CS8 Week 5

[rocketnation]

Weather looks favorable, with a high of around 80 Friday which should then drop into the 60's before the games end.

The last two undefeated CS8 teams collide in Chatham but my game of the week is Springfield at QND.

Friday
Lincoln (0-4) at Eisenhower (0-4)
Lincoln's last realistic chance at a win, while Eisenhower still has Lanphier and Southeast in Weeks 8 and 9. Taking Eisenhower only because it's a home game for the Panthers. Eisenhower 21 Lincoln 16. Massey: Lincoln 28-21.

Jacksonville (2-2) at Southeast (1-3)
After beating Lincoln in Week 2, Southeast has had two rough outings in a row against QND and Springfield. Jacksonville should go to 3-2 comfortably. Jacksonville 48 Southeast 16. Massey: Jacksonville 47-13.

SHG (3-1) at Lanphier (1-3)
SHG should be able to substitute freely in the 1st half. After winning Week 1, the Lions have been shut out the last three weeks. SHG 56 Lanphier 0. Massey: SHG 49-6.

Rochester (3-1) at U High (2-2)
U High, led by QB Alek Weiland, battled the Rockets for 4 quarters last year before falling 38-30. Weiland has graduated along with many key players, and the relatively young Pioneers have started out 2-2, with the two losses being by only a total of 6 points. Rochester is looking for more consistency on offense and to rebound from the very tough OT loss to Chatham. U High has a promising new QB but is not yet scoring at last year's rate. Rochester 41 U High 19. Massey: Rochester 43-21.

Decatur MacArthur (4-0) at Chatham (4-0)
The battle of the last two undefeated conference teams. Mac owns 1-point wins over Springfield and U High. Both teams have already played OT games. To stay close on the road, Mac needs to grind out drives but have some ability to pass the ball. The Generals Defense cannot give up 42 points either, as they did against Springfield, and hope to win. Chatham would like to make a defensive statement after only so so performances against Edwardsville and Rochester. Expect another big game from QB Colten Knoedler. Chatham 46 MacArthur 20. Massey: Chatham 47-14.

Springfield (3-1) at QND (3-1)
Not expecting a repeat of last year's 14-7 defensive battle won by QND with the possibility of this being the highest scoring game of the week. Both teams have shown plenty on offense through 4 weeks, with Springfield scoring at least 42 each outing and QND averaging around 45 points per game. Springfield has also given up over 40 points twice, while the Raiders have once. Avoiding turnovers may be the difference. Springfield was down big at half Week 1 at Champaign Central but eventually won the turnover battle 3-0 and the game 51-41. I like QND at home and think they will rebound well from last week's loss to SHG. QND 45 Springfield 34. Massey: QND 44-21.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

I think you're right about QND bouncing back at home. They also host Jacksonville and MacArthur down the road , so they might be getting ready to run the table. Fun time of year!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

so they might be getting ready to run the table. Fun time of year!

Tis the plan! Although the plan also involved upsetting a certain CS8 giant... Big fat fail... but such is life sometimes.

Going to be a lot of cool things on display during SHS/QND... QND will need to do a couple things much better against SHS to avoid failing yet again. QND's front 8 or 9 have to be better against the run. SHG ran the same lazy read-option like 30 times up the gut ( I believe the locals call this the "SHG Rhythm") and QND just couldn't find a way to consistently stop it. They'll also have to tackle better. Credit the SHG ball carriers, they ran with violent intentions Friday night as we expected. QND did a terrible job of breaking down and making a tackle against the Cyclones. The SHS defense is spotty and inconsistent. But we know they'll pile on yards and points if you let them. Getting Brody's jersey dirty early would help set the tone for the night. QND's defense will look very different this week knowing theirs a QB willing to try and dump it over the top of them. QND ran zero safeties against SHG. Expect a minimum of cover 2 this week.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Well rocketnation we missed the fireworks in the fourth quarter of the SHS/Southeast game. Just saw with 10 minutes and 26 seconds in the fourth quarter after Southeast had just scored "an altercation prompted eight players and one assistant coach to be ejected."

