CS8 Week 1 Predictions

[rocketnation]

Mascoutah could not arrange a Week 1 game and will take the forfeit win over Eisenhower.

Two rematches from last season: MacArthur vs Mattoon and Southeast vs East Peoria.

Two games will also include an undercard. Rochester Freshman will play Moline before the Varsity contest and the SHG JV will play Lincoln Way Central (LWC) before their Varsity game.

Week 1 Massey predictions skew towards last year's team strength. Lots can change in a year and there will be significant differences in some of my Week 1 predictions vs the Massey.

Compared to the high humidity last week for the intrasquad scrimmages, temperatures look outstanding for Week 1. Highs projected to be 82 in Moline and 83 in Springfield on Friday and 77 in Bloomington on Saturday.

Let the games begin.

Friday
Lanphier at LaSalle Peru (LP)
Some rumblings locally that Lanphier has low program numbers and did not hold a scrimmage last week. They will rely heavily on returning QB Camarie Richmond. LP lost their starting QB to transfer to Morris and went 2-7 last season but should get the win at Home. LP 26 Lanphier 8 (Massey: LP 45 Lanphier 6).

Southeast at East Peoria (EP)
East Peoria won 47-13 last year after the Spartans almost knocked them off in '24 in Coach Nate Borders first game. The Raiders were 4-5 last season, while the Spartans were 3-6. An early game with playoff implications after the expansion to 384 qualifiers. I am taking EP at Home. EP 31 Southeast 13 (Massey: EP 41-14).

Jacksonville at Jerseyville
Jacksonville has too much returning speed and depth at RB for the Panthers, who were 2-7 last year. The Crimsons have at least 3 solid options at RB and should win handily. A good matchup for the new QB to get game experience. Jacksonville 43 Jerseyville 14 (Massey: Jacksonville 40-22).

QND at Decatur St Teresa
St Teresa looks to be improved after going 3-6 last year. However, this is a tough Week 1 game for them. QND returns QB John Venvertloh who passed for 30 TDs last year and should have more size and depth than the Bulldogs. QND should pull away in the 2nd half. QND 38 St Teresa 17 (Massey: QND 41-10).

Cahokia at Springfield
Cahokia returns quite a bit after reaching the 4A Quarterfinals last season. Springfield has to replace 3-year starting QB Brody Scheffler and several talented Receivers. A tough Week 1 contest for the Senators. Cahokia 42 Springfield 17. (Massey: Cahokia 37-32).

Normal West at Chatham
Normal West (NW) returns 13 starters from last year's 6A playoff qualifier, including a Junior QB who became the starter in midseason and a RB who has gone over 1,000 yards the last two years. Chatham is looking at a complete rebuild, with 21 of 22 starters graduating. The loss of 3-year starting QB Colten Knoedler, RB Grady Mueller, and WR Blake Lehnen will be felt, particularly early in the season. Expect Chatham to play with a lot of enthusiasm at home but for NW to pull away. NW 34 Chatham 14 (Massey: Chatham 42-21).

Decatur MacArthur at Mattoon
Mac won 20-0 last year but lost their starting QB for the season after one half. He returns along with 1,400-yard rusher Cayden Brown. Mattoon should be better than their 1-8 record last year, but the Generals should still win comfortably. MacArthur 35 Mattoon 7 (Massey: MacArthur 36-14)

Peoria Manual at Lincoln
Lincoln's 1st game with a new Coach along with a switch of their field from grass to turf. Manual was 0-9 last year, while Lincoln was 1-8. This is a real opportunity for the Railers to get a win right off the bat towards the 3 needed to make the playoffs. Lincoln 30 Manual 27 (Massey: Lincoln 34-27).

U High at Rochelle
A tough assignment for U High's new starting Sophomore QB and the Pioneers on the road against the Hubs, who were 6-4 last year and made the 4A playoffs. Rochelle 31 U High 10. (Massey: Rochelle 42-14).

Rochester at Moline
Moline made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs last year and has an enrollment of 2,207. They will provide a stern test at home against the Rockets. Rochester returns QB JP Leonard, and he has multiple big play options at Receiver, led by Nate Swaney, Eli Cox, and the Gregory twins. The Defense will be challenged by the Maroons Wing T Offense, but I like the Rockets to get the road win. Rochester 37 Moline 27 (Massey: Rochester 28-27).

