State Farm Holiday Classic pairings

BLOOMINGTON — The 2009 pairings for the State Farm Holiday Classic were announced earlier this week. The tournament is set to begin on Dec. 28, and will last until Dec. 31. St. Joseph-Ogden's boys and girls teams will play in the tournament, while the Unity Rockets will just send their girls' squad north to the event. The Unity boys are playing in the St. Anthony Tournament in Effingham, which will begin Dec. 29. Pairings for the St. Anthony Tournament will be posted when they are available.

All opening-round games will be played Dec. 28, with the SJ-O boys taking on top-seeded Fieldcrest at 9 p.m. at Normal West. The Unity and SJ-O girls will both open play at Central Catholic, with the Rockets taking on Peoria Christian at 1 p.m. and the Spartans playing Camp Point Central at 4:30 p.m.

                          

Printable brackets can be found at the Classic Web site: http://www.theclassic.org/.

Unity falls to Stillman Valley

CHAMPAIGN -- The third time wasn't the charm for the Unity Rockets.

Stillman Valley rushed for 463 yards and Unity couldn't stop the Cardinals' offense all day as Stillman Valley won its fourth state championship with a 52-22 win Friday at Memorial Stadium.

Unity (13-1) led early in the first quarter and pulled to within 31-22 on Dylan Sturgeon's 70-yard run on the first play of the third quarter, but it was all Cardinals from there.

Stillman Valley (14-0) followed up Sturgeon's run with a 21-play, 71-yard scoring drive that lasted nearly eight minutes, demoralizing the Rockets.

For more on the game, please pick up next week's County Star.

The News-Gazette recap will be available here, and the IHSA recap is available here.

Remembering Will Tate

Nearly four years ago, Unity eighth grader Will Tate died of leukemia. In 2009, his former classmates are trying to remember his memory on their march toward a state championship.

News-Gazette high school reporter Marcus Jackson had a story in Wednesday's paper about Tate and his classmates, and the story can be found here.

Class 3A state championship prediction

No. 4 Unity (13-0) vs. No. 3 Stillman Valley (13-0)

Last meeting: Stillman Valley def. Unity, 21-6 (Nov. 15, 2003).

CHAMPAIGN — The state championship game is finally here, and you can tell. There's a different feeling of excitement surrounding Unity High School and its five towns this week, and a regular day at UHS seems to be a little more exciting than say, a plain old Wednesday in March.

The Rockets are ready to go, and they want this to be the year. Unity has never won a state championship in any sport, though the Rockets have played in a state championship five times. Unity two seconds in football and volleyball and one in wrestling. The Rockets also have a second in girls' cross county, a third and fourth in volleyball, a fourth in boys' basketball and three trips to the state semifinals (1999, 2003 and 2004) in football.

They've been close enough for long enough, it's time.

Looking ahead at the Xs and Os, I think Friday's game should be a doozy. Stillman Valley has a tremendous defensive team, and while their offense doesn't put up the numbers the Rockets do, they can still score. Everyone I've talked to keeps asking me how Unity's offense matches up against the Stillman Valley defense, which makes me think the Rockets' defense will be the key to the game.

Unity's defense has to hang tough. The Cardinals are going to try and run the ball right at them, and their slight size advantage on the offensive line will be a key. If Unity can come up into the box and keep the Cardinals from the big play, I think their offense will do enough. It's going to be tough, but I think the Rockets are ready.

No. 4 Unity 29, No. 3 Stillman Valley 21.

Bonus Okaw Picks

Tuscola 20, Lexington 7.

Morrison 28, Maroa-Forsyth 16.

Rockets hope to end struggles with Stillman Valley

By LUCAS DEAL

The County Star

TOLONO — This year is the third in 10 seasons the Unity Rockets will meet the Stillman Valley Cardinals in the IHSA state playoffs.

The Rockets are 0-2 against the Cardinals to this point, and are obviously hoping for a change.

It won't be easy.

Stillman Valley comes into Friday's game undefeated and currently riding the momentum of a 21-14 win over defending state champion Illini West last Saturday. The Cardinals raced out to a 14-0 lead early against the explosive Chargers, and were able to make enough stops down the stretch to pick up the victory.

"They were able to pull off the upset, though with the program they have up there they might not even consider that an upset," Unity coach Scott Hamilton said. "They probably felt like they were the favorites in that game."

With the success they've had, the Cardinals feel like they're the favorites in about every game.

Stillman Valley is 116-27 in 11 seasons under coach Mike Lalor, winning three state titles and picking up six 10-win seasons.

The Cardinals have never lost a state championship game, and picked up their wins in 1999, 2000 and 2003.

The 2000 victory was a 35-14 win over the Rockets, as was the Cardinals' 21-6 semifinal win in 2003.

"They do a great job of playing sound and disciplined football," Hamilton said. "I'm sure Coach Lalor will have them ready to play."

The Cardinals will come at Unity with a powerful running game that's totaled 3,913 yards in 2009.

"They have a pair of great fullbacks and some great halfbacks," Hamilton said. "Our defensive line is going to be a little undersized, but we'll need them to really play well for us."

Nate Bond leads the Cardinals in rushing with 1,062 yards, and Adam Cox is second with 967 yards. The Cardinals have four players with more than 450 yards on the ground.

All-State Honorees

Unity seniors Dylan Sturgeon and Dustin Krause were named to the 2009 all-state team, as was St. Joseph-Ogden junior Jake Bock.

Sturgeon leads the News-Gazette area in rushing with 2,278 yards, while Bock was the area leader after the regular season and finished with 1,878 yards.

