These predictions will be a challenge with three 1st time non-conference games vs solid Big 12 teams, the return of Lincoln to the conference, and the mix of perennial Week 1 issues coupled with extreme heat. Assuming all the Friday night games still go off as scheduled, kickoff temps could still be in the mid to high 80's. Expect these games to go longer than usual due to player cramping.
Friday
Lincoln at Lanphier
Lincoln's first game back in the CS8 after having been in the Apollo conference since 2017. Lincoln went 4-5 last year in the Apollo and has a good number of returning players. Lanphier was 1-8 and gave up a conference high 414 points along with going through multiple QB's. The renovated Memorial Stadium seems to have given a boost to the Lanphier program, and I expect them to give a good effort. Coach Goff seems to have found a QB as well. Lincoln still has more experience and greater depth. They should get the win. Lincoln 28 Lanphier 13
Southeast at MacArthur
This is a rematch of last year's Week 1 contest, which Mac won 40-8 at Southeast. I don't see a huge difference in either team from last year at this time. Southeast has several good athletes, particularly at WR, but will need to protect their QB better to give him time to throw. Mac has an intriguing freshman RB who has already been offered by the U of I. How much will he factor in their offense immediately? New Spartan Coach Kinkade will likely need to wait until a later date to get his first win. MacArthur 38 Southeast 12
Jacksonville at Eisenhower
Last year, the Crimsons won 48-0 in Week 6. Jacksonville has to replace 3-year starting QB Elijah Owens (Indiana State). They do return an experienced O-Line and an elite RB in Cam'Ron Mitchell. Eisenhower could have packed it in last season after being shutout 5 weeks in a row from weeks 2-6 and giving up a total of 368 points. They never quit and played better at the end of the season, getting their lone win in Week 8 against Southeast. Jacksonville should be able to get their new QB some needed experience and come out on top. Jacksonville 35 Eisenhower 8
Danville at Chatham
The first of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. These two teams have played before, with Chatham winning 56-20 in the 2019 playoffs. Chatham made the 6A semifinals that year before losing to East St Louis. Danville was 6-4 last year, losing to Normal West in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs. Chatham was 7-3 and lost to Quincy in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs. Chatham will probably play 2 QB's, a Junior who is more of a runner and a Sophomore who is more of a thrower. I expect Danville to test the Titans Run defense early and often. I do predict a Chatham win as they typically play well at home and started out last year very strong. However, I think this will be a close contest. Chatham 30 Danville 22 GAME MOVED TO SATURDAY 7 PM
SHG at Normal Community
The second of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. A challenging start for new SHG Coach Allison, on the road against a 7A playoff qualifier who returns a good number of players. SHG is the underdog. I won't be shocked if they lose but will be if they don't play competitively. An SHG upset is also not out of the realm of possibility. SHG has 19 new starters and if those players have any growing pains, it's most likely to be in Week 1. SHG doesn't want to get behind by multiple scores early. I don't know much about the Ironmen, except with an enrollment of almost 2,100 this is the largest school SHG has faced in some time. I think the home field team wins out in a tight game. Normal Community 34 SHG 27
Rochester at Peoria
The last of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. Rochester opens on the road against the defending 5A runners-up. Not crazy that this is being played Week 1 and away from home, but it will serve as a clear marker for the rest of the season. Rochester will also be without QB/WR Parker Gillespie until at least the 2nd half of the regular season. The Rockets will likely split snaps at QB with Juniors Bryan Zulauf and Eli Carlson. Rochester's defense should be improved from last year, and we'll find out immediately how well they can compete against Peoria's size and athleticism. I think if the score is in the 20's and 30's for each team, the Rockets have a great chance to win. If it hits the 40's, I think the advantage switches to Peoria. Hopefully, Rochester special teams will be ready for multiple on-side kicks. I think Rochester finds a way to eke out a win. Rochester 38 Peoria 34
Saturday
U High at Springfield
The second game to be played at the renovated Memorial Stadium. Last year, Springfield got a nice road win by beating U High 32-13 in Week 4. U High has improved their program numbers and played a lot of Sophomores last season. They took their lumps at times but gained valuable experience. Unfortunately for U High, they have to replace a 2-year starting QB who was the focal point of their offense while facing Springfield and SHG on the road Weeks 1 and 2. Springfield went 4-5 last year but should make the playoffs. The big question is how many regular season wins are realistic, 5, 6, or possibly 7? The Senators will be starting a Sophomore at QB apparently, having moved last year's QB, Paul Hartman, to WR/TE. Hartman will be very difficult to cover. Springfield should win fairly comfortably. Springfield 38 U High 15