Saturday (@ Illinois Wesleyan)
SHG vs Lincoln Way Central (LWC)
LWC was 9-2 last season and made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs. They have an enrollment of 2,003. The Knights will certainly have size and a good number of skill players, but I do not know many specifics about their program. In many years, they would be favored against SHG. However, the Cyclones return 3-year starting QB Cam Brinkman, RB Mikey Groesch, WR Andrew Wolters, and have their biggest Offensive Line in recent history. I think SHG pulls out a very close victory. SHG 27 LWC 24 (Massey: LWC 40-14).

 

[Icecreambus]

I think all the Springfield schools lose this week and the rest of the conference wins. Rochester versus Moline will be the game of the week, but I think Rochester is just too stacked. They will go undefeated until the finals where they lose a competitive game to Montini.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Mascoutah could not arrange a Week 1 game and will take the forfeit win over Eisenhower.

Two rematches from last season: MacArthur vs Mattoon and Southeast vs East Peoria.

Two games will also include an undercard. Rochester Freshman will play Moline before the Varsity contest and the SHG JV will play Lincoln Way Central (LWC) before their Varsity game.

Week 1 Massey predictions skew towards last year's team strength. Lots can change in a year and there will be significant differences in some of my Week 1 predictions vs the Massey.

Compared to the high humidity last week for the intrasquad scrimmages, temperatures look outstanding for Week 1. Highs projected to be 82 in Moline and 83 in Springfield on Friday and 77 in Bloomington on Saturday.

Let the games begin.

Friday
Lanphier at LaSalle Peru (LP)
Some rumblings locally that Lanphier has low program numbers and did not hold a scrimmage last week. They will rely heavily on returning QB Camarie Richmond. LP lost their starting QB to transfer to Morris and went 2-7 last season but should get the win at Home. LP 26 Lanphier 8 (Massey: LP 45 Lanphier 6).

Southeast at East Peoria (EP)
East Peoria won 47-13 last year after the Spartans almost knocked them off in '24 in Coach Nate Borders first game. The Raiders were 4-5 last season, while the Spartans were 3-6. An early game with playoff implications after the expansion to 384 qualifiers. I am taking EP at Home. EP 31 Southeast 13 (Massey: EP 41-14).

Jacksonville at Jerseyville
Jacksonville has too much returning speed and depth at RB for the Panthers, who were 2-7 last year. The Crimsons have at least 3 solid options at RB and should win handily. A good matchup for the new QB to get game experience. Jacksonville 43 Jerseyville 14 (Massey: Jacksonville 40-22).

QND at Decatur St Teresa
St Teresa looks to be improved after going 3-6 last year. However, this is a tough Week 1 game for them. QND returns QB John Venvertloh who passed for 30 TDs last year and should have more size and depth than the Bulldogs. QND should pull away in the 2nd half. QND 38 St Teresa 17 (Massey: QND 41-10).

Cahokia at Springfield
Cahokia returns quite a bit after reaching the 4A Quarterfinals last season. Springfield has to replace 3-year starting QB Brody Scheffler and several talented Receivers. A tough Week 1 contest for the Senators. Cahokia 42 Springfield 17. (Massey: Cahokia 37-32).

Normal West at Chatham
Normal West (NW) returns 13 starters from last year's 6A playoff qualifier, including a Junior QB who became the starter in midseason and a RB who has gone over 1,000 yards the last two years. Chatham is looking at a complete rebuild, with 21 of 22 starters graduating. The loss of 3-year starting QB Colten Knoedler, RB Grady Mueller, and WR Blake Lehnen will be felt, particularly early in the season. Expect Chatham to play with a lot of enthusiasm at home but for NW to pull away. NW 34 Chatham 14 (Massey: Chatham 42-21).