Krause has started at right tackle and defensive end for the Rockets' this season.

There are short stories on all three players' awards in this week's editions of the County Star and The Leader.

Ferguson bests the family

Last Saturday's semifinal football game at Greenville was a close one for all involved, but especially for Unity junior left tackle Alex Ferguson. A large contingent of Ferguson's family is from and still lives in the Greenville area, and his father Bill graduated from Greenville High School in 1979.

News-Gazette high school reporter Marcus Jackson had a feature on the Ferguson in last Saturday's paper, and text of the story can be found here.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more news and a prediction for Friday's game.

Unity to hold pep rally Wednesday

TOLONO — Cindy Hughes and the Unity dance team are organizing a pep rally for the football team at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday at the high school gymnasium.  Please try to arrive by 6:20 p.m. to get seated.  The pep rally will last less than an hour, and the school would love to pack the gym to let the team know that Rocket Nation is behind them. 

The fourth-ranked Rockets (13-0) will play No. 3 Stillman Valley (13-0) in the IHSA Class 3A state championship game at 4 p.m. Friday at Memorial Stadium. This is the second time this decade the Rockets and Cardinals have met in the state finals. Stillman Valley beat Unity 35-14 in the Rockets' first state championship game appearance in 2000.

More football information:

There will be a Unity Rockets' tent in the tent city at Memorial Stadium (southwest of the Stadium) on Friday. The tent will feature music, cheering and games.  The Rockets are leaving from the high school at 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon if you want to send them off or caravan behind them. When you get to Memorial Stadium, you can't miss tent city on First Street.

 

The team will return to the high school at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening for a Pep Rally. We would love to pack the parking lot/gym for them when they come home!

 

The senior parents also want to thank Rocket Nation for the amazing support this season. You have made it incredible for our boys in their last year as Rockets. Special thanks to all those wonderful people who donate so much time to the football program — too many to mention.

If you'd like a 2009 Unity football video, please contact Karen Sturgeon at mandksturgeon@comcast.net, Bonnie Woolard at woolard@mrktshare.com or pick up a order form at Wednesday's pep rally. Remember, there won't be extra videos when they arrive in March, so if you want a Unity video order today!

BE SURE TO CHECK BACK WITH COUNTYSTARLEADER.BLOGSPOT.COM ALL WEEK FOR ANY AND ALL INFORMATION LEADING UP TO THE ROCKETS' GAME FRIDAY.

Semifinal playoff picks

No. 4 Unity (12-0) at No. 5 Greenville (12-0)

Last meeting:  None on record.

Two wins away. One to the carpet, and one for the trophy. That's how close the Unity Rockets are from winning the school's first state title. The Rockets will try to climb one of those hurdles this Saturday when they take on undefeated Greenville in the semifinals of the Class 3A state playoffs. The Comets are the first team Unity's seen since week six that still has a perfect record, and Greenville's impressive season includes a defense that gives up less than 10 points per game. But the Comets aren't as big or powerful as the Nashville team Unity saw last week, and their speed is something the Rockets have dealt with all season.

I think Unity's going to put their speed up against the Comets' spread Saturday and let the best team win. I expect the game to be close for a while and I know Greenville has an offense capable of scoring, but I doubt they can score enough to keep up with the Rockets. When the dust settles, I think the Rockets are heading home Saturday night one short trip from a state title.

No. 4 Unity 38, No. 5 Greenville 22. 

Bonus pick: No. 1 Illini West 56, No. 3 Stillman Valley 21.

Quarterfinal playoff picks

No. 4 Unity (11-0) at Nashville (7-4)

Last meeting: None on record.

After pasting DuQuoin in the second round last week, the Rockets are rewarded a quarterfinal game against a team with the least amounts of wins in 3A. Nashville opened the season slow and was 3-4 before winning two straight to get into the playoffs, and they've kept their momentum going since with upset wins over Sesser-Valier (9-1) in the first round and Auburn (8-3) last Saturday. The Hornets have been playing playoff games for the last five weeks, so they won't be intimated by the Rockets' sparkling 11-0 record like some other teams would. 

I'm told Nashville has one of the biggest lines around and the Rockets will be pushed by their size and athleticism. They'll need to combat that with speed in an effort to slow down the Hornets' offense. I think they will, and I don't think it will be overwhelmingly difficult. The Rockets are the best team in the south and should be playing in the state championship in two weeks. They know that, I don't think they'll do anything to put themselves in danger of slipping up.

No. 4 Unity 46, Nashville 17.

Round Two Playoff Predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at No. 2 Wilmington (10-0)

Last meeting: Wimington def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 41-6 (Oct. 31, 2008).

This will be the rubber game in the SJ-O vs. Wilmington playoff rivalry, as the two teams have met each of the last two seasons. The Spartans were victorious in 2007 and the Wildcats took home the victory in 2008. This game is expected to be a very competitive one, matching the Spartans' defense against the vaunted Wildcats' offense. The unit that comes up more successful will win the game, plain and simple. The only problem I see in this game is the winner has to play Illini West, and nothing good can come from that.

I think the Spartans will hang with the Wildcats Saturday because they've seen enough of them the past two years. The SJ-O coaching staff knows what they're up against and they'll have the team ready to play. The Spartans should be able to score a little, but they'll need the defense to make some stops to keep them close. I think they will, but in the end the Wildcats and their home-field advantage is just a little more than the Spartans can handle.

No. 2 Wilmington 30, St. Joseph-Ogden 26.

No. 7 DuQuoin (9-1) at No. 4 Unity (10-0)

Last meeting: None on record.

