 235 240 290 175 170 Wt. 240
OL\DL TE\DE Pos. RB\LB WR\QB RB QB\WR RB\LB RB\DB DB WR RB\LB WR\LB RB\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL Pos. WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB WR\LB WR\LB QB RB RB LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR WR Pos. OL\DL
BELLEVILLE ALTHOFF CRUSADERS Coach: Ken Turner Career Record: 13-15 2010 Record: 5-4 Conference: South Seven (Class 4A) Returning Starters (10): Jabari Taylor (QB/WR), Eric Mertens (QB), Kameron Harris (RB/WLB), Nesh Quarles (RB/SS), Nolan Abernathy (OT/DE), Andre Roberts (C/DE), Erik Furmanek (MLB/OT), Colin Cozart (DT/G), Nick Hawthorne (FS), David Fischer (CB). Schedule Aug. 26 at COLLINSVILLE Sept. 2 at Belleville West Sept. 9 MASCOUTAH Sept. 16 MOUNT VERNON* Sept. 23 CENTRALIA* Sept. 30 at Marion* Oct. 7 CARBONDALE* Oct. 14 at Cahokia* Oct. 21 at Triad * conference game Seniors Ht. Nick Fiore 6-0 Jabari Taylor 5-11 Kameron Harris 5-9 ‘lerNeshama Quarles 6-3 Jeffrey Mayo 5-9 David Fischer 5-9 Greg Ceferatti 6-1 Geoff Nicholson 5-9 Andre Roberts 5-10 Collin Cozart 5-9 Adam Dettenmeier 5-11 John Braxmeier 5-10
Wt. Pos. 170 RB\LB 175 QB\DB 200 RB\LB 195 RB\LB 145 CB 202 DB 195 OL\DL 250 OL\DL 225 OL\DL 295 OL\DL 175 K 170 K
Matt Soucy Lucas Schwartz Juniors Nick Hawthorne Chaun Wells Michael Harris Zach Donaldson Derek Newgent Cole Reichert Garland Henley Jeremy Miller Kordell Harris Tyler Schmid Erik Furmanek Nolan Abernathy Daniel Hopkins Brandon Harris Ryan Ord Gerardo Herrera Merrick Jackson Ryan Cannady Sung Min Moon Sophomores Jake Fischer Eric Mertens Eric Cereratti Austin Mueller Peyton See Ricardo Guzman Brett Mory Luke Frazier Jimmy Hassel Sam Allard Gage Ulery Robert Reynolds Scott Stuhldreher Erik Krause David Edelmann
5-10 5-8 Ht. 5-9 5-9 5-7 6-1 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-9 Ht. 5-10 6-3 5-4 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-1 5-5 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-5 5-9
140 275 Wt. 146 145 135 175 160 140 175 145 160 155 240 240 190 225 215 225 320 161 145 Wt. 140 220 120 125 145 140 135 155 160 160 200 180 192 240 142
K DL Pos. WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB QB\LB WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB RB\LB WR\DB OL\LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB WR\DB Pos. WR\DB QB\LB RB\DB RB\LB RB\LB WR\DB WR\DB WR\DB LB OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL OL\DL WR\DB
Althoff back to finish what’s started BY GEARY DENISTON FOR THE SOUTHERN
Last year, the Belleville Althoff Crusaders missed the playoffs by the slimmest of margins and coach Ken Turner has 10 returning starters on a mission to get the job done this year. “Last year ended in disappointing fashion being one point short of the playoffs, so that was tough,” Turner said. “We expected to be a playoff team last year, so this year our goal is to make the playoffs and possibly win a state championship.” In 2009, Althoff made the playoffs in Turner’s second year, rebounding from
two losing seasons to finish 6-4, third at 3-2 in the South Seven and a playoff berth. Last year, the Crusaders improved to second in the conference, losing only to Marion and finished 5-4. But, a 21-16 loss to Troy Triad in the final game left them on the outside looking in. Turner returns six starters on offense, including running back Kameron Harris, who averaged nine yards a carry, Nesh Quarles, who is moving from wide receiver to running back, tackle Nolan Abernathy and center Andre Roberts SEE ALTHOFF / PAGE 24
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 7
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
MURPHYSBORO RED DEVILS Coach: Gary Carter Career Record: 67-92 2010 Record: 3-6 Conference: SIRR Ohio (Class 4A) Key Returners (14): Kevin Gude (OL/DL), Diamante Bradley (RB/LB), Bryce Lane (OL/DL), Darion Jarrett (DB/RB), Devan Baril (RB/LB). Schedule Aug. 26 CARBONDALE Sept. 2 ANNA-JONESBORO Sept. 9 SPARTA Sept. 16 At Harrisburg* Sept. 23 BENTON* Sept. 30 At Massac County* Oct. 7 At Herrin* Oct. 14 WEST FRANKFORT* Oct. 21 At Du Quoin * conference game
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Murphysboro’s Darion Jarrett (right) returns an opening kickoff last season.
New attitude comes to Murphysboro BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Gary Carter takes over as head coach of the Red Devils and has brought a new attitude to a varsity program that has struggled for more than a decade. Carter, who previously coached at Jerseyville and East Alton-Wood River,
brings toughness to the squad along with the wing-T offense. Only time will tell if the players buy into his system. “I think we’re athletic and we have kids that we’re holding accountable,” Carter said. “Football is a hard sell, and we have to change the attitude on the way we look at things.
Go Red Devils!
Page 8 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
Seniors Devan Baril Noah Brown Michael Bytner Roger Gonzales Cole Gould Jabary Henry Brandon Jackson Darion Jarrett Nick Keller Jeremiah LaGrone
Ht. 5-7 5-10 5-9 6-3 6-0 5-9 5-7 5-10 6-3 6-0
Wt. Pos. 170 RB/LB 195 OL/DL 180 OL/DL 295 OL/DL 195 OL/DL 145 WR/DB 185 RB/LB 175 RB/DB 285 OL/DL 260 OL/DL
“That can be difficult, but that’s what we’re trying to do.” The Red Devils lost some quality players from last year’s 3-6 team, which stayed competitive in quite a few of the losses. Orlando Jarrett (running back), Eben Brooks (quarterback), Dylan Craig (receiver) and Bradley Sauer (offensive line) are all gone. Kyle Miller will take the snaps behind center for the Red Devils, and Carter is expecting consistency out of his senior quarterback. “Kyle has been really good for us and very consistent,” Carter said. “He can throw the ball decent enough and runs our offense well.” Look for Diamante Bradley to make some noise at fullback for the team along with Darion Jarrett and Devian Gaines at halfback. “Diamante Bradley could make a big impact,” Carter said. “He is really explosive and has big play potential. He’s probably the strongest kid on the team and real
Bryce Lane Kyle Miller Ryan O’Leary Kevin Santos Josh Thompson Juniors Andre Adams Diamante Bradley Zach Evans Devian Gaines Hosten Gee Kevin Gude Gabe Henehan Trey Hope Tylon Kerrens Kane Wilson Sophomores Aeian Baird Jonathan Ehlers Brant Hill Shane Favier Dakota Fenton Eric Finders Drew Hopkins Kaleb Jarrett Sheldon Klaus Jordan Landewee Cody Mifflin Kyle Roe Tim Sanders Justin Stilley Jonathon Wheat
5-10 6-0 5-9 6-1 5-11 Ht. 5-7 5-6 6-2 5-3 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-6 5-11 6-0 Ht. 5-8 5-6 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-5 6-1 5-9 6-2 5-5 5-8 5-6 5-9 5-11 6-0
190 180 225 280 160 Wt. 190 195 145 150 126 205 180 175 190 180 Wt. 160 185 175 225 185 120 200 155 200 185 155 190 170 185 165
OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB Pos. RB/LB OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL WB/LB
close to being the fastest. He can be as good as he wants to be.” Murphysboro will rely on its speed and athleticism, which is nothing new. Those attributes combined with the wing-T offense could make for an interesting season. “I think we can get angles on people and put the defense in conflict,” Carter said. “But it comes down to the little things of guys knowing where to go and who to block. Getting the offensive line to block the right guys will be the key.” Most of the offense for Murphysboro will be play action schemes, and protection is a concern along with keeping the players fresh. “Our weakest link will probably be our depth because we have a lot of kids starting both ways,” Carter said. “We need to get our kids some rest and probably rotate them on offense.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Benton hopes to build off its winning season BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
The Benton football team enjoyed its first winning season since 2002 last year, but still came up short of a postseason berth because of a lack of playoff points. The Rangers return 14 starters from its 2010 squad, which finished 5-4. “We knew deep down that we had to have six wins,” said Benton coach Jeremy Clodfelder. “People patted us on the backs and said it was so interesting and fun now, but I’m bitter about it. But we made things exciting and every game meant something all the way.” Tyler Leffler returns as the team’s starting quarterback, and he has a solid nucleus of talented players around him. “His own mistakes don’t faze him, and that’s the way you have to be in our system,” Clodfelder said. “What also makes Tyler good is the weapons he has to throw to. Plus, we’ve got five guys up front that can really protect him.” Cody Smith, Mason Childers and Trey Garrett return as one of the top receiving corps in the area. The Rangers scored at least 21 points in eight of nine games a year ago. The team will once again be using the spread offense, which can make it difficult on opposing defenses. “We pretty much live in the spread, and people have this assumption that because you’re a spread team you don’t run the football,” Clodfelder said. “We ran the football 58 percent of the time last year. At the end of the day all they are really saying is win.” Dylan Sheeks and Colby Allen will still get plenty of carries at the running back position. “Colby Allen is a workhorse who might be the hardest working kid in our program,” Clodfelder said. “Sheeks played some meaningful minutes for us a sophomore. He’s got a burst and some speed and can make people miss a little.” Defense is the area where the Rangers will need to improve. The squad gave up a combined 69 points to Herrin and Harrisburg last season. “We have to continue to get better, and we graduated some real good players on defense,” Clodfelder said. “Offense is our biggest strength, and we’ve got to come out firing on all cylinders. We have to be able to crank some things out.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5086
BENTON RANGERS Coach: Jeremy Clodfelder Career Record: 13-23 2010 Record: 5-4 Conference: SIRR Ohio (3A) Key Returners (14): Derek Butler (OL/DL), Beau Gibbs (OL/DL), Daulton Ward (OL/DL), Tyler Leffler (QB/DB), Cody Smith (WR/DB), Mason Childers (WR/LB), Trey Garrett (WR/DB), Colby Allen (RB/LB), Dylan Sheeks (RB/LB), Colt Dugger (OL/DL), Jake Harris (DL/WR), Landon LaBuwi (DL/WR), Jared Johnston (DB/WR), Eric Price (DB/WR). Schedule Aug. 26 CARTERVILLE Sept. 2 At Sparta Sept. 9 PINCKNEYVILLE Sept. 16 HERRIN* Sept. 23 At Murphysboro* Oct. 1 At West Frankfort* Oct. 7 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 14 HARRISBURG* Oct. 21 At Anna-Jonesboro * conference game Seniors Colby Allen Marco Alvarez Derek Butler Mason Childers Colt Dugger Trey Garrett Beau Gibbs Jake Harris Drew Ing Jared Johnston Kyle Kink
Ht. 5-9 5-6 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-9
Wt. 184 207 252 202 219 188 196 188 135 151 165
Pos. RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL WR/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB
Landon LaBuwi 6-3 Tyler Leffler 6-3 Eric Price 5-11 Cody Smith 5-11 Jerett Shockley 6-3 Thomas Simpson 5-7 Juniors Ht. Shane Bettenhausen 5-3 Dakota Cali 5-9 Cole Forby 6-1 Mateo Guillermo 5-5 Dillon Key 5-9 Frank Kulich 6-3 Austin Myers 5-8 Cameron Rock 5-11 Dylan Sheeks 6-1 Gavin Suver 6-3 Daulton Ward 6-4 Alex Yates 6-0 Sophomores Ht. Lars Allen 6-0 Justin Boyd 6-2 Mat Buntin 5-11 Brett Butler 5-8 Conner Clark 5-10 Keegan Dawson 6-1 Blaze Dorchincez 5-9 Andrew Einspahr 5-9 Charles Fisher 6-0 Nathaniel Higgins 6-0 Alexander Jerrells 5-6 Max Jones 5-11 Andrew Lampley 5-8 Tyler Owens 5-7 Matthew Pemberton 6-0 Joshua Price 6-1 Matt Redmon 6-0 Dylan Tiberend 6-1 Tyler Williams 6-1
200 159 151 148 346 138 Wt. 252 161 180 165 231 240 133 155 205 232 231 142 Wt. 147 171 144 166 225 246 214 178 285 134 114 236 140 147 178 156 240 280 227
WR/DL QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL K Pos. OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. RB/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB OL/DL TE/DL RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL RB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Benton quarterback Tyler Leffler drops back to pass during a game with West Frankfort last season in Benton.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Patriots hungry, ready for a rebirth BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Massac County suffered through a multitude of injuries last season and finished just 2-7, but the team is hungry to rebound this year. The Patriots won seven games in each of the previous three seasons, but the 2010 campaign was a difficult one. “We’ve been blessed here and shared the conference for a couple of years, so last year was tough,” said Massac County coach Kelly Glass. “It opened our eyes after last year that just because we show up doesn’t mean we’ll get it done. It refocused us and humbled us a little bit. It did motivate a lot of kids.” The squad has to replace its quarterback, Dalton Stoner, who isn’t playing football this year. Malcom Amos and Caleb Crim will take over those duties, which gives the Patriots some solid athleticism at the position. “It’ll give us a little bit of a different type of look,” Glass said. “It will be a slashing type of quarterback that can run like we had with Jarelle Johnson a couple of years ago.” Although they’re still a spread team, the Patriots plan on running the ball quite a bit, too. Nate Hillebrand, Lamar Tyson and Shaq Moore could see quite a few carries out of the backfield. “They all have pretty good quickness,” Glass said. “They are athletic and talented, but SEE MASSAC COUNTY / PAGE 11
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 9
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
HARRISBURG BULLDOGS Coach: Jason Roper Career Record: 26-23 2010 Record: 7-3 Conference: SIRR Ohio (4A) Key Returners (7): Alex Delgado (OL), Austin Johnson (OL), Brandon Gibbs (OL), Caleb Beal (OL/DL), Tyler McGowan (TE/DB), Tyler Tuttle (RB/LB), Ryne Roper (DB). Schedule Aug. 26 At Mount Carmel Sept. 2 DU QUOIN Sept. 9 MARION Sept. 16 MURPHYSBORO* Sept. 23 At Massac County* Sept. 30 HERRIN* Oct. 7 At West Frankfort* Oct. 14 At Benton* Oct. 21 At Carbondale * conference game Seniors Raven Abell Craig Barter Caleb Beal Kyle Butler Zach Cletcher Cameron Cummins Roman Cusic Dylan Davis Alex Delgado Brandon Gibbs Caleb Goldman
Ht. 6-1 5-8 5-9 5-5 6-1 5-7 5-7 5-6 5-9 6-4 5-11
Wt. Pos. 171 LB 210 DB 225 OL/DL 178 RB 227 DL 162 WR/DB 213 LB 189 DL 228 OL/DL 241 OL 172 WR
Nick Hamp Tim Jeffries Austin Johnson Aaron McCroy Tyler McGowan Matt Milligan Rahul Patel Dalton Rightnowar Tyler Short Terry Taborn Tyler Tuttle Juniors Tyler Bebout Austin Eldridge Capel Henshaw Dylan Hathaway Isaac Ingram Corey Kennebrew Bryan Miller Dylan Yates Brandon Pate Gabe Oglesby Jordan Quertermous Ryne Roper Dylan Stacey Brandon Thom Dakota Upchurch Phillip West Chris Willsey Justin Younger Sophomores Daniel Lewis Brady Mayer Zach Smith
Page 10 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-9 5-6 5-9 6-2 6-0 5-9 Ht. 5-8 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-4 5-8 5-8 5-7 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-0 5-7 5-8 6-3 5-5 5-7 5-8 Ht. 5-6 5-9 5-9
201 216 215 160 187 175 159 157 185 260 180 Wt. 231 204 184 193 303 147 160 159 175 188 240 175 268 253 235 139 180 159 Wt. 144 177 153
DL OL OL/LB LB WR/DB LB K LB WR/LB DL RB/LB Pos. RB/DL LB WR/DB RB/LB OL DB WR/DB LB LB OL/LB OL QB/DB OL DL DL/OL DB DL WR/DB Pos. RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Harrisburg’s Tyler McGowan intercepts a pass to end Murphysboro’s final drive last season.