Decatur MacArthur at Mattoon
Mac won 20-0 last year but lost their starting QB for the season after one half. He returns along with 1,400-yard rusher Cayden Brown. Mattoon should be better than their 1-8 record last year, but the Generals should still win comfortably. MacArthur 35 Mattoon 7 (Massey: MacArthur 36-14)

Peoria Manual at Lincoln
Lincoln's 1st game with a new Coach along with a switch of their field from grass to turf. Manual was 0-9 last year, while Lincoln was 1-8. This is a real opportunity for the Railers to get a win right off the bat towards the 3 needed to make the playoffs. Lincoln 30 Manual 27 (Massey: Lincoln 34-27).

U High at Rochelle
A tough assignment for U High's new starting Sophomore QB and the Pioneers on the road against the Hubs, who were 6-4 last year and made the 4A playoffs. Rochelle 31 U High 10. (Massey: Rochelle 42-14).

Rochester at Moline
Moline made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs last year and has an enrollment of 2,207. They will provide a stern test at home against the Rockets. Rochester returns QB JP Leonard, and he has multiple big play options at Receiver, led by Nate Swaney, Eli Cox, and the Gregory twins. The Defense will be challenged by the Maroons Wing T Offense, but I like the Rockets to get the road win. Rochester 37 Moline 27 (Massey: Rochester 28-27).

Saturday (@ Illinois Wesleyan)
SHG vs Lincoln Way Central (LWC)
LWC was 9-2 last season and made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs. They have an enrollment of 2,003. The Knights will certainly have size and a good number of skill players, but I do not know many specifics about their program. In many years, they would be favored against SHG. However, the Cyclones return 3-year starting QB Cam Brinkman, RB Mikey Groesch, WR Andrew Wolters, and have their biggest Offensive Line in recent history. I think SHG pulls out a very close victory. SHG 27 LWC 24 (Massey: LWC 40-14).

Very nice breakdown, Rocketnation! Good luck to your Rockets this season! Always fun to watch

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I think all the Springfield schools lose this week and the rest of the conference wins. Rochester versus Moline will be the game of the week, but I think Rochester is just too stacked. They will go undefeated until the finals where they lose a competitive game to Montini.

Rochester is stacked, but Moline is wildly undersold by most in this state. They've got a team up there this year and I think they're going to come out this week wanting to show that to everyone else who they are. Rochester may be a 4A foe, but they're a household name in "downstate" football. Wish I could see this one for sure. I personally think it will be a close contest, closer than 10 pts.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Rocket, are we concerned Lanphier will be rolling over at some point? Meaning cancelling/forfeiting? Is it that bad?

I hope U-High can be more competitive than the prediction. They've been building for a few years now but I know roster turnover has most concerned for a crippling set back year.

Curious what we'll learn from Chatham week 1... could be a lot.

I think we'll get a good feel for where QND is at against St. Teresa, who I'm hoping is as improved as the folks around that program are hinting at... Brit Miller is a great dude and works his butt off I'm sure, but a 4A playoff program is a tough draw for any 2A school. Props to them for taking this game to help fill the week 1 void this year. St. T certainly asking for the challenge by doing so. As long as QND can find someone not named Rowan Stegeman for Mr. Venvertloh to throw to we may be ok. I look for Coach Cornell to tell Venvertloh to spread out the targets this week. Find some viable options with hands. The RB situation should be a two-headed attack, so it would appear. All hands on deck though for a program like QND, we don't have the numbers so two-way play will be the norm yet again.

Manual vs. Lincoln feels like an old Gus Macker Toilet Bowl game... and not the for the toilet trophy either. But some hope lies in Splitterville with W-L's old head man running the show now. He got W-L to the back to the playoffs so who knows...

Solid stuff as always, rocket. Happy travels this week everyone. Stay safe! Football is finally back baby!

 

[rocketnation]

Rocket, are we concerned Lanphier will be rolling over at some point? Meaning cancelling/forfeiting? Is it that bad?

I hope U-High can be more competitive than the prediction. They've been building for a few years now but I know roster turnover has most concerned for a crippling set back year.

Curious what we'll learn from Chatham week 1... could be a lot.