What is significant about this is all involved will have to sit out one game. No mention in the article if they were Senators or Spartan players. One would assume most SHS players would of likely been pulled from starting roles with the game already settled. But who knows? And sometimes when this happens players run out from the bench. By Friday I imagine more specific information will become available. Ratsy

 

[rocketnation]

All.... Well rocketnation we missed the fireworks in the fourth quarter of the SHS/Southeast game. Just saw with 10 minutes and 26 seconds in the fourth quarter after Southeast had just scored "an altercation prompted eight players and one assistant coach to be ejected."

What is significant about this is all involved will have to sit out one game. No mention in the article if they were Senators or Spartan players. One would assume most SHS players would of likely been pulled from starting roles with the game already settled. But who knows? And sometimes when this happens players run out from the bench. By Friday I imagine more specific information will become available. Ratsy

Wow. You'd have to think with that many ejections the suspensions will impact both teams. And players leaving the bench is definitely possible. Even though they were winning easily, I thought the SHS sidelines seemed a little on edge yesterday.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Wow. You'd have to think with that many ejections the suspensions will impact both teams. And players leaving the bench is definitely possible. Even though they were winning easily, I thought the SHS sidelines seemed a little on edge yesterday.

I agree there Rocket, it's very likely the refs punished both sides. In my experience, refs don't usually see the initial act unfold to determine an aggressor or guilty party, so they either go after the party retaliating or punish both equally to avoid any mess.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Wondering why the assistant coach was tossed

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Wondering why the assistant coach was tossed

In my experience... running their mouth/excessive profanity/physical incident with opposing team player... pick one...

 

[rocketnation]

In my experience... running their mouth/excessive profanity/physical incident with opposing team player... pick one...

All possible. Also thought coming out too far onto the field to either confront or try to break it up.

The basic story is on multiple news sites but no follow ups yet with any more info.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... I listened to the fourth quarter on th SHS/Southeast podcast. The assistant coach that got tossed was from SHS. A total of eight unsporstman like penalities were called. Five on Southeast and five Spartans were ejected. Three on SHS and the broadcast crew was wondering if there was going to be any Senator ejections. They did note the referee crew was talking to the SHS staff immediately after dealing with Southeast but they went to a commercial. No mention for the rest of the game if three from SHS were ejected. If the SJR has it correct and not confused the eight unsportsman penalties with toss outs the number is three....

The board has some refs that participate. I imagine if one of those see this post they could tell everyone if a penalty like that by rule would carry an automatic ejection.

One of the Spartans that was ejected was QB Boyd. Scoring points will be even more difficult when the Crimsons come calling this week. Ratsy

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

There is a big difference between swearing and getting physical in regards to keeping your job. That's what I was getting at.

 

[rocketnation]

SJR Staff Predictions
Chatham 35 MacArthur 14
QND 35 Springfield 21
Eisenhower 20 Lincoln 16
Rochester 42 U High 20
Jacksonville 49 Southeast 12
SHG 56 Lanphier 6

 

[rocketnation]

South County Mr Pick'Em Predictions
Chatham 28 MacArthur 20
Springfield 30 QND 26
Eisenhower 22 Lincoln 20
Rochester 34 U High 21
Jacksonville 44 Southeast 20
SHG 63 Lanphier 0

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

South County Mr Pick'Em Predictions
Chatham 28 MacArthur 20
Springfield 30 QND 26
Eisenhower 22 Lincoln 20
Rochester 34 U High 21
Jacksonville 44 Southeast 20
SHG 63 Lanphier 0

I expect a close game between DMac and Chatham... Seems to pan out as a battle.

Chatham -9
QND -14
Ike -2
Rochester-21
Jax -28
SHG -55

Its coming down to some tough decisions for the future because Ike, Lincoln, Lanphier, and Southeast are terrible and not helping the CS8. The only loss for most teams playing the mentioned teams is by losing players to injuries! Not sure if anything will change but change is needed!

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

I expect a close game between DMac and Chatham... Seems to pan out as a battle.