Bulldogs hope to contend again BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
Tyler McGowan and Capel Henshaw. The Bulldogs are usually a run-first team but these new options could open things up a bit. “We’re not going to chuck it around every play, but we’ll get in some receiver type sets and take advantage of that,” Jason Roper said. “We still want to control the clock. Hopefully, that will set up some passing plays.” The Bulldogs will have to replace some quality players, including their tough fullback, Keelin Rasch. But coach Roper has several athletes in the mix for that spot, including Dylan Hathaway, Tyler Bebout and Kyle Butler. “Tuttle has good speed and hands and will be a good all around running threat for us,” Jason Roper said. “But the other three players will have to take over at fullback for us, which is important. We had Rasch last year and Dawson Montfort the year before that.” The Bulldogs have a brutally tough schedule to start the season once again. That slate includes Mount Carmel, Du Quoin and Marion. “There are five teams on our schedule with great senior classes, and those teams might be better than they were a year ago,” Jason Roper said. “I think we have a chance to be good but our schedule is even better than it was a year ago.”
The Harrisburg football team has either won or shared the conference crown for the past three years, and that includes an undefeated run through the SIRR Ohio Division in 2010. The Bulldogs finished 7-3 a year ago and have to be considered one of the conference’s top teams in the upcoming season. “There’s pressure in every game we play because of our schedule,” said Harrisburg coach Jason Roper. “Hopefully, our kids have worked hard enough that we can rise to the level of competition and contend for a conference championship.” Harrisburg loves to pound the football up the middle and returns a solid core on the offensive line. Alex Delgado, Austin Johnson, Brandon Gibbs and Caleb Beal are all back to open up the holes on the line. Tyler Tuttle will suit up at halfback again, and Ryne Roper takes over the reins at quarterback, which should give the Bulldogs a pretty good passing attack. “He’s looked really good and has done a good job running the offense so far,” Jason Roper said. “He’s very talented on the baseball field and that plays into him having a strong arm. He’s looked really good throwing the ball.” The new varsity quarterback will have a couple of talented targets to throw to in scott.mees@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5086
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Beery looks to turn Redbirds around
MASSAC COUNTY PATRIOTS Coach: Kelly Glass Career Record: 130-113 2010 Record: 2-7 Conference: SIRR Ohio (4A) Key Returners (9): Malcom Amos (QB/DB), Caleb Crim (RB/LB), Marshall Burkhead (DL), Mason Heine (OL/LB), Nate Hillebrand (RB/DB), Jordan Troutman (LB), Blake Herbert (OL), Jay Tyson (DL), Curtis Kerley (OL). Schedule Aug. 26 TRENTON WESCLIN Sept. 2 CALLOWAY COUNTY, Ky. Sept. 9 At Anna-Jonesboro Sept. 16 At West Frankfort* Sept. 23 HARRISBURG* Sept. 30 MURPHYSBORO* Oct. 7 At Benton* Oct. 14 At Herrin* Oct. 21 BALLARD MEMORIAL, Ky. * conference game Seniors Ht. Malcom Amos 6-0 Marshall Burkhead 5-9 Caleb Crim 5-6 Nick Deasel 5-9 Mason Heine 5-10 Blake Herbert 6-2 Nate Hillebrand 5-11 Erik Merrill 5-11 Kenneth Miller 5-10 Shaq Moore 5-9 Todd Pergande 5-11 Jeb Stewart 5-10
Wt. Pos. 175 QB/DB 240 DL 170 RB/LB 260 OL 182 OL/LB 210 OL/DL 182 RB/DB 215 OL/DL 285 DL 175 RB/LB 225 OL/DL 175 OL/DL
Jay Tyson A.J. Tucker Juniors Jordan Ablett Matt Buchanan Trey Copley Andrew Cromeenes Ross Devers Shequalle Edwards Jon Haverkamp John Hernandez Curtis Kerley Marquis Thompson Zach Trumpower Lamar Tyson Sophomores Tristan Ablett Mason Bremer Israel Cherry David Dominguez Dan Dwyer Peyton Hall Brice Hayden Austin Kendall Cameron Koch Brandon Looper Garett Miller Chris Morse Jacob Myers Jacob Pegram Ethan Ramage Eli Rose T.J. Runkle Zach Stevens Jordan Troutman Josh Wrye
5-9 6-1 Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-8 5-5 6-1 5-9 6-2 5-9 Ht. 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-10 6-4 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-6
175 300 Wt. 145 190 191 190 160 180 150 160 346 153 280 160 Wt. 160 206 160 200 185 280 160 220 160 195 190 180 150 157 255 170 200 202 173 160
OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB TE/DL DB/WR DB/WR K RB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL DB/WR Pos. WR/RB OL/DL LB OL/DL LB OL/DL LB OL/DL QB LB OL/DL RB/LB DB/WR WR/DB OL/DL DB/WR OL/DL OL/DL LB WR/DB
MASSAC COUNTY: Hungry, ready for rebirth FROM PAGE 9
to, which is a good and a bad thing,” Glass said of Jackson. “If you stop him you kind of stopped us. You would rather have more options, and you want more balance. Jordan was full of energy and played hard for us, and we’ll miss him.” Glass feels like his team should be pretty strong on defense and has several key players returning on that side of the ball. “We didn’t get wiped out on defense,” Glass said. “We just have to bounce back from a tough year. We put an even stronger emphasis on strength and conditioning this year.”
there just aren’t a lot of varsity carries there from last year.” Injuries decimated Massac County last season, and Glass just hopes to have his players healthy this time around. “When you’ve been doing this as long I have you know it’s part of the game and you don’t want to harp on it,” Glass said. “We had so many different situations each week last year and it was almost contagious. It kind of started the snowball down the hill.” The team has to replace Jordan Jackson, who was a very potent weapon at running scott.mees@thesouthern.com back last year. “He was the guy we knew we had to go 618-351-5086
BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
West Frankfort has won just one football game in the past two seasons, and it’s Brian Beery’s job to get things turned in the right direction as the new head coach. Beery comes to West Frankfort after a successful run at Johnston City. Although the numbers of players out for football are low, Beery believes the team can have a productive season. “Some of the seniors just decided they didn’t want to play,” Beery said. “They basically said they’d been getting beaten pretty badly for three years and that they
were done. So, we lost a lot of seniors but have some good kids back.” Hadin Restivo is one player in line to start at quarterback since Addison Eggertsen decided not to go out for the team this year. “He has quickness and is an excellent leader,” Beery said. “He is one of the most focused kids on the field. He has a really good arm and we had some success playing 7-on-7 with him at the helm.” The Redbirds should have a good set of receivers to be able to move the football better and stay consistent on offense. SEE WEST FRANKFORT / PAGE 25
WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS Coach: Brian Beery Career Record: 23-9 2010 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Ohio (3A) Key Returners (8): Josh Tharp (LB/RB), Joe Burgess (OL/DL), Hadin Restivo (RB/DB), Charles Leach (RB/LB), Colton Williams (WR/DB), Gavin Restivo (RB/DB), Brady Karnes (OL/DL), Dakota Pratt (WR/DB). Schedule Aug. 26 ANNA-JONESBORO Sept. 2 PINCKNEYVILLE Sept. 9 At Nashville Sept. 16 MASSAC COUNTY* Sept. 23 At Herrin* Oct. 1 BENTON* Oct. 7 HARRISBURG* Oct. 14 At Murphysboro* Oct. 21 At Carterville * conference game Seniors Kyle Arvipass Troy Brock Joe Burgess Nathan Culp Charles Leach Joe Mash Dakota Pratt Josh Tharp Colton Williams Juniors Brady Davis Zach Erthall Garrett Gibbs
Ht. 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 Ht. 5-9 6-0 5-9
Wt. Pos. 205 OL/DL 220 OL/DL 230 OL/DL 215 OL/DL 160 RB/LB 215 OL/DL 170 WR/DB 200 LB/RB 160 WR/DB Wt. Pos. 160 OL/DL 160 OL/DL 195 RB/LB
Hunter Griffith Brady Karnes Nik Korolenko Mike Laswell Gavin Restivo Hadin Restivo Josh Rodely Gage Williams Sophomores Austin Blackley Noah Drone David Fitzpatrick Keegan Garner Jon Gasper Thomas Holloway Nilo Korolenko Kyle Law Tyler McDaniel Baily Meneese Ethan Sisk Reid Talluto Dalton Williams Freshmen Jacob Bartoni Justin Benedict Brennan Buckner Ben Burroughs Dustin Grizzell Dalton Gwodzik Reno Harrawood Colin Krivanko William Lenzini Jason Riddle Nick Riddle Tyler Shaw Payton Taylor Jeremiah Teal Jesse Wiggins
5-7 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-6 5-8 6-0 6-3 Ht. 5-6 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-5 5-9 5-5 5-10 6-3 5-8 Ht. 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-8 5-9 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-1 5-7
170 230 210 170 150 150 180 175 Wt. 125 150 190 160 235 215 175 115 180 115 200 245 140 Wt. 180 170 160 265 160 215 170 170 135 160 150 165 125 210 125
OL/LB OL/DL WR/DL OL/DL RB/DB QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB Pos. WR/DB QB/DB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB Pos. RB/LB OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB OL/LB RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 11
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR OHIO
Herrin looks to get off to quick start
HERRIN TIGERS Coach: Jason Karnes Career Record: 33-18 2010 Record: 6-4 Conference: SIRR Ohio (4A) Key Returners (11): Antuan Davis (QB/DB), DeMarlo Harris (RB/DL), Brock McGee (RB/DB), Tyler Cravens (OL/DL), Layton Chiaventone (OL/DL), James Smith (OL/DL), Dashaun Hart (WR/DB), Conner Butler (RB/LB), Nolan Murphy (OL/DL), Tyler Mabry (OL/DL), Toby Coffey (RB/LB).
