2010 Leader Classic Schedule

ST. JOSEPH — The schedule for the 2010 Leader Classic boys pre-holiday basketball tournament has been announced.

Seven of eight teams signed up for this year’s tournament return from last season with LeRoy being the tourney’s new participant.

Last season’s finalists Olympia and PBL were named the tournament’s top two seeds, with the Spartans first in the white pool and PBL on top in the maroon pool.

St. Joseph-Ogden is in the white pool with Olympia, Fisher and Chrisman. The blue pool features PBL, Armstrong-Potomac, LeRoy and Westville. The tourament schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Dec. 16

Game 1 – LeRoy vs. Westville, 6 p.m.

Game 2 – SJ-O vs. Olympia, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17

Game 3 – PBL vs. A-P, 6 p.m.

Game 4 – Chrisman vs. Fisher, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18

Game 5 – A-P vs. LeRoy, 9:30 a.m.

Game 6 – PBL vs. Westville, 11 a.m.

Game 7 – Chrisman vs. SJ-O, 12:30 p.m.

Game 8 – Fisher vs. Olympia, 2 p.m.

Game 9 – Westville vs. A-P, 3:30 p.m.

Game 10 – LeRoy vs. PBL, 5 p.m.

Game 11 – SJ-O vs. Fisher, 6:30 p.m.

Game 12 – Olympia vs. Chrisman, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22

Game 13 – White fourth place vs. Maroon fourth place, 4 p.m.

Game 14 – White third place vs. Maroon third place, 5:30 p.m.

Game 15 – White second place vs. Maroon second place, 7 p.m.

Game 16 – White first place vs. Maroon first place, 8:30 p.m.

Three area players make 3A all-state team

CHAMPAIGN — Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden were once again honored with all-state performers at last weekend's Class 3A state championship game.

Unity's Mitch Curry and Seth Gooch and SJ-O's Jake Bock were named to the 2010 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association team, marking the second straight year the two schools totaled three all-state players.

Bock is a two-time selection after setting 11 offensive records at SJ-O this season.

SJ-O coach Dick Duval said Bock’s numbers and accolades speak for themselves.  The Spartans set a team regular-season rushing record this season, and SJ-O returned to the Class 3A state quarterfinals for the first time in three years.

“It is a credit to him and the offensive line,” Duval said.

Curry’s versatility made him a worthy all-state pick to Unity coach Scott Hamilton.

“If I was to put together an o-line from my 17 years here, Mitch is definitely one of the five guys on that list,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ve ever had a lineman as big who could move and make so many plays.”

Gooch was also an easy choice.

“Seth’s a tremendous playmaker. He’s a kid that always wanted the ball in big situations, and nine times out of ten — maybe even more — he delivered for us,” Hamilton said.

The 2010 IHSFCA all-state team

Willie Allen (Sr) Hales Franciscan

Phillip Arnold (Sr) Pana

Jeremy Bailey (Sr) Wilmington

Seth Baxter (Sr) DuQuoin

Jake Bock (Sr) St. Joseph-Ogden

Dylan Bone (Sr) Greenville

Jacob Buehne (Jr) Breese Central

Jack Carlisle (Sr) Illini West

Jacob Conley (Sr) C.P. Central SE

Tanner Crum (Sr) Mount Carmel

Mitch Curry (Sr) Unity

David Gill (Sr) Nashville

Seth Gooch (Sr) Unity

Bruce Gray (Sr) Chicago Leo

Josh Griffin (Sr) Paris

Sam Miller (Sr) Aurora Christian

Matthew Miller (Sr) Virden-North Mac

Ser Whitaker (Sr) Illini West

2010 State Championship game predictions

Class 1A championship: Tuscola (12-1) vs. Lena-Winslow (12-1).

The Warriors are playing in their fourth title game in five years, and Tuscola fans will tell you it should probably be their fifth. Only a fumbled snap in 2008 kept the Warriors from that state title game, and Tuscola is 2-1 in the state championship since its first appearance. Le-Win's triple threat rushing attack keeps this game close, but I think Tuscola knows what it takes to grab another trophy.

Tuscola 27, Lena-Winslow 17.

Class 2A championship: Maroa-Forsyth (11-2) vs. Sterling Newman Central Catholic (13-0).

Newman almost beat Stillman Valley in the 3A playoffs last year, returned a large crop of players to this season's team and beat defending 2A champion Morrison twice this year — most recently in the state quarterfinals. The OVC-based Trojans were clipped by St. Teresa and somehow lost to Central A&M during the regular season before regrouping in November. I think their luck runs out against Newman.

Newman 33, Maroa-Forsyth 21.

Class 3A championship: Illini West (13-0) vs. Stillman Valley (13-0).

Two the state's best small schools programs battle it out in the 3A title game. The Cardinals had to survive Unity to get here, and Illini West handled Mount Carmel to reach the state finals for the tenth time. Stillman Valley is 4-0 in state title games, Illini West is 5-4. I won't be watching this one in person, but I'll definitely be checking it out on the TV after the holiday. I think it goes down to the wire.

Stillman Valley 30, Illini West 27.

Class 4A championship: Rochester (13-0) vs. Rock Island Alleman (13-0).

Rochester was ranked No. 1 all of last season and put up some spectacular offensive statistics before losing to Metamora on a failed two-point conversion in the state semifinals. The Cardinals then rolled to another state title. When the two teams met last Saturday, the Rockets got their revenge and then some. Rochester rolled 50-17, and I think they do the same thing against Alleman.

Rochester 41, Alleman 24.

Class 5A championship: Chatham Glenwood (10-3) vs. Lombard Montini (11-2).

Glenwood is the biggest underdog to reach the state finals since Montini last year. The Titans were just 6-3 during the regular year. They lost their first two games by a combined score of 75-14, and were hammered 49-21 by Rochester. But something has clicked for them since. Montini went 5-4 last year before making a miracle run to the state title. Glenwood's story is nice, but I don't think Montini gives up its crown.

Montini 38, Glenwood 13.

Class 6A championship: Aurora Marmion Academy (12-1) vs. Rockford Boylan (13-0).

For area football fans, you know this was supposed to be Danville's game. The Vikings were the No. 1-ranked team in 6A all year and coasted to a 12-0 mark entering last week's game against Marmion.  Then the Cadets went out and whooped them. Marmion's schedule is brutal, and they've been tested for this game. Neither team has won a state title, so this will be milestone for one.

Marmion 20, Boylan 14.

Class 7A championship: Wheaton Warrenville South (13-0) vs. Lake Zurich (12-1).

Warrenville has been the state's top-ranked team all season (over all classes), and is nationally ranked. The Tigers are the defending state champs, and their quarterback (Reilly O'Toole) is a UI recruit. Everything about this game signals a blowout win for the Tigers. But Lake Zurich has earned the right to be here. The Bears won the state title in 2007 and reached the semis last fall.

Warrenville South 41, Lake Zurich 22.

Class 8A championship: Maine South (11-2) vs. Chicago Mount Carmel (11-2).

I don't think there were many people out there that expected Maine South to be playing in this game after starting the year 0-2. The two-time defending champs opened the season with a loss to Schaumburg then were hammered 44-7 by Warrenville South. The Hawks are 11-0 since then, and they look tough. Mount Carmel has played in 13 state title games under Frank Lenti, but the Caravan haven't won a title since 2002.