Chatham -9
QND -14
Ike -2
Rochester-21
Jax -28
SHG -55

Its coming down to some tough decisions for the future because Ike, Lincoln, Lanphier, and Southeast are terrible and not helping the CS8. The only loss for most teams playing the mentioned teams is by losing players to injuries! Not sure if anything will change but change is needed!

I'm personally going to be closer to "shocked" if Chatham doesn't beat Mac by 4 scores or more. But the way Mac's season has gone, Idk... they seem to have the ability to "find a way." A much tougher task this week. A Titan-ic opportunity awaits them, the Generals, to create one of the biggest upsets in CS8 history though.

IF QND doesn't get up by a couple scores early, I expect a close one again with the Solons. They are blessed with a plethora of decent talent in the specialty positions. Oddly, none of that offensive talent has seemed to translate to defense... So, it's key for QND to get a few stops early. I don't think SHS can play catch up against the Raider defense. I like to think we're a bit better on average in that category than Centennial, but I did witness an SHS comeback and they did with the ground and air attack. Very balanced at times.
Thurman (SHS) v. Allensworth (QND)
Newman (SHS) v. Doellman (QND)
Two big time 1v1 battles to watch in the wide areas. Excited to see how this plays out. I believe both sets go both ways, at least part of the time. So we may get to see it play out on both sides of the ball. Regardless, I think Brody Scheffler is aware of who the hawks are in the sky for QND, and we certainly know theyir main targets. Which also means special teams will be important yet again. I'll give a slight edge to QND in that one, with 5 punt returns for TD already and the ability to flip fields quick on kickoffs. However, QND's inability to kick field goals at the end of last year to now is a real problem. We have recruited a kicker off the soccer team I was told at SHG. He should be eligible this week. But he's new to this so... Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name..."

I'm going to refrain from rambling on about the 4 programs you mentioned at the end. Because at the end of the day if you compare them to SHG, Glenwood, Rochester, QND you'll hopefully be able to find the glaring differences in not only populations that make up the schools, but the financial situations those schools face are vastly different then that of the schools you mentioned. Not exactly fair to compare 3 city pubs to their private/suburban counterparts. We all know in this state suburban programs are kings of the public football sector. It's where the money is, as sad and unfortunate as that may be for urban pubs. Not fair, I'd argue, but it's how it currently is. As for Lincoln... shoot, Idk... anyone's assumption is correct about them I guess. They remain a "basketball school" in my book. Football just doesn't seem a priority there.

This does lead to an interesting, albeit completely hypothetical, conversation about our "wish list" conference, so to speak. If I had the ability to make the conference what I wanted... It would certainly look a lot different. For me, personally, an "I-72 belt super conference" is my fantasy conference setup...

-QND
-Jacksonville
-SHG
-Chatham-Glenwood
-Rochester
-Springfield
-Southeast
-Lanphier
-U-High
-Decatur-MacArthur

Then... Cherry pick to top of the Sangamo
-Williamsville
-Maroa-Forsyth

Bring back the BloNo dawgs from the Big12...
Bloomington
Normal
Normal West

Then poach the rest the area... Sorry Apollo...
BCC
Mahomet-Seymour
Mt. Zion
Tolono-Unity
St. Joseph-Ogden

I believe that's 20 for a super (closed) setup. But I like non-conf games too much. So the way we have it works for me. I'm sure SHG would prefer to have Chatham and Rochester guaranteed each year. Can't say I blame them, playing us for the conference every year doesn't hold the same weight as a game with the Titans or Rockets for CS8 supremacy.

 

[kolchin]

Coming from a Jacksonville fan, it's incredibly frustrating when 7 out of 9 games are pretty much already decided going in to the week. Everything is either too easy or too hard, so we typically get only two meaningful games a season. This season it's SHS and D-MAC.

EDIT (posted too early and didn't finish):

That being said, I don't know what the solution is. Every conference will have their gutter teams and powerhouses. It just feels like CS8 has 3 tiers of teams, not a spectrum. Plus, it's not like JHS can join another conference, we're out in the middle here with no other teams near our size.