BY SCOTT MEES THE SOUTHERN
The Herrin football team features a strong senior class and returns 11 starters from last season’s 6-4 squad. The Tigers have one of the region’s most explosive players, DeMarlo Harris, back at running back and defensive end. “He didn’t get off to a good start his first three games last year,” said Herrin coach Jason Karnes. “We got him going and he kind of took off. I don’t know if there was anybody better than him the last several games of the season. The team goes how he goes. The team’s confidence drops if he’s not getting his yards.” Karnes has a very physical front on the offensive line, which features returning starters Tyler Cravens (235 pounds), Layton Chiaventone (240) and James Smith (285). The
Schedule: Aug. 26 BETHALTO CIVIC MEMORIAL Sept. 2 CARBONDALE Sept. 9 At Du Quoin Sept. 16 At Benton* Sept. 23 WEST FRANKFORT* Sept. 30 At Harrisburg* Oct. 7 MURPHYSBORO* Oct. 14 MASSAC COUNTY* Oct. 21 At Marion * conference game
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Herrin’s DeMarlo Harris runs downfield last season.
big guys have the task of protecting quarterback Antuan Davis. “He’s gotten so much better and has gained a lot more confidence,” Karnes said of Davis. “He’s gotten calmer and knows he can’t
make every play. He just has to go with the flow of the game.” Having a quick and mobile quarterback obviously gives the Tigers an advantage, but Karnes hopes to open things up a
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Seniors Marco Andresen Caleb Benitone Ben Bouse Conner Butler Layton Chiaventone Toby Coffey Tyler Cravens
Ht. 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-6 6-2
little bit more this season. “We’re a running football team, but we are going to throw the ball a little bit more, and I want us to be balanced,” said Karnes. “We’ve got so much size and speed this year. Most of the time I ran it 48 times and threw it only three last year. I’d like to balance that out more.” Conner Butler and Brock McGee give the Tigers plenty of extra options at running back. Both players
Wt. Pos. 155 WR/DB 260 OL/DL 185 RB/LB/K 185 RB/LB 240 OL/DL 175 RB/LB 235 OL/DL
Kyle Cullum Antuan Davis DeMarlo Harris Marlon Harris Dashaun Hart Justin Leshinski Tyler Mabry Austin Martin Brock McGee Nolan Murphy Jagar Odam Shane Shapkoff Paul Sims James Smith Jack Wilcox Jake Yancey Juniors Austin Butler Jared Daugherty Will Huggins Kody Kohn Austin Samples Blake Stanton Austin Starkweather Nathan Vaughn Karissa Yoast Sophomores Ben Abney Devante Branch Nick Hays Cody Johnson Corey Vaughn Freshmen Josh Haynes
had productive seasons a year ago. “No matter what you do as a football coach you can’t stop everything,” Karnes said. “I feel like this year we have multiple weapons. We have a quarterback who can run and a bunch of guys that are fast and strong.” Herrin lost two of its first three games last season, and both losses were by single digits. Karnes’ players have experienced
5-8 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-5 5-8 6-1 6-4 6-1 5-9 6-1 Ht. 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-8 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-9 5-10 Ht. 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-2 Ht. 5-7
150 195 205 170 170 190 230 130 155 320 170 205 275 285 145 160 Wt. 170 210 150 190 220 175 160 170 385 Wt. 180 160 150 280 220 Wt. 125
WR/DB QB/DB RB/DL RB/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/LB Pos. RB/DB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL QB/DB RB/LB OL/DL Pos. OL/LB RB/DB QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. K
cramping in the opening weeks of the past few seasons, and he hopes to correct that. “It’s all about nutrition, and the kids have to eat well or it’s going to hurt their body,” Karnes said. “It’s basically how you get out of the gates the first three weeks because that will build confidence if we win.” scott.mees@thesouthern.com 618-351-5086
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
DU QUOIN INDIANS Coach: Al Martin Career Record: 235-48 2010 Record: 9-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 3A) Key Returners (8): Brandon Williams (TE/DE), Jon Boss (WR), Cayle Diggins (RB/LB), Sam Gossett (QB), Caleb Harsy (OL/DL), Tim Mabrey (C), Jesse McDicken (OL/DL), Jordan Ragland (OL/DL).
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Du Quoin’s Sam Gossett hands off to Aaron Smith last season during a loss to Carterville.
Du Quoin returns eight starters with hopes of continuing streak BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
Du Quoin lost its first conference game in more than two years with a 27-12 home loss to Carterville in Week 5 last season, but still won the conference with a 4-1 record. The defeat sparked a six-game win streak that ended in a 35-0 loss to Mount Carmel in the Class 3A quarterfinals. “Our conference is very competitive every year and I expect it to be the same year in and year out,” Martin said. “The teams we play have a lot of pride and your toughest games of the year seem like conference play.” Schedule-wise, the Indians swapped out Bethalto Civic Memorial for Highland this year and will spend the first two weeks of the season on the road while putting on the finishing touches to Van Metre Field. Du Quoin will then open its home slate in Weeks 3 and 4 against Herrin and Anna-Jonesboro. “We know that Highland has a new, young coach and he comes in with a lot of good experience after being the offensive coordinator at Breese Mater Dei,” Martin said of new Highland coach Jim Warnecke Jr. “The first game is tough every year because you don’t really know for sure what teams will do.”
Now 27 years and running, Du Quoin’s playoff streak has become legend. With eight returning starters, including four on the offensive line, things are looking good for the Indians to make it 28. “We’ve got a mixture of experience and youth,” said coach Al Martin, who won his 235th career game at Du Quoin last season. “That’s pretty much what it’s like every year, you just hope that the kids can gain some experience in a hurry.” Two-year starter Sam Gossett is back at quarterback, with veteran offensive linemen Brandon Williams, Caleb Harsy, Jesse McDicken and Tim Mabrey in front of him. Now in the second year of a switch to the Wing-T offense, Du Quoin is hoping to advance to the IHSA semifinals for the first time since finishing runner-up to Illini West in 2008. “We have our offensive center (Mabrey) back and it all starts there with the snap of the ball,” Martin said. “We feel good about having Sam back and we’re fortunate in that we feel we have an outstanding athlete in Brenden ‘Freddy’ Fred. “He was our backup quarterback last year and will be in competition with pete.spitler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5073 Sam.”
Schedule Aug. 26 At Highland Sept. 2 At Harrisburg Sept. 9 HERRIN Sept. 16 ANNA-JONESBORO* Sept. 23 At Sparta* Sept. 30 At Carterville* Oct. 7 PINCKNEYVILLE* Oct. 14 At Nashville* Oct. 21 MURPHYSBORO * conference game Seniors Quivon Bledsoe Jon Boss Zack Cavitt Logan Spain Sam Gossett Cayle Diggins Josh Sanders Dylan Pyron Jared Morgan Dillon Beltz John Galik Brandon Williams
Ht. 5-5 6-3 5-7 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 5-9 5-11 6-3 6-4
Wt. Pos. 150 RB/DB 195 WR 135 DB 215 LB 190 QB 205 RB/LB 175 DB 190 LB 136 DB 170 DB 170 WR/DB 250 TE/DE
Tim Mabrey Jesse McDicken Caleb Harsey T.J. Thorpe Quinton Mathis Jordan Ragland Brice Nelson Alex Angleton Nathan Zoller Nathan Harris Juniors Shayne Baxter Brenden Fred Daulton Donoghue Nate Boss Jonah Spencer Deeja Cole Haeden Sweetin Austin Mansker Devin Harris Antonio Smith John Erwin Austin Pinski Trevon Jones Thomas Hamlin Tommy Cooper Landon Kern Bryce Ford Trey Ridgeway Bryce Willi Garrett Dorsey Dakota Behm Jacob O’Rourke Travis Champan Dalton Pinski Daulton Beltz
6-1 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-0 6-1 6-1 Ht. 5-7 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-7 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3
205 220 225 250 175 270 265 295 235 130 Wt. 150 180 165 170 160 180 160 165 160 170 150 145 175 180 160 200 220 270 240 240 210 135 195 180 220
C OL/DL OL/DL C/DL DE OL/DL OL OL/DL OL DB Pos. RB/S QB/S WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/S RB RB/DB WR/DB RB FB/DE FB/LB OL/DL C OL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB TE/DE
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PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
PINCKNEYVILLE PANTHERS Coach: Tod Rushing Career Record: 35-57 2010 Record: 4-5 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (3A) Key Returners (12): Bryant Shute (QB-DB), C.J. Opp (TE-DE), Austin Pyatt (WR-DB), J.D. Conner (RB-LB), Justin Hale (RB-DB), Cole Kellerman (FB-LB), Brad Thornton (G-DT), Keegan Kellerman (C-DT), Blake Thornton (T-DT), Sabin Kohut (G-DT), Marian Brammeier (TE-DE), Caleb Howard (FB-LB).
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Schedule Aug. 26 RED BUD Sept. 2 At West Frankfort Sept. 9 At Benton Sept. 16 At Carterville* Sept. 23 ANNA-JONESBORO* Sept. 30 NASHVILLE* Oct. 7 At Du Quoin* Oct. 14 SPARTA* Oct. 21 DUPO * conference game
Pinckneyville’s Bryant Shute runs through defenders during a game against Nashville in 2009.
Panthers to continue upward trend BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
After posting a combined three wins in the previous two seasons, the Pinckneyville Panthers took a big step forward by winning four games in 2010. With eight returning starters on offense and seven on defense, Pinckneyville is hoping to finish the season above .500 for the first time in coach Tod Rushing’s tenure. The Panthers have made the play-
Seniors Wes Fisher Bryant Shute Luke Zeidler C.J. Opp Austin Pyatt J.D. Conner Justin Hale Cole Kellerman Brad Thornton Keegan Kellerman Dustin McCurdy
Ht. 5-8 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-1
Wt. 140 165 135 230 155 195 165 240 260 275 245
Pos. WR/DB QB/DB WR/LB TE/DE WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB FB/LB G/DT C/DT T/DT
offs just twice in Rushing’s 10 years — 2003 and 2006 — but never advanced past the opening round. That could change this year, especially considering Pinckneyville started last season with four key players on suspension. “We’ve got a lot of starters back, but we’re a little worried about our depth,” Rushing said. “I feel we can be pretty competitive, but we’re not blessed effort every time and take things for enough where we can’t give our best granted.” Bryant Shute returns as a two-year starter at quarterback, while Pinckneyville will have Cole and Keegan Kellerman at fullback and center, respectively. Four of the Panthers’ returning starters are linemen, including twins Blake and Brad Thornton. “Our offensive and defensive lines are key,” Rushing said. “We’re cautiously optimistic. We’ve got the capability of doing great things.” One thing Pinckneyville will have to avoid is another slow start to the season. The Panthers started 2010 with a 1-5 record before winning their last three games. The offense also came around late in the season, scoring more points (113) in
Page 14 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
Mason Miller 6-3 Tyler Glenn 6-0 Blake Thornton 5-9 Sabin Kohut 5-8 Laine Justynski 5-11 Evan Chapman 5-11 Devan Downard 6-4 Marian Brammeier 6-2 Juniors Ht. Zach Phillips 5-9 Brandon Edwards 5-9 Caleb Howard 5-11 Daulton Hubler 5-11 Tyler Harmon 6-2 Hayden Kelly 5-8 Logan Woods 6-3 Kelton Lively 5-8 Sophomores Ht. Ky Hamilton 5-11 Colton Nelson 6-0 Colin Hagene 6-0 Chase Lazenby 6-0 Trevor Rice 5-7 Justyn Rushing 5-9 Garrett Gresham 5-7 Brayden Cowley 5-9 Lucas Carter 5-7 Zach Hester 5-7 Dalton Bathon 6-0 Tanon Leonard 5-10 Dale Hart 5-8 Jacob Davis 5-10 Maclain Daugherty 5-10 Bobby Monaghan 6-0 Clayton Wysickalla 5-8 Nick Bauersachs 5-11 Gus Glazier 5-7 Andrew Huggins 5-11
215 215 250 230 200 195 160 210 Wt. 175 175 225 210 230 210 310 145 Wt. 160 175 175 170 160 160 130 135 130 145 165 190 285 145 250 205 200 230 130 170
T/DE G/DT T/DT G/DT G/DT TE/DE WR/DB TE/DB Pos. RB/LB RB/LB FB/LB WR/LB T/DE G/DT T/DT WR/DB Pos. WR/DB QB/DB FB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB FB/DT T/DT G/DT T/DT C/DE T/DT G/DT G/LB T/DE
the last three games than in the previous six (65). “I think they’ve really committed themselves,” Rushing said of his players. “We’ve got kids that came to practice in the best shape they’ve ever been.” Pinckneyville opens the season at home against Red Bud, which finished 8-2 last season, but won’t be home again until Week 5 against Anna-Jonesboro. In the meantime, the Panthers will be making tough visits to Benton and Carterville. “Everybody in this league and on our schedule is pretty good,” Rushing said. “If we stay healthy, we could have one of those exciting years.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
CARTERVILLE LIONS Coach: Dennis Drust Career Record: 81-18 2010 Record: 7-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (3A) Key Returners (8): Chris Aschermann (OLDL), Jeff Aldridge (QB-DB), Jake Behan (OL-DL), Zach Bollman (RB-DB), Tyler Bundren (RB-LB), JD Helton (RB-LB), Skyler Neumann (OL-DL), Curtis Pitt (OL-LB).
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Carterville’s Jeff Aldridge eyes a receiver during a two-point conversion last season.
Experience should help Carterville BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
who have good size.” Michael Aschermann and Phillip Frangello are sophomores who could see some playing time, but the focus this year will definitely be on the seniors. “The game is definitely a senior’s game,” Drust said. “But, we’ve always been a believer that you’ve got to coach next year’s team and get the younger kids ready for next year.” Schedule-wise, Carterville opens the season at Benton before returning home to begin a three-week homestand against Saint Joseph-Ogden, Oblong and Pinckneyville. The Lions will also welcome Du Quoin in Week 6 and former Black Diamond Conference coach Brian Beery in Week 9 when West Frankfort comes to visit. “Our schedule is probably more difficult than last year with Benton and Pinckneyville being much improved,” Drust said. “St. Joe is going to be like the St. Joes of the past.” Carterville hasn’t missed the postseason since 1994, but also hasn’t advanced past the second round in three years. Fifteen years removed from its undefeated state championship run in 1996, the Lions appear to finally have all the pieces in place for a lengthy playoff run.
In terms of experience, Dennis Drust’s team has plenty of it. Carterville returns eight starters in a 17-member senior class that lost 35-0 to conference foe Du Quoin in the second round of the playoffs. The Lions ended their inaugural SIRR Mississippi season with a 7-4 record and bring back their No. 1 and No. 2 defensive players in inside linebacker Curtis Pitt and All-South defensive tackle Skyler Neumann. “We’ve got a lot of seniors who have played a lot of games,” Drust said. “I think we’ve got a good nucleus to build off of.” Two-year starter Jeff Aldridge also returns at quarterback, while senior Keegan Henderson and junior Dalton Brown will be big cogs in the secondary and at wide receiver. Brown is also the backup to Aldridge at quarterback. Also on defense, brothers Kyle and J.D. Helton have moved to inside linebacker to give the Lions more depth. Up front, a senior offensive line led by Matt Weeks, Chris Aschermann and Jake Behan will show the way. “Weeks saw a lot of time as a junior last year,” Drust said. “Seniors provide your leadership and we’ve got some freshmen pete.spitler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5073
Schedule Aug. 26 At Benton Sept. 3 ST. JOSEPH-OGDEN Sept. 10 OBLONG Sept. 16 PINCKNEYVILLE* Sept. 23 At Nashville* Sept. 30 DU QUOIN* Oct. 7 At Sparta* Oct. 14 At Anna-Jonesboro* Oct. 21 WEST FRANKFORT * conference game Seniors Ht. Keegan Henderson 5-11 Tyler Bundren 5-8 Jeff Aldridge 6-0 Blake Jerrells 5-9 Gabe Bartock 5-8 Braden Drake 5-10 Zach Bollman 5-9 Kyle Helton 5-11 JD Helton 6-0 Matt Weeks 5-11 Curtis Pitt 6-2 Jake Tyner 5-11 Skyler Neumann 6-4 Chris Fleming 5-11 Jake Behan 6-1 Levi Cummins 6-4 Chris Aschermann 6-2 Juniors Ht.
