CS8 2026 Schedule (Complete)

[Roamin' Catholic]

Oh... Well... Lincoln trying to spread it out against anyone not Ike will end up getting clobbered by 35! They don't have the Jimmy's and Joe's that Rochester, SHG, Chatham, QND, etc., have!!!

And QND does it with half or less than on the roster...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I found this interesting as well when Darin was talking with HC Allison. Trying to find a week two game had gotten so bad the staff thought they might end up playing only eight games. QND was having the same problem at the time and the two head coaches had talked with each other about possibly playing twice. Carbondale opened up for the Raiders so that was out. Coach Allison called JCA wanting a home game having secured only three and that was turned down. Nine games are better then eight. Ratsy

I believe some D3/NAIA leagues play each other twice every so often. I've never understood the stigma against just playing the same team twice unless it's a bloodbath every time or something crazy like that. I agree, full schedules are better than incomplete ones.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... The State Journal Register today brought out an article in their sports section called Springfield's 274 names to know in high school sports for 2026-27. (Springfield Area) Below are the CS8 players they listed. Odd they have not included any Titan players. Ratsy

Rochester -
Parker Seifert
Nate Swaney
Dylan Durocher
Macklin Nelson
Colton Maltby
JP Leonard
Evrim Tabag

SHG -
Cam Brinkman
Mikey Groesch
Jobe Kepler
Andrew Walters
Jowan Davis

Jacksonville -
Jeremiah Jackson
Darren Henry
Terrion Jackson

Lanphier-
Camarie Richmond

Southeast -
Josiah Turner

Springfield -
Trey Sutton
Bryce Bryant

By the looks of it, this was written by a Rocket homer... All kidding. Rockets are going to be a load this season. We all know that.

 

[Travelin Fan]

By the looks of it, this was written by a Rocket homer... All kidding. Rockets are going to be a load this season. We all know that.

If so it's by a Rocket homer in McLean, VA...I think they shorted deserving players across the area. Cox and Armbruster both have ISU offers and Khordell Gregory is a problem all over the field. I know, as @cornerrat#1 pointed out, the SHG line is deep - Thatcher at center probably deserving of this list too. Glenwood's safety Cruz Evans has offers from Murray State and WIU and there's got to be something in the cupboard in Chatham after so many seniors left. They have, and apparently need at least, 2 good RBs for that wishbone/full house/power I....Is it too much to ask for single wing?

The SJR needs the season to start for their football coverage to be of value.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

If so it's by a Rocket homer in McLean, VA...I think they shorted deserving players across the area. Cox and Armbruster both have ISU offers and Khordell Gregory is a problem all over the field. I know, as @cornerrat#1 pointed out, the SHG line is deep - Thatcher at center probably deserving of this list too. Glenwood's safety Cruz Evans has offers from Murray State and WIU and there's got to be something in the cupboard in Chatham after so many seniors left. They have, and apparently need at least, 2 good RBs for that wishbone/full house/power I....Is it too much to ask for single wing?

The SJR needs the season to start for their football coverage to be of value.

Fair point. I didn't even look. I was just going based on the number of Rockets, and lack of SHG, Chatham, others... I figured Glenwood was an oversight on whoever put this together. We all know Chatham has to have some kids worthy of any list for this league. I just found that tidbit cornerrat tossed out quite hilarious. Was going to give ole' Sean Robinson a shout and see what his buddies in the media were thinking letting their bias shine so bright this early in the year...

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... And so it begins. Raatsy

One Day Until Practice – A Hype Video For 2026 Fall Football | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... 1450am on the Huddle today has the Chatham interview. Partial stats below -

Offense - Nine players are still being looked at for the line. The Titans at times will use two quarterbacks. Junior Michael Young 4-9 57 yards 2 td's playing four games in 2025 and sophomore Harken Clutts.