 

[4Afan]

I'm personally going to be closer to "shocked" if Chatham doesn't beat Mac by 4 scores or more. But the way Mac's season has gone, Idk... they seem to have the ability to "find a way." A much tougher task this week. A Titan-ic opportunity awaits them, the Generals, to create one of the biggest upsets in CS8 history though.

IF QND doesn't get up by a couple scores early, I expect a close one again with the Solons. They are blessed with a plethora of decent talent in the specialty positions. Oddly, none of that offensive talent has seemed to translate to defense... So, it's key for QND to get a few stops early. I don't think SHS can play catch up against the Raider defense. I like to think we're a bit better on average in that category than Centennial, but I did witness an SHS comeback and they did with the ground and air attack. Very balanced at times.
Thurman (SHS) v. Allensworth (QND)
Newman (SHS) v. Doellman (QND)
Two big time 1v1 battles to watch in the wide areas. Excited to see how this plays out. I believe both sets go both ways, at least part of the time. So we may get to see it play out on both sides of the ball. Regardless, I think Brody Scheffler is aware of who the hawks are in the sky for QND, and we certainly know theyir main targets. Which also means special teams will be important yet again. I'll give a slight edge to QND in that one, with 5 punt returns for TD already and the ability to flip fields quick on kickoffs. However, QND's inability to kick field goals at the end of last year to now is a real problem. We have recruited a kicker off the soccer team I was told at SHG. He should be eligible this week. But he's new to this so... Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name..."

I'm going to refrain from rambling on about the 4 programs you mentioned at the end. Because at the end of the day if you compare them to SHG, Glenwood, Rochester, QND you'll hopefully be able to find the glaring differences in not only populations that make up the schools, but the financial situations those schools face are vastly different then that of the schools you mentioned. Not exactly fair to compare 3 city pubs to their private/suburban counterparts. We all know in this state suburban programs are kings of the public football sector. It's where the money is, as sad and unfortunate as that may be for urban pubs. Not fair, I'd argue, but it's how it currently is. As for Lincoln... shoot, Idk... anyone's assumption is correct about them I guess. They remain a "basketball school" in my book. Football just doesn't seem a priority there.

This does lead to an interesting, albeit completely hypothetical, conversation about our "wish list" conference, so to speak. If I had the ability to make the conference what I wanted... It would certainly look a lot different. For me, personally, an "I-72 belt super conference" is my fantasy conference setup...

-QND
-Jacksonville
-SHG
-Chatham-Glenwood
-Rochester
-Springfield
-Southeast
-Lanphier
-U-High
-Decatur-MacArthur

Then... Cherry pick to top of the Sangamo
-Williamsville
-Maroa-Forsyth

Bring back the BloNo dawgs from the Big12...
Bloomington
Normal
Normal West

Then poach the rest the area... Sorry Apollo...
BCC
Mahomet-Seymour
Mt. Zion
Tolono-Unity
St. Joseph-Ogden

I believe that's 20 for a super (closed) setup. But I like non-conf games too much. So the way we have it works for me. I'm sure SHG would prefer to have Chatham and Rochester guaranteed each year. Can't say I blame them, playing us for the conference every year doesn't hold the same weight as a game with the Titans or Rockets for CS8 supremacy.

So in other words, you're in favor of the district setup that's been shot down twice?

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Coming from a Jacksonville fan, it's incredibly frustrating when 7 out of 9 games are pretty much already decided going in to the week. Everything is either too easy or too hard, so we typically get only two meaningful games a season. This season it's SHS and D-MAC.

EDIT (posted too early and didn't finish):

That being said, I don't know what the solution is. Every conference will have their gutter teams and powerhouses. It just feels like CS8 has 3 tiers of teams, not a spectrum. Plus, it's not like JHS can join another conference, we're out in the middle here with no other teams near our size.

Same with us, brother. And a lonely island it truly is out here in Forgotonia, USA.