Maine South 29, Mount Carmel 23.

Semifinal playoff picks

Unity (11-1) at Stillman Valley (12-0), 2 p.m. Saturday.

Last meeting: Stillman Valley def. Unity, 52-22 (Nov. 27, 2009).

This is not a great matchup for the Rockets.  Unity has made strides since last year's game against the Cardinals, but so have they. Stillman Valley hasn't been threatened all season and hammered a really good Aurora Christian team from the Suburban Christian Conference last week. The Cardinals are averaging nearly 44 points per game and with a dominant offensive line, they haven't met a team they couldn't overpower. Unity's defense is a lot better than last year. The Rockets have made schematic changes with a team like Stillman Valley in mind. Unity is stiffer up front, and the Rockets are shutting down running teams that would have put together decent games against them last year. It's just, Unity hasn't seen anything like the Valley. Stillman is so big and strong. The Cardinals are a well-coached, mistake-free unit that has leveled 12 straight teams. Unity hasn't seen anything like them since last year's loss.

Someway, somehow, the Rockets need to force turnovers to stay in this game. Stillman Valley is going to move the ball and its going to score. The Cardinals might not score 52 like last year, but don't expect a Unity shutout. If the Rockets can keep Stillman Valley to one score per quarter, and force a turnover here and there they really should have a chance. Unity's offense hasn't scored like it did last fall even though this team has more versatility than last year's unit. The Rockets can spread the field and have four established runners to move the ball. They should be able to score. It will be up to the Rockets' defense to decide if their scores will be enough. That's a tough task against anyone as good as Stillman Valley.

Stillman Valley 34, Unity 21.

Quarterfinal playoff picks

Unity (10-1) at. St. Joseph-Ogden (9-2), 7 p.m. Saturday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Unity, 21-17 (Nov. 4, 2006).

Well, it's taken four years to get to this point, but the Unity vs. SJ-O rivalry will finally be rekindled Saturday night in St. Joseph. The 10-1 Rockets are coming to town to face the 9-2 Spartans, and both communities couldn't be more excited.

Admittedly, I've had a hard time making a decision on this game. I've seen both teams multiple times this year, and I know what each team's strengths and weaknesses are. I know the Spartans are the smaller team, and I know the Rockets have more team speed. I know SJ-O coach Dick Duval is going to ask his offensive line to control the game for Jake Bock. Unity coach Scott Hamilton is going to lean on his defensive line to neutralize Bock's tackle-breaking abilities and keep the Spartans in third and long. Unity will also try to spread the ball around to four players (Michael Lafenhagen, Seth Gooch, Taylor Black and Micah Johnson) to move downfield, meaning the SJ-O defense needs to maintain its assignments on every play to keep the Rockets from springing long scoring runs.

According to their record and their seed, Unity is the favorite in this game. I think that's fair. The Rockets have traversed an awfully tough schedule to get to this point, and I would argue their two wins over St. Teresa are the best wins either team has this season. Unity played for the state title last year, and a lot of those Rockets have returned to anchor this team. The Rockets have won 26 of 28 games.

SJ-O can win this game, but the Spartans will need to catch a few breaks. St. Teresa used a pair of special teams plays to stay with Unity in the first half last week and pulled ahead in the third quarter with a defensive stop. I think the Spartans will need to follow a similar script Saturday. SJ-O will need to take advantage of toss up plays, be solid on special teams and try to keep its offense on the field as much as possible. When the Spartans are on defense, they need to keep Unity from third-and-short and fourth-and-short situations where Hamilton can rely on his line to pick up easy first downs. 

No matter how this goes down, I think it will be close. Unity is 2-1 against the Spartans in their last three playoff games, but the Rockets have only outscored SJ-O 56-55 in those games. Rivalry games are close, and I expect this one to be just that. Good luck to both teams.

Unity 28, St. Joseph-Ogden 21.

Second round playoff picks

St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at St. Thomas More (6-4), 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. St. Thomas More, 41-7 (Oct. 1, 2010).

I know what you're thinking, 'Did I just fall in a wormhole and go back in time?' Ok, maybe you weren't thinking that at all, but with both of this week's games rematches of week six tilts, there is definitely a feeling of deja vu around SJ-O and Unity this week. The Spartans will head on the road Saturday to beat a team they whooped at home five weeks ago. St. Thomas More has gotten much better since then. The Sabers started running the ball again last week, and in their last three wins they're allowing just 12.3 points per game.

The Sabers' problem is in their four losses, they've allowed 44.5 points per game. St. Joseph-Ogden coasted to 41 points against the Sabers in week six and called off the dogs late to keep the score from getting worse. STM's defense isn't the best tackling bunch in the state, and that bodes well for the Spartans. I think this game will be closer than week six since the Sabers' offense has improved, but I don't think SJ-O loses this game. The Spartans know what they're up against and most importantly, they're just better.

St. Joseph-Ogden 39, St. Thomas More 21.

St. Teresa (8-2) at Unity (9-1), 1 p.m. Saturday.
Last meeting: Unity def. St. Teresa, 22-21 (Oct. 1, 2010).

This game was a thriller in Decatur a month ago, and probably will be another great game Saturday in Tolono. Unity was outplayed by St. Teresa for most of last month's game but rallied in the final five minutes with two clutch drives. The Rockets sped up their offensive attack late in that game, forcing St. Teresa to play more conservatively on defense. Unity was able to move the ball against the Bulldogs after they dropped back into coverage.

Unity will try to move the ball fast again in this game like they did last week and in week six against the Bulldogs. The Rockets' offense was dominant in the second half against Monticello and will be back to near full strength Saturday. St. Teresa's offense, on the other hand, has some key injuries. The Bulldogs are missing their starting tailback and may be without their quarterback against the Rockets. St. Teresa's defense has been the best in the Okaw and should keep them in the game. Unity should still win it.

Unity 21, St. Teresa 14.

Massey Ratings playoff predictions

CHAMPAIGN — The Massey Ratings computer index is used by HighSchoolSports.com to rate football teams by their strength of schedule, conference alignment and home and road records. The Massey Ratings are used to create power polls of all classes of football during the season, and predict future games in the postseason. Last year's Massey Ratings computer index correctly picked the winners of the Class 3A quarterfinals, semifinals and state championship game. This year's playoff predictions are visible below, or by clicking this link.

First round playoff predictions

Paris (5-4) at St. Joseph-Ogden (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Paris, 66-0 (Oct. 21, 2005).

I've been researching this Paris teams for three days and I have to say, they look a lot better than your typical 5-4 team. The Tigers dropped their first three games this season to playoff teams, then responded by winning five of six to make the postseason. Paris plays in the 3A and 4A heavy Apollo Conference, and six of their nine games came against teams with enrollments of 750-plus students. The Tigers have been in a playoff-type atmosphere for two months; a 7-2 SJ-O team isn't going to intimidate them in the least.

The Spartans need to come to play defensively to beat Paris. The Tigers are averaging nearly 30 points per game since week four and have a multi-faceted run and pass attack. SJ-O hasn't defended the pass well at all in recent weeks. The Spartans were torched at Orion and gave up multiple long passes against PBL. I expect Paris to open up on the ground and try to ease its way into the passing attack. Once the Tigers get comfortable, they will probably throw the ball a lot. SJ-O will need to get pressure on their quarterback to avoid a shootout. The Spartans' run-heavy offense isn't designed for a shootout.