This has the potential to be a great playoff game, but it's somewhat unfortunate it's being played in the second round. Between you and I, I think DuQuoin and Unity are the two best teams in the 3A south bracket, and I think the winner of the game will play in Champaign no matter who they are. Undefeated Greenville could be tough, but I don't see them having the firepower to take down Unity or the Indians.

As important as home-field advantage normally is, I think part of the Rockets' edge will be neutralized due to the Indians' incredible following and fan-base. They'll fill the south stands and then some, and I wouldn't be surprised to see DuQuoin bring more than 1,000 fans. That said, the Rockets will have that many, too, so Saturday afternoon's game will be a raucous affair. When it comes right down to the action on the field, I think the Rockets just score too many points to be stopped. If Unity's defense can keep the Indians from long, back-breaking touchdown drives that kill the clock, they should be fine.

No. 4 Unity 36, No. 7 DuQuoin 22.

Class 3A bracket predictions

CHAMPAIGN — Well folks here it is. This is my bracket for the 3A football playoffs. I chose not to predict the state championship game because it's just too far ahead. Truthfully, I don't have a lot of faith in my picks in the bottom half of the bracket, but I had to pick someone. Enjoy the games everyone.

What the computer says: Class 1A-4A simulations

CHAMPAIGN — Utilizing the Massey Ratings football simulation system, here are the projected playoff brackets for Class 1A through Class 4A (all of the teams for the Okaw Valley and Sangamon Valley Conferences) for the next five weeks. As you can see, it should be a good first weekend for both conferences, and the Okaw is projected to display its dominance throughout the next month with two state finalists and five quarterfinalists.

(Editor's Note: My 3A playoff projections will be posted online Friday afternoon before the Oakwood at SJ-O game. And remember, these are simply computer projections, they don't guarantee anything. Most scores will not mirror these projections.)

Round One Playoff Predictions

Oakwood (6-3) at St. Joseph-Ogden (7-2)

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Oakwood, 66-0 (Oct. 26, 2001).

My projections are going to be a little shorter today than previous weeks because I'm in the process of working on a computer simulation of the first three rounds of the playoffs, which I hope to finish after lunch today.

In this game, I see the Spartans beating up on the Comets just like they did the last time they met. SJ-O might not be 66-0 winners (I highly, highly doubt they will be), but they should jump in front early and roll past their neighboring school.

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Oakwood 13.

Robinson (5-4) at No. 4 Unity (9-0)

Last meeting: Unity def. Robinson, 32-7 (Aug. 29, 2003).

Robinson is better than most 5-4 teams, but it shouldn't matter too much to a Unity team that hasn't been stopped all season. The Rockets can score pretty much at will when they're going well and the Rockets' balanced offensive attack is tough to scheme against.

It make take the Rockets a quarter or two to get rolling, but once they do the Maroons won't have any way to slow them down. Too much offense.

No. 4 Unity 46, Robinson 16.

One man's playoff projections

CHAMPAIGN — The 2009 regular season isn't quite over yet, but it's close enough to its conclusion to allow me to make some playoff predictions. I've done some research and tried to decide who will make the IHSA Class 3A tournament when the field is announced in two days, and I come to you now with my results.

The playoff points listed below are through eight weeks and thus not official, nor are the win-loss records, as I have tried to predict the results of Friday's games. As you can see, 35 points is the breaking point for teams in 3A, and that same break is evident in 1A and 2A. Assuming most teams are going to see their points improve after week nine, I expect 37 or 38 points to be the IHSA's acceptance number for 5-4 teams on Saturday. Thus, Macomb, Genoa-Kingston and Columbia still have a shot with winning records, though they'll be at the mercy of the IHSA.

And even though these predictions are anything but official, there's a pretty exciting match up looming in quarterfinals ... What a game that would be.

Class 3A Playoff Teams (441.00 to 615.45)

 RANKS    TEAM                            PTS   W-L   ENROLL

  1   C   Stillman Valley                 34    9-0   601.00

  2   C   Carthage (Illini West)          32    9-0   482.00

  3   C   Greenville                      32    9-0   587.00

  4   C   Sesser-Valier                   32    9-0   547.00

  5   C   Unity                           31    9-0   476.00

  6   C   Wilmington                      30    9-0   485.00

  7   C   St. Thomas More                 29    9-0   615.45

  8   C   Sherrard                        27    9-0   534.00

  9   C   Carterville                     33    8-1   532.00

 10   C   Rockford Christian              33    8-1   575.85

 11   C   Pittsfield                      31    8-1   536.00

 12   C   DuQuoin                         30    8-1   460.00

 13   C   Mt. Carmel                      44    7-2   613.00

 14   C   St. Joseph-Ogden                38    7-2   450.00

 15   C   Monticello                      36    7-2   541.00

 16   C   Auburn                          35    7-2   441.00

 17   C   Breese Central                  34    7-2   593.00

 18   C   Pana                            34    7-2   489.00

 19   C   Fairfield                       34    7-2   507.00

 20   C   Decatur St. Teresa              32    7-2   496.65

 21   C   Winnebago                       30    7-2   575.00

 22   C   Camp Point Central              30    7-2   497.00

 23   C   Aurora Christian                39    6-3   612.15

 24   C   Oakwood                         38    6-3   551.00

 25   C   Braidwood Reed-Custer           37    6-3   604.00

 26   C   Riverton                        37    6-3   476.00

 27   C   Sterling Newman                 35    6-3   468.60

 28   C   Anna-Jonesboro                  32    6-3   562.00

 29       Oregon                          40    5-4   568.00

 30       Robinson                        38    5-4   504.00

 31       Nashville                       36    5-4   549.00

 32       Hillsboro                       35    5-4   605.00

 33       Macomb                          34    5-4   587.00

 34       Genoa-Kingston                  32    5-4   608.00

 35       Columbia                        30    5-4   599.00

North Bracket

No. 8 Oregon (5-4) at No. 1 Stillman Valley (9-0)