But, coming from a QND fan, it's incredibly frustrating trying to stop Jacksonville's run game for 4 quarters. Talk about relentless... Sheeeeeeeeesh....

I think we should prob both remain grateful for the current setup.

For years I had wished QHS would "pull some strings" as a founding member of the Western Big 6 and find an invite for QND as a favor... but that never happened, nor did they even try. Which is their choice, no hard feelings. However, QND and Jacksonville would be a much better fit for the WB6 than the CS8 in terms of football. Geographically, not so much.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

So in other words, you're in favor of the district setup that's been shot down twice?

Not necessarily, districts would involve a lot of things I didn't even mention. And this setup wouldn't work with districts I don't believe. MF and Williamsville and QND depending on multiplier wouldn't line up with most this in terms of enrollment. I was just saying if we want to "create a fantasyland conference" that would be my setup. And that was a 5-minute let me think of all the teams I'd like to play or beat kind of thing. If I really wanted to restructure how central IL's football landscape looked, I'd have to do much more work.

Edit: I'd also just add that, in my opinion, we need tops and bottoms of leagues. If we start placing all the "good teams" in the same conferences we're going to be forcing some "not as good" schools into the playoffs over potentially "good teams" that get left out from the good divisions/conferences. At least with our current postseason structure that feels like what would happen. We don't want a situation down here, where good programs are limited, like the CCL setup where EIC might miss the playoffs bc they can't even get out of their own regular season schedule.

 

[rocketnation]

I expect a close game between DMac and Chatham... Seems to pan out as a battle.

Chatham -9
QND -14
Ike -2
Rochester-21
Jax -28
SHG -55

Its coming down to some tough decisions for the future because Ike, Lincoln, Lanphier, and Southeast are terrible and not helping the CS8. The only loss for most teams playing the mentioned teams is by losing players to injuries! Not sure if anything will change but change is needed!

I think it's pretty clear now that Lincoln making the playoffs in '23 was a one and done fluke tied mostly to having the speedy Sr twins at RB/DB.

Last time the others made the playoffs: Lanphier (2004), Southeast (2014), and Eisenhower (2016). Can't speak to Eisenhower's issues but Lanphier and Southeast both need coaching stability, more Freshman coming out that already have football experience, and better program participation. Difficult but not impossible hurdles to get over.

 

[cornerrat#1]

I think it's pretty clear now that Lincoln making the playoffs in '23 was a one and done fluke tied mostly to having the speedy Sr twins at RB/DB.

Last time the others made the playoffs: Lanphier (2004), Southeast (2014), and Eisenhower (2016). Can't speak to Eisenhower's issues but Lanphier and Southeast both need coaching stability, more Freshman coming out that already have football experience, and better program participation. Difficult but not impossible hurdles to get over.

All.... What hurt the Springfield public schools was JFL football. Not so long ago there were many teams in Springfield and if I recall correctly covering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. They played at Southeast High with over flow games going on around the stadium. One was lucky to get a parking spot a couple blocks away because so many teams were going at it at the same time.

I think there were three or four teams represented by different areas of the town. With so many players entering high school that played JFL having enough capable players was never a problem. I believe there is maybe one JFL team left and I don't know if they field three teams for the different age groups. Sad.... Ratsy

 

[rocketnation]

All.... What hurt the Springfield public schools was JFL football. Not so long ago there were many teams in Springfield and if I recall correctly covering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. They played at Souheast High with over flow games going on around the stadium. One was lucky to get a parking spot a couple blocks away because so many teams were going at it at the same time.

I think there were three or four teams represented by different areas of the town. With so many players entering high school that played JFL having enough capable players was never a problem. I believe there is maybe one JFL team left and I don't know if they field three teams for the different age groups. Sad.... Ratsy

Great point. At one time, I think they divided up the city into areas and had 4 teams per grade: Packers, Steelers, Cowboys, and either the Bears or Rams.