Three rb's -
Sean Walker Knight - sophomore
Malik Banks - GP -4 - 30-250 8.3 3 td 5'9" 150lb junior
Alfonso Burrows - 5'10' 200lb senior

Multiple wide outs will be used. One brought in for the interview and I assume is the main receiver Isaiah Massey 6'1" 180lb senior. No stats for 2025 listed

The defense is ahead of the offense mentioned in getting ready for the season. Interview with Cruz Evans fS/cb 6'1" 173lb played 2 games with 3 solo tackles. The other Jackson Wix a junior cornerback. Wix I have been told on one who would know is a hard nose stud and hitter. Considered for the most part the only starter back. Played 10 games with 9 solo's and 14 assists.

And yes rocketnation the "speed and violence" mantra Coach Dambacher mentioned he was bringing to Chatham was front and center and echoed several times by the players being interviewed. When asked about the defense Coach Dambacher called it a fast violent defense. Ok.... Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Forgot to mention not a peep by Coach Dambacher if he is running the wishbone. Ratsy

 

[rocketnation]

All.... 1450am on the Huddle today has the Chatham interview. Partial stats below -

Offense - Nine players are still being looked at for the line. The Titans at times will use two quarterbacks. Junior Michael Young 4-9 57 yards 2 td's playing four games in 2025 and sophomore Harken Clutts.

Three rb's -
Sean Walker Knight - sophomore
Malik Banks - GP -4 - 30-250 8.3 3 td 5'9" 150lb junior
Alfonso Burrows - 5'10' 200lb senior

Multiple wide outs will be used. One brought in for the interview and I assume is the main receiver Isaiah Massey 6'1" 180lb senior. No stats for 2025 listed

The defense is ahead of the offense mentioned in getting ready for the season. Interview with Cruz Evans fS/cb 6'1" 173lb played 2 games with 3 solo tackles. The other Jackson Wix a junior cornerback. Wix I have been told on one who would know is a hard nose stud and hitter. Considered for the most part the only starter back. Played 10 games with 9 solo's and 14 assists.

And yes rocketnation the "speed and violence" mantra Coach Dambacher mentioned he was bringing to Chatham was front and center and echoed several times by the players being interviewed. When asked about the defense Coach Dambacher called it a fast violent defense. Ok.... Ratsy

Thinking more how the Titans would be better positioned for the regular season if they could've flipped their Week 1 and 2 games. Getting all these new starters a full game's experience against a very beatable Alton before facing Normal West and, perhaps, also deciding on the starting QB would be positives. Instead, these first game issues will play out against an experienced team returning 13 starters. Perhaps the Titans will come out on top, but I remember Colton Knoedler's 1st start Game 1 as a sophomore against Danville and it's difficult to have instant success.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Thinking more how the Titans would be better positioned for the regular season if they could've flipped their Week 1 and 2 games. Getting all these new starters a full game's experience against a very beatable Alton before facing Normal West and, perhaps, also deciding on the starting QB would be positives. Instead, these first game issues will play out against an experienced team returning 13 starters. Perhaps the Titans will come out on top, but I remember Colton Knoedler's 1st start Game 1 as a sophomore against Danville and it's difficult to have instant success.

All.... Yes a tough opener. The Wildcats as a rule are a mid-tier team in the Big 12. Looking them up signature conference wins in 2025 against PND and a shootout victory over Peoria. Massey still showing 35- 21 Titans but it could be a long night for them. We will see. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Fwiw and for your viewing enjoyment the CS8 Maxpreps 2026 football ratings for Illinois. (503 teams listed) Ratsy

Rochester - 33
SHG - 44
Chatham - 53
QND -124
Springfield - 178
Normal University - 200
Jacksonville - 219
Decatur (MacArthur) - 227
Lincoln - 415
Southeast - 428
Lanphier - 463
Decatur (Eisenhower) - 479

 

[DennisReynolds]

Anyone been able to find much info on Rochester's week 1 opponent Moline? Didn't see any stats listed on MaxPreps and no luck finding any stats or info on how many starters return.

