2025 Central State Eight Updates.
- Thread starter cornerrat
- Start date
Well shoot, I guess at least we can start calling it a "South County" calamity... but then again that's not fair to the true south Sangamon folk... Lowder, Thayer, Divernon, Pawnee, Glenarm, Auburn and the like... I guess we can call it the Lake Springfield Crisis... must be something in the water...All..... Chatham getting in on the "action." Show choir no less. Sigh.... 😱 Ratsy
Glenwood High School show choir investigated amid bullying, hazing complaint
A nationally recognized show choir was the subject of an investigation late last week over a complaint of multiple incidents of bullying and hazing.www.yahoo.com
Also, upon reading, sounds familiar... They (Hard R and that school on Plummer Blvd) hate each other, until they need each other's lawyers... 😁
All.... The QND schedule for 2025. Ratsy
8-22 Decatur St. Teresa Scimmage V/JV 6pm (A)
8-29 Soldan International (H)
9-5 Alton (Marquette) (H)
9-12 Southeast (A)
9-19 Sacred Heart-Griffin (A)
9-26 Springfield (H)
10-3 Lanphier (A)
10-10 Jacksonville (H)
10-17 Lincoln (A)
10-24 Decatur (MacArthur) (H)
8-22 Decatur St. Teresa Scimmage V/JV 6pm (A)
8-29 Soldan International (H)
9-5 Alton (Marquette) (H)
9-12 Southeast (A)
9-19 Sacred Heart-Griffin (A)
9-26 Springfield (H)
10-3 Lanphier (A)
10-10 Jacksonville (H)
10-17 Lincoln (A)
10-24 Decatur (MacArthur) (H)
All.... Tentative schedules subject to change. Source il.8to18.com, Big teams.com and Hudl. I did not come across Southeast and Rochester but one can cross reference the other schedules below and get an idea who they play and the dates. Ratsy
Sacred Heart- Griffin -
8-29 Christian Brothers College (H)
9-5 Mascoutah (A)
9-12 Jacksonville (A)
9-19 QND (H)
9-26 Lanphier (A)
10-3 Southeast (H)
10-10 Springfield (H)
10-17 Chatham (A)
10-24 Rochester (H)
Springfield -
8-28 Champaign (Central) 6PM (A) Showing Thursday?
9-5 MacArthur (H)
9-12 Lanphier (H)
9-20 Southeast (H) 1PM
9-26 QND (A)
10-3 Jacksonville (A)
10-10 SHG (A)
10-17 (Rochester) (A)
10-24 Chatham (H)
Jacksonville -
8-29 Highland (H)
9-5 Eisenhower (A)
9-12 SHG (H)
9-19 Lanphier (A)
9-26 Southeast (A)
10-3 Springfield (H)
10-10 QND (A)
10-17 Macarthur (A)
1024 Lincoln (H)
Lanphier -
8-29 Lincoln (H)
9-5 East Peoria (A)
9-12 Springfield (A)
9-19 Jacksonville (H)
9-26 SHG (H)
10-3 QND (H)
10-11 Southeast (H) 1PM
10-17 Eisenhower (A)
10-24 Normal University (A)
Chatham -
8-29 Edwardsville (A)
9-5 Bonne Terre (North County) (H)
9-12 Eisenhower (H)
9-19 Rochester (A)
9-26 MacArthur (H)
10-3 Normal University (H)
10-10 Lincoln (A)
10-17 SHG (H)
10-24 Springfield (A)
Normal University -
8-29 Peoria (Manual) (A)
9-5 Bloomington (H)
9-12 MacArthur (A)
9-19 Lincoln (A)
9-26 Rochester (H)
10-3 Chatham (A)
10-10 Eisenhower (H)
10-17 Southeast (A)
10-24 Lanphier (H)
Lincoln -
8-29 Lanphier (A)
9-5 Southeast (H)
9-12 Rochester (A)
9-19 Normal University (H)
9-26 Eisenhower (A)
10-3 MacArthur (A)
10-10 Chatham (H)
10-17 QND (H)
10-24 Jacksonville (A)
Decatur (MacArthur) -
8-29 Mattoon (H)
9-5 Springfield (A)
9-12 Normal University (H)
9-19 Eisenhower (H) 5PM
9-26 Chatham (A)
10-3 Lincoln (H)
10-10 Rochester (A)
10-17 Jacksonville (H)
10-24 QND (A)
Decatur (Eisenhower) -
8-29 Streator (A)
9-5 Jacksonville (H)
9-12 Chatham (A)
9-19 MacArthur (A) 5PM
9-26 Lincoln (H)
10-3 Rochester (H)
10-10 Normal University (A)
10-17 Lanphier (H)
10-24 Southeast (A)
Sacred Heart- Griffin -
8-29 Christian Brothers College (H)
9-5 Mascoutah (A)
9-12 Jacksonville (A)
9-19 QND (H)
9-26 Lanphier (A)
10-3 Southeast (H)
10-10 Springfield (H)
10-17 Chatham (A)
10-24 Rochester (H)
Springfield -
8-28 Champaign (Central) 6PM (A) Showing Thursday?
