CS8 2026 Schedule (Complete)

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Piecing this together without enough information. All of this subject to change until the official Ihsa schedule comes out. The first six from il.8to18.org were for the most part complete. Last six I cross referenced as well as looked at conference changes which shift with some w8 and w9 crossover games as well as different home and away games. Ratsy

Decatur (Eisenhower) -
8-21 Mascoutah (A)
8-28 Mt. Zion (A)
9-4 Rochester (A)
9-11 Normal University (H)
9-18 Chatham (H)
9-25 Macarthur (H) 5PM
10-2 (Lincoln) (A)
10-9 Southeast (H)
10-16 Lanphier (A)

Decatur (MacArthur) -
8-21 Mattoon (A)
8-28 Granite City (H)
9-4 Lincoln (A)
9-11 Rochester (H)
9-18 Normal University (A)
9-26 Eisenhower (A) 5PM
10-2 Chatham (H)
10-9 Springfield (H)
10-16 Jacksonville (A)

Jacksonville -
8-21 Jerseyville (A)
8-28 Fort Zumalt East (H)
9-4 Springfield (A)
9-11 QND (H)
9-18 SHG (A)
9-25 Lanphier (H)
10-2 Southeast (H)
10-9 Normal University (A)
10-16 MacArthur (H)

Normal University -
8-21 Rochelle (A)
8-28 Mahomet -Seymour (A)
9-4 Chatham (H)
9-11 Eisenhower (A)
9-18 MacArthur (H)
9-25 Lincoln (H)
10-2 Rochester (A)
10-9 Jacksonville (H)
10-15 Springfield (A) (Thursday)

Lincoln -
8-21 Peoria Manual (H)
8-28 Marion (A)
9-4 MacArthur (H)
9-11 Chatham (A)
9-18 Rochester (H)
9-25 Normal University (A)
10-2 Eisenhower (H)
10-9 Lanphier (H)
10-16 Southeast (A)

Sacred Heart-Griffin -
8-21 Lincoln-Way Central (A) Tucci Stadium
8-29 JCA (A) (JMS) Saturday 7:30pm
9-4 Southeast (A)
9-11 Springfield (A)
9-18 Jacksonville (H)
9-25 QND (A)
10-2 Lanphier (H)
10-9 Rochester (A)
10-16 Chatham (H)

Rochester -
8-21 Moline (A)
8-28 Batavia (H)
9-4 Eisenhower (H)
9-11 MacArthur (A)
9-18 Lincoln (A)
9-25 Chatham (A)
10-2 Normal University (H)
10-9 SHG (H)
10-16 QND (A)

Chatham-
8-21 Normal (Community West) (H)
8-28 Alton (A)
9-4 Normal University (A)
9-11 Lincoln (H)
9-18 Eisenhower (A)
9-25 Rochester (H)
10-2 MacArthur (A)
10-9 QND (H)
10-16 SHG (A)

QND -
8-21 Decatur (St Teresa) (A)
8-29 Carbondale (H)
9-4 Lanphier (H)
9-11 Jacksonville (A)
9-18 Southeast (H)
9-25 SHG (H)
10-2 Springfield (A)
10-9 Chatham (A)
10-16 Rochester (H)

Springfield -
8-21 Cahokia (H)
8-28 Collinsville (A)
9-4 Jacksonville (H)
9-11 SHG (H)
9-18 Lanphier (A)
9-25 Southeast (A)
10-2 QND (H)
10-9 MacArthur (A)
10-15 Normal University (H) Thursday

Southeast -
8-21 East Peoria (A)
8-28 Mascoutah (H)
9-4 SHG (H)
9-11 Lanphier (H)
9-18 QND (A)
9-25 Springfield (H)
10-2 Jacksonville (A)
10-9 Eisenhower (A)
10-16 Lincoln (H)

Lanphier -
8-21 LaSalle-Peru (A) Cool looking stadium recently updated.
8-28 East Peoria (H)
9-4 QND (A)
9-11 Southeast A)
9-18 Springfield (H)
9-25 Jacksonville (A)
10-2 SHG (A)
10-9 Lincoln (A)
10-16 Eisenhower (H)

 

[rocketnation]

Good stuff.

Eisenhower was only dressing around 30 players last year and this is an extremely challenging first six weeks for the Panthers.

MacArthur, on the other hand, has a very favorable beginning to the season with two non-conference games they should be heavily favored followed by Lincoln in Week 3 before facing Rochester and U High.