 

[rocketnation]

Anyone been able to find much info on Rochester's week 1 opponent Moline? Didn't see any stats listed on MaxPreps and no luck finding any stats or info on how many starters return.

They return 12 starters (6 offense/6 defense), including Jr QB Kasen Ponder. They have also added a transfer WR from Rock Island who led the Western Big 6 in Receiving Yards/TDs last year.

 

[DennisReynolds]

They return 12 starters (6 offense/6 defense), including Jr QB Kasen Ponder. They have also added a transfer WR from Rock Island who led the Western Big 6 in Receiving Yards/TDs last year.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a decent amount back. Will be a solid challenge for the Rockets in week 1.

 

[FB1976]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a decent amount back. Will be a solid challenge for the Rockets in week 1.

Weeks 1 and 2 will both be a challenge for the Rockets. Entering conference play with a .500 record will be seen as a net positive.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Another hype video. Ratsy

The Night Before – A Look At The Inside Football Shots From Media Day | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

All.... 1450am on the Huddle today has the Chatham interview. Partial stats below -

Offense - Nine players are still being looked at for the line. The Titans at times will use two quarterbacks. Junior Michael Young 4-9 57 yards 2 td's playing four games in 2025 and sophomore Harken Clutts.

Three rb's -
Sean Walker Knight - sophomore
Malik Banks - GP -4 - 30-250 8.3 3 td 5'9" 150lb junior
Alfonso Burrows - 5'10' 200lb senior

Multiple wide outs will be used. One brought in for the interview and I assume is the main receiver Isaiah Massey 6'1" 180lb senior. No stats for 2025 listed

The defense is ahead of the offense mentioned in getting ready for the season. Interview with Cruz Evans fS/cb 6'1" 173lb played 2 games with 3 solo tackles. The other Jackson Wix a junior cornerback. Wix I have been told on one who would know is a hard nose stud and hitter. Considered for the most part the only starter back. Played 10 games with 9 solo's and 14 assists.

And yes rocketnation the "speed and violence" mantra Coach Dambacher mentioned he was bringing to Chatham was front and center and echoed several times by the players being interviewed. When asked about the defense Coach Dambacher called it a fast violent defense. Ok.... Ratsy

I hate to tell Dambacher but the Titans have always had ""speed and violence!""

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I hate to tell Dambacher but the Titans have always had ""speed and violence!""

So has everyone... it's the most common football mantra these days. Simply replaced fast and physical... because it sounds cooler I guess.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

So has everyone... it's the most common football mantra these days. Simply replaced fast and physical... because it sounds cooler I guess.

Thats BS Roamin... QND has always been slow and sluggish... YOU know that!~~

 

[cornerrat#1]

All..... The Rochester Rocket preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Rochester Rockets | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Sacred Heart-Griffin preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Sacred Heart Griffin Cyclones | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

All..... The Rochester Rocket preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Rochester Rockets | Channel 1450

The "As long as I'm here" statement has me wondering if DL is seeing greener pastures elsewhere!~~~

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

All.... The Sacred Heart-Griffin preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Sacred Heart Griffin Cyclones | Channel 1450

Gotta be truthful... IF that was the varsity O line running plays...even against the air, they are not as big, crisp nor fearsome looking! It could've been the Soph line, who knows, but either way I see soft and if they need to run the damn ball they will be in deep trouble. Definitively a zone blocking, "finesse" line!

This isn't BB material and I have no dog in the fight any longer so... I hope the CS8 gets 8 teams into the playoffs!~

 

[rocketnation]

Gotta be truthful... IF that was the varsity O line running plays...even against the air, they are not as big, crisp nor fearsome looking! It could've been the Soph line, who knows, but either way I see soft and if they need to run the damn ball they will be in deep trouble. Definitively a zone blocking, "finesse" line!

This isn't BB material and I have no dog in the fight any longer so... I hope the CS8 gets 8 teams into the playoffs!~

With the playoff expansion, I think as many as 10 will qualify.

