Sangamo Conference

[cornerrat#1]

All.... All of this northern talk. Thought I would put some videos up on this smaller conference in Central Illinois. Maybe some folks in the middle of the state who would like to comment on their team. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Maroa Forsyth Trojans | Channel 1450

Pigskin Preview 2026: Williamsville Bullets | Channel 1450

Pigskin Preview 2026: PORTA Bluejays | Channel 1450

Pigskin Preview 2026: Athens Warriors | Channel 1450

 

[rocketnation]

The Sangamo is a very successful 1A-3A conference.

Since 2015, 5 conference teams have played in state title games led by Maroa (2016-2018 and 2024-2025), Williamsville (2019 and 2022), Auburn (2015), Athens (2023), and Pleasant Plains (2017).

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Fwiw I always felt in the 2014 final against Wilmington if the Bullets would of used the Cox brothers (sophomores at the time) more they would of beat the Wildcats. The teams were tied and a field goal late in the fourth quarter by Wimington was the difference. Ratsy

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Outstanding facilities at this small school. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Riverton Hawks | Channel 1450

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... As Coach Larson mentioned a tough opener for his young team against Williamsville. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Pleasant Plains Cardinals | Channel 1450

 

[tydooley2495]

Neither one of these teams are "my team" but I look forward to watching Williamsville vs Maroa Forsyth every year! Really great representation of small school ball in central IL.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I was shocked at the way Billtown got beat last season in the playoffs... I believe the last time they were beat like that was in 94 when we (Kincaid) beat them 41-7. This season they have to replace a ton of talent so it will be interesting to see the playoffs with these Bullets!~

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Trojans are going to have a good year. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Auburn Trojans | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

All.... The Trojans are going to have a good year. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Auburn Trojans | Channel 1450

By that you mean they win 3 games and make the playoffs?!

 

[Patrick Devitt]

I have some Sangamo info on previews I have written up....

Pittsfield Saukees
Pittsfield, IL

Enrollment:
336

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Dalton Barnes

2025 Results:
1-8 Overall

Returning Starters:
8 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Nick Merryman RB/LB Sr
Kollin Throne DL Sr
Kody Anderson QB/DL Jr
Ryan Harris RB Jr
Collin Bernard WR/DB Jr
Landyn Seal WR/OLB Jr
Sam Anderson DL Jr
Kyler Wassell WR Jr
Dylan Leonard OL Jr
Hunter Waters OL Jr
Rylee Cook OL Jr
Austin Brown OL Jr
Caden Davidsmeyer DL Jr
Eli Terpstra DL Jr
Sam Anderson DL Jr
Kollin Throne DL Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Ryker Wyatt So
Colby Fraizer So
Trevor O'Dell OL

2026 Outlook:
After what can only be described as a tragic start to the year 2025 for the Pittsfield community, the football team took the field each and every week playing for a few fallen classmates. In his first year Coach Dalton Barnes took over the program, in much need of distraction, and guided his young squad to 1-8 mark. When they say somethings are bigger than football, this situation would be one of them. A win for this community on the field was massive. Entering year 2 under Coach Barnes, the Saukees are optimistic they're going to be much more successful with 8 starters back on offense and 7 on defense they'll be plenty experienced. A young but experienced group of linemen return as Coach Dalton's Hogs were baptized by fire as sophomores against tough Sangamo competition. The OL will pave the way for Jr QB Kody Anderson who is ready for a breakout season this fall. Coach Barnes has a new DC from University High in Normal (Mason Kaufmann) whom has brought a defensive culture for the Saukees program. Coach Barnes has embraced the TR1BE motto and mentality for the Pittsfield program and the kids are buying in. Look for the Saukees to be in playoff contention in 2026.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