St. Joseph-Ogden 40, Paris 21.

Monticello (5-4) at Unity (8-1), 1 p.m. Saturday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Monticello, 24-21 OT (Oct. 8, 2010).

There isn't much to say about this game you don't already know. Monticello darn near beat the Rockets three weeks ago. Unity didn't play well during that game and when the Sages grabbed the momentum, they were tough to stop. It took a gut-wrenching fumble at the goal line by Monticello's Ryan Donohue to give Unity the overtime win. I expect Unity to play better this week than they did at Monticello, and having Saturday's game at home should be an advantage. 

The Rockets really don't need to do anything special to beat this Monticello team. The Sages don't throw the ball very well and their defense has been more than suspect this year. Unity simply has to play better on the line of scrimmage. The Rockets were abused in the trenches on both sides of the ball in week seven, and the Unity coaching staff responded by putting the Rockets' linemen through a grueling week of practice before week eight. Unity's first-string units have outscored  their opposition 84-0 since then. If the Rockets keep doing what they're doing, they'll be fine.

Unity 34, Monticello 14.

Week nine football predictions

Paxton-Buckley-Loda (3-5) at St. Joseph-Ogden (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. PBL, 36-20 (Oct. 23, 2009).

The Spartans are playing for a week ten home game in their final regular season action of the year. PBL comes in on a four-game losing streak. The Panthers were officially eliminated from playoff contention last week and will not have a winning season. Earlier in the year this game looked like a potential playoff battle, now it's a little one-sided. The Spartans are playing at a very high level right now. PBL will be hard pressed to match it.

SJ-O is going to be favored in this game and it should be. PBL will put up a fight like Orion did last week, but eventually I expect the Spartans' talent and offensive firepower to be too much for the Panthers. The Spartans were 6-2 and were inn the exact same position last year against the Panthers and went to Paxton and won. Playing at home this Friday, I think there's no reason for us not to expect the same.

St. Joseph-Ogden 41, PBL 14.

No. 3 Unity (7-1) at Shelbyville (2-6), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Shelbyville, 40-6 (Oct. 23, 2009).

Unity will probably open the first round of the playoffs at home anyway, but a win Friday on the road will guarantee the Rockets an opening round game in Tolono. Shelbyville has struggled massively this year, so the Rockets have an excellent chance to pick up a quick win Friday and head into the postseason at 8-1. The Rockets' starters will probably only play a fraction of the game, and when the result is no longer in doubt, expect the Rockets' JV to see the field.

Shelbyville hasn't been able to stop anyone all season. Unity will probably score on a lot of possessions Friday and most drives shouldn't take long. My biggest concern for the Rockets from an X's and O's standpoint is their defense. Unity's D played well during the regular season last year but tired in the postseason. This year's group has played even better than the 2009 unit. Let's hope they can maintain their current level of intensity starting in week ten.

No. 3 Unity 48, Shelbyville 7.

South Piatt (3-5) at East Central (3-5), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: South Piatt def. East Central, 34-12 (Sept. 11, 2009).

This game is for pride for East Central and South Piatt. Neither team is making the playoffs, so ending the season with a win is the best reward for this season they can earn. The Panthers gave it a valiant run with wins in weeks six and seven to keep their playoff hopes alive. Last week's loss to Tri-County was a disappointing one, there's no doubt, but let's face, the Titans were a much better team.

South Piatt is much better than their 3-5 record, but the Wildcats aren't Tri-County. South Piatt has three blowout wins and several close losses. The Wildcats have scored 31 points for than they've allowed, and they've lost their last four games by a combined 18 points. East Central will need to play well to beat this team. The Wildcats aren't consistent at all, but they're talented. If East Central isn't focused the Wildcats could be very tough.

South Piatt 34, East Central 19.

SJ-O soccer falls in thriller

CATLIN — The last game of the season didn't go the way the SJ-O soccer team wanted it to; but at least the Spartans went out fighting.

Salt Fork forward Jordan Romo snuck a goal past SJ-O backup goalie Dan Schuele with two minutes remaining in double overtime as the Storm topped the Spartans 2-1 in IHSA Class 1A soccer regional action Wednesday.

St. Joseph-Ogden lost 4-1 to the Storm last month at home and entered Tuesday's match on a three-week losing streak. The Spartans played better at the end of the regular season than the beginning, but a stiffer schedule kept them out of the win column.

Looking for their program's first ever postseason win, the Spartans pushed the Storm to the brink.

"I didn't want us to come out here and be flat and we weren't, we battled this team to the end of double overtime," SJ-O coach Richard Vetter said. "Obviously it hurts because it's a loss, but you can't ask the kids to play any harder. They laid it all on the line."

Austin Baker scored for SJ-O in an exciting first half. Tied 1-1 at the break, the teams played to a draw in the second period. SJ-O had two quality shots on goal in the final five minutes of regulation but was unable to capitalize.

Romo finally did for Salt Fork in overtime, sneaking through a golden goal more than two hours after the opening kick.

This is the first year the IHSA has used sudden death in playoff overtime games. Up until this year, the IHSA held two 10-minutes overtime periods then went to a shootout.

Vetter said the rule change forced the Spartans to alter their strategy.

"I thought we were going to get 20 (minutes), so I thought we would still have some time to score," Vetter said. "We kind of needed to drop back a little more on defense while still trying to be aggressive on offense."

SJ-O finishes the year 4-17-1. Vetter knows the Spartans' record wasn't great, but he is optimistic for the group he'll return in 2011. SJ-O played better than its record indicated and

Vetter said they always played hard.

"If we continue to work as hard this next summer as we did this past summer, I think we'll be able to be pretty good," he said.

Unity falls in soccer regionals

WARRENSBURG — Sometimes the third time isn't the charm.

The Unity soccer team dropped its third match of the season to Warrensburg-Latham 5-2 in the opening round of the IHSA Class 1A W-L Regional Tuesday, ending Unity's season at 9-9-2.

The Rockets lost by five to the Cardinals the first time the teams met in September and then fell 3-1 to them weeks later in the Okaw Valley Conference Tournament title game.

Unity coach Michel Stringer knew his team would need to be at its best against the Cardinals to have a chance Tuesday. The Rockets played aggressively, but so did the Cardinals.

"In other games that we've lost we've played more defensive," Stringer said. "Today we were really aggressive even though we were losing."

W-L scored two of its first three goals on penalty kicks to go up 3-0 seconds into the second half. A fast-break goal by Eric Wenzel pulled the Rockets back within two immediately following the second PK, but W-L returned with a header goal of its own to recover the three-goal lead.

Patrick Mannon scored Unity's second goal with four minutes left to end the scoring.

Stringer felt the early penalty kicks gave the host Cardinals the momentum. He felt the Rockets played W-L pretty evenly if not for their two PK scores.

"I don't think they were having an A-game day," he said. "When we played them at Okaw both teams were having an A-game day. I don't think they were today, but we weren't at our best, either."

As a whole, Stringer said afterward he was proud of the Rockets and the season they had. Unity won four times last year, and their nine wins this year were among the most in school history.

