CS8
SHG (9-0) Rochester gave SHG a brief scare in the Leonard Bowl, but the Cyclones were just too powerful on both sides of the football. SHG’s defense came up with big stops when it needed to and the offense boosted an array of weapons, including a mammoth offensive line that opened up holes on the regular for Sam Sergent. Sergent ran for 311 yards and four touchdown’s on 35 carries in one of the best Leonard Bowl performances ever. SHG gets Shepard in the first round.
Rochester (8-1) The Rockets falling to SHG in week nine didn’t come as a surprise to many, but the Cyclones served as a perfect playoff primer for Rochester. This could be one of the most lethal, big play offenses that coach Derek Leonard has ever had, which could carry the Rockets through the 4A bracket. Up first in the playoffs, though, comes a cake walk vs. Alton Marquette.
Jacksonville (6-3) They say streaks are meant to be broken, right? That’s what happened in Jacksonville last Friday. The Crimsons came back to stun the Titans for the first time in 21 years. A monumental victory for coach Mark Grounds and company. That will certainly give the Crimsons some confidence heading into their first round playoff matchup vs. Champaign Central.
Glenwood (5-4) By no means was the week nine loss to Jacksonville a bad loss. The Crimsons are a quality team, but after defeating Eisenhower the week prior, the Titans came back to earth. The signs of their fountain of youth still surfaces from time to time. We’ll see how this young Glenwood team fares against a Lemont team with a significant post season pedigree.
Eisenhower (6-3) Eisenhower was one of the most surprising teams in the CS8 this year. The Panthers rebounded from a week eight upset vs. Glenwood by taking down Springfield in the regular season finale. Eisenhower qualified for the playoffs and will travel to 8-1 Highland. The Panthers high-powered offense poses a threat this time of year. The good thing for Eisenhower? A lot of its playmakers return next season.
Southeast (4-5) The Spartans failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history, but the program is in good hands moving forward under head coach, Matt Lauber. Gavin Webb is a star in the making. Look out for him next year.
Lanphier (4-5) Lanphier had its ups and downs this season. A thrilling victory vs. rival Southeast was the highlight of the season, but the Lions struggled to maintain consistency due to a slew of injuries to key players. Playing banged up, running back Reggie Dickerson was one of the most talented and bruising backs in the CS8. Lanphier ended the season on a high note with a win over Lincoln, but it wasn't quite enough as the Lions finished one victory away from playoff eligibility for the second consecutive season.
Springfield High (2-7) Coach Roy Gully knew that his first season at the helm for the Senators would be bumpy, and it was. There were certainly some bright spots sprinkled in throughout the 2015 campaign, but inconsistency was an issue. Luckily for Gully, he’s got some skill players on the come.
MacArthur (1-8) The Generals fell to Southeast to end the year, but with Amir Brummett under center for two more years, coach Derrick Spates has some tools in the shed to work with in the future.
Lincoln (0-9) After recording just six points during the first six weeks of the season, the Rail Splitters scored 34 points in the final three weeks of the year. One foot in front of the other.
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SANGAMO
North Mac (9-0) Under first year head coach, Shane Owsley, North Mac finished the regular season 9-0 for the first time in school history. The Panthers did it with an exclamation point, racking up nearly 600 rushing yards and 56 points vs. PORTA in week nine. The Panthers surprised everybody this season and did it in impressive fashion. North Mac’s reward for going 9-0? A date with Pleasant Plains in the first round of the playoffs. It won’t be easy.
Auburn (6-3) The Trojans ended the season on a five game winning streak and are an extremely dangerous team heading into the 2A playoffs. Auburn got punched in the mouth, starting the season 1-3, but the Trojans responded, showed resolve and put themselves in a position to make a run in the postseason. Auburn travels to Shelbyville in the first round.
New Berlin (7-2) The Pretzels beat a solid West Hancock team in the final week of the regular season to lock down a home playoff game vs. Nashville. West Hancock managed the clock, but New Berlin lit the scoreboard up quickly. That’s been the story of the season for the Pretzels. New Berlin’s offense has put up a steady dosage of points on offense and although its defense has given up big plays, the unit gets timely stops.
Athens (5-4) Athens faced do-or-die situations in week eight vs. Williamsville and week nine at Pleasant Plains and the Warriors won out to sneak into the postseason in dramatic fashion. Athens converted on a two point conversion for the win to beat the Bullets and returned a fumble and interception for touchdowns to shut the door on Plains. You get the sense that the Warriors have a lot of momentum heading into a 2A first round duel with Eldorado.
Pleasant Plains (5-4) Plains is much more talented than 5-4 and although the Cardinals suffered a heart breaking loss vs. Athens to back into the playoffs, they are not complaining about their matchup with North Mac on Saturday. Motivation will not be an issue for Plains in that ballgame. The Cardinals are looking to avenge a 28-14 week five loss to the Panthers. North Mac took a 21-0 lead, but the Cardinals fought back to make it a game in the second half. Now that they’re healthier, Plains has North Mac on upset alert.
Williamsville (5-4) As expected, Williamsville shellacked Riverton to claim its fifth win and lock down a playoff spot. Several of the Bullets playmakers from last years team that advanced to the state final are no longer with the team, but Williamsville still has some key components with playoff experience to make a run in the big dance. Step No. 1 pits the Bullets against Paxton-Buckley-Loda, a favorable matchup for Williamsville.
Riverton (2-7) The Hawks fell to Williamsville to end the regular season. Three of Riverton’s top offensive weapons, Marcus Hinkle, Ryan Roscetti and Josh Gabriel are all graduating. It will be interesting to see what the Hawks have in store for next year.
Pittsfield (1-8) Pittsfield can spend the offseason savoring that lone win vs. PORTA.
PORTA (0-9) PORTA kept it close with North Mac for a quarter and a half. Give credit to the Blue Jays, because that’s better than what a lot of other teams were able to accomplish this season.