Wt. Pos. 155 SE/DB 153 RB/LB 176 QB/DB 145 SE/DB 149 SE/DB 151 SE/DB 167 RB/DB 176 TE/LB 203 RB/LB 221 OL/DL 196 OL/LB 221 OL/DL 291 OL/DL 197 OL/DL 278 OL/DL 290 OL/DL 236 OL/DL Wt. Pos.
Roar Lions Roar!
Neal Wachter 5-6 Dalton Brown 5-11 Lucas Hunter 6-0 Patrick Brown 5-11 Shane Caudill 5-11 Tyler Barber 6-2 Michael Oyler 6-0 Tyler Horn 6-4 Jacob Ninness 6-0 Brett Prince 5-11 David Eaton 5-9 Sam Stearns 6-1 Sophomores Ht. Blaine Burk 5-7 Steven Loury 5-8 Mike Aschermann 5-10 Dalton Hoch 5-10 Nick King 5-9 Joe Behan 5-8 Phillip Frangello 5-11 Josh Gutierrez 5-8 Austin Snuffer 5-8 Tristan Beggs-Harvel 5-10 Brock Miller 5-7 Jackson Holmes 5-9 Chris Pearson 5-7 Julian Martin 5-11 Grant Mills 6-0 Donny Dawson 5-11 Leyton Bush 6-0 Cam Lenzini 6-0 Nich Gooden 5-10 Tyler Stoezle 5-9 Zach Ury 5-3 Caleb Wall 6-0 Jacob Smith 5-10 Jacob Angle 5-10 Ben Williams 5-9 Dakota Reece 5-9 Brayden Dees 5-7 Jesse Hampton 5-6
132 RB/DB 148 QB/DB 161 SE/DB 183 TE/LB 165 OL/DL 195 OL/DL 398 OL/DL 237 OL/DL 196 OL/DL 215 OL/DL 148 SE/DB 168 SE/DB Wt. Pos. 132 RB/DB 136 SE/DB 161 QB/DB 148 SE/DB 137 RB/LB 153 RB/DB 168 RB/LB 133 RB/DB 148 TE/DB 191 TE/LB 176 OL/DL 158 OL/LB 146 OL/DL 160 OL/DL 154 OL/LB 180 OL/DL 181 OL/DL 224 OL/DL 126 SE/DB 143 SE/DB 118 SE/DB 187 OL/DL 162 OL/DL 203 OL/DL 152 OL/DL 195 OL/DL 136 SE/DB 148 RB/LB
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PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
Jones gives Sparta a fresh start
ANNA-JONESBORO WILDCATS Coach: Brett Detering Career Record: 153-78 2010 Record: 6-4 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (3A) Key Returners (6): Jaden Ayers (WR-DB), Dalton Baker (RB-DB), Jimmy Daniels (OLDL), Jordan Johnson (OL-DL), Andrew McMahan (TE-DL), Michael Dillman (OL-DL). Schedule Aug. 26 At West Frankfort Sept. 2 At Murphysboro Sept. 9 MASSAC COUNTY Sept. 16 At Du Quoin* Sept. 23 At Pinckneyville* Sept. 30 SPARTA* Oct. 7 At Nashville* Oct. 14 CARTERVILLE* Oct. 21 BENTON * conference game Seniors Ryan Mixen Maurice Taylor Preston Brimm Jaden Ayers Travis Stamp Brady Wright John David Pinnon Dalton Baker Andrew McMahan Brent Taylor Michael Calhoun J.R. Hileman Cole Grass
Ht. 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-4 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-9
Wt. 185 165 160 165 175 205 175 160 180 155 170 190 170
Pos. WR/DL WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DL WR/DB RB/DB TE/DL RB/DB RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL
Jimmy Daniels 6-3 Dylan Sturgeon 5-10 Jordan Johnson 6-3 Michael Dillman 5-10 Levi Pearson 6-2 Juniors Ht. Alex McRaven 5-10 David Knupp 5-11 Zeb Goessman 5-3 Garyt Johnson 5-11 Austin Noble 5-6 Seth Heern 5-10 Chris Hill 5-11 Judah Walker 5-11 Eian Mull 5-8 Evan Hughey 6-2 Logan Tripp 6-0 Brandon Crosser 5-9 Jacob Schaefer 5-10 Sophomores Ht. Josh Linton 5-7 Louie Bennett 5-8 Jay Kemp 6-2 Wyatt Goddard 5-4 Josh Merriman 5-5 Austin Mixen 5-9 Damian Reed 6-1 Michael Taylor 5-11 Joe Stark 5-11 Brandon Stewart 5-6 Hugo Flores 5-8 Nathan Sadler 5-9 Jacob Blakely 5-10 Derek Massey 6-3 Sammy Houewright 5-10
205 185 275 280 175 Wt. 150 145 130 170 145 165 150 270 200 240 200 155 160 Wt. 135 140 185 120 145 150 170 185 175 160 240 200 205 285 130
OL/DL RD/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB Pos. WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB WR/DB Pos. WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RD/BB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
A-J tries to get back to seven wins BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
With six returning starters, but minus its starting quarterback and fullback, Anna-Jonesboro is looking to improve on last year’s 6-4 finish. Last season was the first time in six years that the Wildcats failed to win seven games. Anna-Jonesboro is 101-52 alltime in Brett Detering’s 14 years as coach and has reached double-digit win totals in four of them. “We’ve got some quality kids back, but we’re in a situation where we’re a little thin on numbers and have to stay healthy all the time,” Detering said. “Some of our kids have one year of (varsity) experience and some of them have no experience.”
Anna-Jonesboro is expecting to have eight linemen going both ways on the varsity roster. Two of the returning starters, Jordan Johnson and Jimmy Daniels, are on the line, while the Wildcats also welcome back starting tight end Andrew McMahan and running back Dalton Baker. “I think we’ve got some talent spread out through our skill kids and our linemen,” Detering said. “They’ve had success when they were freshmen and sophomores and hopefully that trend continues as seniors.” The Wildcats open the season on the road against two teams with new coaches in West Frankfort’s Brian Beery and SEE ANNA-JONESBORO / PAGE 17
Page 16 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
With a new coach and a fresh attitude, Sparta hopes to have a new beginning. Edmund Jones takes over for the deceased Phil Watson and will have just one returning starter and six seniors to try and turn around a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 1994. Six other coaches have had varying degrees of success in Bulldog Country since that year, but none have consistently produced a winner. “I just don’t want anyone to outwork Edmund Jones in the sport of football,” Jones said. “It would kill me to think someone is working harder at the game of football than we are.” Jones has taken his team across the Midwest this summer in various 7-on-7 tournaments in a team-building exercise. With senior Darius Jackson running the show, the Bulldogs have put a lot of miles
on the odometer. “We went to Forest Park, McKendree (University), East St. Louis, the University of Missouri,” Jones said. “We got used to going on the bus to somebody else’s field. “We only have four home games this year and I thought, more than anything, we got used to competing with the speed on the field and going against athletes who have swagger and confidence.” Of Sparta’s seniors, two were ineligible last season and one (Ian Wolter) was hurt. Even with the lack of overall experience, Jones believes several athletes are ready for breakout seasons like Tyler Adams. “We’ve got some kids, for one reason or another, who have flown under the radar,” Jones said. “We think we can get to the playoffs this year.” In terms of assistants, Jones will have former coach Seth English on the sideline. SEE SPARTA / PAGE 17
SPARTA BULLDOGS Coach: Edmund Jones Career Record: 0-0 2010 Record: 0-9 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (Class 2A) Key Returner (1): Darius Jackson (RB/DB). Schedule Aug. 26 At Dupo Sept. 2 BENTON Sept. 9 At Murphysboro Sept. 16 NASHVILLE* Sept. 23 DU QUOIN* Sept. 30 At Anna-Jonesboro* Oct. 7 CARTERVILLE* Oct. 14 At Pinckneyville* Oct. 21 At Red Bud * conference game Seniors Darius Jackson Ian Wolter Landon Durbin Darreunta Baker Jimmy Sanchez Brandon Kane Juniors Deunta Baker Keonte Fuller
Ht. 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-7 6-0 6-1 Ht. 5-5 5-10
Wt. Pos. 185 RB/DB 185 FB/LB 198 K 220 FB/LB 350 OL/DL 228 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 145 RB/DB 155 WR/DB
Sharvel Austin Hayden Beattie Tyler Adams Dylan Hatley Ricardo Garassini Yang Zheng Jon Lueth Cedric Briscoe Luke Henley Sophomores Charles Rogers C.J. Loucks Josh Baue Devante Garrett Cody Hummert John Reinhardt Freshmen Anthony Carter Shaun Rogers Isaiah Michl James Poenitski Seth Fergueson David Williams Ty Thompson Jase Jordan Al Bennett Ryan LeForge Steve Speakman Justin Reinhardt
5-9 6-4 5-10 5-7 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-10 Ht. 5-6 5-9 5-6 5-9 6-1 6-3 Ht. 5-4 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-2 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-7 6-1 6-0 6-1
160 150 200 190 140 160 260 210 250 Wt. 135 155 140 160 185 275 Wt. 120 140 175 155 130 160 155 150 225 265 315 275
RB/DB QB FB/LB FB/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB DB/WR WR/LB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB QB/LB RB/LB FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SIRR MISSISSIPPI
Nashville looks to its new players
NASHVILLE HORNETS Coach: Matt Gajewski Career Record: 24-26 2010 Record: 8-3 Conference: SIRR Mississippi (3A) Key Returners (2): Braeden Haertling (RB/DB), Brandon Heckert (RB/LB). Schedule Aug. 26 At Carlyle Sept. 2 At Breese Mater Dei Sept. 9 WEST FRANKFORT Sept. 16 At Sparta* Sept. 23 CARTERVILLE* Sept. 30 At Pinckneyville* Oct. 7 ANNA-JONESBORO* Oct. 14 DU QUOIN* Oct. 21 COLUMBIA * conference game Seniors Braeden Haertling Trey Meyer Robert Hankins Josiah Nelson Michael Shubert Josh Derick Brandon Heckert Brett Warchol Darren Rucker Kyle Brink
Ht. 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-10
Wt. Pos. 170 RB/DB 150 RB/DB 155 TE/DE 185 TE/DE 145 RB/DB 160 RB/LB 190 RB/LB 200 FB/LB 175 TE/DE 185 OL/DL
Rusty Wheeler 5-10 Chris Bergmann 6-3 Brandon Fortag 6-1 Erik Harris 5-9 Ben Wolf 5-10 Juniors Ht. Kennedy Vogt 5-8 Austin Hagene 5-10 Alex Caplin 5-11 Chris Stern 5-11 Caleb Harper 6-0 Tristan Gill 5-10 Cody Buss 6-2 Sophomores Ht. Jared Brammeier 5-9 James Tyler 5-9 Brady Suedmeyer 5-10 Bryce Styninger 5-11 James Jablonski 5-11 Chase Hagene 6-0 Jonathan Williamson 5-9 Garrett Guest 6-0 Luke Jablonski 5-9 Chris Bannert 5-9 Austin Grabowski 6-2 Jake Jablonski 5-10 Cory Middleton 5-9 Mason Snead 5-10 Jordan Borgmann 5-10 Jeremy Gibson 6-2 Tannyr Novak 6-2
200 305 260 285 245 Wt. 145 190 160 160 160 225 285 Wt. 140 170 140 205 155 205 150 165 170 180 230 215 200 190 210 260 175
OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB-DB FB-LB QB-DB RB-DB RB-DB OL-LB OL-DL Pos. RB-DB TE-DE RB-DB TE-DE TE-DE FB-LB RB-DB QB-DB RB-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DE
ANNA-JONESBORO: Wants back to seven wins FROM PAGE 16
away from The Pit. The Wildcats close the season at home against Carterville and Benton. “We certainly have a lot of question marks going into the season in terms of how our kids adjust to varsity football and what our opponents will have for us,” Detering said. “There’s a jump from freshmen football to JV to varsity. We’ve wanted our kids to come in and know what we expect from them offensively and defensively.”
Murphysboro’s Gary Carter. Beery left Johnston City for the Redbirds, while Carter was hired by the Red Devils in May after being at Jerseyville. “It will be interesting with both West Frankfort and Murphy having new coaches and there’s a little bit of difficulty in preparing for them,” Detering said. “Will the coaches run things similar to last year, or will they make a switch?” In total, Anna-Jonesboro will spend four of the first five weeks of the season pete.spitler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5073
BY PETE SPITLER THE SOUTHERN
After graduating 21 seniors, 11 of whom were starters, Nashville’s 2011 team could almost be described as the other guys. The Hornets return two defensive starters in outside linebacker Brandon Heckert and defensive back Braedon Haertling. Nashville will also have three less faces on the sideline following the retirement of coaches Bruce Reeder, Scott Clark and Mike Borowiak. “When you have juniors start for two years, it’s hard to fit new guys in,” said Nashville coach Matt Gajewski. “We didn’t have a lot of injuries.” Heckert will be one of the premier running backs for Nashville and a lot is expected of the senior. Haertling will also have to do his share for the Hornets to succeed this season. “What is going to help us
this season is that they don’t have any bad habits to break,” Gajewski said. “(The team) has worked hard all summer and has been very coachable. “I told the kids that we don’t have the talent that we’ve had, but you’ve got to stick together as a team.” Stephen Kozuszek steps in as Nashville’s new defensive coordinator following 2010’s 8-3 season and Gajewski will have his brother Andy as an assistant coach as well. Andy Gajewski is a former first team all-conference defensive end for the Hornets. “All three coaches that retired were my coaches in high school,” said Matt Gajewski. “You get the feeling that a different chapter is about to start.” Look for Tristan Gill to get quality time on both sides of the ball, while Ben Wolf will step in at center and Brandon Shubert takes the safety spot. Chris Bergmann and Brandon Fortag are also in the mix.