"Nine's not bad; I wish there were more," Stringer said. "I think there could have been a lot more, but you take things the way they are."

One thing the Rockets had to deal with was late-season injuries.

Unity lost starter Gino Giannetti to an ACL tear earlier this month, and goalie Ryan Reitmeier was injured in last week's regular season finale. Unity also had several players miss action with minor dings.

"The injuries hurt us," Stringer said. "I think we were starting to play really well and then we had a lot of kids go down."

Week eight football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (5-2) at Orion (3-4), 3 p.m. Saturday.

Last meeting: None on record.

One more win. That's all it will take for SJ-O to clinch its 20th consecutive playoff berth. SJ-O hit a snag earlier this season with consecutive losses in weeks three and four, but the Spartans have rebounded nicely and are streaking toward a 7-2 finish. SJ-O went 7-2 last year and earned a first-round home game. If the Spartans can finish with an identical record this year, another first-round home game is a distinct possibility. But, the Spartans won't get to 7-2 without another test. Orion is a lot better than most 3-4 teams.

The Chargers opened the season with high hopes coming off a 10-2 season last fall. Things started well with some early wins before injuries decimated their lineup and sunk them to four quick losses. Now they have their backs up against the wall, needing wins in week eight and nine to return to the postseason.  And the Chargers just got back their starting quarterback and tailback from injuries, so their offense is much improved. SJ-O will need to be ready for the Chargers best shot. I think the Spartans will be.

St. Joseph-Ogden 34, Orion 20.

Clinton (2-5) at No. 3 Unity (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Clinton, 46-6 (Oct. 16, 2009).

The last two weeks have been tight wins for Unity. The Rockets have picked up consecutive wins on game-winning field goals by Cody Payne, and could very easily be 4-3 instead of 6-1. But luckily for the Rockets, they aren't. They do have a playoff-clinching six wins, they are on top in the OVC black and they do have an inside track at an 8-1 finish. Sure the last two wins haven't been pretty, but there's no reason the Rockets should dwell on that. Unity needs to learn from what its went through the past two weeks and keep getting better.

Clinton gives the Rockets a great chance to do that. The Maroons are better than they were last year, but Clinton is still far from a playoff team. The Maroons can throw the ball but can't really pass block, and their rushing attack is flawed by a lack of a premier back to handle 20-plus carries a game. The Rockets need a pick-me-up, and this is their chance. Hopefully Unity comes out focused and really works on correcting the mistakes they made against St. Teresa and Monticello. It would be nice to see the Rockets hit the playoffs going strong.

No. 3 Unity 42, Clinton 13.

East Central (3-4) at Tri-County (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday

Last meeting: Tri-County def. East Central, 38-7 (Oct. 23, 2009).

For the third week in a row, East Central heads into a game needing a win to keep its faint playoff hopes alive. The Panthers are 2-0 in their last two must-wins, but this week's game against Tri-County is easily the toughest of the three. The Titans are the second best team in the LOVC and have a chance to make some noise in the Class 1A playoffs. East Central is a team simply trying to get in, while the Titans are playing for seeding and a first-round home game.

East Central can't turn the ball over or be victim to any unforced mistakes to win this game. The Panthers have the players to put some points on the board against Tri-County. If their offense plays smart and does that, this can be a very close game. Tri-County's offense isn't dominant, so the Panthers' defense can keep them in the game. It all comes down to how much the Panthers can score. They'll need to step it up.

Tri-County 28, East Central 16.

Week seven football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (4-2) at Watseka (1-5), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Watseka, 30-0 (Oct. 9, 2009).

After last week's win over St. Thomas More, the SJ-O football team is riding high entering this Friday's game at Watseka. SJ-O needs one more win to become playoff eligible and two to clinch its 20th straight berth. Watseka gives the Spartans a perfect chance to pick up No. 5. The Warriors lost several key players from last season's team to graduation in May and weren't able to fill their losses. This season has been a long one for the Warriors.

Pardon the cliche, SJ-O should "get off the bus running" against the Warriors. New quarterback Louis Acklin will probably get the chance to attempt 8 to 10 passes to stay sharp, but there will be no need for the Spartans to run any more. The Warriors aren't going to be able to stop the SJ-O running game. Tailbacks Jake Bock and Austin Allen should expect 15-20 carries a piece as the Spartans roll to their fifth win.

St. Joseph-Ogden 47, Watseka 7.

No. 3 Unity (5-1) at Monticello (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Monticello, 51-34 (Oct. 9, 2009).

A win in this game will give Unity an overwhelming edge in the race for the OVC black division title. The Rockets' last two opponents after Friday are 4-8, meaning a win here gives the Rockets an easy path to 8-1. The Sages have struggled this year, but have won enough games to put themselves in sight of another playoff berth. Monticello has Unity and St. Teresa over the next two weeks. The Sages need to beat one of the two to clinch a berth.

I don't know if Monticello can do that against Unity. The Sages were a passing offense last year in coach Cully Welter's new scheme, but they've been forced to run the ball without a viable arm in 2010. To put it bluntly, Unity stops the run. The Rockets haven't given up much on the ground all season and if St. Teresa and Tuscola couldn't run on them, Monticello probably won't. Well, not enough to win.

No. 3 Unity 37, Monticello 14.

Martinsville (1-5) at East Central (2-4), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: East Central def. Martinsville, 28-13 (Oct. 16, 2009).

Last week's win was big for the Panthers. With another win Friday, they could really make this season interesting. The Panthers have played two of the three best teams in the Little Okaw Valley in Villa Grove and Arcola. The next best team, Tri-County, is up next on the schedule in week eight. The chances are slim, but if East Central can beat Martinsville Friday the Panthers can still play their way into the playoffs.

And looking at the Blue Streaks, this week's game favors the Panthers. Martinsville hasn't been able to score much this season and their defense has routinely been gashed. The Panthers' D has been equally disappointing, but in most games, the Panthers have at least been able to move the ball. If East Central can avoid major turnovers issues, the Panthers can probably outscore Martinsville.

East Central 38, Martinsville 27.

Week six football predictions

St. Thomas More (3-2) at St. Joseph-Ogden (3-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Thomas More def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 20-19 (Oct. 2, 2009).

This could be an enormous win for SJ-O — if the Spartans can get it. The Spartans and Sabers come into this game with identical 3-2 records looking to make a major climb toward the playoffs. The winner of this game will move to 4-2 and most assuredly grab a postseason berth. At 3-3, the loser will be in a tight spot. Both of these teams can get into the playoffs at 5-4 due to their playoff points, but no one wants to be in that position.

For SJ-O to win this game, the Spartans need to dominate the line of scrimmage. The STM defense is fast but can't tackle, so if SJ-O's line can give its running backs room to run, the Spartans will score points. On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans need to shut down the middle of the field and force the Sabers to the outside. SJ-O can't allow Friday's game to become a shootout, not as a one-dimensional offensive team. Lock down the lines, and SJ-O will lock up a win.

St. Joseph-Ogden 26, St. Thomas More 22.

No. 4 Unity (4-1) at No. 8 St. Teresa (4-1), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. St. Teresa, 33-14 (Oct. 2, 2009).

This one will be a battle. Two power running teams going at it for OVC black supremacy and staying in contention for the OVC crown. This game could go either way. Both teams have shown the ability to score and each squad has significantly improved their defense in the past season. The key to this game, like most close games, will be turnovers. Unity has forced a lot in their four wins, but they were negative three in their week four loss to Tuscola.