9-5 MacArthur (H)
9-12 Lanphier (H)
9-20 Southeast (H) 1PM
9-26 QND (A)
10-3 Jacksonville (A)
10-10 SHG (A)
10-17 (Rochester) (A)
10-24 Chatham (H)
Jacksonville -
8-29 Highland (H)
9-5 Eisenhower (A)
9-12 SHG (H)
9-19 Lanphier (A)
9-26 Southeast (A)
10-3 Springfield (H)
10-10 QND (A)
10-17 Macarthur (A)
1024 Lincoln (H)
Lanphier -
8-29 Lincoln (H)
9-5 East Peoria (A)
9-12 Springfield (A)
9-19 Jacksonville (H)
9-26 SHG (H)
10-3 QND (H)
10-11 Southeast (H) 1PM
10-17 Eisenhower (A)
10-24 Normal University (A)
Chatham -
8-29 Edwardsville (A)
9-5 Bonne Terre (North County) (H)
9-12 Eisenhower (H)
9-19 Rochester (A)
9-26 MacArthur (H)
10-3 Normal University (H)
10-10 Lincoln (A)
10-17 SHG (H)
10-24 Springfield (A)
Normal University -
8-29 Peoria (Manual) (A)
9-5 Bloomington (H)
9-12 MacArthur (A)
9-19 Lincoln (A)
9-26 Rochester (H)
10-3 Chatham (A)
10-10 Eisenhower (H)
10-17 Southeast (A)
10-24 Lanphier (H)
Lincoln -
8-29 Lanphier (A)
9-5 Southeast (H)
9-12 Rochester (A)
9-19 Normal University (H)
9-26 Eisenhower (A)
10-3 MacArthur (A)
10-10 Chatham (H)
10-17 QND (H)
10-24 Jacksonville (A)
Decatur (MacArthur) -
8-29 Mattoon (H)
9-5 Springfield (A)
9-12 Normal University (H)
9-19 Eisenhower (H) 5PM
9-26 Chatham (A)
10-3 Lincoln (H)
10-10 Rochester (A)
10-17 Jacksonville (H)
10-24 QND (A)
Decatur (Eisenhower) -
8-29 Streator (A)
9-5 Jacksonville (H)
9-12 Chatham (A)
9-19 MacArthur (A) 5PM
9-26 Lincoln (H)
10-3 Rochester (H)
10-10 Normal University (A)
10-17 Lanphier (H)
10-24 Southeast (A)
All.... I have not. Was wondering if they they were going to mix it up with ESTL again. Couldn't find any info on their week 0 opponent either. Ratsy
The deal is SHG is supposed to come to ESL
All.... A great setting the house of pain.... Enjoyed my time when visiting in 2019 as the Flyers whacked Chatham. Hoping for a early scrimmage time in that zero week game. Big Mamma's closes at 8 and a stop is a must for pork steak, cooter fries, and cake. The ultimite on the road dining experience as I make my way back to Springfield. 😇 Ratsy
Per scattered news reports/press releases Rochester will host Gibson Southern (IN) on Saturday August 30 at 2pm and will play Mt. Zion in Week 2, although I haven't seen a venue for the latter.
All.... Congrats to these four and an outstanding 2024 season. It will be interesting to see after graduating a bunch of CS8 stars on both sides of the ball what kind of season they can put together.