 

[rocketnation]

Channel 1450 Picks
Chatham 3-0
QND 3-0
Eisenhower 2-1
Rochester 3-0
Jacksonville 3-0
SHG 3-0

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

We all know that football is losing boys every years... There are MANY reasons that is the case and I will not go into it here! What needs to happen is find stable area schools that would fit in with the CS8. THAT is the problem... Where do you find schools that fit that aren't in a conference. Maybe just letting these 4 teams go independent in football while the remaining schools could schedule as they have been?!

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

So in other words, you're in favor of the district setup that's been shot down twice?

No phucking way!~

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Not necessarily, districts would involve a lot of things I didn't even mention. And this setup wouldn't work with districts I don't believe. MF and Williamsville and QND depending on multiplier wouldn't line up with most this in terms of enrollment. I was just saying if we want to "create a fantasyland conference" that would be my setup. And that was a 5-minute let me think of all the teams I'd like to play or beat kind of thing. If I really wanted to restructure how central IL's football landscape looked, I'd have to do much more work.

Edit: I'd also just add that, in my opinion, we need tops and bottoms of leagues. If we start placing all the "good teams" in the same conferences we're going to be forcing some "not as good" schools into the playoffs over potentially "good teams" that get left out from the good divisions/conferences. At least with our current postseason structure that feels like what would happen. We don't want a situation down here, where good programs are limited, like the CCL setup where EIC might miss the playoffs bc they can't even get out of their own regular season schedule.

Is the QND O/D line young?

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... It has been very quiet the status on how many players for SHS won't be suited up for the QND/SHS game tonight after the incident at Southeast in the fourth quarter. The only thing I heard during the week was a short comment on Sportsradio1450. That being if any Senators would be sitting out the game tonight it's likely they are non starters.

People know but nobody is talking. Ratsy

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Is the QND O/D line young?

Not really. They have plenty of 2nd or 3rd year talent. We're just learning that having an all-state caliber MLB who averages 16 tackles a game covered up a lot of issues we maybe didn't see with our D-line last year. Again, SHG's O-line improved drastically in one years time. Essentially the same D-line group, replace one and one moved to different side, demolished SHG's O-line a year ago. Ate 'em for all three meals. The opposite happened last week. So either we had some deficiencies that went unchecked last year, or SHG improved that much. Idk which is correct. I just know we appreciate them exposing that. Cam Anderson also improved significantly from last year. The game is slowing down for him and he's going to be one of the good ones for SHG by next year. His ability to move in the pocket and outside of it while keeping eyes down field is something you generally can't teach. Kids either have that awareness or they don't in my experience. Cam's got it... he's elusive back there. Our front 8 struggled with breaking down and tackling him. They had hands on him all night in the backfield, but he'd squirt away and either run for yardage or toss it over our no safety covereage. lol

Our O-line did good to just ok against SHG's defensive front. At times, we looked great, check the first 2 or 3 QND offensive drives. We moved the ball with relative ease, all was well, O-line was getting a push. Then middle of 2nd quarter, SHG turned it on and all the sudden they were getting pressure without the stunts and blitzes. Frustrating to say the least. You expect it if the defense ramps up, you don't expect a sudden change when the defense sits back more. Solid move by the SHG coaching staff. Clearly they realized coverage sacks were going to do the trick. Our starting RB also got hurt at some point early, after 2 scores or 1 and nearly scoring on that goal line stand by SHG's defense. Solid hit to stop the ball btw, that was 100% not a TD. Solid display of strength. Whoever made that play did their work in the weight room this summer. Not using Oli Triplett's absence in the 2nd quarter as an excuse, he did come back at the end of the 2nd right before half and scored on an incredible play inside the redzone where he made 3 dudes miss and had to dive across the goal line. So he was ok, just felt like after the goal line missed opportunity and Tripplett and one of our D-lineman (believe he's done for the year now possibly?) colliding the momentum just swung so heavily in SHG's favor. The end of the half was a botched mess by the refs, imo. This is high school football, we can't be putting 0.9 on the clock when the horn sounded on the play before. I'm sorry, but there's no chance in any hell that THIS ref crew (had to be there) knew there was .9 left on that clock .Just stupid. Credit SHG for taking advantage though. Such is life and football, gotta push through it.