No. 5 Winnebago (7-2) at No. 4 Rockford Christian (8-1)

No. 7 Sterling Newman (6-3) at No. 2 Wilmington (9-0)

No. 6 Aurora Christian (6-3) at No. 3 Sherrard (9-0)

East Bracket

No. 8 Robinson (5-4) at No. 1 Unity (9-0)

No. 5 St. Teresa (7-2) at No. 4 Monticello (7-2)

No. 7 Braidwood Reed-Custer (6-3) at No. 2 St. Thomas More (9-0)

No. 6 Oakwood (6-3) at No. 3 St. Joseph-Ogden (7-2)

South Bracket

No. 8 Nashville (5-4) at No. 1 Sesser-Valier (9-0)

No. 5 Fairfield (7-2) at No. 4 Mount Carmel (7-2)

No. 7 Anna-Jonesboro (6-3) at No. 2 Carterville (8-1)

No. 6 Breese Central (7-2) at No. 3 DuQuoin (8-1)

West Bracket

No. 8 Hillsboro (5-4) at No. 1 Illini West (9-0)

No. 5 Pana (7-2) at No. 4 Auburn (7-2)

No. 7 Riverton (6-3) at No. 2 Greenville (9-0)

No. 6 Camp Point Central (7-2) at No. 3 Pittsfield (8-1)

Week nine football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (6-2) at PBL (3-5)

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. PBL, 26-22 (Oct. 24, 2008).

As we enter the final week of the 2009 season, I find it harder and harder to keep my focus on the regular season. The playoffs are here and I'm excited. I want to see the pairings and get to work. I think most of the area playoff teams feel the same way, but they know they still have work to do in week nine. For SJ-O that work is finishing off a 7-2 regular season and making a final push for an opening round home game.

I think the Spartans should come out focused and ready to go this Friday. SJ-O has been ready to play for every game this season, and they should be doubly excited for the Panthers with the postseason just around the corner.

St. Joseph-Ogden 37, PBL 7.

Shelbyville (2-6) at No. 4 Unity (8-0)

Last meeting: Unity def. Shelbyville, 33-6 (Oct. 24, 2008).

Shelbyville's been better lately, but Unity is one of top-ranked teams in 3A for a reason. When the Rockets take off, no one has been able to catch them. I think the Rams will see that first hand Friday.

Expect Unity's defense to come out fired up and do all it can to end its seven-game opening touchdown allowed streak, and don't be surprised to see the offense respond with some quick scores of their own. The Rockets are shooting for some big goals in 2009, finishing the regular season 9-0 is just a stepping stone.

Unity 46, Shelbyville 7.

SJ-O honors senior runners

ST. JOSEPH — The Spartans' cross country team honored its senior student-athletes during the school's football game last Friday against Watseka. Here are photos from the event.

Week eight football predictions

Carlyle (1-6) vs. St. Joseph-Ogden (5-2)

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Carlyle, 35-7 (Oct. 17, 2008).

SJ-O will go for its second shutout in a row and fourth in six weeks when it takes on the Indians Saturday. A win would guarantee the Spartans a playoff berth for another year, and I think the team will be quick to grab control of the game. Carlyle is having another down year and has already been eliminated from postseason contention. I don't think this one ends well.

The Spartans know how close they are to the playoffs and they can taste it. The team's been dominant on defense for several weeks and they should tee off against the Indians.

St. Joseph-Ogden 48, Carlyle 0.

No. 4 Unity (7-0) at Clinton (1-6)

Last meeting: Unity def. Clinton, 26-0 (Oct. 17, 2008).

The Unity football team is an impressive 7-0 this season despite falling behind early in six of their last seven games. Unity hasn't scored first since the opening week of the season, and the Rockets have trailed in the second quarter of games in each of the last two weeks. Coach Scott Hamilton has been proud of his team's ability to respond after slow starts, but would like to see the team pitch a first quarter shutout — and I think they do this week.

Clinton can't score well at all and the Rockets know they're on the wrong side of the early scoring summary. I think the Rockets' defense steps up against the Maroons early Friday and doesn't look back.

No. 4 Unity 48, Clinton 0.

Week seven football predictions

Watseka (4-2) at St. Joseph-Ogden (4-2)

Last meeting: Watseka def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 47-14 (Oct. 10, 2008).

Both SJ-O and Watseka enter this game off losses and looking to right the ship with their fifth win as the playoffs grow near. The Spartans and Warriors both have a shot at grabbing a postseason berth with five wins this season, though its possible the Warriors would need six due to a lack of playoff points. Either way, this is a big game for both schools. It's much easier to get to week 10 at 5-2 than at 4-3.

I think the Spartans have the edge in this game due to their defense play the last several weeks. SJ-O has given up just 29 points over their past four games and has shut outs in weeks three and five. The Warriors can score points, but they can't stop anybody. If SJ-O can slow them down early, the Warriors will struggle to respond.

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Watseka 19.

Monticello (5-1) at No. 4 Unity (6-0)

Last meeting: Unity def. Monticello, 54-29 (Oct. 10, 2008).