“These kids competed against our seniors every day in practice last year and that alone will help them,” Matt Gajewski said. “Were they starters? No, but they did get game experience.” Nashville begins the season on the road against Carlyle and Breese Mater Dei before returning home for cross-conference foe West Frankfort. The Hornets end the season with a three-game homestand against AnnaJonesboro, Du Quoin and Columbia. “Looking at our schedule, we played Carlyle last year and that was a good game that prepared us well,” Matt Gajewski said. “With the rest of our schedule, you know what you’re going to get out of Carterville, Du Quoin and Anna-Jonesboro. “Our farthest road trip is 35 minutes and our last three games are at home.” pete.spitler@thesouthern.com 618-351-5073
SPARTA: Jones gives Bulldogs new start FROM PAGE 16
coach Kevin Acra’s first year last season. The Tigers are another hard-luck team, having not had a winning season since finishing 6-4 in 2004. “I like the fact that I’ve got some hungry kids,” Jones said. “We’re real simple in that 75-80 percent of our conversations are about running the ball effectively and stopping the run effectively.”
The Bulldogs went 7-29 under English from 2005 to 2008, winning just three games combined in his last three seasons. “The coaching staff I have been able to assemble is awesome and has some great backgrounds,” Jones said. Two of Sparta’s first three games are on the road, including the season opener against a Dupo team that went 1-8 in pete.spitler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5073
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 17
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
New coach, same look for Indians BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
Johnston City has a new coach, but don’t expect the Indians to look much different. The running game will still be king. “There’s a lot of different things that just come with new people, but the bottom line is football is football,” said Johnston City coach Dan Mings. “We’re going to block hard; we’re going to run hard; we’re going to throw and catch; and then we’re going to hit you on the defensive side.” Mings comes to Johnston City from Mount Vernon, where he employed a runfirst offense with the Rams. So there should be little transition, at least in football philosophy, from what Johnston City is used to doing. The Indians are coming off a successful 10-1 season last year and have reached the playoffs 10 of the last 11 seasons. So, the faithful that congregate at Ralph Davison
Field understandably expect the tradition of winning to continue. Mings welcomes the community’s demand to win. “The expectation is to play well, put a good product out there, and win as much as you possibly can,” Mings said. “That’s always on my mind — just the expectations of the community. The people of Johnston City, they love football. That’s been the biggest plus and the thing that’s been on my mind the most. I think we need to rise up and meet the expectations and maybe surpass some of those.” Johnston City expects its depth to be one of its strengths this year, and with its big running back Taylor Kirkman out for at least the first part of the season that depth will be called upon early. The Indians have 57 kids out for football this year, including 20 of the 35 boys in the freshman class. Johnston City returns center Lex Glasco and defensive back Angelo Hightower, SEE JOHNSTON CITY / PAGE 25
JOHNSTON CITY INDIANS Coach: Dan Mings Career Record: 60-58 2010 Record: 10-1 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Returners: Taylor Kirkman RB/DB, Angelo Hightower (RB/DB), Lex Glasco (OL/DL), Tyler Johnson (RB/LB), Jory Kee (QB/LB) Schedule: Aug. 26 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 2 at Carmi-White County* Sept. 9 C-Z-R* Sept. 16 at Elverado-Trico* Sept. 23 at Chester* Oct. 1 ELDORADO* Oct. 7 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 14 HAMILTON COUNTY* Oct. 22 at The Vienna Co-Op* * conference game Seniors Grant Montgomery Angelo Hightower Dalton Husch Izzy Garrison Taylor Kirkman Daniel Farmer Ben Briscoe Tony Johnson Jon Lamb
Ht. 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-4 5-10 6-4 5-9
Wt. Pos. 160 RB/DB 160 RB/DB 200 TE/DE 165 RB/DB 235 RB/LB 215 TE/DE 210 OL/DL 215 TE/DE 175 OL/DL
Lex Glasco Logan Holland Juniors Josh Woodhall Jory Kee Levi Tanner Josh Woodhall Tyler Johnson Jon Stroud Zack Murphy James Kee Keagan Travis Kyle Savant Landon Wolf Dylan Cook Tyler Winch Ben Farmer Jon Bolte Chris McCoin Sophomores Christian Herrell Riley Ward Zack Murphy Austin Weatherford Levi Flute Cody Clark Blake Casey Tyler Saylor Colson Meyers Dyllen Shelby Zack Kellermeier Jake Davison
5-11 6-1 Ht. 5-6 5-10 6-1 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-3 6-2 6-0 Ht. 5-5 5-9 5-7 5-7 5-8 5-5 5-6 5-7 5-6 5-7 5-8 6-2
240 OL/DL 280 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 175 RB/LB 175 QB/LB 165 QB/DB 175 RB/LB 185 RB/LB 165 RB/LB 140 TE/DB 180 TE/LB 180 OL/LB 175 OL/LB 175 TE/LB 215 OL/DL 175 OL/DL 190 OL/DL 285 OL/DL 160 TE/LB Wt. Pos. 125 RB/LB 150 TE/LB 140 TE/DB 140 OL/DL 145 RB/LB 120 TE/DB 155 RB/LB 140 TE/DB 135 TE/DB 185 OL/DL 180 OL/DL 195 TE/LB
ALAN ROGERS / THE SOUTHERN
Johnston City football coach Dan Mings leads practice earlier this month.
Page 18 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
ELVERADO-TRICO FALCONS Coach: Jim Hammers Career Record: 3-6 2010 Record: 0-9 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Returners: Alex McGill (QB/LB), Kyle Whittington (QB/DB), Dalton Porter (RB/LB), Tyler Grigsby (RB/LB), Bryce Mathis (RB/DB), Brian Mclanahan (RB/LB), Kenny Loos (RB/DB), Christian Kistner (RB/LB) Schedule Aug. 26 C-Z-R* Sept. 2 at Fairfield* Sept. 9 at Eldorado* Sept. 16 JOHNSTON CITY Sept. 24 at The Vienna Co-op* Sept. 30 at Chester* Oct. 7 HAMILTON COUNTY Oct. 14 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 21 at Carmi-White County* * conference game
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Dalton Porter is wrapped up by Chester defender John Baughman last season.
Falcons look to get into win column BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Jim Hammers is the new head coach for Elverado-Trico after a one-year stint as head coach at Murphysboro. Hammers inherits the task of getting Elverado-Trico into the win column. The Falcons haven’t been able to post a victory since the 2007 season and have not had more than one win in a season since 2005 when they put together a three-win campaign. Hammers said a couple of his goals this season are to go out and be a competitive football team and to continue to get better with each week. “I’m really happy with the effort the kids have shown so far,” Hammers said. Hammers said the kids have a very good work ethic and have bought into what the coaches have been teaching. “The kids have a lot of inner strength,” Hammers said. “As the season goes on they will become more and more familiar with the offense and defense.” Hammers said the coaching staff is always trying new things and it will be
important for the kids to keep working on figuring everything out. One of Hammers other key focuses is on the special teams. “I always worry about special teams,” Hammers said. “One breakdown can get you beat.” Hammers said the line play on both sides of the ball will be key to how they compete day in and day out. Some players Hammers sees as being really key to the team are quarterbacks Alex Mcgill and Kyle Whittington. Hammers is also really liking the running back corps that he has put together. The running backs include seniors Dalton Porter, Tyler Grigsby and Bryce Mathis, juniors Brian McLanahan and Kenny Loos and sophomore Christian Kistner. “I am really pleased with how they are coming along,” Hammers said. He said they have showed they are a hard-hat team and have continually showed good effort and attitude throughout the off season and practices. “There’s a long way to go, but we are making strides,” Hammers said. “It has been a pleasure to coach this team so far.”
Seniors Wade Bowlin Tyler Grigsby Branden Lewis Bryce Mathis Alex McGill Clayton Morrison
Ht. 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-5 6-2 5-10
Wt. Pos. 150 WR/DB 180 RB/LB 275 OL/DL 140 RB/DB 200 QB/LB 150 WR/DB
Dalton Porter 5-10 Wes Ramsey 5-8 Zach Willis 5-9 Juniors Ht. Marshall Bell 5-10 Dallas Blessing 5-11 Will Burke 5-7 Brian McClanahan 5-11 Leander Cerami 6-2 Jordan Crews 5-9 Logan Dallas 6-3 Nick Denning 5-9 Nathan Epperhiemer 5-11 Sean Farmer 6-1 Caleb Green-Light 5-11 Cory Hill 5-11 Andrew Jeschke 6-0 Jacob Jeschke 5-8 Jake Lipe 6-2 Kenny Loos 5-10 Josh Sarensen 6-3 Kyle Whittington 5-10 Sophomores Ht. Seth Barnes 5-9 Jacob Bowlin 5-7 Jordan Cavins 6-0 Austin Davis 5-10 Nick Hopkins 5-10 Christian Kistner 5-11 Tyler Pierson 5-10 Jacob Trammel 5-10
180 185 170 Wt. 190 185 130 190 275 225 315 220 145 150 140 240 220 155 180 150 170 145 Wt. 175 135 200 250 200 165 270 160
RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL Pos. OL/LB OL/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB TE/DB OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DB QB/DB Pos. RB/LB WR/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB
Go Falcons! Member FDIC
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 19
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
CHESTER YELLOW JACKETS Coach: Bryan Lee Career Record: 23-16 2010 Record: 8-2 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 1A) Key Players: Brad Bindel, Tyler Chandler (OL/DL), Jake Cowan (QB/DB), Stephen Roth (RB/LB), Lane Gibbs (RB/LB), Joel Clendenin (RB/LB), (OL/DL), Zane Wallace (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 26 THE VIENNA CO-OP* Sept. 2 at Sesser-Valier* Sept. 9 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 16 at C-Z-R* Sept. 23 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 30 ELVERADO-TRICO* Oct. 7 at Eldorado* Oct. 14 FAIRFIELD* Oct. 21 HAMILTON COUNTY* * conference game Seniors Brad Bindel Tyler Brockhouse Tyler Chandler Peter Demster Michael Meyer Zach Murdach Donavan Richardson Jordan Wetzel Cedric Williams Juniors Caleb Arbeiter
Ht. 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-1 Ht. 5-11
Wt. Pos. 280 OL/DL 160 RB/DB 180 OL/DL 155 OL/DL 150 RB/DB 150 DB 265 OL/DL 155 OL/LB 195 OL/DL Wt. Pos. 145 DB
Austen Barnhart Jake Cowan Jacob Fogle Dillon Ladendecker Patrick McMath Boyd Miles Solomon Mueller Tyler Reid Stephen Roth Wyatt Tindall Casey Venable Trent Wagner Zane Wallace Patreek Williams Zach Woods Sophomores Garret Alms Brad Asselmeier Brenton Atchison Matt Bohnert Chris Burris Colin Canady Joel Clendenin Kramer Eggemeyer Austin Gendron Lane Gibbs Caleb Golding Steven Harris Jake Lochhead Jacob Long Justin Marks Chase McCarty Austin Redeker Justin Risley Alex Yankey
5-9 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-1 Ht. 5-7 5-8 5-7 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-7 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-11 6-2 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-8
150 160 315 155 220 190 165 170 180 200 180 225 175 145 140 Wt. 125 135 135 130 200 190 205 160 155 170 140 170 145 185 160 135 190 160 145
RB/DB QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DB DB Pos. DB RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB TE/DL RB/LB DB RB/LB QB/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB
Yellow Jackets rely on speed, youth BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
The Chester Yellow Jackets enter their second year in the Black Diamond Conference, coming off of an eight-win, second-place conference finish. Coach Bryan Lee wants his team to maintain the Chester style of football and continues to try to get everything out his athletes. “We want to be disciplined and play a hard-nosed, blue-collar style of football,” Lee said. “We can’t take anything for granted. We have to remember who we are because there should be a lot of parity in the conference this year.” One thing that will be key for the Yellow Jackets will be getting their younger kids
to play like the coaches know they can. “We only have seven seniors this year and our young kids will have to play up to their potential, while learning on the job,” Lee said. Lee said, defensively, this is probably the fastest team he’s had and overall they have great team speed and lateral quickness. Offensively, junior Jake Cowan will take the reins at quarterback. Lee described Cowan as a winner and said that teams went 13-1 under Cowan as a freshman and a sophomore before making the jump to varsity starter this season. “We’re young, but we have guys who have been successful underclassmen and
Page 20 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
SEE CHESTER / PAGE 26
McCurren wants new mindset at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Josh McCurren takes over the helm at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton after the Bearcats stumbled to a one-win season last year. The new coach wants to instill a new mindset. “We want to be as competitive as we can week in and week out,” McCurren said. “We want to get better each day.” McCurren said the Bearcats are just going to have to come in and play hard and to work to improve on all the little things because the conference is loaded and everyone is going to be competitive. “We have good skill kids, despite not having a lot of depth,” McCurren said. McCurren said injuries could really potentially hurt the team because of the lack of depth. “We want to get everyone on the same page and are trying to teach a family concept,” McCurren said. “We don’t have a lot of upperclassmen, but we do have a lot
of freshman and sophomores.” One main upperclassman is senior allconference running back Scott Marchetti. Marchetti will once again key any the success that the Bearcats will have. “Our running game and linemen up front are really going to have to be big for us,” McCurren said. Joining Marchetti in the backfield will be seniors Dylan Walter and Chase Jarvis, and with them, McCurren said it should form a very balanced backfield. Two other key seniors for the Bearcats will be Caleb Caloni and John Merks who will be both be on the line. McCurren said it will be important for his entire group of seniors to provide good leadership throughout the season. “Our kids have a lot of enthusiasm and have been coming in every day wanting to learn and wanting to work hard,” McCurren said. “We want to make it fun and competitive.” McCurren said they are focusing on taking one game at a time.