If Unity takes care of the ball, it will be able to score. The Rockets won't score 61 like last week, but they will find the end zone. The Rockets' attack is too versatile and too experienced to get completely shut down by the Bulldogs. It will be interesting to see if St. Teresa can do the same. The Bulldogs' offense isn't as diverse as Unity's, but it's been scoring a lot of points for a long time.

No. 4 Unity 28, No. 8 St. Teresa 17.

Arthur-Lovington (0-5) at East Central (1-4), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Arthur-Lovington def. East Central, 33-6 (Oct. 9, 2009).

The Panthers have an excellent chance to win this game. East Central has had a rough year, that's obvious, but the Panthers still have some talent on their sideline. For as much as the Panthers have struggled, Arthur-Lovington has struggled even more. The Knights can barely field a team, and have several less active players than East Central. For the first time all season, the Panthers enter a game with a significant depth advantage.

That could be huge in a game between two stumbling teams. Technically the Panthers still have postseason hope. They haven't lost five games yet, so as long as they keep winning they can stay in contention. A-L is done, and is playing out the string. I don't think the season is going to miraculously turn around in this game for the Panthers, but I think they could postpone their inevitable elimination.

East Central 26, Arthur-Lovington 14.

Week five football predictions

Iroquois West (2-2) at St. Joseph-Ogden (2-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Iroquois West, 33-0 (Sept. 25, 2009).

Well it's Homecoming at St. Joseph-Ogden this week. The Spartans will be honoring the 20th anniversary of their 1990 state champion girls cross country team at Friday's game and again at Saturday's Spartan Classic. The stands will be packed with blue and maroon fans, and the Spartan faithful will be excited to root SJ-O to victory.

But will they? SJ-O got clobbered at Clifton last week and enters Friday's game on a two-game losing streak. The Spartans have put plenty of roadblocks in front of them in their quest to the playoffs, and this game against the Raiders won't be easy. Iroquois West doesn't have the strongest offense in the state, but the Raiders have played well defensively. SJ-O couldn't move the ball at all last week. The team had a general malaise from the first quarter on, and it showed. The Spartans have to get back on the right track this week. It's Homecoming; the Spartans want these memories to be positive ones. If Friday doesn't go well, this whole season is in danger.

St. Joseph-Ogden 14, Iroquois West 13.

Sullivan-Okaw Valley (2-2) at No. 5 Unity (3-1), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Sullivan-Okaw Valley, 53-12 (Sept. 25, 2009).

This has been a beatdown in recent years. This season, early indications show this could end up being quite a game. Sullivan is one of the top-scoring offenses in the area and the Redskins are coming off a 61-point performance last week. For the first time in years, the Redskins have excitement in their program, and combined with a large roster the team is starting to play up to its potential. That's a good sign both for Sullivan and the Okaw Valley. The Redskins' program hasn't always been so down. It would be nice to have another quality team for the conference to lean on.

That said, Unity will still be heavy favorites in this game. The Rockets played well but were bitten by the turnover bug in last week's loss at Tuscola. Assuming they can avoid that fate this week, they should win easily. Sullivan is going to score points, but they're going to allow a ton.

No. 5 Unity 44, Sullivan 23.

East Central (1-3) at Cerro Gordo (1-3), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Cerro Gordo def. East Central, 20-14 (Oct. 2, 2009).

At this point in the season, East Central could use a break. Not a week off kind of break, a lucky bounce break. The Panthers are down on their luck, and their lack of confidence is seeping out into their performance on the field. East Central needs some good vibes, and it needs it soon before the Panthers' season collapses around them.

This is a winnable game for both teams. East Central hasn't been in the 'W' column since week one and Cerro Gordo just arrived there last week. Neither team is dominant; neither team is confident. At this point in the season, both squads need a 4-1 finish to even have a chance at the postseason. Simply put, this is a game for pride. A chance for two struggling programs to start feeling better about themselves. It's a chance for a building block.

Cerro Gordo 19, East Central 13.

Week four football predictions

St. Joseph-Ogden (2-1) at Clifton Central (2-1), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Clifton Central, 37-9 (Sept. 18, 2009).

What was already a big game got even bigger last week with St. Joseph-Ogden's 19-18 loss to Momence. Now the Spartans are a game back in the Sangamon Valley Conference race and heading into the toughest portion of their season without their starting and second-string quarterbacks. That's not a good place to be. The Spartans can't afford to fall two games back in a six-game conference race, and a 2-2 record puts them on the outside of the playoffs looking in through four weeks.

I still think the Spartans have a good team, but if they're expected to play the rest of their season with their third-string quarterback, they're going to need to win games differently than they did in weeks one and two. It's doubtful new quarterback Louis Acklin will come in and pull a Tom Brady for the Spartans' offense. They aren't going to suddenly get better. SJ-O is going to rely more on its running game, all-state tailback Jake Bock and its defensive unit.

The Spartans are up against the wall today, but I think they'll come out fighting. There is a lot of talent on this team, even if they're down two quarterbacks.

St. Joseph-Ogden 22, Clifton Central 20.

No. 3 Unity (3-0) at No. 1 Tuscola (3-0), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Tuscola, 22-13 (Sept. 18, 2009).

This will be an epic, knock-down drag-out brawl that comes down to the final minute ... Or, one team will win by 30. I don't see it going any other way. Tuscola is the unanimous No. 1 team in Class 1A and Unity is ranked third in 3A. Both teams have explosive offenses, and Tuscola's four-wide spread is operating as well as it has in three years. Unity is once again running all over the field behind a mammoth offensive line, throwing the ball on occasion with quick strikes and play action.

The key to this game is defenses. Last year Unity's defense played one of its best games of the season in helping the Rockets take down the Warriors; keeping Unity undefeated in spite of a rough offensive night. I think Tuscola's defense had more horses in 2009 than it has in 2010. I think Unity has more horses now than it had 365 days ago. I think that gives the Rockets the edge. But it's a slight edge.

No. 3 Unity 27, No. 1 Tuscola 23.

Arcola (2-1) at East Central (1-2), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Arcola def. East Central, 41-6 (Sept. 25, 2009).

East Central needs this game. Badly. The Panthers are coming off back-to-back beatdowns and need to get on the right track. Arcola's offense hasn't shown an ability to score all season, so the Panthers should be in a close game. My question is, can their defense respond?

East Central needs to come out and play well defensively. The Panthers have to keep the Purple Riders within their sights, making them drives long distances to score and keeping them from easy touchdowns. East Central can't rally back if it falls behind by 21 early, Arcola's defense is too good. The Panthers need to stay close and competitive through the early portion of the game, then try to win it in the fourth quarter. I'm giving Arcola the edge, but East Central can win this game.

Arcola 22, East Central 12.

Week three football predictions

Momence (1-1) at No. 4 St. Joseph-Ogden (2-0), 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: St. Joseph-Ogden def. Momence, 47-0 (Sept. 11, 2009).

I don't think this game goes down the way last year's did in Momence. The Redskins are much improved, and enter this season with considerably less turmoil than they had in 2009. Momence has relied on a powerful defense through the season's first two games, losing last week in overtime on a missed extra point. The Redskins couldn't stop anyone last fall, so it's good to see they're back to being competitive.