 

[rocketnation]

The "As long as I'm here" statement has me wondering if DL is seeing greener pastures elsewhere!~~~

I do not believe DL would consider moving on until his kids graduate from HS. That will not happen for 5-6 more years.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... A short video on the Rockets week 1 opponent Moline. Massey has Rochester on the matchup tool 34-30 (56%) and on the nine game schedule listing 28-27 (52%) for this road trip game. Ratsy

High school football preview: Moline Maroons

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Springfield Senator preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Springfield High Senators | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Glenwood Titans preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Glenwood Titans | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... WGEM out of Quincy - QND Raiders. Ratsy

Chemistry & Faith: Quincy Notre Dame Football Prepares for Selfless Campaign

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... News Channel 20 - Rochester Rockets. Ratsy

Rochester Football 2026 Season Preview | Sports | newschannel20.com

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Ryne Turke video on the 2026 Jacksonville Crimsons. A smaller offensive line can bring it's own set of problems so sound blocking technique to spring those talented rb's I assume will be front and center . Ratsy

JHS Crimsons Football Preview The Crimsons are primed for a huge season in the CS8! Tons of speed and veteran leadership, this is a MUST SEE team in Central Illinois. Big thanks to Mark Grounds and the JHS for letting us drop in. Looking forward to covering these guys on Midwest Media Club | Midwest Media Club | Facebook

 

[kolchin]

All.... Ryne Turke video on the 2026 Jacksonville Crimsons. A smaller offensive line can bring it's own set of problems so sound blocking technique to spring those talented rb's I assume will be front and center . Ratsy

JHS Crimsons Football Preview The Crimsons are primed for a huge season in the CS8! Tons of speed and veteran leadership, this is a MUST SEE team in Central Illinois. Big thanks to Mark Grounds and the JHS for letting us drop in. Looking forward to covering these guys on Midwest Media Club | Midwest Media Club | Facebook

The entire line is returning from last year, and they were a top rushing team in the CS8. It's a relatively small, but capable, line.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Jacksonville Crimsons preview. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Jacksonville Crimsons | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... View from the West Kickoff Party 2026. Or as the the great Tim Schweizer would call it "Tavern Talk." Moline at the 44 minute mark. Not surprising Coach Morrissey wearing a shirt that says WING - T. Ratsy


Bing Videos

 

[jotapepe]

Decatur Eisenhower is not playing varsity this season, per Soucie.

 

[Anon1751544614]

Decatur Eisenhower is not playing varsity this season, per Soucie.

just heard wk1 only., but i was wondering if it's going to be the whole season.

 

[rocketnation]

Decatur Eisenhower is not playing varsity this season, per Soucie.

They were practicing last week but I'm guessing the upper-class numbers weren't there.

By my count, the Panthers only dressed 28 players for the Rochester game last year. Enrollment is also down about 20% from 5 years ago.

 

[rocketnation]

Confirmed by Derek Parris that Eisenhower will not play a varsity schedule.

This creates openings for:
Wk 1-Mascoutah
Wk 2- Mt Zion
Wk 3- Rochester
Wk 4- U High
Wk 5- Glenwood
Wk 6- MacArthur
Wk 7- Lincoln
Wk 8- Southeast
Wk 9- Lanphier

 

[jotapepe]

just heard wk1 only., but i was wondering if it's going to be the whole season.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Decatur Eisenhower is not playing varsity this season, per Soucie.

All.... There goes the neighborhood if it's the whole season. The Ihsa shows open dates if current for the non CS8 teams below. These are NOT scheduled. I could see some ugly scores here if some of these were to happen. Ratsy

W3 9-4 /5 Chicago Kenwood or Staunton vs Rochester
W4 9/11 Galesburg vs Normal University
W5 9/18 Madison vs Chatham Glenwood
W7 10/2 Hillsboro vs Lincoln
W8 10/9 Pana vs Southeast