U High has two challenging road games to start the season at Rochelle (4A playoffs last season) and at Mahomet (5A playoffs), then faces Chatham in Week 3.

A few significant road trips in Weeks 1-2. Rochester, QND, and Lincoln all will be traveling 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, with Lincoln winning the long-haul award by going to Marion.

 

[jotapepe]

SHS Week 1 - Cahokia (H)
Jacksonville Week 2 - Fort Zumwalt East (clarification)
Southeast Week 2 - Mascoutah (H)
Lanphier Week 1 - LaSalle-Peru (A)

 

[cornerrat#1]

SHS Week 1 - Cahokia (H)
Jacksonville Week 2 - Fort Zumwalt East (clarification)
Southeast Week 2 - Mascoutah (H)
Lanphier Week 1 - LaSalle-Peru (A)

All.... Thanks! I will edit and update the above list. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

Good stuff.

Eisenhower was only dressing around 30 players last year and this is an extremely challenging first six weeks for the Panthers.

MacArthur, on the other hand, has a very favorable beginning to the season with two non-conference games they should be heavily favored followed by Lincoln in Week 3 before facing Rochester and U High.

U High has two challenging road games to start the season at Rochelle (4A playoffs last season) and at Mahomet (5A playoffs), then faces Chatham in Week 3.

A few significant road trips in Weeks 1-2. Rochester, QND, and Lincoln all will be traveling 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, with Lincoln winning the long-haul award by going to Marion.

All.... The Lincoln/Marion w2 game is a one and done. The schedule still shows it for Friday but 3 1/2 hours on the road is a long afternoon drive. In 2027 the Railsplitters managed to get an available CS8 team w2 and will play MacArthur. After that several seasons with Taylorville. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... A footnote on the schedule. As mentioned the only thing that could change would be ( not involving the first two weeks of non con games) some of the h and a CS8 games with respect where they will be played. Also it is the start of the new two year schedule which shifts opponents into different weeks. I believe I have most if not all of it right. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Five on the football side. Congrats. Ratsy

Sixteen Titans Celebrate Signing Day At Glenwood | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... One on the football side. Drew Ward after an outstanding football season goes the baseball route. Congrats. Ratsy
Six Cyclones Celebrate College Athletic Signings | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Three on the football side. Congrats. Ratsy
Rochester Celebrates 12 Student Athletes On Signing Day | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Massey CS8 preseason subject to change. Ratsy

57. Rochester ( 1410)
73. Chatham (1895)
76. SHG (2023)
130. QND (3923)
179. Springfield (5371)
185. Normal University (5486)
204. Jacksonville (5971)
218. MacArthur (6302)
390. Lincoln (11423)
392. Southeast (11459)
403. Eisenhower (11751)
432. Lanphier (12617)

 

[Anon622286]

How do they do these preseason rankings? Just historical program track record? Or are they somehow scraping data to have information about returning production?

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Part of the puzzle. Ratsy

Kenneth Massey - Wikipedia

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Now official (in the media) Coach Ken Boyle is the new freshman HC for SHG. Last year leading the inaugral first year Cyclone JFL team to a successful season. Still showing him at the moment as HC as well. For those that remember Ken was on the undefeated Redskin team that won class 4A in 1998 going undefeated. Playing wo and linebacker and making if I recall correctly second team all state on the defensive side. I will never forget a crucial catch he made in the semi final game at Geneseo that year. Third and 22 on a critical drive with a sliding diving catch getting the first down. The following week Chatham defeats Bishop Mac in a tight game to claim the title. Many Maple Leaf fans I talked with before that semi didn't know where the town of Chatham was but certainly did later after a tough loss. Congrats Coach! Ratsy

 

[rocketnation]

All.... Now official (in the media) Coach Ken Boyle is the new freshman HC for SHG. Last year leading the inaugral first year Cyclone JFL team to a successful season. Still showing him at the moment as HC as well. For those that remember Ken was on the undefeated Redskin team that won class 4A in 1998 going undefeated. Playing wo and linebacker and making if I recall correctly second team all state on the defensive side. I will never forget a crucial catch he made in the semi final game at Geneseo that year. Third and 22 on a critical drive with a sliding diving catch getting the first down. The following week Chatham defeats Bishop Mac in a tight game to claim the title. Many Maple Leaf fans I talked with before that semi didn't know where the town of Chatham was but certainly did later after a tough loss. Congrats Coach! Ratsy

Ken's father was a longtime board member at the University of Illinois back when members were chosen by the voters. After leaving Chatham, Ken Jr played for several years as a TE at the U of I.