The new qb likey will be Jr. Owen Kirby. Not a ton of varsity experience. Pioneers should handle their opener with Manual. The schedule is top loaded with week two against Bloomington and then East play opens up. One bright note is they have coming back for his senior year Cade Cunningham who had a great year at WO with just under 1400 yards in receptions along with 16td's. It's a start. Ratsy
The new qb likey will be Jr. Owen Kirby. Not a ton of varsity experience. Pioneers should handle their opener with Manual. The schedule is top loaded with week two against Bloomington and then East play opens up. One bright note is they have coming back for his senior year Cade Cunningham who had a great year at WO with just under 1400 yards in receptions along with 16td's. It's a start. Ratsy
Four Pioneers Commit to Play Football at the Next Level
Four Normal U-High Pioneers made their college commitments official on Wednesday. We were there for the ceremony and interviews with all four players. Landon Hinkle – Illinois Wesleyan University Cole Matejka – Columbia University Martin Donahue
www.channel1450.com
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Amazing group to have played with, very proud of what they've managed to accomplish, and I wish them the absolute best of luck over their next chapter.All.... Congrats to these four and an outstanding 2024 season. It will be interesting to see after graduating a bunch of CS8 stars on both sides of the ball what kind of season they can put together.
The new qb likey will be Jr. Owen Kirby. Not a ton of varsity experience. Pioneers should handle their opener with Manual. The schedule is top loaded with week two against Bloomington and then East play opens up. One bright note is they have coming back for his senior year Cade Cunningham who had a great year at WO with just under 1400 yards in receptions along with 16td's. It's a start. Ratsy
Four Pioneers Commit to Play Football at the Next Level
Four Normal U-High Pioneers made their college commitments official on Wednesday. We were there for the ceremony and interviews with all four players. Landon Hinkle – Illinois Wesleyan University Cole Matejka – Columbia University Martin Donahuewww.channel1450.com
Barring injury, the QB will be Kirby. He's a renowned basketball prospect for his class, and his athletic capabilities have been very fun to watch as he's been developed by Walworth. I don't foresee nearly as much success for the Pioneers next year compared to this past year, but they should continue to be a playoff team under Kirby.
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All.... Somewhat CS8 related. I have wondered for years why this had not been in the works and done. Finally.... Springfield Cyclones Youth Football. A team composed of 7th and 8th grade Catholic and Private School Players entering those grades for the 2025/2026 school year. Playing teams around the state August through November. Looking forward to see if the turnout is good. Go Cycs!
I can't tell you how many times in the past I have talked with SHG football parents whose kid has never played a stich of organized football until their freshman year at SHG. HC for the team is Ken Boyle. That name I immediately recognized. If it's "that" Ken Boyle he was an all state TE for Chatham . I remember one of the best catches I have ever seen when the then Redskins played Geneseo on the road in a semi playoff game and eventually winning in OT. A sliding 24 yard grab on a 3 third and twenty during a critical drive. The following week Chatham completed their undefeated season winning class 4A defeating Bishop Mac in the final. Ratsy
I can't tell you how many times in the past I have talked with SHG football parents whose kid has never played a stich of organized football until their freshman year at SHG. HC for the team is Ken Boyle. That name I immediately recognized. If it's "that" Ken Boyle he was an all state TE for Chatham . I remember one of the best catches I have ever seen when the then Redskins played Geneseo on the road in a semi playoff game and eventually winning in OT. A sliding 24 yard grab on a 3 third and twenty during a critical drive. The following week Chatham completed their undefeated season winning class 4A defeating Bishop Mac in the final. Ratsy
Good news for the Cyclones, particularly as the Springfield JFL program which I assume includes some future Cycs each year, is not what it once was.
Other than going to state in '85, Chatham's program hit a dry spell for about ten years from around '83 to '93. Not sure when the CCFL started in Chatham but developing it was a big priority for then Coach Dan Rourke. By '97, the Ken Boyle/Griff Jurgens/Chris Ross trio took them to the Quarters. Next year, they won the title and now rarely miss the playoffs.
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All.... I frequently look at future schedules because they can change before the season starts. So far this is what I have come across for week 0 checking today. 8-22 and 7PM unless noted. Ratsy
(Subject to change)
Eisenhower - Intrasquad Scrimmage
Springfield (H) Normal University
Lincoln (H) Pleasant Plains
Chatham (H) Metamora
MacArthur (A) Centennial (6:00)
Sacred Heart-Griffin (H) Centralia (4:30) (Sigh.... Big Mamma's will have to wait.)