Even with their improved defense I still think Momence is a hefty underdog in this game. SJ-O played one of it's best halves of football in years in the second half against Carterville last week, and the Spartans' offense has rung up 11 touchdowns through two games. SJ-O is going to spread the field and move the ball, it will be up to the Redskins' offense to keep up with them. I don't know if they can. Momence has skill players, just not enough overall offensive talent.

No. 4 St. Joseph-Ogden 30, Momence 7.

Warrensburg-Latham (0-2) at No. 3 Unity (2-0), 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Unity def. Warrensburg-Latham, 45-12 (Sept. 11, 2009).

This thing could get ugly. And fast. Warrensburg-Latham has been outscored 70-7 in the first two weeks of the season and Unity has scored 72 points. The Rockets ran all over Central A&M in week one and Argenta-Oreana last week, and both of those teams had better defenses than the Cardinals. Warrensburg-Latham's coach was suspended after the team's week one loss, so the team is playing with an interim head coach for the rest of the season.

Against a Unity team with this much firepower, I think that's a recipe for disaster. The Rockets are going to score a lot of points this week, and unless they get caught looking -- no, openly staring -- ahead that week four bout with Tuscola, they will roll the Cardinals. Warrensburg just doesn't have it this year.

No. 3 Unity 52, Warrensburg-Latham 6.

East Central (1-1) at Villa Grove (2-0), 7 p.m. Friday.
Last meeting: Villa Grove def. East Central, 62-24 (Sept. 18, 2009).

I think East Central is better this year than they were last year. I haven't seen them, but my third-hand sources think the Panthers are improving. The team has a coaching staff that knows what it's doing, and in time they should have this program turned around. I really think East Central is on the way up. Win this game and we'll be able to see it.

Unfortunately, winning this game won't be easy. The Blue Devils are the class of the Little Okaw Valley and should roll through their conference season. Depending on the strength of the Arcola and Tri-County programs, there is a chance Villa Grove could run the table this year. Can East Central beat them? Of course. Is it likely? I really don't think so.

Villa Grove 41, East Central 13.

Week two football predictions

Carterville (1-0) at No. 5 St. Joseph-Ogden (1-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Last meeting: None on record.

Saturday's bout between the Spartans and the Carterville Lions will pit two long-time powerhouses against each other for the first time. SJ-O has played in four state title games, while Carterville won the 1996 Class 3A state title.

Based off week one results, the game will pit the Spartans' high-powered offense against a dominant Carterville defense. Naturally, in a game like that, it will probably come down to the SJ-O defense and the Carterville offense. SJ-O gave up 345 yards rushing at LeRoy; the Spartans will need to play better up front against the Lions. If SJ-O can do more on the defensive line of scrimmage, they will have an edge.

No. 5 St. Joseph-Ogden 26, Carterville 14.

No. 3 Unity (1-0) at Argenta-Oreana (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: Unity def. Argenta-Oreana, 35-13 (Sept. 4, 2009).

This game was a battle last year in spite of the score, and Argenta-Oreana is hoping to return to the playoffs this fall after a three-year hiatus. The Bombers are in their last year under retiring head coach Tom Saunches, and A-O wants to send Saunches out in style. A-O has played in the state semfinals under Saunches in the past, so the program knows what it takes to beat good teams.

The 2010 Unity Rockets are a good team. Unity shut down the Central A&M offense and moved the ball at will against the Raiders last week, and they will expect to do the same this Friday against A-O. I think the Bombers are getting better, and I think they can make a playoff run this year if things break right. But I don't know if they can beat Unity. They're going to need some lucky bounces.

No. 3 Unity 38, Argenta-Oreana 15.

East Central (1-0) at Georgetown-Ridge Farm (1-0), 7 p.m. Friday.

Last meeting: None on record.

I don't know how these two schools, separated by only 25 miles, haven't played more in the past. The IHSA has a record of every high school football game dating back to 1996 and according to their records, these schools have never met up. Hopefully this season can trigger a yearly rivalry.

I think the Panthers' defense is the key to this game. Georgetown-Ridge Farm scored 46 points last week against Arthur, but the Knights don't have much of a roster this year. The Arthur football program has fallen on rough times. East Central's program is growing. They have something to play for this year, and winning this game would be huge. If East Central can start 2-0, they will be able to start looking at their schedule as navigable to reach a playoff berth. This game is the start.

East Central 22, Georgetown-Ridge Farm 20.

Area teams crack preseason rankings

CHAMPAIGN — The optimism surrounding the Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden football teams this season apparently isn't limited to Champaign county. The Rockets and Spartans were announced as the No. 4 and No. 5-ranked teams in the IHSA pre-season football poll released by the Associated Press Tuesday.

Both teams enter this fall with high hopes after playoff seasons in 2009, and the two school remain in the hunt for their first state championship. The Rockets fell in the state title game for the third time last year when they were defeated 52-22 to Stillman Valley.  SJ-O lost in the second round last November, and is 0-4 in state title games in school history.

Stillman Valley is ranked in the Class 4A poll entering this season, though the Cardinals enrollment on the IHSA Web site shows they should remain a 3A team. The rest of the poll is as follows (first-place votes in parentheses): 

AP Class 3A Pre-season poll

1. Illini West (5) 101

2. Wilmington (5) 85

3. St. Teresa 76

4. Unity (1) 75

5. St. Joseph-Ogden 59

6. Greenville (1) 46

7. Nashville 43

8. Auburn 40

9. Monticello 23

10. Mount Carmel 22

Others receiving votes: Hillsboro 17, Elmhurst Immaculate Conception 15, DuQuoin 11, Winnebago 11, Red Bud 10, Williamsville 9, Sherrard 7, Sesser-Valier 4, Carterville 3, Oregon 3.

The Okaw and Sangamon Valley Conferences were well represented throughout the polls. As shown in the 3A poll, the OVC's black division has three representatives. The conference also has Maroa-Forsyth (2nd) in the 2A poll and Tuscola (1st-unanimous) and Central A&M (4th) in the Class 1A poll. The Trojans finished second in 2A last year, while the Warriors are looking to defend their 1A crown.

Clifton Central is ranked fifth in 2A out of the Sangamon Valley. Last season's champion St. Thomas More did not make the rankings. The Sabers could be a 3A or 4A school this year.

Week one football predictions

CHAMPAIGN — Are we ready for some football? We better be, the wait is over. The first week of the 2010 season starts Friday and for area schools Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden, it starts with high hopes. The Rockets and Spartans enter this week as the No. 4 and No. 5-ranked teams in Class 3A, and both will take on ranked 1A opponents in their first games.

This week is also a big one at Heritage, where the East Central Panthers will kick off with a home game against Milford. The Panthers were just 2-7 in 2009, and hope to improve on that this fall. Winning Friday would be a good start.

No. 5 St. Joseph-Ogden at No. 10 LeRoy

Last meeting: LeRoy [Co-op] def. St. Joseph-Ogden, 18-14 (Oct. 5, 2001).

SJ-O will hit the road for its opener against an old friend and classic rival. The Spartans and Panthers were in the Sangamon Illini Conference together nearly a decade ago, and regularly battled for the league's overall crown. The Panthers were bigger then, they used to Co-op with Tri-Valley, but even now as a 1A school their tradition remains strong.