Either way, I felt like QND played a decent game early last week. We just saw what we knew would be the case against a ranked 4A opponent... we're outsized, we have less men on the roster. Talent-wise I honestly believe QND is right there with SHG. But they have backups with the same talent, QND's depth has been an issue for years now and it doesn't appear like it'll change soon.

Those are merely excuses though... QND lost, and they deserved to. Not good enough to beat the "elite" up here in 4A. I'm at least hopeful we can get through a round or two come post season with this squad. Depends on the draw really...

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... It has been very quiet the status on how many players for SHS won't be suited up for the QND/SHS game tonight after the incident at Southeast in the fourth quarter. The only thing I heard during the week was a short comment on Sportsradio1450. That being if any Senators would be sitting out the game tonight it's likely they are non starters.

People know but nobody is talking. Ratsy

As a QND fan, I pray it's non-starters. Personally feel like QND needs SHS' best shot this week. They need to be tested again quickly after SHG and work some things out. Hoping we get full strength, fully eligible SHS tonight.

 

[rocketnation]

As a QND fan, I pray it's non-starters. Personally feel like QND needs SHS' best shot this week. They need to be tested again quickly after SHG and work some things out. Hoping we get full strength, fully eligible SHS tonight.

The Solons have been impressive on offense. Scheffler is 61-95, for 1,107 yards, 17 TD's and 1 Int. Many big plays as he's averaging 18 yards a completed pass. Five Receivers have TD catches, with 9 already for Kale Thurman. Defense is another story. You saw them against Central, where they gave up over 400 yards passing. They also couldn't stop MacArthur from running the ball, even knowing with the backup QB playing they were unlikely to throw it much. Should be an exciting contest but QND has the edge IMO.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

The Solons have been impressive on offense. Scheffler is 61-95, for 1,107 yards, 17 TD's and 1 Int. Many big plays as he's averaging 18 yards a completed pass. Five Receivers have TD catches, with 9 already for Kale Thurman. Defense is another story. You saw them against Central, where they gave up over 400 yards passing. They also couldn't stop MacArthur from running the ball, even knowing with the backup QB playing they were unlikely to throw it much. Should be an exciting contest but QND has the edge IMO.

Yeah, it's the letting them hang around type night that's got me worried. We saw it last year when we couldn't get the offense moving early in the game. SHS gained confidence as the game wore on and it was very evident. Using the defense to get up by 2 scores early will be huge. Clearly didn't pan out for us against SHG, but different circumstances at play with them vs. SHS tonight. I won't be able to make it to Quincy tonight. Always makes me more nervous if I can't attend.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Not really. They have plenty of 2nd or 3rd year talent. We're just learning that having an all-state caliber MLB who averages 16 tackles a game covered up a lot of issues we maybe didn't see with our D-line last year. Again, SHG's O-line improved drastically in one years time. Essentially the same D-line group, replace one and one moved to different side, demolished SHG's O-line a year ago. Ate 'em for all three meals. The opposite happened last week. So either we had some deficiencies that went unchecked last year, or SHG improved that much. Idk which is correct. I just know we appreciate them exposing that. Cam Anderson also improved significantly from last year. The game is slowing down for him and he's going to be one of the good ones for SHG by next year. His ability to move in the pocket and outside of it while keeping eyes down field is something you generally can't teach. Kids either have that awareness or they don't in my experience. Cam's got it... he's elusive back there. Our front 8 struggled with breaking down and tackling him. They had hands on him all night in the backfield, but he'd squirt away and either run for yardage or toss it over our no safety covereage. lol