(Subject to change)
Eisenhower - Intrasquad Scrimmage
Springfield (H) Normal University
Lincoln (H) Pleasant Plains
Chatham (H) Metamora
MacArthur (A) Centennial (6:00)
Sacred Heart-Griffin (H) Centralia (4:30) (Sigh.... Big Mamma's will have to wait.)
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Aye! Big news there, Ratsy. Always good to have an in-house program for the youth.
QND's version "Quincy Raiders" now offers 5th-8th grade teams. It's been a lot of fun to watch this program grow and see many faces go from stud in grade school to stud in high school. That and a lot of the coaches for these teams are QND High School alum or parents of.
I think your program as a whole will get a lot out of it, as long as you're putting in to it, as the saying goes. Hopefully the two youth programs can get games on the schedule in the near future. Always nice to see other private schools getting youth programs off the ground and why not start the "rivalry" that could be develop and simmer starting at the early years of their football playing careers.
Really early, but here goes:
West
1-QND, based chiefly on a favorable non-conference/non-division schedule. SHG a slight favorite in their head-to-head against QND.
2-SHG. Gets Christian Brothers, QND, and Rochester at home. Expecting a big year from their Jr QB.
3-Springfield. 3rd year starting for their QB and they have good numbers returning.
4-Jacksonville, running heavy team that is losing most of their OL and main RB's.
5-Southeast. Went 2-7 last year under a new Coach. Almost beat East Peoria Week 1 but also nearly lost to Eisenhower.
6-Lanphier. 1-26 the last 3 seasons.
East
1-Chatham. 44-member Senior class will try to improve on two straight 6A Quarterfinal appearances. Big 3 returners QB Knoedler, RB Mueller, and WR Lehnen will put up lots of points.
2-Rochester. Lots of skill players return, with multiple Soph's and Jr's to start/get major time. How fast can the younger players progress? Will the defense be more like the '23 or '24 version?
3-U High. Losing QB Weiland will hurt but Coach Walworth appears to have made U High into an annual playoff team.
4-MacArthur. A down year in '24 but they were starting a Freshman at QB at times.
5-Eisenhower. Almost beat Southeast in Week 9 and played better the second half of the season. Still young.
6-Lincoln. Went 4-5 last year but losing their QB and best RB's. They do have one OL that is getting some D-1 looks.
I will say the difference between 4th through 6th in the East is likely to be pretty small and the order could easily be reversed.
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field related. I'd much rather play saturday. will be a late night getting home. at least I won't have school the next day.
It does give you a chance to go to other games on Friday and Saturday. I've been told the Week 1 Rochester game vs the team from Indiana will be on Saturday afternoon.
don't hold me to it, but I believe it's mahomet. I'll find out for sure.
All.... Chatham already the talk of the "town." My Titan "friends" won't leave me alone yapping about the upcoming season. And I thought they were loud last year. 🙂
On a serious note though QB Knoedler had one heck of a season in 2024. 177-284 2,643 yards. Set a school record throwing for 475 yards against Crete Monee. And he has this young man back healthy. Fast as any on a field and runs disciplined routes. Ratsy
Blake Lehnen on Hudl
Watch Blake Lehnen's videos and highlights on Hudl. More info: Glenwood High School - Glenwood Football / WR / Class of 2026 / Chatham, IL
www.hudl.com
Only consolation for the rest of the conference (and it's a small one) is that they are losing WR's Simmons and Neumann and TE Helm to graduation. Each brought a unique skill set to the table and someone was always open when Knoedler had enough time.All.... Chatham already the talk of the "town." My Titan "friends" won't leave me alone yapping about the upcoming season. And I thought they were loud last year. 🙂
On a serious note though QB Knoedler had one heck of a season in 2024. 177-284 2,643 yards. Set a school record throwing for 475 yards against Crete Monee. And he has this young man back healthy. Fast as any on a field and runs disciplined routes. Ratsy
Blake Lehnen on Hudl
Watch Blake Lehnen's videos and highlights on Hudl. More info: Glenwood High School - Glenwood Football / WR / Class of 2026 / Chatham, ILwww.hudl.com
Is this Luke's younger brother ?All.... Chatham already the talk of the "town." My Titan "friends" won't leave me alone yapping about the upcoming season. And I thought they were loud last year. 🙂
On a serious note though QB Knoedler had one heck of a season in 2024. 177-284 2,643 yards. Set a school record throwing for 475 yards against Crete Monee. And he has this young man back healthy. Fast as any on a field and runs disciplined routes. Ratsy