In the championship game against Bishop Mac, Ken had both a Receiving TD and a Pick 6.

If anyone has ever heard retired SJR Sports Editor Jim Ruppert talking with Coach Dan Rourke on their Sports Radio show about the '98 season, you may have heard Coach talk about the reception they received in Geneseo prior to the semifinal game. Not exactly a welcome mat from the home crowd.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Ken's father was a longtime board member at the University of Illinois back when members were chosen by the voters. After leaving Chatham, Ken Jr played for several years as a TE at the U of I.

In the championship game against Bishop Mac, Ken had both a Receiving TD and a Pick 6.

If anyone has ever heard retired SJR Sports Editor Jim Ruppert talking with Coach Dan Rourke on their Sports Radio show about the '98 season, you may have heard Coach talk about the reception they received in Geneseo prior to the semifinal game. Not exactly a welcome mat from the home team.

All.... Heard that story many times including the town was burning leaves all over when Chatham arrived early to warmup thick enough that it looked like London fog. Not sure if that was kind of a gameday thing they did at that time of the year. Coach wasn't pleased with the response when he asked why. And I think I have this right. Don't the Maple Leafs have a victory bell or td bell at the stadium they ring? I believe some trouble over in that area occured with fans. Not sure if the Redskin fans made a run at that after their ot win.

The cool thing that has been talked about for decades with the town of Geneseo which we saw coming into town was block after block of John Deere tractors and other JD farm stuff lined up right by the road facing out for everyone to see including the incoming opposition team and fans. Also along with dozens of homemade signs green and gold baloons on homes flying in the breeze. I lost count of those (so many) after a mile or so. Quite impressive. Ratsy

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... Heard that story many times including the town was burning leaves all over when Chatham arrived early to warmup thick enough that it looked like London fog. Not sure if that was kind of a gameday thing they did at that time of the year. Coach wasn't pleased with the response when he asked why. And I think I have this right. Don't the Maple Leafs have a victory bell or td bell at the stadium they ring? I believe some trouble over in that area occured with fans. Not sure if the Redskin fans made a run at that after their ot win.

The cool thing that has been talked about for decades with the town of Geneseo which we saw coming into town was block after block of John Deere tractors and other JD farm stuff lined up right by the road facing out for everyone to see including the incoming opposition team and fans. Also along with dozens of homemade signs green and gold baloons on homes flying in the breeze. I lost count of those (so many) after a mile or so. Quite impressive. Ratsy

Anything goes when the home fan base is walking in with unusually "foamy" Lipton Green Tea bottles... but alas, the message to us was sober up or don't come in...

Having been on the sideline @ Geneseo in 2007 or 2008 honestly don't remember as we had a home/away for like 4 seasons with them, I can confirm it's a pretty tough environment. I recall a cannon in the corner, maybe it was a bell. Honestly who cares, they're both annoying after the opposing team scores on you. lol

I don't remember the tractors, but QND that year brought 3 charter busses of fans. The busses were boarded by a Geneseo "administrator" prior to us being allowed to step foot on such hallowed ground. Apparently our tailgate "culture" preceded us that day as this person, in a suit, was firm in their direction of where we were to walk, stand, cheer, and generally be. Can't remember for the life of me who but I know the question was asked, with hysterical laughter behind it from all 100 on the bus I made it on, if we were allowed to look directly at Geneseo fans/players or if they would turn to stone if we did. lol They also reiterated a half dozen times that no alcohol was to be consumed on the premises. Like, duh dude, should have caught us in Galesburg if you wanted to slow that train down. But nonetheless we were allowed off the bus and a fine game was played. I believe we lost per the usual. The fun always came after, I'm sure the rat can attest in a similar case, but "winning" fans are usually the loudest and a few took to the fence line as we were boarding back up to head home. If I recall correctly the line was something to the tune of "we play football here, not basketball" which I always found hilarious considering Qtown is known for QHS basketball, not QND. But hey, a firm C- on the chirp that day if I had to grade it.

Proud program. People seemed genuinely knowledgeable about football too, that's always a bonus versus some of the rural programs with grandma's and grandpa's yelling absurdities at kids/refs/coaches alike yet they've watched a collective 20 football games in their 160 years combined on earth. But nevertheless, I've always respected Geneseo and their program. Top notch fan base too. And sweet soccer setup parallel their football stadium. Solid use of the land space they had for sure.