PORTA Bluejays
Petersburg, IL

Enrollment:
425

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Lonnie McAnally

2025 Results:
7-4 Overall, Lost 3A 2nd Rd to Williamsville 53-14

Returning Starters:
7 on Offense, 5 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Lane McAnally QB/DB Sr (1024 pass yds, 10 TDs)
Will O’Brien RB/LB Sr (106 tkl, 6 TFL)
Drew Carter RB/WR/DB (420 rush yds, 186 rec yds, 106 ret yds)
Ricky Drake OT Sr
Josh Carr RB Sr
Bryce Davis WR/DB Sr
Deacon Stroupe RB Sr
Jayden Minor DT Sr
Kainin Fillbright WR/DB Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Wesely Sampson So
Kamden Kinder So
Jace Bodine So

2026 Outlook:
After six difficult seasons, Lonnie McAnally and PORTA had a breakout year! The Bluejays finished 2025 7-4 overall and made their first playoff appearance since 2013! Things appear to be looking up in Petersburg, as they Jays will bring back 7 starters on offense and 5 on defense. Lane McAnally, Will O’Brien, and Drew Carter are just a few pieces of a strong veteran core on both sides of the football. Over the course of the summer the Bluejays overhauled their entire offensive line and now see that as one of the strengths of this 2026 team, look for Ricky Drake to be the anchor on that OL. The skills positions are where PORTA will really shine as they are deep! McAnally returns for his 3rd year at QB, the stable of backs is strong with O’Brien, Carr, and Stroupe, plus talented wideouts in Carter, Davis, and Fillbright will all come together to form an explosive offense. The defense will rely on their veteran group to build off of last seasons success. Jayden Minor at DT and Will O’Brien are the heart and soul of this unit that will look to make life difficult for their opponents. 2025 was a massive success for PORTA, now we need to see how they respond to being on people's radar. I think the Bluejays will be in the mix for another playoff berth this fall and could surprise folks in the Sangamo.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Riverton Hawks
Riverton, IL

Enrollment:
340

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Colton Piper

2025 Results:
2-7 Overall

Returning Starters:
7 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Gradyn Hartlub QB/S Sr
Ethan Giberson FB/LB Sr
Julian Rice WR/DB Sr
Tyler Meyer WR/DB Sr
Harrison Lott RB/DL Sr
Boone Robbins OL/LB Jr
Carter Thomas OL/DL Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Brodee Bates WR/DB So
Parker Jackson TE/LB So

2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Colton Piper and his Riverton Hawks took the field as a Varsity program again in 2025 after being JV only the year before. Making that difficult decision to cancel a Varsity season is never ideal, but this seems to have helped stabilize and strengthen the Hawks. The 2026 Hawks will bring back 7 on offense and 6 on defense, with a very strong group of senior skill players. The OL is young, but has experience against tough Sangamo opposition. Year 5 for Coach Piper and Riverton has the potential to be the best so far. If the kids keep improving a shot at the postseason is on the table.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

New Berlin Pretzels
New Berlin, IL

Enrollment:
466

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Robert Dunn

2025 Results:
4-5 Overall

Returning Starters:
2 on Offense, 2 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Connor Stinson RB/OL
Peyton Stinson WR/S
Mason Scranton QB/OLB
Hurley Benett WR/CB
Max Pointer WR
Maddix Ryan OG

Underclassmen to Watch:
Brody Mefford QB,
Hurley Bennett CB
Grayson Beckman LB
Eli Cook OT

2026 Outlook:
After just missing out on the playoffs in 2025 finishing at 4-5 former Head Coach Trent Quarton left for Springfield High. So in steps Robert Dunn as the new Pretzels Head Coach for 2026. New Berlin will have a lot of holes to fill this fall as only 2 starters are back on offense and defense. Those returners being Connor Stinson, Maddix Ryan, and Mason Scranton. Those three along with Hurley Benett and Peyton Stinson will make up the core of the Pretzels in 2026. Coach Dunn says the squad is very young, but athletic, with a huge incoming freshman class. Despite the roster turnover, the goal remains the same and that is making the playoffs.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Pleasant Plains Cardinals
Pleasant Plains, IL