Blake Lehnen on Hudl
Watch Blake Lehnen's videos and highlights on Hudl. More info: Glenwood High School - Glenwood Football / WR / Class of 2026 / Chatham, ILwww.hudl.com
I'm assuming Blake is related to Luke ?All.... Chatham already the talk of the "town." My Titan "friends" won't leave me alone yapping about the upcoming season. And I thought they were loud last year. 🙂
On a serious note though QB Knoedler had one heck of a season in 2024. 177-284 2,643 yards. Set a school record throwing for 475 yards against Crete Monee. And he has this young man back healthy. Fast as any on a field and runs disciplined routes. Ratsy
Blake Lehnen on Hudl
Watch Blake Lehnen's videos and highlights on Hudl. More info: Glenwood High School - Glenwood Football / WR / Class of 2026 / Chatham, ILwww.hudl.com
All.... Yes his brother. Father is the OC for the Titans. Quite an athletic family. Katelyn a multi sport player is going to play for Illinois. Track I believe. Ratsy
As far as U-High’s concerned, that seems like a very fair placement. Walworth did amazing things with the class of ‘25, and over half are now heading to the collegiate level for football. However, the remaining classes are fairly weak compared to the ones that preceded them. Although, QB Owen Kirby ‘28 could turn out to be a force to be reckoned with down the line.
In relation to the west... QND should, or I should stay still "could," snatch 2nd in the division. Hopefully that means a playoff berth.. but that would be about it for this iteration of Raider football. The bounce back to 4A likely means another 2 years of 1 and done finishes come postseason if qualified.
That said, a solid core as mentioned before does return. QB1, RB2, WR1, WR2, and 4 on the O-line return from '24 on offense. The defense will be a work in progress early with the loss of QND's most talented linebacker to date in Talin Scott. (leading sacks, leading tackles in program history) Linebacking crew in general got gutted with graduation. The secondary should look similar and the D-line will be a revolving door of fresh bodies (we go 2-way a lot these days) much like last season. Whether or not that can translate to 4A is to be seen... early diagnosis: highly unlikely. Since enrollment dropped a while back and football numbers dropped as well it's been tough to remain relevant in games come 4A postseason. Most teams we face at that point, even early, possess larger bodies and larger numbers of them. My optimism may spike once we get to scrimmage week and see ourselves against someone else. The litmus test each year in CS8 is obviously SHG... if we can make a game of that one, given their hunger for redemption that's surely growling in their tummies, I'll be feeling a little better. That's a long ways out though... Crucial, again, for QND to get off to a 2-0 start to make life easier for qualifying.
I'd personally rank the West slightly differently to this point, based on what I fear for QND. We can call it the (CS8) sophomore slump if you wish... Regardless, reality of life in the CS8 will set in at some point this season. I think that's inevitable....
West
1. SHG
2. Springfield
3. QND
4. Jax
5. SE
6. Lanphier (school and facilities are great though! Lots of money spent recently on the northeast side)
All.... I forgot to ask (the one who would have that early info 🏈) who the Raiders scrimmage this year. Last year St. Teresa traveled to QND . Have you heard yet? Busting some past numbers should the waiver disappear this year I now have SHG should they be multiplied as one of the very smallest in a 5A postseason. About 60-40..... It would be fun though if that didn't occur the Cyclones and Raiders both end up in the 4A postseason south bracket along with the Rockets. Ratsy P.S. Yes Lanphier after the rehab (county tax add on) is beautiful. Hoping the "dust up" with 6 kids in a fight recently with the po po getting called and two administrators needing medical attention doesn't mean they need to replace any broken furniture. Sigh....
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With the re-alignment of the Southwest conference and apparently Jerseyville being left out in "limbo", I am wondering if they would be interested in joining the CS-8? They could fit nicely into the west half of the conference, and if Mt Zion would end up joining the east half, I think that would make it easier for all concerned in regards to scheduling. Just something to think about. I highly doubt Jerseyville would want to go independent...
please, no offense to you, but I very highly doubt jerseyville would want to join the cs8.
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