I think we'll get a good feel for where QND is at against St. Teresa, who I'm hoping is as improved as the folks around that program are hinting at... Brit Miller is a great dude and works his butt off I'm sure, but a 4A playoff program is a tough draw for any 2A school. Props to them for taking this game to help fill the week 1 void this year. St. T certainly asking for the challenge by doing so. As long as QND can find someone not named Rowan Stegeman for Mr. Venvertloh to throw to we may be ok. I look for Coach Cornell to tell Venvertloh to spread out the targets this week. Find some viable options with hands. The RB situation should be a two-headed attack, so it would appear. All hands on deck though for a program like QND, we don't have the numbers so two-way play will be the norm yet again.

Manual vs. Lincoln feels like an old Gus Macker Toilet Bowl game... and not the for the toilet trophy either. But some hope lies in Splitterville with W-L's old head man running the show now. He got W-L to the back to the playoffs so who knows...

Solid stuff as always, rocket. Happy travels this week everyone. Stay safe! Football is finally back baby!

I hope I'm wrong about Lanphier, thought it was not a good sign they didn't scrimmage last week. Also, the local 1450 preview indicated that they already had lost some players to injury. Now every program deals with injuries but it hurts more when the numbers are already low. Perhaps those players will be back by Friday. I think we'll know a lot more after a few weeks.

 

[Travelin Fan]

Rocket, are we concerned Lanphier will be rolling over at some point? Meaning cancelling/forfeiting? Is it that bad?

I hope U-High can be more competitive than the prediction. They've been building for a few years now but I know roster turnover has most concerned for a crippling set back year.

Curious what we'll learn from Chatham week 1... could be a lot.

I think we'll get a good feel for where QND is at against St. Teresa, who I'm hoping is as improved as the folks around that program are hinting at... Brit Miller is a great dude and works his butt off I'm sure, but a 4A playoff program is a tough draw for any 2A school. Props to them for taking this game to help fill the week 1 void this year. St. T certainly asking for the challenge by doing so. As long as QND can find someone not named Rowan Stegeman for Mr. Venvertloh to throw to we may be ok. I look for Coach Cornell to tell Venvertloh to spread out the targets this week. Find some viable options with hands. The RB situation should be a two-headed attack, so it would appear. All hands on deck though for a program like QND, we don't have the numbers so two-way play will be the norm yet again.

Manual vs. Lincoln feels like an old Gus Macker Toilet Bowl game... and not the for the toilet trophy either. But some hope lies in Splitterville with W-L's old head man running the show now. He got W-L to the back to the playoffs so who knows...

Solid stuff as always, rocket. Happy travels this week everyone. Stay safe! Football is finally back baby!

I hope all programs are able to stay the course...that said Roamin'...if they were to drop before week 3 we could hope for a home and home between Rochester and QND this year!

Rochester's new restaurant may even be open by then...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I hope all programs are able to stay the course...that said Roamin'...if they were to drop before week 3 we could hope for a home and home between Rochester and QND this year!

Rochester's new restaurant may even be open by then...

I see your new restaurant... big news for the town btw! Congrats!... Only if you come drink a pint with us at The Abbey afterwards

 

[cigaros]

I think all the Springfield schools lose this week and the rest of the conference wins. Rochester versus Moline will be the game of the week, but I think Rochester is just too stacked. They will go undefeated until the finals where they lose a competitive game to Montini.

Montini will be 5A this season. And Rochester is down in enrollment, furthering securing them in the 4A bracket as opposed to seasons past in which they grew to a borderline 5a school by enrollment numbers.

 

[rocketnation]

SJR Staff Predictions (No Picks for U High/MacArthur/QND games)
Normal West 42 Chatham 28
Rochester 49 Moline 28
Cahokia 54 Springfield 27
SHG 42 Lincoln Way Central 28
Lincoln 20 Peoria Manual 18
Jacksonville 49 Jerseyville 13
LaSalle Peru 30 Lanphier 13
East Peoria 42 Southeast 20

 

[4Afan]

Montini will be 5A this season. And Rochester is down in enrollment, furthering securing them in the 4A bracket as opposed to seasons past in which they grew to a borderline 5a school by enrollment numbers.

Montini still 4A until they win again this year.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Montini still 4A until they win again this year.