Our O-line did good to just ok against SHG's defensive front. At times, we looked great, check the first 2 or 3 QND offensive drives. We moved the ball with relative ease, all was well, O-line was getting a push. Then middle of 2nd quarter, SHG turned it on and all the sudden they were getting pressure without the stunts and blitzes. Frustrating to say the least. You expect it if the defense ramps up, you don't expect a sudden change when the defense sits back more. Solid move by the SHG coaching staff. Clearly they realized coverage sacks were going to do the trick. Our starting RB also got hurt at some point early, after 2 scores or 1 and nearly scoring on that goal line stand by SHG's defense. Solid hit to stop the ball btw, that was 100% not a TD. Solid display of strength. Whoever made that play did their work in the weight room this summer. Not using Oli Triplett's absence in the 2nd quarter as an excuse, he did come back at the end of the 2nd right before half and scored on an incredible play inside the redzone where he made 3 dudes miss and had to dive across the goal line. So he was ok, just felt like after the goal line missed opportunity and Tripplett and one of our D-lineman (believe he's done for the year now possibly?) colliding the momentum just swung so heavily in SHG's favor. The end of the half was a botched mess by the refs, imo. This is high school football, we can't be putting 0.9 on the clock when the horn sounded on the play before. I'm sorry, but there's no chance in any hell that THIS ref crew (had to be there) knew there was .9 left on that clock .Just stupid. Credit SHG for taking advantage though. Such is life and football, gotta push through it.

Either way, I felt like QND played a decent game early last week. We just saw what we knew would be the case against a ranked 4A opponent... we're outsized, we have less men on the roster. Talent-wise I honestly believe QND is right there with SHG. But they have backups with the same talent, QND's depth has been an issue for years now and it doesn't appear like it'll change soon.

Those are merely excuses though... QND lost, and they deserved to. Not good enough to beat the "elite" up here in 4A. I'm at least hopeful we can get through a round or two come post season with this squad. Depends on the draw really...

I noticed 76 had some issues... I only got to see a bit of the game because it was 14-6 and SHG driving again... The small amount I did see showed me that he (76) needs to get after it more. SHG is a bit hard nosed this season... Im sure that the boys have heard the same thing I would say and Im sure it was a long week for the boys as well!!!

 

[rocketnation]

Yeah, it's the letting them hang around type night that's got me worried. We saw it last year when we couldn't get the offense moving early in the game. SHS gained confidence as the game wore on and it was very evident. Using the defense to get up by 2 scores early will be huge. Clearly didn't pan out for us against SHG, but different circumstances at play with them vs. SHS tonight. I won't be able to make it to Quincy tonight. Always makes me more nervous if I can't attend.

Too bad, I was hoping for at the game updates.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Too bad, I was hoping for at the game updates.

Yeah agreed. Last miss of the season for me though, or at least should be. I'll have it on my phone regardless as long as QND has the stream going...

Link is below for that. Haven't seen it listed on NFHS yet.

Watch Quincy Notre Dame Livestream Now on QNDLive!

Experience the excitement! Catch the latest Quincy Notre Dame Live Stream events only on QNDLive.org. Don’t miss out – tune in and be part of the action!

qndlive.org

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Yeah agreed. Last miss of the season for me though, or at least should be. I'll have it on my phone regardless as long as QND has the stream going...

Link is below for that. Haven't seen it listed on NFHS yet.

Watch Quincy Notre Dame Livestream Now on QNDLive!

Experience the excitement! Catch the latest Quincy Notre Dame Live Stream events only on QNDLive.org. Don’t miss out – tune in and be part of the action!

qndlive.org

Im not worried about SHG because they had something to play for after last season's asswhoopin they received by the Radha's! This weeks game is one that I will watch because, unlike last seasons game against Maroa, I hope to see if the Radha's can run the ball. The running game was the only weakness I saw in last years team but should they get the mentality of Du-Pec, which went from RPO (last 12 years) to power running game, and not miss a beat then the sky's the limit for QND!

 

[jthebro2]

Some good news: U-High freshmen team went 4 quarters with the Rockets before losing 32-25, which is very impressive for this level of Pioneer football, that has struggled mightily historically against upper tier opponents.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Chatham quick drive... 7-0 9;35 1Q

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Chatham 39 yd TD pass... 14-0 1Q 6:53

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Chatham 34 yd Td pass.. 21-0 2:45 1Q

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Chatham 14 yd TD pass... 28-0 11:44 2Q