Just when the Rockets think they've picked up their signature win of the year, another huge game shows up on the schedule just seven days later. The Rockets will need to beat the Sages to maintain their lead in the OVC black and continue on their way to their first conference title. The Sages will be looking to lock up a postseason berth after going 0-9 in 2008 and missing the playoffs at 5-4 in 2007.

I think Unity could be in for a closer game this Friday then last Friday. St. Teresa was very well coached, but the Bulldogs were too small and wore down easy. The Sages have size and speed, and their passing attack is the best in the OVC. If Unity can jump in front early and avoid giving up the quick score they've been struggling with I think they win by double digits. But if they don't, this could be a dog fight.  My pick is a little in between.

No. 4 Unity 41, Monticello 28.

Week six football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (4-1) at No. 8 St. Thomas More (5-0)

Last meeting: St. Thomas More def. SJ-O, 30-0 (Oct. 3, 2008).

Well first things first, St. Joseph-Ogden isn't losing this game 30-0 like they did last year. The Spartans weren't pleased with how they played in Gilman last week and I really think they'll want to avenge that performance with a big game Friday. The Sabers have been hot all season and didn't let a halftime deficit slow them down against Clifton Central last week, pitching a shut out in the second half to grab a 13-9 win. Both teams are 3-0 in the conference and tied for first, so Friday's winner will be two-thirds of the way to the Sangamon Valley Conference title.

I think SJ-O can win this game, but they can't let the mistakes that have plagued them this year show up against the Sabers. The Spartans overwhelmed Iroquois West last week with their talent and size, but still missed their fair share of blocks and defensive assignments. That can't happen against St. Thomas More. The SJ-O defense needs to be in the right place every play. When they do that, they don't give up any yards.

St. Joseph-Ogden 20, No. 8 St. Thomas More 7.

No. 4 St. Teresa (5-0) at No. 5 Unity (5-0)

Last meeting: St. Teresa def. Unity, 25-20 (Oct. 3, 2008).

This should be a fantastic battle between two ranked teams for supremacy in the Okaw Valley black division. The Rockets and Bulldogs are the only undefeated teams left in the Okaw, and the team that comes out of this game with the W should be overwhelming favorites to finish the season with the conference title. Unity has lost to St. Teresa each of the last two years, but the Rockets have the bigger, stronger, faster and more-experienced squad in 2009. St. Teresa's offensive line is one of the area's best, but their skills players come up short when compared to the Rockets.

The one thing Unity has to do in this game is control the clock. Everything I've heard and read about St. Teresa says the longer they have the ball, the more likely they are to break a team. Unity has to force them into punting situations and create turnovers. They can't let that Bulldogs' offense get revved up and rolling on long-scoring drives. If Unity can keep St. Teresa possessions to six plays or less, they should have the edge in the game.

No. 5 Unity 27, No. 4. St. Teresa 21.

Week five football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (3-1) at Iroquois West (1-3)

Last meeting: SJ-O def. Iroquois West, 34-14 (Sept. 26, 2008).

After a dominant win over the third-ranked team in Class 2A last Friday, this game shouldn't be much of a problem for the Spartans. SJ-O rolled the Raiders by 20 points in week five last fall and I expect them to win by even more this week. The Spartans' offense is really clicking and their defense has given up nine points their last eight quarters.

I think Iroquois West will seriously struggle to score against the Spartans, which could be a problem since they're probably going to spend most of the game playing catch up. I think SJ-O gets out in front early behind Blake Hoveln, Jake Bock and the Spartans' offensive line and rolls to an easy win — making a case for a spot in the Class 3A rankings.

St. Joseph-Ogden 52, Iroquois West 7.

No. 6 Unity (4-0) at Sullivan (0-4)

Last meeting: Unity def. Sullivan, 48-20 (Sept. 26, 2008).

Unity should also be poised for a big win after taking down Tuscola on Homecoming last week, as the Rockets will face a Sullivan team that is yet to win a game this year. The Redskins have won just twice since the completion of the 2005 season, and this year's team is giving up a cool 40 points per game.

The Rockets should be able to get back to their patented power running attack Friday. Look for Matt Franks, Dylan Sturgeon and the Unity offense to have a big game as they approach the 50-point mark for the first time in 2009. 

No. 6 Unity 49, Sullivan 6. 

Week four football predictions

No. 3 Clifton Central (3-0) at St. Joseph-Ogden (2-1)
Last meeting: Clifton Central def. SJ-O, 19-14 (Sept. 19, 2008).

Oh my goodness what a pair of games we have coming up this Friday. Arguably the best two games on the slate all season, and wouldn't you know they would be scheduled at the same time. The game in St. Joseph will be for Sangamon Valley supremacy, and both teams are capable of coming out with a win. Central has rolled through its first three opponents by a combined score of 120-23, while SJ-O dramatically increased its margin of victory with a 47-0 throttling of Momence last week.

After amassing 10 wins going to the Class 2A semifinals last season, I think the Comets are even better this year. Their line has gotten a year older and that experience has made them an explosive offensive team. That said, teams don't just waltz in to St. Joseph and leave with wins very often. If the Comets win Friday, they will have earned it.

St. Joseph-Ogden 27, No. 3 Clifton Central 23.

No. 8 Tuscola (2-1) at No. 6 Unity (3-0)
Last meeting: Unity def. Tuscola, 30-7 (Sept. 5, 2008).

Two of the hardest hitting teams in central Illinois will lock up on the gridiron Friday in Tolono as the Rockets host Tuscola. Unity has been rolling offensively since surviving at Central A&M in week one, while Tuscola has ridden its tremendous defense to a 2-1 mark. Both of these teams are going to the playoffs and should go far, making Friday's game a regular-season treat.