Montini, SHG, Rochester and... ? from the north for the 4A semi's? Feels like a safe bet at this point before games begin. Start the debate now? lol

 

[4Afan]

Montini, SHG, Rochester and... ? from the north for the 4A semi's? Feels like a safe bet at this point before games begin. Start the debate now? lol

Obviously depends on how the bracket falls but likely 4A semi's is Morris/Montini in the North and Rochester/SHG in the south.

 

[skinsfootball]

Possibly completely false, but I have heard from 3 different sources Montini is petitioning up to 5a and they have until September. 1 to do it. I'm not totally convinced yet. I think they like being a big fish in a small pond come post season.
Take it for what its worth. May be something, may be nothing.

 

[Icecreambus]

Possibly completely false, but I have heard from 3 different sources Montini is petitioning up to 5a and they have until September. 1 to do it. I'm not totally convinced yet. I think they like being a big fish in a small pond come post season.
Take it for what it’s worth. May be something, may be nothing.

That is not how Bukovsky operates. They will have to drag him kicking and screaming up a division where they will punt a few years until they are placed back down a division. Then they can stack the deck back in their favor.

 

[cigaros]

Montini still 4A until they win again this year.

My comment was based upon this year‘s enrollment and where the likely cutoff is. By my assessments, SHG will be the largest 4a school with Montini being the smallest 5a school.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Montini still 4A until they win again this year.

Obviously depends on how the bracket falls but likely 4A semi's is Morris/Montini in the North and Rochester/SHG in the south.

All.... Very diffiicult to predict at this early stage with the new postseason change where schools from across the eight classes with losing records qualifying. A simplistic way to view it one would assume with more teams available (and I didn't do an actual count) enrollment wise from 5A-8A and less from 4A to 1A the push would be down not up . But we are talking losing records and rocketnation reminded me those CPL teams qualifying could throw the whole thing up in the air.

Bronco's enrollment dropped by two and remains pretty static for this year. I have been noting for months a nice increase in enrollment reflected this season at SHG I feel has pushed the Cyclones up enough to end up as one of the smaller postseason 5A teams when the qualifiers are announced. Still only a blind guess at at best this early. Ratsy

 

[cigaros]

All.... Very diffiicult to predict at this early stage with the new postseason change where schools from across the eight classes with losing records qualifying. A simplistic way to view it one would assume with more teams available (and I didn't do an actual count) enrollment wise from 5A-8A and less from 4A to 1A the push would be down not up . But we are talking losing records and rocketnation reminded me those CPL teams qualifying could throw the whole thing up in the air.

Bronco's enrollment dropped by two and remains pretty static for this year. I have been noting for months a nice increase in enrollment reflected this season at SHG I feel has pushed the Cyclones up enough to end up as one of the smaller postseason 5A teams when the qualifiers are announced. Still only a blind guess at at best this early. Ratsy

To give some perspective, if we applied this year’s playoff set up to last year’s season, SHG would be the largest for a school while Mantini would be the smallest five. This takes into account anyone playing up as well as The One loss records, which would qualify as one of the 48 in each class

 

[Anon1751544614]

Rocket, are we concerned Lanphier will be rolling over at some point? Meaning cancelling/forfeiting? Is it that bad?

i would be concerned. they've started the last 3 years with decent numbers, but by the time the season was over they'd lost a LOT of kids. net-se.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Enrollment figures.

2025 - Montini 553 (912.45) 2026 - 551 (907.50)

2025 - SHG 551 (912.45) 2026 - 594 (980.10)

Hope springs eternal for some as they say. Ratsy

 

[Travelin Fan]

Soucie's latest projection using his "3 year win model" had Montini as the 2nd largest 4A school in.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Soucie's latest projection using his "3 year win model" had Montini as the 2nd largest 4A school in.

All.... Just "heard" that a couple of minutes ago as well as SHG being the third smallest in class 5A. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Weather continues to look good for most upcoming CS8 games. Ratsy

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I'll have a few updates from Decatur... time to see what the lot is like at DST... apparently they sell parking spots for tailgating? The scrimmage last year was scarce in terms of spectators... so didn't get a real feel for a game there at all. Been since Wright was in Orange and blue since I've seen a game there and we arrived late.

BamaTimber where you headed this week old timer? Lol

Rat, beef aside, best of luck to the Cycs. Go kick their ***.