C-Z-R BEARCATS Coach: Josh McCurren Career Record: 0-0 2010 Record: 1-8 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Players: Scott Marchetti (RB/LB), Dylan Walter (RB/LB), Chase Jarvis (RB/DB), Caleb Caloni (OL/DL), John Merks (OL/DL) Schedule Aug. 26 at Elverado-Trico* Sept. 2 ELDORADO* Sept. 9 at Johnston City* Sept. 16 CHESTER* Sept. 23 at Sesser-Valier* Sept. 30 at Hamilton County* Oct. 7 THE VIENNA CO-OP* Oct. 14 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 21 at Fairfield * conference game Seniors Caleb Caloni Payton Clark David Gunter
Ht. 6-0 6-2 6-3
Wt. 270 205 180
Pos. OL/DL TE/DL TE/DL
Brandon Hale 6-0 Chase Jarvis 5-9 Ryan Leposky 6-0 Austin Loucks 5-9 Scott Marchetti 5-11 John Merks 6-5 Austin Pemberton 5-11 Austin Vandekerhove 5-8 Dylan Walter 5-11 Juniors Ht. Tyler Atchison 5-11 Tony Hodge 5-8 RJ Kuh 6-0 Ally Little 5-5 Glen Marks 6-2 Kevin Merks 6-6 Cody Vanfossan 5-8 Sophomores Ht. Maurice Brown 5-11 Ethan Connor 6-3 Dakota Gregge 5-11 Garett Nikolich 5-11 Dakota Summers 6-4 Jacob Towers 5-9 Austin Williams 5-9
160 160 215 160 177 205 210 145 155 Wt. 170 155 215 190 220 220 300 Wt. 170 170 175 155 195 130 170
RB/DB RB/DB OL/LB OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/LB Pos. QB/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. RB/DB TE/DL OL/LB RB/LB TE/DL QB/DB OL/LB
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
HAMILTON COUNTY FOXES Coach: Jeff Rush Career Record: 39-54 2009 Record: 3-6 Conference: Black Diamond (2A) Key Returners: Balee Gay (RB/LB), C.J. Lemmons (QB/DB), Daniel Jamerson (OL/LB), Aaron Cravens (WO/LB), Schedule Aug. 26 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 3 At The Vienna Co-Op* Sept. 9 SESSER-VALIER* Sept. 16 At Carmi-White County* Sept. 23 ELDORADO* Sept. 30 C-Z-R* Oct. 7 At Elverado* Oct. 14 At Johnston City* Oct. 21 CHESTER* * conference game Seniors CJ Lemmons Aaron Cravens Tyler Warren Clint Gwaltney Dyllon McCarley Logan Smith Brandon Davis
Ht. 6-0 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10
Wt. Pos. 200 QB/DB 185 WO/LB 235 TE/DL 190 OL/DL 200 TE/LB 230 OL/DL 200 OL/DL
Justin York Juniors River Steele Levi Lueke Aaron Allen Cody Cockrum Roger Taylor Daniel Jamerson David Busler Casey Fitzpatrick Phillip Rexing David Potter Johnathan Stover Kyle Summerville Nathan Ford Sophomores Dylan Cottonaro Logan Billington Austin Reed Blade Potter Travis Stevens Wesley May Balee Gay Gavin Fox Daniel Hart Cody Thomas Tyler Potter Ian Presslar Nathan Anselment
6-1 Ht. 6-1 6-1 5-6 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-0 Ht. 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-6 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-5 5-5 5-9 6-1 5-11 5-10
180 Wt. 165 175 150 170 250 210 170 230 250 240 140 185 155 Wt. 180 160 165 155 185 165 205 140 150 185 320 195 175
TE/LB Pos. WO/DB WO/LB WO/DB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WO/DB WO/LB WO/DB Pos. QB/DB WO/LB QB/DB WO/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WO/DB
It’s no secret the Foxes will throw BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
This just in — Hamilton County is going to throw the ball this year. Even with a new quarterback, C.J. Lemmons, the Foxes have no plans to put any flight restrictions on their air attack in 2011. “We like to throw the ball,” said Hamilton County coach Jeff Rush. “That hasn’t been a secret.” Lemmons quarterbacked the Foxes’ junior varsity team last year while senior Adam Irvin was keeping the ball in the air for Hamilton County’s varsity squad. He did well and now just has to translate that success to the varsity squad. “He’s got a big arm,” Rush said. “There’s no question about that. He can get the ball down field really well. The biggest thing C.J.’s going to have to be able to do is be accurate, especially on the medium throws.” Hamilton County hopes running back
Balee Gay will give its offense a little balance. The 200-pound sophomore will be counted on to be a physical back and turn around a running game that has been less than productive. “We need to get a lot better at running the football,” Rush said. “We just have not run the ball well the last couple years.” The Foxes will lack experience with only six seniors coming back and only one or two of those will be starters on either side of the ball. “We’re going to have to get real experienced real quickly,” Rush said. The entire defensive line will be new this year, and on offense they will count on last year’s starter Daniel Jamerson to anchor an otherwise inexperienced line. Even though his team is young, Rush is not looking down the road. The time to win is now in Hamilton County. “If they improve as much as they did last year, we’re going to win our share of games,” Rush said. “I really think we can make the playoffs.”
Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn has tough road to start this season BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
Coach John Shadowens must have felt like he was reading an audit letter from the IRS when he opened up SesserValier-Waltonville-Woodlawn’s 2011 schedule. On the docket for Week 1 is a trip to reigning Black Diamond champion Johnston City to usher in Indians’ new coach Dan Mings to the conference. In Week 2, things don’t get any easier with Chester coming to town. The two teams combined for an 18-3 record last year. “Right out of the gate, you’ve got Johnston City and Chester,” Shadowens said. “If you’re going to entertain any hopes at all of winning the conference, you’re going to have to win one or both of those games. It’s not an ideal schedule by any means.”
After the first two weeks, S-V-W-W should know exactly where it stacks up with the elite teams of the Black Diamond. But Shadowens doesn’t want to get tunnel vision. He knows it’s not a two-game schedule but a nine-game one that his team must play. “When you’re doing two-a-days in the first week you’ve got to have an eye on the big picture and realize that you’re getting ready for a whole season and also realize the season’s not lost if you lose the first two games.” The schedule is not the only challenge the Red Devils face. They also have to find a way to replace three all-conference players from last year’s squad. They are losing quarterback and leading tackler Dawson Verhines, fullback Curtis Edwards, and all-south lineman Chad Wynn. SEE S-V-W-W / PAGE 25
S-V-W-W RED DEVILS Coach: John Shadowens Career Record: 46-47 2010 Record: 7-3 Conference: Black Diamond (3A) Key Returners (5): Trey Witges (JR/QB), Greg Jenkins (SR/TB), Johnny Vercellino (SR/WB), Dylan Rock (SR/G), Drew Dorris (SR/T) Schedule Aug. 26 at Johnston City* Sept. 2 CHESTER* Sept. 9 at Hamilton County* Sept. 16 THE VIENNA CO-OP* Sept. 23 C-Z-R* Sept. 30 at Fairfield* Oct. 7 at Carmi-White County Oct. 14 at Elverado-Trico* Oct. 21 ELDORADO* * conference game Seniors Drew Dorris Greg Jenkins Tom Newbury Rock, Dylan Blake Smolley Johnny Vercellino
Ht. 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-11
Wt. 255 185 145 240 155 185
Pos. OT/DE TB/LB SE/S G/NG SE/S WB-LB
Juniors Cody Lingle Trey Witges James Watts Reggie Eubanks Kyle Lynch Matt Loucks Justin Kulich Matt Crawford Caleb Reed Lonnie Bailey Gunner Bailey Waylon Laws Sophomores Dustin Payne Tyler Baxter Clayton Hoffard Brandon Cockrum Derek Hood Hayden Richardson Dylan Bailey Zach Webb Michael Panzier Kyle Britton Nick Nosalik Jake Robinson Freshman Byrson Sanders Kaleb Miller
Ht. 5-8 6-2 5-8 5-10 5-8 6-0 6-5 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-4 Ht. 5-7 5-11 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-7 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-3 Ht. 5-10 5-10
Wt. Pos. 145 SE/CB 165 QB/S 155 WB/CB 175 C/LB 185 T/DE 195 G/LB 225 TE/DE 160 TE/LB 230 T/DE 245 T/NG 190 C/DE 120 SE/S Wt. Pos. 140 SE/CB 160 WB/S 155 QB/S 150 TB/CB 170 FB/LB 225 G/LB 185 G/NG 220 T/DE 225 T/DE 170 G/DE 180 G-LB 185 TE-DE Wt. Pos. 205 TE-LB 225 FB-LB
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 21
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
Hampton sees big things for 2011
THE VIENNA CO-OP EAGLES Coach: Mike Rude Career Record: 194-138 2009 Record: 3-6 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 3A) Key Returners: Austin Woolverton (NT/DT), Ryan Brown (LB), Patrick Gray (OLB) Schedule Aug. 26 at Chester* Sept. 2 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 9 at Fairfield* Sept. 16 at Sesser-Valier* Sept. 24 Elverado-Trico* Oct. 1 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Oct. 8 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton* Oct. 15 ELDORADO* Oct. 22 JOHNSTON CITY* * conference game Seniors Geoff Kramp Patrick Gray Austin Woolverton Dakota VanCleve Broc Brown Ryan Brown Taylor Cain Chase Taylor Chris Ditterline Kyle Loyd Joe Meyers Clayton Wright
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-4
Wt. Pos. 160 RB/DB 175 RB/LB 200 OL/DL 150 SE/LB 170 OL/LB 175 RB/LB 150 RB/DB 150 RB/LB 185 C/DL 135 SE/DB 165 OL/DE 175 TE/DE
Juniors Andrew Trambley Wyatt Miles Cody Edmonds James Ellis Caleb Belcher Colton Brown Hayden McClain Dallas Bent Tait Phillips Caleb Schelcher Blake Jackson Alex Loyd Artur Romanishynd Sophomores Connor Seavers Will Dahmer Blake Crain Christian Dahncke Jacob Hosier Tyler Kelley Dallas Lammers Ben Large Dallas Melott Caleb Miles Corey Painter Chris Powell Brandon Pyle Dustin Sheffer Colton Skelcher Justin Tanner Dakota Vest Damion Wheaton
Ht. 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-10 Ht. 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-8
Wt. 190 195 195 175 150 175 150 145 150 200 300 145 155 Wt. 165 150 140 145 160 150 175 195 185 150 170 190 190 135 170 145 145 180
Pos. C/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE QB/DB TE/DE RB/LB SE/DB SE/LB OL/DL OL/DL SE/DB RB/DB Pos. RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB SE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE SE/DB OL/DL SE/DB RB/DB C/DL
Rude: The Vienna Co-op is on track BY CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN
This season will be the third year for The Vienna Co-op football program, and coach Mike Rude says the program is on the right track. “I really think in the third year of varsity football we’re where we’d like to be,” Rude said. “When we started out it was basically kids who were baseball and basketball kids who were trying football. But now I think we’re to the point where we have football players, guys who are football players first.” Even though The Vienna Co-op is a young program, it will have to find a way to replace veterans on offense and defense. The Eagles lost eight players on offense, including its quarterback, leading rusher and all-conference center, as
well as seven players on defense. The Vienna Co-op will count on three seniors who have started since they were sophomores — Ryan Brown, Patrick Gray, and Austin Woolverton. Brown is a linebacker and offensive guard; Gray is a running back and a defensive lineman; and Woolverton will take his place on the offensive and defensive lines. “Those are three kids we know we can build around, because they’ve played for us for two years,” Rude said. Rude, though, hopes tried and true football wisdom does not apply to his team this year. “Our biggest challenge is we’re probably going to have to play four sophomores,” Rude said. “The old theory of football is for every sophomore you play it’s a loss. I hope that theory doesn’t come true.”
Page 22 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Brandon Hampton enters his fourth year of his tenure as coach of the Eldorado Eagles, and for the first time, will have a group of seniors that has been running his system for four years. Hampton will be putting a veteran football team on the field, including 15 seniors, and he has set his sights on contending for the conference championship this season. “We will have more of a target on our back this year, and having that pressure on you is a privilege,” Hampton said. In order to live up to the challenge that awaits the Eagles, they will look to the experience they have on both sides of the ball, with eight returning starters on defense and seven returning on offense.