Both teams went 8-3 in 2009. These school know the value of getting off to a good start. SJ-O coach Dick Duval said last week he remembers the Spartans' battles with LeRoy as some of the most physical games his teams have played. Friday will probably be the same.

The SJ-O defensive backfield enters the game as the biggest question mark. If the Panthers can move the ball in the air, they could pose a threat. If they keep it on the ground, the Spartans' front eight will swallow them up. I think the Spartans find a way to score enough touchdowns to win.

St. Joseph-Ogden 33, LeRoy 12.

No. 4 Central A&M at No. 4 Unity

Last meeting: Unity def. Central A&M, 26-20 (Aug. 28, 2009).

This game will also be a hard-hitting doozy. The Raiders gave Unity one of its toughest challenges all season last year in week one in a six-point loss. Tied in the fourth quarter, Unity needed a long passing touchdown late to grab the lead and hold on.

Both teams moved on to the playoffs in 2009, and as the No. 4-ranked teams in their respective classes, they hope to do so again this fall. Unity has a serious advantage on the offensive and defensive lines, but the Raiders are a tough, physical team and one of the Okaw's best tackling defenses. On offense, A&M isn't fancy, but their Wing-T still moves the ball.

Unity will need to come to play with the Raiders. Central A&M has talent in its backfield and the Raiders will probably spring a long run or two. Unity will need to respond in kind. I think both teams will score points. Turnovers will be key. If the Rockets keep the ball off the turf, I think they have the edge.

Unity 38, Central A&M 22.

Milford at East Central

Last meeting: Milford def. East Central, 35-7 (Sept. 4, 2009).

This is a tricky first game for East Central second-year head coach Alex Partenheimer and the Panthers. Milford had a great team last season and figures to be a playoff team again. The Panthers aspire to do the same, but it won't be easy. East Central has a tough schedule this year in the Little Okaw Valley and they will be pushed every week.

Opening with a win would be huge, but even in a loss, if the Panthers can show improvement from last season's score that will be big. For a building program, yearly improvement is a must.

I think the Panthers keep this game close. I don't know if they have the horses to topple Milford, but I think they can stay with them. And if things break right, who knows. Anything can happen on a Friday night.

Milford 30, East Central 15.

Summer golf outings upcoming at Unity and SJ-O

CHAMPAIGN — The St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity Alumni Associations will hold golf outings this summer in support of their respective high schoolers. 

St. Joseph-Ogden's fan club is holding its outing Saturday in Rantoul, while Unity's outing is set for Aug. 28 at the UI Golf Course in Savoy. The SJ-O outing will be held at Willow Pond Golf Course.

If you would like more information on the SJ-O outing or would like to donate money to the f

an club, please contact Les Hoveln at 469-8900. For more information on the Unity outing, please click on the flier posted below.

SJ-O to host softball camp

ST. JOSEPH -- The SJ-O softball program will have another summer softball camp for area youth this year, and all girls are welcome to attend. The camp begins June 7 and lasts until June 11. Cost is $45 for SJ-O district girls and $55 for non-district players.

For more information, contact coach Randy Wolken at rwolken@suddenlink.net. A copy of the camp entry form can be found at http://www.sjo.k12.il.us/Softball/2010_SJO_summer_camp.pdf.

Nationwide 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon set for September

Council Bluffs, IA — How long can you fish? Find out at the 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon on Sept. 10-11 and you could also help improve the very same waters you fish in.

Now in its second year, the event pits teams of anglers across the country against each other for a good cause that raises funds to help support responsible fishing and improve fish habitat. Teams also compete for top prizes such as the fishing trip of the lifetime, a guided trip with a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) tour-level pro, or a getaway to a remote lodge. Additional prizes include tackle from Berkley and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

This year the event is co-sponsored by BoatUS Angler, an advocacy and services association for recreational boat owners. It offers on-the-water towing, roadside assistance and angler’s boat insurance.

“Anglers will fish around the clock and around the nation to raise awareness of problems facing our fisheries, as well as raise money to help solve those problems,” said organizer Teeg Stouffer, executive director of Recycled Fish, a non-profit organization committed to responsible fishing practices. Proceeds are donated to Recycled Fish and the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to support responsible fishing practices and waterway stewardship programs. The BoatUS Foundation has supported grassroots boater and angler educational programs for nearly 30 years and awarded over $1.1 million in grants to local boating and environmental organizations.

The 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon is open to freshwater anglers in all 50 states. To participate, anglers begin by becoming a Fish-A-Thon Ambassador / Team Leader at www.RecycledFish.org/FishAThon, and sign up their team of two to four anglers. After they receive their Fish-A-Thon welcome kit in the mail, each team member’ next step is to secure pledges from family, friends or co-workers for each hour they fish, which typically range from $10 to $75 an hour.

Next they go fishing. Lines are cast at 6 p.m.  Sept. 10 until 6 p.m. Sept. 11. During the event anglers are also encouraged to pick up any trash and use tackle that is easier on the environment, such as lead-free weights or biodegradable baits and lures, and practice good catch-and-release tactics.

Every team raising a minimum of $100 will get a complimentary 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon shirt. Additional prizes include tackle, apparel and gift cards.

Participating anglers take photos of their fish and self-score their catch at the online Angling Masters Fish Calculator, then submit their score to the Fish-A-Thon administrator. Top prizes go to the team with the most funds raised and the team with the highest score based on their best five fish photos. Additional prizes include tackle packages, apparel and gift cards. Prizes are also given for the best photos, the most ‘unusual’ trash picked up and more.

For complete Fish-A-Thon information and rules, go to www.RecycledFish.org, or contact Buddy Johns at buddy@recycledfish.org.

Unity to host baseball camp

The Unity baseball program will host a camp for youth interested in improving their skills on the diamond next weekend, May 1-2 at the high school. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Cost is $25 for K-4 students and $35 for 5-8 students. There is a discount for multiple participant families, and all campers receive a t-shirt. For more information on the camp and a copy of the camp entry form, click here and then click on the baseball camp page. 

The camp form says the deadline for the camp is April 27, but the Rockets will take late admissions. Please contact Unity High School (485-6230) and Coach Dan Cunningham for more details.

Veterans welcome home to be at Chiefs game

The VA Illiana Health Care System will have a welcome home event for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Saturday, Aug. 7 at a Peoria Chiefs baseball game in Peoria.  There will be food, prizes, children’s entertainment, live music, baseball, fireworks and information on Veterans benefits, programs and services.

The event is for Iraq and Afghanistan returning Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reserve Members and their Families.

This year the welcome home planning committee is kicking things off with a t-shirt design contest. 

Any Veteran, Active Duty Service Member, National Guard or Reserves that would like to participate in this contest can do so through the entire month of April 2010.  Winners from this contest will be announced on May 3, 2010.  

For more information about the t-shirt design contest rules and regulations or the Aug. 7 welcome home event, please contact Heather Ketchem at 217-554-4315.

There will be a limited number of tickets given out for this event.

EIU to host baseball hitting camps

CHARLESTON — The Eastern Illinois baseball program will hold a spring clinic this year for area youth looking to improve their baseball skills. 