Are all our Rocket faithful headed to the QC for the showdown with the Maroons? Will definitely have an eye on this one.

Prayers for Glenwood. RIP IKE

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... Just "heard" that a couple of minutes ago as well as SHG being the third smallest in class 5A. Ratsy

Well that would certainly make 4A south a bit more interesting...

 

[rocketnation]

South County Mr. Pick'em Predictions
Chatham 21 Normal West 17
Rochester 28 Moline 20
MacArthur 37 Mattoon 14
Lincoln 16 Peoria Manual 12
Jacksonville 30 Jerseyville 18
QND 33 St Teresa 21
U High 27 Rochelle 21
East Peoria 28 Southeast 23
Cahokia 25 Springfield 17
LaSalle Peru 20 Lanphier 14
Lincoln Way Central 35 SHG 26

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Duerrisms (Chris Duerr) Prediction for QND...

QND 24 St. Teresa 18

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Mascoutah could not arrange a Week 1 game and will take the forfeit win over Eisenhower.

Two rematches from last season: MacArthur vs Mattoon and Southeast vs East Peoria.

Two games will also include an undercard. Rochester Freshman will play Moline before the Varsity contest and the SHG JV will play Lincoln Way Central (LWC) before their Varsity game.

Week 1 Massey predictions skew towards last year's team strength. Lots can change in a year and there will be significant differences in some of my Week 1 predictions vs the Massey.

Compared to the high humidity last week for the intrasquad scrimmages, temperatures look outstanding for Week 1. Highs projected to be 82 in Moline and 83 in Springfield on Friday and 77 in Bloomington on Saturday.

Let the games begin.

Friday
Lanphier at LaSalle Peru (LP)
Some rumblings locally that Lanphier has low program numbers and did not hold a scrimmage last week. They will rely heavily on returning QB Camarie Richmond. LP lost their starting QB to transfer to Morris and went 2-7 last season but should get the win at Home. LP 26 Lanphier 8 (Massey: LP 45 Lanphier 6).

Southeast at East Peoria (EP)
East Peoria won 47-13 last year after the Spartans almost knocked them off in '24 in Coach Nate Borders first game. The Raiders were 4-5 last season, while the Spartans were 3-6. An early game with playoff implications after the expansion to 384 qualifiers. I am taking EP at Home. EP 31 Southeast 13 (Massey: EP 41-14).

Jacksonville at Jerseyville
Jacksonville has too much returning speed and depth at RB for the Panthers, who were 2-7 last year. The Crimsons have at least 3 solid options at RB and should win handily. A good matchup for the new QB to get game experience. Jacksonville 43 Jerseyville 14 (Massey: Jacksonville 40-22).

QND at Decatur St Teresa
St Teresa looks to be improved after going 3-6 last year. However, this is a tough Week 1 game for them. QND returns QB John Venvertloh who passed for 30 TDs last year and should have more size and depth than the Bulldogs. QND should pull away in the 2nd half. QND 38 St Teresa 17 (Massey: QND 41-10).

Cahokia at Springfield
Cahokia returns quite a bit after reaching the 4A Quarterfinals last season. Springfield has to replace 3-year starting QB Brody Scheffler and several talented Receivers. A tough Week 1 contest for the Senators. Cahokia 42 Springfield 17. (Massey: Cahokia 37-32).

Normal West at Chatham
Normal West (NW) returns 13 starters from last year's 6A playoff qualifier, including a Junior QB who became the starter in midseason and a RB who has gone over 1,000 yards the last two years. Chatham is looking at a complete rebuild, with 21 of 22 starters graduating. The loss of 3-year starting QB Colten Knoedler, RB Grady Mueller, and WR Blake Lehnen will be felt, particularly early in the season. Expect Chatham to play with a lot of enthusiasm at home but for NW to pull away. NW 34 Chatham 14 (Massey: Chatham 42-21).

