I'm not so sure MTZ would ever commit to the CS8 either... could be wrong, but I don't think they're desperate enough to need the CS8 at this point. Although it would make for a true Macon County 3-way round robin each year... One they would likely be in contention for each season with Mac as Kings of Macon Co. Oops, forgot out our transfer accepting friends from Maroa... They'd likely have something to say about this. I'll pipe down now...
2025 Central State Eight Updates.
- Thread starter cornerrat
- Start date
I've not personally heard who QND has for the scrimmage. I would assume St. T again, perhaps at their new digs so I can catch a peek of "the woods" behind the future methadone clinic. Neat setup, btw St. T folk, excellent use of space honestly. I think the clinic is a terrible idea next to a high school for whatever that's worth.
I do have a question for St. T... and whether or not their JV will remain a (de facto) member of their old home again in '25? Maybe you know the answer to that one?
As for the rest... We take what we get in 4A, we're not exactly a program bidding for contention in that class, so we'd likely be a stepping stone for either of you. With that said, I think many of us who follow and support the program would say a beating from SHG feels far less egregious than losing at anything to the Sprockets.
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I could be wrong but thought Mt Zion might have been offered before, either when Lincoln or Taylorville exited, and declined.
I'd only say I vaguely remember this being mentioned. And if true, just lends to the point...
They're no doormat (MTZ), and that's the thing for me. In my head I tell myself they could absolutely compete in the East... But then I remember that they're looking at it from the standpoint of "well, we're entering here for a shot at 3rd place in the East each year." Plus the immerging Pioneers at U-High and the ever questionable (but viable on occasion) Mac Generals. Not many signing up to take on Rochester and Glenwood guaranteed each season with two 50/50 games each season. Especially not MTZ who often finds themselves in that 5-4/6-3 area where they currently are. I may be wrong about that, I'll have to check their history here shortly.
I should go on record as saying I'd have zero issue with MTZ joining... Heck I sat here and made bids for M-F being a solid addition to the conference after last year's loss to for QND.
But for the league as is, and I know it's not perfect and if QND is the sole reason for that, I apologize. We're just happy to be here and competing. Anyway, I'm more intrigued for what the middle of the conference can do this season. QND, SHS, and U-High all have big years ahead if they want to start lining themselves up as "4th" in the two division era of the league. QND claimed a "one-off" last year in the West, is momentum real? U-High was inches away from greatness it felt like, and can last year be the spring board for that program to finally start pushing the top two in the East annually? SHS has some serious offense returning this year. I was impressed with their discipline a year ago, even more maturity in multiple areas should bode well for them. I'd even say it's a big one for Mac too, they've gotten used to being that lowest rung on the top tier and last year was a bit of a setback. Glenwood and Rochester are going to spend most this season pimping out blowouts and I'd argue SHG on paper should do much the same outside a game or two... The grind in the middle of the CS8 is what's so fun for me. Much more stressful when your program is involved, but still awesome to watch each year. This is what QND signed up for, you don't get to take weeks off in the CS8 if you want to be relevant. Can't ask for more really.
Jersey is planning on joining the Cahokia Conference.
Is that still split into two? IL an MS? If so, I can only presume Jersey will be taking the MS route? Which means Breese, Roxana, and Columbia each year. Still going to be a tough slate for them down there, imo.
For football, the MS division is supposed to include Civic Memorial, Jersey, Waterloo, Freeburg, Breese, Columbia, Roxana and East-Alton
All.... Correct. The then HC of Mt. Zion was for it and made his case and it was a go. But not right away. I don't remember maybe a year or so later a change was made and a new coach arrived. He wanted absolutely no part of it. Ratsy
Correct - Although we do get a small glimpse in Week 2 this year. Rochester @ Mt. Zion - Only the 4th matchup between the two schools since 2009. Rochester leads the series 2-1 in that time.
Unless MTZ have another stash of D1's that were waiting in JV last season... seems a likely Rocket buffet of TD's.
Oof... That's a tough league to jump into for a program on the decline the past 10 years or so. Whilst not full of world-beaters, that's a solid core of "playoff caliber" programs if nothing else. Regardless, a much more feasible fit for Jersey compared to the travel they'd be committing to in the CS8 for equal or worse results each week.
P.s. I hope they're back to themselves this year after a couple odd years for them since 2022, but the fact BMD isn't included in this conference (Cahokia) is a shame, imo.
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Although Mt Zion had a rough outing in last year's 4A final, they return a QB who threw for over 2,800 yards and ran for 600 more, a WR with more than 1,100 yards and 13 TD's, and a 6'7" TE (JC Anderson) who is getting lots of D-1 looks. In total, they return 14 starters, about the same as Rochester. I expect the '25 Rockets to be improved but this has potential to be closely contested.
Nice. I was under the impression that most their big production was graduating. I may have confused them with U-High in my head now that I'm typing this...