I spent two years covering the Tuscola football team before coming to the County Star and Leader and I can say from experience -- the Tuscola linebacking core is absolutely terrifying. These kids cover a ton of ground, and missing tackles just isn't their thing. Unity should do more against them than past teams have, but if Rockets' fans expect 45 points again, they're going to be disappointed. But that doesn't mean they can't expect a win.

No. 6 Unity 20, No. 8 Tuscola 14.

Week three football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (1-1) at Momence (0-2)

Last meeting: SJ-O def. Momence, 12-7 (Sept. 12, 2008).

Momence needs this game badly, but it won't be easy against an improving and confident SJ-O team. The Spartans played pretty well at fourth-ranked Stillman Valley last week and are gaining experience every day. The one advantage Momence has going into the game is a big play offensive unit — which could bode well against a Spartans' defense that has given up some big plays.

I think the team that has the most success covering their defensive flaws should win the game. SJ-O's weakness is the deep play; the Redskins is their ability to force quick outs. The Spartans' problem can lead to bigger scores but is easier to fix. The Redskins' problem is a slow, leaking defense — the kind you can't fix with some quick-rete.

St. Joseph-Ogden 27, Momence 19.

No. 6 Unity (2-0) at Warrensburg-Latham (1-1).

Last meeting: Unity def. Warrensburg-Latham, 32-21 (Aug. 29, 2008).

After opening the season with a pair of games against teams they haven't seen, Unity gets back to its yearly common opponents this Friday with a game at Warrensburg-Latham. Unity beat W-L to open the regular season in 2007 and 2008. While both teams made the playoffs in 2008, the sixth-ranked Rockets boast a much stronger team here in 2009. Unity survived Central A&M and rolled Argenta-Oreana to start the season, while W-L was blown out by St. Teresa and clipped Sullivan.

I think Unity's offense is capable of putting up big points in this game, though I don't know if they'll need a ton of points to win the game. I don't think the Cardinals' offense is going to score much against the Rockets' defense. W-L graduated too many seniors, this is going to be a down year for them.

No. 6 Unity 48, Warrensburg-Latham 13.

Unity junior high softball begins playoff run

The Unity Jr. High Softball team ended their regular season play with a strong 10-3 record earning them the second seed in Regional 15 hosted by Charleston Middle School.

The Lady Rockets will begin post season play hosting Danville Southview Middle School at 4 p.m. today at the Unity Softball field directly behind the Jr. High. The winner of the game will then travel to Charleston on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 12 p.m. to face the winner of the Charleston vs. Danville Northridge game. The winner of this game will then advance to the Regional Championship game on Monday, Sept. 14.

The girls are exciting to watch and if you get a chance you should come out and be a part of what has been an exciting season. For more information on post season play please go to www.iesa.org.

Week two football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (1-0) at No. 5 Stillman Valley (1-0)

Last meeting: Stillman Valley def. SJ-O, 44-25 (Sept. 5, 2008).

After playing with a small but controlled lead in week one against Robinson, the Spartans will have their work out out for them in week two with the Cardinals. Stillman Valley is an offensive juggernaut, and the Cardinals hung 42 on perennial power Spring Valley Hall in a shut-out victory in last week.

The Spartans' will need to play mistake free football Friday to have a chance. The offense won't be able to turn the ball over and miss third-and-short conversions, while the defense has to plug the leaks up the middle of their run defense. Is the game winnable? Sure. Is it expected? Not really.

No. 5 Stillman Valley 35, St. Joseph-Ogden 19.

Argenta-Oreana (1-0) at No. 6 Unity (1-0)

Last meeting: None on record.

This will be the first meeting for these teams since the Rockets entered the Okaw Valley in 2007. Though they've been close to meeting the playoffs before (both squads lost to Meridian in consecutive weeks in the 1999 postseason) they've never actually met. I think the unknown factor in Friday's game should make it a good one. 

The Rockets escaped Moweaqua last week with a six-point win while the Bombers pounded the always-down Sullivan. I think the Bombers should be ready for a much closer game this week. Unity is bigger and tougher than anything A-O sees on a regular basis, and the Rockets' new offensive sets should give them fits. I think the Bombers are on the rise and should stay in the game, but I don't think they have much chance to win it.

No. 6 Unity 42, Argenta-Oreana 20.

Area soccer season begins

ST. JOSEPH — The first soccer match in St. Joseph-Ogden school history Tuesday was a success, coach Bill DeJarnette said, no matter what the score indicated.

The Spartans dropped an 8-0 decision to Monticello to fall to 0-1 all time, but DeJarnette was quick the praise the effort his players gave in their first competitive game.

"The kids came out and really played hard," he said. "They fell behind early, but they didn't let that stop them."

Monticello scored its first goal within the first ten minutes and added two more in the next 20 to take a 3-0 lead. DeJarnette emptied his bench after the third goal.

"When you're down three, you're not going to fix that," he said. "We had a lot of people here watching and all of the kids were excited to play so I wanted to make sure everyone did.

"It was good for us to get some live action under our belts."

A late first-half scoring barrage pushed the lead to 5-0 at the break. The Spartans' defense was much better after the intermission, allowing only one goal in the first 33 minutes of the half.

"We tightened it down quite a bit," he said.

SJ-O hosts Uni High Thursday and conference foe Watseka next Monday.

St. Teresa 6, Unity 1

TOLONO — Patrick Mannon had a first-half goal but Unity couldn't stop the Bulldogs, dropping a 6-1 match to St. Teresa in their first action of 2009.