“We’ve had a great offseason with these kids and now we just have to go out and do it on the field,” Hampton said. Hampton said one of the major keys for them this season will be controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and he believes that should be a strength for them. “On offense, we want to be able to line up and knock people off the football,” Hampton said. In order to achieve the success that Hampton would like, there are several key players that will be big for the Eagles. Returning all-conference performers, seniors Rane Walker and Garth Clooen, will make noise on both sides of the ball at the line of scrimmage and three-year starter Devin Bartok will be back to make big plays on defense, Hampton said. SEE ELDORADO / PAGE 25
ELDORADO EAGLES Coach: Brandon Hampton Career Record: 7-21 2010 Record: 5-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Players: Joe Blair (QB/DB), Devin Bartok (LB), Garth Clooen (OL/DL), Rane Walker (OL/DL), Dakota Prather (RB/LB), Dylan Roberts (RB/LB) Schedule Aug. 26 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 2 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton* Sept. 9 ELVERADO-TRICO* Sept. 16 FAIRFIELD* Sept. 23 at Hamilton County* Oct. 1 at Johnston City Oct. 7 CHESTER* Oct. 15 at The Vienna Co-op* Oct. 21 at Sesser-Valier* * conference game Seniors Devin Bartok Joe Blair Dustin Brandsasse Jared Brown Garth Clooen Shay Flowers Ben Genet Sam Glenn Caleb Jones
Ht. 6-2 5-11 6-5 5-8 5-8 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-0
Wt. Pos. 185 LB 165 QB/LB 350 OL/DL 140 RB/DB 190 OL/DL 260 OL/DL 165 DB 280 OL/DL 175 DL
Ryan Langley Jacob Ninness Dashawn Turner Rane Walker Brian Ward Ramsey Woolard Juniors Jesse Burger Austin Gollihur Dustin McGuire Andy Pena Dakota Prather Tanner Smith Brennan Unthank Aaron Vailes Joseph Watson Dustin Williams Sophomores Nick Brooks Tyler Deaton Blaine Duffy Eric Emery Colton Edwards Austin Miller Derek Mitchell Tristen Morse David Potter Dylan Roberts Nick Schimp Kaleb Williams Justin Wiseman
6-3 5-6 5-8 6-0 5-10 5-11 Ht. 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-10 Ht. 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-3 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-5 6-0
205 175 170 225 185 150 Wt. 230 160 175 130 170 200 150 200 300 150 Wt. 140 150 320 160 145 215 165 245 275 210 165 140 300
OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL RB/DB DL Pos. OL/DL RB/DB DL K RB/LB QB/LB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL LB Pos. RB/DB RB/DB OL/DL DB RB/DB OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB QB/DB RB/DB OL/DL
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BLACK DIAMOND
Fairfield hopes for better fortunes
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY BULLDOGS Coach: Kurt Simon Career Record: 88-53 2010 Record: 5-5 Conference: Black Diamond (Class 2A) Key Players: Cameron Gunter (RB/DL), Cole Peterson (OL/LB), Trenton Veach (WR/DB), Dylan Rankin (RB/LB), Ryan Farr (WR/DB), Lukas Matsel (RB/DL), Chase Sailer (QB/DB) Schedule Aug. 26 at Eldorado* Sept. 2 JOHNSTON CITY* Sept. 9 at Chester* Sept. 16 HAMILTON COUNTY* Sept. 23 At Fairfield* Oct. 1 at The Vienna Co-op* Oct. 7 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 14 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton* Oct. 21 ELVERADO-TRICO* * conference game Seniors Cameron Gunter Isaac Hayse Rasheem Jemine Cayman Passmore Cole Peterson
Ht. 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-2 5-10
Wt. 185 240 208 290 180
Pos. RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB
Cody Smith Camden Stewart Trenton Veach Juniors Josh Burtis Greg Dillman Ryan Farr Dylan Rankin Jake Russell Sophomores Eli Allen Nik Brown Naz Byrd Quinton Chambliss Tim Hardy Dylan Kuykendall Lukas Matsel Lucas Mercer Alan Murphy Cody Nelson Brandon Pollard Stephen Quitugua Chase Sailer Jordan Sherman Brett Short Matt Smith Christian Stevens Hunter Welch Brady Willis
5-9 5-10 5-9 Ht. 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-10 6-0 Ht. 5-10 6-1 5-8 5-9 6-1 5-5 5-9 5-10 6-3 5-5 5-8 5-6 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-10
190 175 165 Wt. 170 160 175 180 170 Wt. 235 300 171 160 170 120 180 150 190 170 195 150 190 205 140 175 225 160 225
RB/DL TE/DB WR/DB Pos. OL/DL RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL Pos. OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB RB/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB RB/LB QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL WR/DE OL/DL
Bulldogs shoot for playoff berth BY DAN ZOBEL THE SOUTHERN
Coach Kurt Simon and Carmi-White County are coming off a five-win season and a playoff berth and are looking to do the same in 2011. “Our first goal is to win enough games to get into the playoffs,” Simon said. “It’s realistic to say that we can win five or six games and usually that gets you into the playoffs.” Simon said they will be returning the majority of their team from last year, but their overall numbers are low. “One injury can make a huge difference and we will just have to roll with what we have,” Simon said. Simon said a lot of younger kids received time last year and they have a good group of sophomores and juniors that have a lot of confidence. He said while the Bulldogs may be lacking in some size this year, they definitely have the ability to run around whether as
a running back, wide receiver or on defense. A lot of the success that the Bulldogs might see this year will matter a lot with how their defense performs. “We need to get better defensively because with winning teams it starts with defense,” Simon said. “It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to shut teams down on defense.” The Bulldogs have a core of six or seven athletes that will be able to interchange at a lot of different positions on offense and defense. “We’re going to be mixing them up and trying to keep them on the field as much as we can,” Simon said. Some of these core players are seniors Cameron Gunter, Cole Peterson and Trenton Veach, juniors Dylan Rankin and Ryan Farr, and sophomores Lukas Matsel and Chase Sailer. Simon said Veach had a great summer and is the fastest player on the team.
BY CHRIS HOTTENSON THE SOUTHERN
After a tragic 2010 season, Fairfield is looking for much better fortunes and a conference championship in 2011. “We feel we’ve got a legitimate shot, and that’s where want to be when it’s all said and done,” said Fairfield coach Justin Townsend. The Mules’ fortunes already started to turn around in the offseason with the arrival of Jarren Thomas from St. Louis. The 6-foot, 225 pound offensive and defensive lineman is expected to make an immediate impact on the Fairfield lines. The Mules are also getting back two of the four players injured in a car accident last year. Luke Harl will play cornerback on defense and run the ball some on offense. Colton Slover is also coming back and will run the Mules’ offense at quarterback.
He will also patrol the secondary at the safety position on defense. Last year, several young players were forced into starting roles for Fairfield after the accident. That experience may prove valuable for the 2011 edition of Mules football. “I think the biggest thing we gained from last year is we had to have a lot of sophomores and juniors step up and play varsity football,” Townsend said. “They basically got a year under their belt of starting and playing a lot. “Had that not happened, those guys wouldn’t have played that much. So, I think it’s actually made us a better team this year, because those guys gained a lot of experience.” Fairfield has been blessed with good size up front the last several years. This year, the Mules are going to be a little smaller but a lot quicker. SEE FAIRFIELD / PAGE 26
FAIRFIELD MULES Coach: Justin Townsend Career Record: 47-50 2010 Record: 5-5 Conference: Black Diamond (3A) Key Returnees: Dyllan Bailey (RB/LB), Colton Slover (QB/DB), Luke Harl (RB/DB) Schedule Aug. 26 At Hamilton County Sept. 2 ELVERADO-TRICO* Sept. 9 THE VIENNA CO-OP * Sept. 16 at Eldorado* Sept. 23 CARMI-WHITE COUNTY* Sept. 30 SESSER-VALIER* Oct. 7 At Johnston City* Oct. 14 At Chester* Oct. 21 C-Z-R* * conference game Seniors Dustin Downen Rolando Gomez Tyler Hutcheson Luke Harl Colton Slover Dino Leinard Dakota Koontz Nolan Taylor
Ht. 5-7 5-10 6-0 5-6 5-9 5-6 6-0 6-0
Wt. Pos. 150 TE/DL 145 RB/DB 205 TE/LB 130 RB/DB 170 QB/DB 150 RB/LB 155 TE/DB 175 OL/DL
Kyle Thomason Levi Marsh Juniors Dyllan Bailey Don Bielecki Jack Opell Andrew Garrison Caleb Koker Jaymin Gregory Will Griffith Tyler Chapman Triston Guthrie Robby Hite Clayton Titzer Dakota Toombs Bryton Withrow Sophomores Joseph Rodgers Dakota Jolley Nathan Coomer Derek Greifzu Brylan Morlan Corey Youell Anthony Thomas Reno Casanova Thomas Toombs Jacob DeJarnatt Cody Simpson Andrew Carter Jarren Thomas
6-2 5-9 Ht. 6-0 5-5 6-0 5-5 5-6 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-1 5-7 6-0 5-5 5-10 Ht. 5-8 5-6 6-0 5-5 5-7 5-6 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-7 6-1 5-6 6-0
175 175 Wt. 170 120 165 195 130 230 140 230 215 165 225 210 195 Wt. 145 120 130 140 150 110 170 150 180 190 215 130 225
RB/LB OL/DL Pos. RB/LB TE/DB TE/LB FB/LB RB/DB OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL Pos. QB/DB RB/DB TE/DB RB/LB FB/LB RB/DB TE/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
SEE CARMI / PAGE 26
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 23
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH SEVEN CARBONDALE: Looking to rebound
CARBONDALE TERRIERS Coach: Dan Koester Career Record: 11-17 2010 Record: 3-6 Conference: South Seven (Class 5A) Returning Starters (15): Kaid Koester (SE), Antroll Williams (TE), Marquis Edmonds (TE/DE), Jarron Warren (TE/RB/DE), Bryce RenoGibson (RB), Elijah Sykes (RB), Dalton Joles (OT), J.D. Whitback (OT), John Sarvela (C), Owen Abarca (NG), Jordan Bowlby (ILB), Jordan Pratt (ILB), RaJon Ikner (ILB), Eli Uffelman (OLB), Isiah Jones (CB) Schedule Aug. 26 at Murphysboro Sept. 2 at Herrin Sept. 9 WATERLOO Sept. 16 at Centralia* Sept. 23 CAHOKIA* Sept. 30 at Mount Vernon* Oct. 7 at Althoff* Oct. 14 MARION* Oct. 21 HARRISBURG * conference game Seniors Mikey Kelley Daniel Lustman Antrell Williams Jordan Pratt De Antre Mitchell Larry Benz Jordan Bowlby Kevin Bruce Nick Harrelson
Ht. 5-8 5-7 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-2
Wt. 155 165 180 220 175 175 240 205 275
Pos. K CB SE LB CB CB RB/LB DT G
Gavin Perry JD Whitbeck Ra Jon Ikner Zach Simmons Jakeb Brown John Sarvela Kaid Koester Juniors Isiah Jones Bryce Reno-Gibson Eli Uffelman Malik Wright Zach Doan Nick Carlson Dion Wooley Jacob Garwin Weston Toombs Michael Crouse Brandon Blewett Owen Arbarca Sophomores Dom Johnson Mykel Gary Justin Hoffmann Sha Marc Bursey Michel Andre Drew Robinson Tyrell Robinson Mitch Lauder Jermaine Pryor Daniel Kirslis Dominik Meyerhoff Ry Schmidt Kyle Turner Brad Wood Darius Williams Joe Weber
6-3 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 Ht. 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-1 Ht. 6-2 5-4 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-8 6-1 5-10 5-8 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-0
FROM PAGE 4 275 240 200 270 340 280 230 Wt. 160 170 215 175 185 200 170 165 215 170 185 240 Wt. 170 160 165 160 175 155 215 175 140 165 215 210 305 215 185 180
NG T\DT LB G T C SE\LB Pos. LB RB LB RB LB RB\LB SE\CB SE DT LB LB NG Pos. LB RB QB CB TE\CB SE LB S CB CB LB DT C G DT QB
ALTHOFF: Out to finish what it started FROM PAGE 7 along with guard Colin Cozart and tackle Erik Furmanek, who started last year. “We run a spread offense,” Turner said. “We are a run first team, but we like to throw the ball a lot too.” Turner has a decision to make at quarterback. Senior Jabari Taylor started the first five games and sophomore Eric Mertens the last four after Taylor had high ankle sprain and a sprained ACL. “Both Taylor and Mertens will play,” Turner said. “Taylor is our best athlete with good speed and runs the ball well. Plus he is a pretty good passer. Mertens is a big quarterback who has a strong arm
and is more of a pocket type passer.” Turner also has seven starters returning on defense. Middle linebacker Furmanek and weak side linebacker Harris are back along with cornerback Dave Fischer, free safety Nick Hawthorne and strong safety Quarles. On the line Roberts returns at end along with Cozart at tackle. “We run the 4-3,” Turner said. “Defense is the strength of our team led by Furmanek who had a 100 tackles last year.” Seniors Nick Fiore and Jeffrey Mayo are going to start at linebacker and cornerback, respectively, as well as juniors Nolan Abernathy and Merrick Jackson at end and tackle, respectively.
Page 24 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
“There were times last year we looked like one of the better defenses we’ve had and at other times we looked like the worst team in the state, so our main focus is to improve our defense,” Koester said. “Jordan has gotten bigger and faster and
this year we have people around him.” Koester plans to rotate Warren, Edmonds and Whitback at defensive end with sophomores Tyrell Robinson at outside linebacker and Mitch Lauder at safety. Daniel Lustman, DeAntre Mitchell, Michel Andre and ShaMare Bursey will compete for the other secondary jobs.
MOUNT VERNON: The Shaner Era begins FROM PAGE 5 Shaner has eight returning starters including the top two running backs, Anthony Moore and Blake Strickland, tight end Patrick Bradford and two offensive linemen tackle Dan Morrision and guard Craig Vishy. “We’re going to be a run first team,” Shaner said. “We want to control the block and run the ball well to set up some great play action opportunities. A lot of teams are going with the spread, no-huddle and see how many plays they can run off, but we have the opposite philosophy. We want to slow the game down and keep
the ball away from the other team with long drives.” Battling it out to replace quarterback Blake Deaton are juniors Clayton Reeves and Michael Jefferson. Leonta Badger is back to compete at wide receiver. “Michael and Clayton both have leadership qualities and are competing well,” Shaner said. “Michael is probably a little more athletic than Clayton and they both threw the ball well this summer.” Shaner will install a 4-4-3 defensive scheme and has Strickland at inside linebacker, free safety Clayton Reeves, Jefferson at cornerback and defensive tackle Caleb Burns returning.
CENTRALIA: Looks to take the next step FROM PAGE 5 Kauling runs a spread offense and returns seven starters, including quarterback Dyman Sodsaikitch, running backs Andrew Penaga and Rashad Campbell, wide receivers Stephonta Moore and Matt Baumgartner and offensive linemen guard Tanner Pitts and tackle Brandon Hill. “Dyman does a good job managing the offense,” Kauling said. “Penaga is more of
a straight ahead runner and Campbell has more lateral quickness. Pitts is a natural leader and we have junior Drew Shores taking over left tackle.” Kauling employs a 3-3-5 defensive scheme and returns six starters. Hill returns at defensive end and is joined by linebackers Adrian Williams, Troy Miller and DeAndre Downey, cornerback Moore and strong safety Dylan McAbee. “With our three linebackers back that should be our strength,” Kauling said.
CAHOKIA: Hopes to get back in hunt FROM PAGE 7 For the second straight season Golliday will have to replace his quarterback along with his starting guards. “I have a competition at quarterback with Dale Gantt currently the leader,” Golliday said. “I also have some competition at guard. Justin House, who was hurt last year, and Frank Gully along with Melvin Collins and some sophomores will battle it out.”