Decatur MacArthur at Mattoon
Mac won 20-0 last year but lost their starting QB for the season after one half. He returns along with 1,400-yard rusher Cayden Brown. Mattoon should be better than their 1-8 record last year, but the Generals should still win comfortably. MacArthur 35 Mattoon 7 (Massey: MacArthur 36-14)

Peoria Manual at Lincoln
Lincoln's 1st game with a new Coach along with a switch of their field from grass to turf. Manual was 0-9 last year, while Lincoln was 1-8. This is a real opportunity for the Railers to get a win right off the bat towards the 3 needed to make the playoffs. Lincoln 30 Manual 27 (Massey: Lincoln 34-27).

U High at Rochelle
A tough assignment for U High's new starting Sophomore QB and the Pioneers on the road against the Hubs, who were 6-4 last year and made the 4A playoffs. Rochelle 31 U High 10. (Massey: Rochelle 42-14).

Rochester at Moline
Moline made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs last year and has an enrollment of 2,207. They will provide a stern test at home against the Rockets. Rochester returns QB JP Leonard, and he has multiple big play options at Receiver, led by Nate Swaney, Eli Cox, and the Gregory twins. The Defense will be challenged by the Maroons Wing T Offense, but I like the Rockets to get the road win. Rochester 37 Moline 27 (Massey: Rochester 28-27).

Saturday (@ Illinois Wesleyan)
SHG vs Lincoln Way Central (LWC)
LWC was 9-2 last season and made the 2nd Round of the 7A playoffs. They have an enrollment of 2,003. The Knights will certainly have size and a good number of skill players, but I do not know many specifics about their program. In many years, they would be favored against SHG. However, the Cyclones return 3-year starting QB Cam Brinkman, RB Mikey Groesch, WR Andrew Wolters, and have their biggest Offensive Line in recent history. I think SHG pulls out a very close victory. SHG 27 LWC 24 (Massey: LWC 40-14).

Damn good job Rocket!~~~ I think it will be a bad week overall for the CS8... Some good competition which is always a plus but the overall strength of the conference will be down in a year of the participation playoffs and the weakness of the conference will show in the first round of the playoffs...

I think we will have some really good teams: Rochester, QND, SHG but we will have some really crappy teams as well. I can only speak for Chatham... for the last time the Dave Hay influenced players are now starters. Chatham's talent is the strength of the sports programs... and pushing towards the 1500 enrollment mark, the talent should be there year in and year out!~ Every level of the football program is ran with the "ONE WAY" motto so the 2026 team, IF coached by a real coach and not someone looking to be friends with everyone, should see success... 4 years ago, with a freshman QB led the Titans to a 7-2 regular season! The point I've made before is these 2026 Titans got into half of each of the games, aside of the Rochester and SHG games, so they should be successful this season. From what I see and hear, the head coach is night and day different that David Hay... I think-I feel for a better word, that the Titans will beat Normal West... 28-20. Fast forward to 2027... I think bad mojo is coming for the Titans... I hope Im wrong.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I'm going to play along this year, rocket, just for fun and comparisons. I won't be making QND predictions though... Never been a fan of picking the homer side.

Week 1 Predictions

LP 35 Lanphier 6
EP 42 Southeast 13
Jax 56 Jersey 20
Cahokia 35 SHS 13
Normal West 42 Glenwood 28
Lincoln 28 Manual 14
Rochelle 35 U-High 27
Rochester 35-Moline 34
SHG 34 LWC 21

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

SJR Staff Predictions (No Picks for U High/MacArthur/QND games)
Normal West 42 Chatham 28
Rochester 49 Moline 28
Cahokia 54 Springfield 27
SHG 42 Lincoln Way Central 28
Lincoln 20 Peoria Manual 18
Jacksonville 49 Jerseyville 13
LaSalle Peru 30 Lanphier 13
East Peoria 42 Southeast 20

Getting anything from the SJR is like getting dating advice off the bathroom walls of a biker bar!~

If SE loses by 22 to EP they may win 1 game this season...

With Chatham ranked #10 someone must know of the talent and coaching of the pipeline to varsity football in Chatham because everyone outside of the "Know" thinks Chatham is toast.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I'll have a few updates from Decatur... time to see what the lot is like at DST... apparently they sell parking spots for tailgating? The scrimmage last year was scarce in terms of spectators... so didn't get a real feel for a game there at all. Been since Wright was in Orange and blue since I've seen a game there and we arrived late.