Oh, and Go Raiders. I guess this year we were a basketball school... SHG might have the downstate Catholic football team to beat, but at QND we've been building a new trophy case just about every 5 years. I guess we're just more well-rounded athletes over here ya know? lol Just a joke rat, you know, those things you used to laugh at when we hadn't spanked you guys our first try ever. lol I'll stop... Is it football season yet? Man it needs to be. Take it easy CS8 pundits... we're going to be terrible for the next 3 years... so you can all just sit back and lap it up at our expense. We deserve it. lol

 

[rocketnation]

Carterville also has a cannon. Somehow, I managed to forget a shot was coming after each Lions score and each time it was fired in the '22 playoff game with Rochester I jumped a foot (my total vertical at this point in life).

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Back in the day Carthage would bring a train horn to the football games. Every TD that beast went off... and it went off a hell of a lot!~~~

 

[wolverine5598]

Back in the day Carthage would bring a train horn to the football games. Every TD that beast went off... and it went off a hell of a lot!~~~

I bounced around a bit in my coaching career in the mid-to-late 2000s and coached at two different schools that played against Carthage/Illini West. I heard that train horn more than I would like to remember...

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... A change for the Cyclones week 1 non con game against Lincon-Way Central. It has moved from Friday 8/21 to Saturday 8/22. Game time 5pm. Also the schools have decided to play each other w1 in 2027. Saturday as well 5pm. Illinois Wesleyan (Tucci Stadium) for both. Ratsy

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I bounced around a bit in my coaching career in the mid-to-late 2000s and coached at two different schools that played against Carthage/Illini West. I heard that train horn more than I would like to remember...

I think my ears still ring from that horn from a game at Auburn where Carthage ran all over the Trojans!

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... A change for the Cyclones week 1 non con game against Lincon-Way Central. It has moved from Friday 8/21 to Saturday 8/22. Game time 5pm. Also the schools have decided to play each other w1 in 2027. Saturday as well 5pm. Illinois Wesleyan (Tucci Stadium) for both. Ratsy

Edit (4-16) Forgot to mention even though il.8to18. org (schedules) has not adjusted the new earlier season dates for 2027/28 they still show that SHG and Belleville Althoff start their two year contract playing each other week two which was signed early last year . The Crusaders play at SHG in 2027 and the Cyclones travel to Belleville in 2028. Coach Frazier always looking for an aggressive regular season schedule made the initial contact with SHG seeking a two year deal.

So for SHG next year non cons are filled. crusader_of_90 should enjoy the Cyclones tailgate area as much of those wild Crusader fans I observed when I attended the Althoff/ Camp Point Central game in 2024.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... It's before the season and the board talks just about anything and everything. Baseball .... why not. Congrats to Sam. If I recall correctly at one time he was a backup SHG quarterback until deciding to devote more time to baseball. Good decision. Ratsy


Antonacci Reaches Twice and Shines Defensively in MLB Debut | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... One from football. Young Mr. Gregory will play for Monmouth. Ratsy

Rochester Celebrates Spring Signing Day For Six Athletes | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I see DMac went out of their way to schedule a couple of cupcakes! Props to Ike, UHigh, Rochester and Chatham!~

 

[cornerrat#1]

I see DMac went out of their way to schedule a couple of cupcakes! Props to Ike, UHigh, Rochester and Chatham!~

All.... SHG and Rochester have the two most challenging w1 and w2 games in the conference. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Along with several CS8 players I see "Cowboy Ken" made an appearance. Ratsy


Sights From the Showcase: When Edgytim Comes to Central Illinois, The Stars Shine | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I know the football numbers in Chatham are crazy but losing what they did and not knowing what the JV or Freshmen are like, this years schedule looks like 4 or 5 wins. Numbers don't equate to wins so I can't say the Titans will beat UHigh, SHG, Rochester nor West... Alton has numbers so... A lean year could be coming!~ The Rockets are my pick for going all the way.

 

[rocketnation]

I know the football numbers in Chatham are crazy but losing what they did and not knowing what the JV or Freshmen are like, this years schedule looks like 4 or 5 wins. Numbers don't equate to wins so I can't say the Titans will beat UHigh, SHG, Rochester nor West... Alton has numbers so... A lean year could be coming!~ The Rockets are my pick for going all the way.