Golliday has his top ground gainer Quinntarius Hill back along with Jalen Thomas returning from an injury. Receivers Xjavion Boyd and Leon Gillispie also return. “Jalen tore his ACL early in game three and still finished the game,” Golliday said. “He has worked hard this summer and he will be one of my team captains. That’s how much confidence I have in the kid. He along with Hill and Shayeen Edwards have looked real good in practice.”
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW WEST FRANKFORT: New coach helps Redbirds FROM PAGE 11
with you,” Beery said. “In the fourth quarter, we want to be up or down a touchdown and have a chance to win.” It will be a struggle to win games this season, but Beery believes his new team can be competitive. “We know we’ll be the small dog on the block in our conference, and it’s going to be a dogfight,” Beery said. “But we will be very disciplined, control the clock and try to pull some of these out.”
“The main thing is our offense spreads the field with four receivers on or near the line of scrimmage,” Beery said. “We can go four vertical any time. They can take off and that’s an advantage.” Josh Tharp and Gavin Restivo will be coming out of the backfield, and Colton Williams and Dakota Pratt will line up among the receiving core. “We obviously won’t blow you out, and we have scott.mees@thesouthern.com to be a team that sticks 618-351-5086
S-V-W-W: Faces challenges FROM PAGE 21
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Eldorado’s Ben Genet returns a kick last season against Johnston City.
ELDORADO: Fourth year should be good for Eagles, Hampton FROM PAGE 22 Quarterback Joe Blair is entering his second full season as the Eagles quarterback and Hampton said he is excited to see his progress. “Blair is going to have more responsibility to make plays at the quarterback position this year,”
Hampton said. In the end, Hampton wants to make sure that his players are playing the Eldorado way. Hampton described this as “finishing every play,” “playing together,” “being physical and knocking people off the football,” and “dominating the kicking game.”
Hampton sees the Week 1 game against Carmi-White County as a great measuring stick to start off the season with. “We’ve got good players who have worked hard to get ready,” Hampton said. “It’s been the four years of work with the assistant coaches that have put us here.”
JOHNSTON CITY: New coach, same running style for Indians FROM PAGE 18 who joined Kirkman on the Black Diamond All-Conference first team last year. Second team AllConference linebacker Tyler Johnson will be coming back for the Indians, as well as quarterback Jory Kee. Mings doesn’t want to make things
too complicated — just do your assigned job and do it fundamentally well is the message he’s preaching. “We’ve got a lot of kids that can play a lot of different positions,” Mings said. “That’s what we’re going to focus on — everybody doing their job, doing the task at hand, and being sound and solid fundamentally.” His goals aren’t complicated
either. “The first goal is to get to the playoffs. The second goal is to get as far as you can in the playoffs. The third goal is we want to win the conference just like the other teams in the Black Diamond do.” Not much will have changed in Johnston City this fall if those goals are reached.
But S-V-W-W will counter the loss of those three players with the return of four all-conference players. Dylan Rock and Drew Dorris return on the offensive and defensive lines. Greg Jenkins will be back at tailback and utility player Johnnie Vercellino will return to catch and run the ball and play defense. “For the first time since I’ve been head coach at Sesser-Valier, I’ve got four all-conference players back,” Shadowens said. “Those four guys are a nice mixture of kids to build around.” Trey Witges will replace Verhines at quarterback. He was only the back-up
last year, but when Verhines went down with an injury he got some valuable experience running the team. Shadowens hopes the success his senior class has been a part of will help the Red Devils continue their winning ways. “These kids have high aspirations,” Shadowens said. “They’ve been a part of a couple of pretty special teams the past two years. “They were part of an undefeated conference championship their sophomore year, and they were part of a pretty decent 7-2 team last year. They’ve got some lofty expectations, and I think a home playoff game is a realistic goal for us.”
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 25
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW CHESTER: Relies on speed FROM PAGE 20 they will have to jell quickly,” Lee said. “They will have to learn that Friday night is different than Monday night.” Lee will look to multiple key players to keep their success going. Among these key players will be seniors Tyler Chandler and Brad Bindel, juniors Stephen Roth and Zane Wallace, and sophomores Joel Clendenin and Lane Gibbs. “Our guys are hard-nosed and physical, and really smart,” Lee said. “We’re going to be smart and tough.”
Lee said one of the things people will see when they watch Chester play is that Chester football will be exciting, almost to a fault sometimes. “We will make some mistakes with how we will play, but we will also make some outstanding plays,” Lee said. One of the reasons for that is because of how young they are, said Lee, and that is why Lee is putting the focus on taking each game at a time. “Every week is a big week and we can’t look past anybody,” Lee said. “We have to worry about ourselves and not our opponents.”
FAIRFIELD: Better fortunes FROM PAGE 23 “We’re going to be average size, but I think this will be one of the quickest teams I’ve ever had, especially on defense,” Townsend said. “Even from the D-linemen up front to the linebackers to the secondary, I just think the overall team speed is definitely a strength.” Townsend knows playoff expectations have been cre-
ated over the last few years. The Mules hope to live up to those expectations. “We’ve had a pretty good run the last few years,” Townsend said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us to continue to do that. We’re a playoff team year in and year out, and we want to continue to do that. People have grown to expect that from us, and we want to stay there.”
CARMI: Shooting for playoffs FROM PAGE 23 Most all of these players will be counted on to play several positions on both sides of the ball according to Simon. Sailer will be manning the quarterback position most of the time and Simon described him as an “exceptional talent.” One of the main worries Simon has going forward, besides the defense, is that because of the low number
of players the first-string players do not always get to face a lot of adversity in practice. “We don’t really have our own identity right now,” Simon said. Simon believes the Black Diamond Conference is going to be exciting, and he sees a lot of parity in the conference this year. “If you don’t bring it all every game there are plenty of teams that will bring it against you,” Simon said.
Page 26 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan
Carbondale running back Jordan Pratt runs downfield behind blockers during one of the Terriers’ games last season.
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
I’ve seen some weird things on the gridiron ’ll be honest, prep football isn’t my favorite sport. I prefer basketball, baseball or track. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy attending prep football games. However, in many instances, it’s not the game itself that is the primary attraction. I love the trappings that surround prep football like tailgating and marching bands. However, the primary thing that attracts me to prep football is the total access that walking the sidelines provides. In 35 years of covering prep football, I’ve seen some amazing things … some funny, some poignant, some scary. Two of the funniest things I’ve ever seen involved the same official from Metro East. He died several years ago, but these incidents will keep him forever alive in my memory. Perhaps the funniest thing I’ve ever seen involved a phantom touchdown. The official lost track of where he was on the field and signaled touchdown when a player was tackled crossing the 5-yard line. The ensuing argument was hysterical. The mistake was eventually corrected, but not before highdecibel commentary from both sidelines. Another time, I was engaged in a spirited conversation with the same official before the football game. We were aware the marching band had taken the field, but both
I
Off Target LES WINKELER of us were taken by surprise when the first few notes of the national anthem sounded. We both turned briskly, ripping the caps off our heads as we searched for the flag. When I looked back over my shoulder, I saw the official pulling a toupee out of his cap and slapping it back on his head. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed harder. There have been plenty of touching moments as well. The sideline is a place of raw emotion. That emotion ranges from sheer ecstasy to almost inconsolable sadness. I’ve seen the biggest, toughest, meanest players reduced to tears when the dream of a state championship comes to an end. I’ve seen players injured players choking back tears while accepting condolences from their teammates. I’ve seen concussions, broken bones, injured knees and twisted ankles. Sometimes it isn’t easy being on the sidelines, but it is always interesting. And, some of the things said on the sidelines are nothing
short of amazing. I was covering a game at Triad many years ago when the Knights were called for blocking below the waist on a kick-off return. The guilty party, a gutsy 5-foot-4 special teams player. “Look at him,” the Triad coach said, pointing at the kid. “Where else could he hit him?” The point was well taken. On another occasion when a penalty went against the home team the coach turned toward me, looked me in the eye and asked, “Do you think the home team should ever get a call like that?” It wasn’t a rhetorical question. He wanted an answer. It was a nowin situation. I punted. One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen was 45 yards in penalties being marked off against the receiving team on a kick-off return. That meant the ball was kicked off from the 15-yard line. Incredibly, the kicking team recovered the onside kick. I’ve seen reporters and photographers flattened by players and conked by errant passes and punts. I’ve seen parents come out of the stands to challenge coaches. The games might not always be exciting, but there is rarely a dull moment on the sidelines. LES WINKELER is the sports editor for The Southern Illinoisan. Contact him at les.winkeler@theso uthern.com, or call 618-351-5088.
PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW: 2011 WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE Week 1 Friday, Aug. 26 Carbondale at Murphysboro Centralia at Salem Marion at Granite City O’Fallon at Cahokia Collinsville at Belleville Althoff Anna-Jonesboro at West Frankfort Carterville at Benton Du Quoin at Highland Nashville at Carlyle Red Bud at Pinckneyville Sparta at Dupo Harrisburg at Mount Carmel Bethalto Civic Memorial at Herrin Trenton Wesclin at Massac County Carmi-White County at Eldorado C-Z-R at Elverado-Trico Fairfield at Hamilton County S-V-W-W at Johnston City The Vienna Co-op at Chester
Saturday, Aug. 27 Mount Vernon at Miller Career Academy
Week 2 Friday, Sept. 2 Carbondale at Herrin Belleville Althoff at Belleville West Cahokia at Alton Bethalto Civic Memorial at Centralia Highland at Marion Mascoutah at Mount Vernon Anna-Jonesboro at Murphysboro Du Quoin at Harrisburg Nashville at Breese Mater Dei Pinckneyville at West Frankfort Sparta at Benton Calloway County at Massac County Johnston City at Carmi-White County Chester at S-V-W-W Eldorado at C-Z-R Elverado-Trico at Fairfield
Saturday, Sept. 3 St. Joseph Ogden at Carterville Hamilton County at The Vienna Co-op
West Frankfort at Nashville Pinckneyville at Benton Sparta at Murphysboro Carmi-White County at Chester C-Z-R at Johnston City Elverado-Trico at Eldorado The Vienna Co-op at Fairfield S-V-W-W at Hamilton County
Saturday, Sept. 10 Oblong at Carterville
Week 4 Friday, Sept. 16 Carbondale at Centralia Mount Vernon at Belleville Althoff Marion at Cahokia Anna-Jonesboro at Du Quoin Pinckneyville at Carterville Nashville at Sparta THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO Herrin at Benton Anna-Jonesboro offensive linemen Jimmy Daniels (left) and Michael Dillman come off the field after a scoring drive last season. Murphysboro at Harrisburg Massac County at West Frankfort Chester at C-Z-R Elverado-Trico at Chester Sparta at Pinckneyville Fairfield at Eldorado C-Z-R at Hamilton County Harrisburg at Benton Johnston City at Elverado-Trico S-V-W-W at Fairfield Massac County at Herrin The Vienna Co-op at S-V-W-W West Frankfort at Murphysboro Hamilton County at Carmi-White County Carmi-White County at C-Z-R Saturday, Oct. 1 S-V-W-W at Elverado-Trico Eldorado at Johnston City Fairfield at Chester Week 5 Carmi-White County at The Vienna Co-op Hamilton County at Johnston City Benton at West Frankfort Friday, Sept. 23 Cahokia at Carbondale Centralia at Belleville Althoff Marion at Mount Vernon Anna-Jonesboro at Pinckneyville Carterville at Nashville Du Quoin at Sparta Benton at Murphysboro Harrisburg at Massac County West Frankfort at Herrin Carmi-White County at Fairfield Johnston City at Chester C-Z-R at S-V-W-W Eldorado at Hamilton County
Saturday, Sept. 24 Elverado-Trico at The Vienna Co-op
Week 3 Friday, Sept. 9
Week 6 Friday, Sept. 30
Waterloo at Carbondale Mascoutah at Belleville Althoff Cahokia at St. Louis (Carnahan), MO Centralia at Highland Marion at Harrisburg Troy (Triad) at Mount Vernon Massac County at Anna-Jonesboro Herrin at Du Quoin
Carbondale at Mount Vernon Belleville Althoff at Marion Cahokia at Centralia Sparta at Anna-Jonesboro Du Quoin at Carterville Nashville at Pinckneyville Herrin at Harrisburg Murphysboro at Massac County
Saturday, Oct. 15
Week 7 Friday, Oct. 7
Eldorado at The Vienna Co-op
Carbondale at Belleville Althoff Mount Vernon at Cahokia Centralia at Marion Anna-Jonesboro at Nashville Carterville at Sparta Pinckneyville at Du Quoin Massac County at Benton Harrisburg at West Frankfort Murphysboro at Herrin S-V-W-W at Carmi-White County Chester at Eldorado Hamilton County at Elverado-Trico Fairfield at Johnston City
Saturday, Oct. 8 The Vienna Co-op at C-Z-R
Week 8 Friday, Oct. 14 Marion at Carbondale Belleville Althoff at Cahokia Mount Vernon at Centralia Carterville at Anna-Jonesboro Du Quoin at Nashville
Week 9 Friday, Oct. 21 Harrisburg at Carbondale Belleville Althoff at Troy (Triad) Cahokia at Hales (Franciscan) Mascoutah at Centralia Herrin at Marion Mount Carmel at Mount Vernon Benton at Anna-Jonesboro West Frankfort at Carterville Murphysboro at Du Quoin Columbia at Nashville Dupo at Pinckneyville Sparta at Red Bud Ballard County at Massac County Elverado-Trico at Carmi-White County Chester at Hamilton County C-Z-R at Fairfield Eldorado at S-V-W-W
Saturday, Oct. 22 Johnston City at The Vienna Co-op
The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, August 25, 2011 Page 27
P E P S I M I DA M E R I C A Proud to call Southern Illinois home for over years Our first automated bottling machine above the chicken hatchery. Previously, the bottling had been done by hand.
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1-800-827-7020 www.pepsimidamerica.com Page 28 Thursday, August 25, 2011 The Southern Illinoisan