The Panthers’ camps take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 12, 19 and 26 at Coaches Stadium, and cost $90 per person. The camp is taught by EIU coaches and players and is open to boys and girls between grades 1-8. The camp is entirely focused on hitting.

For more information, contact EIU assistant coach Drew Locascio at (630) 302-1102.

Heritage to host alumni shootout

BROADLANDS — The 2010 Alumni/Staff Shootout will be held on Saturday, April 10th at the Heritage High School in Broadlands.

This shootout will be open to any Heritage, Homer or ABL Alumni. Donations will be accepted regardless of Shootout participation with all contributors donating $20.00 receiving a 2010 Alumni Shootout T-shirt.

Please send your name along with your donation to Andy Place or Dave Jones by March 31st in order to participate. Checks may be made out to Heritage Basketball and dropped off or mailed to Heritage Elementary School, 512 W. First St. Homer, Il. 61849. Contact Dave Jones at 637-7533 or Andy Place at 714-8206 with any questions regarding the 2010 Alumni Shootout.

All proceeds benefit the Heritage Basketball program.

Heritage JV wins

The Heritage varsity softball team didn't play last week, but the Hawks junior varsity topped Tuscola. This story did not make the Leader, so it's been posted here.

By DAN CUSACK

For the Leader

The Heritage High School softball team did not play last weekend after the Storm Classic in Catlin was rained out on Saturday. The team took a break from playing games because of spring break and the tournament was not rescheduled.

The junior varisty played Mattoon on Monday night and won the game 7-4. The Hawks led by as many as six, but surrendered three runs in the sixth inning.

"I thought we did a good job since we had not played in a long time," Boyer said, "Mattoon is a good time and is comparable to a smaller schools varsity program. We played well and got to get alot of players in."

The Hawks varsity will play two games next week, both of which are on the road. On Thursday they will travel to play Okaw Valley High School at 4:30 p.m.

On Monday they will travel to Villa Grove for another 4:30 p.m. start time.

The varsity is coming off of two wins a 12-0 victory against  against Oakwood on March 23, where the Hawks had twelve hits and Hillary Smith had the shutout. On March 26, the Hawks defeated Tuscola 3-1 and gave up no walks and no errors in the game.

The Hawks will play Martinsville on the road before hosting South Piatt on April 15. The next day they will host Arthur Lovington for a game with a designated hitter.

Area teams ready for IPTT

CHAMPAIGN — The Unity and SJ-O track teams are participating in the Illinois Prep Top Times indoor state meet this weekend at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The meet begins at 1 p.m. Friday at IWU's Shirk Center with all Class 1A events. The Class 2A and Class 3A events will be held Saturday.

All meet schedules and results can be found at the Illinois high school track and field Web site: http://il.dyestat.com.

Unity qualifiers 

Emily Clennon, 55 meter dash

Micah Johnson, 55 meter dash

Lydia Mitchell, 55 meter hurdles

Dustin Jolley, 55 meter hurdles

Austin Perry, triple jump

Girls' 4x200 relay

Boys' 4x200 relay

Boys' 4x400 relay

SJ-O qualifiers

Rachel Ballard, 200 meter dash

Chelsea Blaase, 800 meter run

Lauren Cessna, 800 meter run

Zeke Elkins, 800 meter run

Alex Hargus, 800 meter run

Ryan Thompson, 800 meter run

Landon Vowels, 800 meter run

Jolee Paden, 1600 meter run

Landon Vowels, 1600 meter run

Rachel Ballard, long jump

Kyle Duke, high jump

Bria Olson, high jump

Thomas Jean, pole vault

Girls' 4x200 relay

Girls' 4x400 relay

Girls' 4x800 relay

Boys' 4x800 relay

Savoy Rec Center basketball tourney set for Thursday

SAVOY — The Savoy Recreation Center's mens basketball league begins its two-week postseason this Thursday with five games. The tournament was seeded based on an eight-game regular season, and the upcoming tournament is single elimination. The bracket is as follows:

Opening Round

Game 1: (8) Crush vs. (9) Foul Outs, 5:30 p.m., March 25

Game 2: (7) Lights Out vs. (10) White & Blue, 6:30 p.m., March 25

Quarterfinals

Game 3: (1) LOVC Legends vs. Game 1 winner, 7:30 p.m., March 25

Game 4: (2) Jimshoes vs. Game 2 winner, 8:30 p.m., March 25

Game 5: (4) Messman Farms vs. (5) Savoy UMC, 9:30 p.m., March 25

Game 6: (3) Brian Greene vs. (6) Mighty Ducks, 5:30 p.m., April 1

Semifinals

Game 7: Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 6:30 p.m., April 1

Game 8: Game 4 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 7:30 p.m., April 1

Championship

Game 9: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 9 p.m., April 1

Rockets' season opener moved to Monday

TOLONO — The Unity girls' softball team will host off the spring outdoor sports season Monday at 4:30 p.m. against St. Thomas More. The Rockets and Sabers were originally set to meet next Friday, but a scheduling change means the Rockets will open the 2010 season at home Monday, rather than on the road next Thursday at Paris.

The Unity boys' baseball team will open its season next Thursday at 4 p.m. at Salt Fork, and the Rockets' first home game is 11 a.m. next Saturday against Iroquois West.

The SJ-O baseball and softball teams both play at Watseka at 4:30 p.m. next Tuesday in their season openers, and the Warriors come to St. Joseph the following Thursday to complete the conference twin bill.

Rockets fall in double OT thriller

EFFINGHAM — The lead was 12 with 9:21 left in the game. Hold on for another quarter-plus and Unity would have reached the Class 2A sectional final. 

Meyers Leonard and his Robinson teammates decided otherwise. The Maroons outscored the Rockets by 12 in the final 9:21, forcing overtime. The teams remained tied after the first overtime before Robinson outscored Unity 12-1 in the second for a 61-50 win.

After the game, the Rockets were broke up, but proud.

"I think it's easy to see how much (the Rockets) cared," Unity coach Jarrett Brown said. "I think it's important that our fans, our community and everybody in the stands saw how hard these kids worked.

"They are torn up, but they represented us very well, and our program is in good hands because of them."

The Rockets worked hard against Illinois recruit Leonard, holding him to six points in the first half. With the second-half surge, Leonard finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots.

"He's tall. I don't know what else to say," Brown said. "Our guys did everything we could against him."

With the score tied in the final seconds of regulation, Unity had a chance to win. But Dylan Sturgeon's 12-footer rolled off and Leonard grabbed the rebound.

Sturgeon led the Rockets with 16 points. Austin Perry scored 13 and Kyler McFall added 11.

Unity was 1 of 16 from the field in the two overtimes.

Savoy Rec Center to host health seminar

UI volleyball coach Kevin Hambly set to speak at event

SAVOY — The Savoy Recreation Center will host a health and wellness seminar and potluck at 6 p.m. this Tuesday, March 2, at the rec center in Savoy.

The seminar will start with 25 to 30 minutes of discussion on different health and wellness topics, and is a great way to meet others in your community over a hot meal.

Each participant should bring a  dish to share. The Savoy Rec Center will supply the drinks and utensils.

The event is open to all ages, and UI volleyball coach Kevin Hambly will be one of the scheduled speakers at the event. Cost is $2 for non-Savoy residents and members, and free to those in the community or rec center members.

Please sign up by Friday to reserve a seat at the event.