Chatham has an opportunity to play a lot of Juniors and maybe a few Sophomores in the fall. They will probably take their lumps for a season but should rebound by '27.

Rochester's upcoming Senior class has been talked about since their JFL days but don't sleep on the Cycs either. Lots returning for both squads.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Chatham has an opportunity to play a lot of Juniors and maybe a few Sophomores in the fall. They will probably take their lumps for a season but should rebound by '27.

Rochester's upcoming Senior class has been talked about since their JFL days but don't sleep on the Cycs either. Lots returning for both squads.

All.... Also a surprise or two.... for the Rockets and Cyclones that we have discussed "off air" rocketnation. Ratsy

 

[rocketnation]

All.... Also a surprise or two.... for the Rockets and Cyclones that we have discussed "off air" rocketnation. Ratsy

And who knows, maybe more to come.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Chatham has an opportunity to play a lot of Juniors and maybe a few Sophomores in the fall. They will probably take their lumps for a season but should rebound by '27.

Rochester's upcoming Senior class has been talked about since their JFL days but don't sleep on the Cycs either. Lots returning for both squads.

Not sure about that... What will the continuity of the coaching staff be? New DC and OC along with HC but how many of the other assistant coaches will continue?

Rochester will be a ton to handle!!!

 

[cornerrat#1]

Not sure about that... What will the continuity of the coaching staff be? New DC and OC along with HC but how many of the other assistant coaches will continue?

Rochester will be a ton to handle!!!

All.... Before the offiicial change this is what I "came across." Along with HC Hay the following. Ratsy P.S. And the offensive philosophy is going to be wishbone.

OL - Bryan Pruitt
OC - Trevor Lenhan
RB/K - Brian Stapleton
TE/H - Michael Kinkade
DB - Tori Smith
Offensive Assistant - Damien Adams

Remaining -
LB - Josh Atwood
DL - Joe Wahle

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... SHG and Rochester have the two most challenging w1 and w2 games in the conference. Ratsy

Subtle...

At least even the most common of peasants amongst yourself know w1 and w2 don't equate to trophies in the case. The money line remains in the Rockets corner for the 4A chip in '26. We'll see how long it takes for the annual "realization" to set-in this go around. Word to the better, it never happens as early as one would think.

 

[Anon622286]

All.... Before the offiicial change this is what I "came across." Along with HC Hay the following. Ratsy P.S. And the offensive philosophy is going to be wishbone.

OL - Bryan Pruitt
OC - Trevor Lenhan
RB/K - Brian Stapleton
TE/H - Michael Kinkade
DB - Tori Smith
Offensive Assistant - Damien Adams

Remaining -
LB - Josh Atwood
DL - Joe Wahle

Has someone on staff said they're going wishbone? Or just an assumption based on coach's history?

 

[jotapepe]

Subtle...

At least even the most common of peasants amongst yourself know w1 and w2 don't equate to trophies in the case. The money line remains in the Rockets corner for the 4A chip in '26. We'll see how long it takes for the annual "realization" to set-in this go around. Word to the better, it never happens as early as one would think.

Not if Montini is still in 4A. Otherwise, I don't see too many teams in that class beating Rochester.

 

[cornerrat#1]

Has someone on staff said they're going wishbone? Or just an assumption based on coach's hist

All.... Source on the inside said wishbone. New HC has time to change his mind though. Makeup of CS8 is not the Sangamo. Ratsy

 

[4Afan]

Not if Montini is still in 4A. Otherwise, I don't see too many teams in that class beating Rochester.

Montini is 4A and the class belongs to them until they win this year and move up to 5A.

 

[rocketnation]

Not sure about that... What will the continuity of the coaching staff be? New DC and OC along with HC but how many of the other assistant coaches will continue?

Rochester will be a ton to handle!!!

Fair point. If the Titans struggle this year, there is a built-in excuse. After that, it will be harder to justify if they can't return to the top of the CS8.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

All.... Before the offiicial change this is what I "came across." Along with HC Hay the following. Ratsy P.S. And the offensive philosophy is going to be wishbone.

OL - Bryan Pruitt
OC - Trevor Lenhan
RB/K - Brian Stapleton
TE/H - Michael Kinkade
DB - Tori Smith
Offensive Assistant - Damien Adams

Remaining -
LB - Josh Atwood
DL - Joe Wahle

Wishbone??? Stop teasing me. I would move back to Illinois for the season to coach again!