McElroy had four goals for St. Teresa.

The Rockets next match is 4:30 p.m. Monday against Lovington.

Week one football predictions

Football season is finally here, and I can't wait to see a game. In the first action of the season, St. Joseph-Ogden hosts Robinson and Unity hits the road to take on Central A&M. I'll be heading over to St. Joe to catch the Spartans, and will be hitting up Unity's game against Argenta-Oreana in week two.

Here are some early thoughts and predictions for this Friday's games.

Robinson at St. Joseph-Ogden

Last meeting: SJ-O def. Robinson, 40-14 (Aug. 29, 2008).

St. Joseph-Ogden scored three defensive touchdowns when these teams met 

in week one last year, blowing up the scoreboard in an otherwise close game. I don't know if the Spartans will score as much this Friday as they did during that game, but I think this year's team could end up finishing the season with a better record.

I also think it's important for the Spartans to start the season on the right foot with Stillman Valley up on the schedule next in week two. I don't see them wasting too much time with Robinson unless they have to.

My biggest question for the game: You think Meyers Leonard plays football?

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Robinson 14.

Unity at Central A&M

Last meeting: Unity def. Central A&M, 44-20 (Nov. 18, 2000 – IHSA Class 2A semifinals).

One of the biggest wins in Unity school history came at the hands of the

Raiders in 2000, when the Rockets advanced to their first of two state championship games. These programs have combined for seven state finals appearances over the last two decades, though A&M's 14-0 team from 1997 is the only time they've won a state title.

This game should be a real barn burner, as both squads should be expected to control the clock with their running game and eliminate the big play defensively. I do think Central A&M is going to return to the playoffs this fall after two years away, but they're going to have to do it by overcoming a week one loss.

Unity 32, Central A&M 21.

Unity youth football opens season

TOLONO — Unity youth football's sixth graders warmed up for their season Saturday in a scrimmage, facing the Central A&M Raiders in the hottest day of the summer.

The scrimmage was played on a 50-yard field and without special teams, but the team was eager to get on the field against another team after two weeks of practice. Unity opened the scrimmage with the ball and jumped to a quick lead as Cam Reifsteck took broke through the left side of the line and ran by the defense for a 50 yard touchdown on the first play of the day.

Central A&M answered on their first possession with a two play touchdown drive consisting of runs of 20 and 30 yards. The Rockets' next drive started well with runs of 9

and 25 yards by Lucas Stark, but stalled in the red zone and resulted in a turnover on downs. Central A&M closed the first quarter with a touchdown run of 50 yards to take a 12-6 lead.

Unity began the second quarter with a sustained drive including a Kyle Curtis 15 yard run and a 30 yard pass from Noah Hopkins to Lucas Stark, and punched the ball into the end zone to tie the game. After giving up quick touchdowns in both Central A&M possessions of the first quarter, the Rocket defense stiffened on the next possession and put the Raiders in third and 15 situation after consecutive tackles for losses by Zeke Eisenmenger and Lance Mueser. The Raiders responded with a 14 yard run to set up a fourth and goal at the 1-yard line, and ran the ball in off right tackle to recapture the lead.

The third quarter saw sustained drives by both Unity and Central A&M end in defensive stops, as Unity drove the Raiders back with tackles for loss by Cam Reifsteck, Chandler Cousins, then by the entire Rocket defense on fourth down.

Both teams scored in the fourth quarter, with the Rockets' drive supported by runs from Stark, Reifsteck, and Curtis and another pass from Hopkins to Stark.

Coach Wally Pierce stated that “The kids put out a great effort in tough conditions, and only fought harder as the game went on despite the heat.”

The Rockets now look forward to their first complete game at Villa Grove Saturday.

Story and photos provided to the County Star.

Unity ready to hit the field

TOLONO — For a 31-day month, July seems to go by pretty fast.

The month of August rolled in over the weekend, and school is right around the corner, meaning another exciting season of Unity athletics is quickly coming upon us.

The Unity football team will open practice for the 2009 season next Wednesday with its first doubles session of the year.

Head coach Scott Hamilton’s team has been busy in the weight room and participating in 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the summer. The Rockets have looked good, and Hamilton is optimistic for the season ahead.

It just has to get here.

“As I’ve gotten older and done this more, I try not to hurry through my summer too much, but I think there’s a lot of excitement for us this year,” Hamilton said Monday. “In our eyes I think we’ve underachieved a little bit the past few years, and I think our kids and our coaches are really eager to get back and try to get this team back to that quarterfinal-plus level of the playoffs.”

Unity is 13-8 over the past two seasons, their first two back in the Okaw Valley. Last season’s team was one-and-done in the postseason for the first time since 2001. Hamilton thinks this team has the ability to end the mini-slump and put up a big year.

The Rockets return starters on both sides of the ball, but Hamilton said they have more holes to fill on defense.

Seth Gooch and Colin Friedemann return to the Rockets’ backfield as corners, but their safeties and defensive line are inexperienced. The team auditioned new safeties during 7-on-7 games last month, allowing the Unity coaches to uncover some weak spots before Wednesday’s doubles.

“We found some key things we were able to work on,” Hamilton said. “One thing we worked on over at Washington was once the ball was thrown, leveraging the ball so that if we were in the game we would be able to make a play.”

The Rockets also used the available summer practice time to help assimilate new quarterback Dylan Sturgeon.

A running back in 2008, Sturgeon takes over for veteran Chris Ault.

“Dylan is what we refer to as athletically very smart,” Hamilton said. “He understands the game and what’s going on. He was good at running back, and it was very easy for us to move him back.”