Friday
Lincoln at Lanphier
Lincoln's first game back in the CS8 after having been in the Apollo conference since 2017. Lincoln went 4-5 last year in the Apollo and has a good number of returning players. Lanphier was 1-8 and gave up a conference high 414 points along with going through multiple QB's. The renovated Memorial Stadium seems to have given a boost to the Lanphier program, and I expect them to give a good effort. Coach Goff seems to have found a QB as well. Lincoln still has more experience and greater depth. They should get the win. Lincoln 28 Lanphier 13
Southeast at MacArthur
This is a rematch of last year's Week 1 contest, which Mac won 40-8 at Southeast. I don't see a huge difference in either team from last year at this time. Southeast has several good athletes, particularly at WR, but will need to protect their QB better to give him time to throw. Mac has an intriguing freshman RB who has already been offered by the U of I. How much will he factor in their offense immediately? New Spartan Coach Kinkade will likely need to wait until a later date to get his first win. MacArthur 38 Southeast 12
Jacksonville at Eisenhower
Last year, the Crimsons won 48-0 in Week 6. Jacksonville has to replace 3-year starting QB Elijah Owens (Indiana State). They do return an experienced O-Line and an elite RB in Cam'Ron Mitchell. Eisenhower could have packed it in last season after being shutout 5 weeks in a row from weeks 2-6 and giving up a total of 368 points. They never quit and played better at the end of the season, getting their lone win in Week 8 against Southeast. Jacksonville should be able to get their new QB some needed experience and come out on top. Jacksonville 35 Eisenhower 8
Danville at Chatham
The first of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. These two teams have played before, with Chatham winning 56-20 in the 2019 playoffs. Chatham made the 6A semifinals that year before losing to East St Louis. Danville was 6-4 last year, losing to Normal West in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs. Chatham was 7-3 and lost to Quincy in the 1st round of the 6A playoffs. Chatham will probably play 2 QB's, a Junior who is more of a runner and a Sophomore who is more of a thrower. I expect Danville to test the Titans Run defense early and often. I do predict a Chatham win as they typically play well at home and started out last year very strong. However, I think this will be a close contest. Chatham 30 Danville 22 GAME MOVED TO SATURDAY 7 PM
SHG at Normal Community
The second of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. A challenging start for new SHG Coach Allison, on the road against a 7A playoff qualifier who returns a good number of players. SHG is the underdog. I won't be shocked if they lose but will be if they don't play competitively. An SHG upset is also not out of the realm of possibility. SHG has 19 new starters and if those players have any growing pains, it's most likely to be in Week 1. SHG doesn't want to get behind by multiple scores early. I don't know much about the Ironmen, except with an enrollment of almost 2,100 this is the largest school SHG has faced in some time. I think the home field team wins out in a tight game. Normal Community 34 SHG 27
Rochester at Peoria
The last of the CS8 vs Big 12 games. Rochester opens on the road against the defending 5A runners-up. Not crazy that this is being played Week 1 and away from home, but it will serve as a clear marker for the rest of the season. Rochester will also be without QB/WR Parker Gillespie until at least the 2nd half of the regular season. The Rockets will likely split snaps at QB with Juniors Bryan Zulauf and Eli Carlson. Rochester's defense should be improved from last year, and we'll find out immediately how well they can compete against Peoria's size and athleticism. I think if the score is in the 20's and 30's for each team, the Rockets have a great chance to win. If it hits the 40's, I think the advantage switches to Peoria. Hopefully, Rochester special teams will be ready for multiple on-side kicks. I think Rochester finds a way to eke out a win. Rochester 38 Peoria 34
Saturday
U High at Springfield
The second game to be played at the renovated Memorial Stadium. Last year, Springfield got a nice road win by beating U High 32-13 in Week 4. U High has improved their program numbers and played a lot of Sophomores last season. They took their lumps at times but gained valuable experience. Unfortunately for U High, they have to replace a 2-year starting QB who was the focal point of their offense while facing Springfield and SHG on the road Weeks 1 and 2. Springfield went 4-5 last year but should make the playoffs. The big question is how many regular season wins are realistic, 5, 6, or possibly 7? The Senators will be starting a Sophomore at QB apparently, having moved last year's QB, Paul Hartman, to WR/TE. Hartman will be very difficult to cover. Springfield should win fairly comfortably. Springfield 38 U High 15
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