BamaTimber where you headed this week old timer? Lol

Rat, beef aside, best of luck to the Cycs. Go kick their ***.

Are all our Rocket faithful headed to the QC for the showdown with the Maroons? Will definitely have an eye on this one.

Prayers for Glenwood. RIP IKE

Well I will have 6 games up on my gigantic monitor on Friday...

On Saturday a local school, St Michaels who is coached by Phillip Rivers, that is 3 minutes from my house, is at Battle Ground Academy (TN), 12:30 p.m. (ESPN2) so I will be watching that.

I hope y'all have safe travels to the games!!!

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

South County Mr. Pick'em Predictions
Chatham 21 Normal West 17
Rochester 28 Moline 20
MacArthur 37 Mattoon 14
Lincoln 16 Peoria Manual 12
Jacksonville 30 Jerseyville 18
QND 33 St Teresa 21
U High 27 Rochelle 21
East Peoria 28 Southeast 23
Cahokia 25 Springfield 17
LaSalle Peru 20 Lanphier 14
Lincoln Way Central 35 SHG 26

I would have to ask Doctor D about St Teresa but I can't see the Bulldogs staying close to QND.
Mattoon will be greatly improved AND could upset the Generals!!!
Y'all know Im taking the Titans...
They may be spot on with the Jax/Jerseyville game... Jerseyville use to be a good program...
I've been wrong about team... Mind, not often wink, wink... But I can't see UHigh betting Rochelle this early with the reload they are trying to XP up!~
I definitely don't see SHS staying within 3 scores of Cahokia...
LWC is the Lil sister of the Lincoln-Way teams... But they have talent to burn... Aside from the terrible 1450 preview of SHG's Oline I don't know if Central beats SHG.
Lanphier is doomed...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I'm going to play along this year, rocket, just for fun and comparisons. I won't be making QND predictions though... Never been a fan of picking the homer side.

Week 1 Predictions

LP 35 Lanphier 6
EP 42 Southeast 13
Jax 56 Jersey 20
Cahokia 35 SHS 13
Normal West 42 Glenwood 28
Lincoln 28 Manual 14
Rochelle 35 U-High 27
Rochester 35-Moline 34
SHG 34 LWC 21

WHAT... You picked against the Titans!!!! Ok... St Teresa 58 QND

2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

WHAT... You picked against the Titans!!!! Ok... St Teresa 58 QND

2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too much unknown for me... and I hope I'm wrong but... let the first rant of the season begin...

Coach Jack and the boys would want Glenwood's best. I'd hate for something crazy to happen week 8 and the excuse be something relative to the other response from the school the Raiders beat a couple years back. That's said in jest, although one amongst us will take exception, but mostly said just to drive the point. QND shows up and tries to compete, always have, always will. That's why Bill Connell and Jack Cornell signed QND up for this, for this year's schedule. Some want to ask more of QND, some even expect it I'd venture to guess, by going out and scheduling a tougher non-conference slate... sure, I'll tell coach Cornell to get right on that... If you know anyone willing to drive to Quincy to play, I'm sure Bill and Jack would love the phone call.

Consistent games against larger, quality opponents. Outside the CCL and Chicagoland area I don't think you'd find many 4A schools (even when multiplied) or schools south of 800 kids (QND is at 400) facing the schedule the Raiders do... nor willing to sign up for it. Coincidentally 3 schools in that boat are in the CS8... Rochester, SHG, QND... obviously SHG may go 5A from time to time, as will Rochester as history has shown. QND's average opponent enrollment this year will be 957. 5 of the 9 were playoff programs a year ago. And, whether we survive it or win one of them or not... we finally get to see QND face SHG, Rochester, SHS, Jax, and Glenwood in the same year... I love it. Only thing better would be Mac on that list too! It's the premier league south of I-80 and QND would intend to be in the conversation (as a contender) once in a while. If they didn't, they wouldn't be here. They'd make like Taylorville and jump for smaller pastures. But I think Coach Cornell has introduced us to the league rather nicely to this point! That said... let the fun begin!

And with that, let's remember, Timber... QND will be HEAVY... HEAVY dogs on paper and in the eyes of the fans against the big 3 in the CS8 this season, and that includes your beloved Glenwood Titans!