One thing the Rockets won’t need to spend a lot of time on once doubles start is weight training and conditioning.

The football team has lifted three days a week all summer, and Hamilton said the group has made great strides in their conditioning — both physically and mentally.

“I always talk to our kids about three reasons to lift,” Hamilton said. “One is the mental edge, two is to help with injury prevention and three is it’s nice to know that you’ve been in there working next to the guy who you’re going to play with.”

The Rockets’ media day is Aug. 15, and the season opener is Aug. 28 at Central A&M.

Spartans keeping busy on the gridiron

TUSCOLA — The St. Joseph-Ogden football team took its first step to returning to dominance after a sub-par 2008 with a solid performance at the Tuscola 7-on-7 Tournament and Lineman Challenge Friday.

The Spartans went 2-1 in varsity 7-on-7 action with wins over Arthur and Arcola and a loss to Tuscola, and the SJ-O varsity line also took home a trio of lineman awards.

Considering this summer was the team’s first competing in offseason scrimmage activities, the Spartans felt the evening was a success.

“This was pretty fun, I liked it,” senior lineman Austin Griswell said. “I hope it’s something the football program does more in the future.”

SJ-O head coach Dick Duval thinks the 7-on-7 games have value, but only if used properly.

“If you stick to what you believe in and what you’re going to do in the regular season then I think they’re fine, but if you’re just doing it to win 7-on-7 games, then you’re really not helping yourself,” he said.

As a result, the Spartans tried to keep their play calling grounded, and Duval did see some positives.

“Our team chemistry seemed to kind of come together tonight and that’s a good thing,” he said. “Hopefully over the next 12 days we’ll be able to maintain that.”

Building a strong team chemistry before the season could be a huge benefit for the Spartans, who had their first .500 season of Duval’s tenure last year.

The Spartans’ players felt the 2008 team began to drift apart during the season, but said the early returns on this season’s squad are much better.

“Last year some of our kids didn’t really work during the summer and that killed us in the long run,” senior safety Lucas Gones said. “This year we’ve been working out more, and I think that’s going to help us.”

And the Spartans’ optimism wasn’t without reason. SJ-O picked up solid wins in its first two games of Friday’s 7-on-7 Tournament, losing only 14-3 to the host Warriors. The Spartans’ line also won the tug of war, tire flip and obstacle course, and finished second in the truck push.

“I’m really happy for (the line), because a lot of things we did tonight — like the tire flip — are things we have in our regular program,” Duval said. “It’s good for them to see we’re doing things that are helping us.”

But Duval said it’s important for the Spartans to remember that summer success doesn’t guarantee a successful fall. SJ-O will still need to hit the practice field hard when the IHSA season opens Aug. 12.

“There’s always a lot of things we need to work at and get corrected for us to be at a point where we can compete and be successful,” he said. “One thing I’ve said about this group is at least they’re always trying to do the right things, and that’s what it’s all about. If they do that, what more can I ask for?”

Zebe signs on with hometown Illini

TOLONO — Unity is the only high school in Illinois that has a view of the Assembly Hall.

But when Zebo Zebe went to class at UHS this past year, his eyes must have allowed him to see a little more than just the UI basketball home. 

There’s a track across the street from the Hall that plays home to the UI track team. Zebe spotted it, and evidently liked what he saw.

Zebe signed a National Letter of Intent to run for the Illinois track team at a ceremony at Unity last week.

After nearly a year of searching and traveling, Zebe settled on a school five miles away.

“I’m defintely excited now, I’m glad to get the search over with and know where I’m going,” Zebe said during an interview Monday. “It was a long process, I’m glad it’s done.”

A two-sport star, Zebe had the opportunity to participate in basketball or track at the next level. He settled on track after a great senior year, and chose the Illini over Kentucky and Illinois State.

“Originally I wanted to go out of state, but that changed over time and when Illinois offered,” he said. “I like that all of my family will be able to come watch me run.”

His parents are excited as well.

“It’s a great situation for him, and we will get to see him run, so we, along with many friends and family members, are very excited that he chose Illinois,” Zebe’s parents, Bob and Teresa, said.

A long-time Illini fan, Zebe said suiting up in the orange and blue will be a dream.

“I hoped I’d have a good year this (past) year and I’d have a lot of options, but for this opportunity to come up, it’s really opened my eyes,” Zebe said.

Unity track coach Tim Gateley was quick to praise Zebe for his accomplishments.

“I am very proud of Zebo,” he said. “In a way, it is an end to one part of his career and the beginning of another. He has worked so hard and committed himself to one day have a chance to take his running to the next level.  And now he has that chance.

“So few get to this point where they can get a great education and continue with a sport. I know it is a dream come true, and everyone at Unity wishes him the best.”

Unity hosts 7-on-7 games

TOLONO — The Unity football team hosted St. Joseph-Ogden and Gibson City-Melvin Sibley's football programs for some 7-on-7 summer football games Wednesday. The Rockets starting squad took on GCMS while SJ-O competed against Unity's No. 2 offense in the first set of games, then the Spartans split up their roster and took on Unity and GCMS.

The practice was the first of three for both Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden this summer. The Rockets will also host a 7-on-7 practice next Wednesday before playing in a tournament at Washington July 25, while SJ-O will play at Maroa-Forsyth July 25 and Tuscola on July 31. The Spartans also have summer football camp scheduled from July 27-31.

The IHSA opens the 2009 football season in August, with the first games of the year on Aug. 28. Make sure to pick up the Leader and County Star for detailed football coverage come August.