Enrollment:
398

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Logan Larson

2025 Results:
4-5 Overall

Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Zac Wilson RB/LB Sr (107 tkl)
Felix Helle OL/DL Sr (3 Year Starter at LT)
Brody Butler OL/DL Sr
Christian Lowe OL/DL Sr
Ian Behl DL/OL So (Honorable Mention DL as a Fr)
Braylon Heredith WR/DB Jr
Cael Maddox TE/LB Sr
Wolfgang Cooperider WR/DB Sr
Kadyn Harmony ATH Sr
Jimmy Osborn RB/LB Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Grayson Dodd WR/DB So
Owen Metcalf QB Jr
Quinn Minzer OL/DL Jr
Mason Milliman OL/DL Jr
James Saathoff DB So
Jude Stockus WR/DB So
Jonah Stone WR/DB So

2026 Outlook:
Logan Larson's homecoming to Pleasant Plains came oh so close to making the playoffs. The Cardinals finished 4-5 but the foundation has been laid for an even better 2026. Pieces will need to be replaced on offense (only 4 returning starters) and defense (6 starters back) but Coach Larson states they have a lot back in the trenches which is a great place to start. Some of the new skill players are top notch athletes but are new to football so getting them up to speed will be crucial. Keep an eye on this sophomore class from Pleasant Plains as it looks to be a lot of talented kids in that class of 2029 with Dodd and Behl headlining that group. Year two under Coach Larson should see the young Cardinals getting better and better, while also challenging for a playoff spot.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Athens Warriors
Athens, IL

Enrollment:
271

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Ryan Knox

2025 Results:
6-4 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Brown County 48-0

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 4 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Lincoln Kirk
James Jones
Talon DiGiovanna

Underclassmen to Watch:
Carter Brock
Teegan Norvell

2026 Outlook:
Heading into his 18th season as head coach of the Athens Warriors, Ryan Knox is fresh off his 14th playoff appearances in 2025. The 2026 Warriors will be young, but very talented specifically on the offensive and defesenive lines. Coach Knox says this group should be a very physical bunch.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Olympia Spartans
Stanford, IL

Enrollment:
463

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Eric Lyons

2025 Results
6-4 Overall, Lost 3A 1st Rd to Greenville 35-32

Returning Starters:
8 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Jimmy Lollar RB
Brendon Hardimon RB/DB
Kaden Collins RB
Cael Halley OT
Treyson Miller OT
Kayden Thomas ILB
Ty Olson DB

Underclassmen to Watch:
Zach Fry DT
Caleb Peters
Cam White QB

2026 Outlook:
"FIND A WAY!" That is the motto of the 2026 Olympia Spartans per Coach Lyons! Gone are a great class of seniors that had made four straight playoff appearances, but dont overlook this years team. Olympia brings back 8 starters on offense, including all-state running back Jimmy Lollar, a 1000 yard back in Brendon Hardimon, plus two star OTs in SIU committ Cael Halley and Treyson Miller. The defensive side brings back 7 starters and will be anchored by Kayden Thomas at LB and Ty Olson in the secondary. With the talent they have back this could be the best squad Olympia has had under Coach Lyons.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Auburn Trojans
Auburn, IL

Enrollment:
307

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Ryan Gardner

2025 Results:
0-9 Overall

Returning Starters:
8 on Offense, 8 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Chance Crissey RB/LB Sr
Coy Grossner WR/DB Sr
Ledger Munds WR/DB Sr
Zi Mckinney WR/DB Sr
Beau Chance QB/DB Sr
Brody Hull OL/DL Sr
Gabe Marquette OL/DL Sr
George Piazza RB/DB Sr
Drew Megginson WR/LB Jr
Levi Hunley RB/LB Jr
Trey Boston WR/DB Jr
Clay Edie OL/DL Jr
Ayden Willims OL/DL Jr
Sam Killam OL/DL Jr
Ryan Kessler OL/DL Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Jimmy Hamer WR/DB So
Hudson Rhodes OL/DL So

2026 Outlook:
2025 was the perfect storm of what could wrong did in fact go wrong for Auburn. Before the season began they lost their starting QB to an ACL tear. Well combine that with a small class of seniors, the always strong Sangamo Conference competition, and you can start to understand why the Trojans were winless in 2025. The difficult year last fall has Coach Gardner happy headed into 2026. Those young kids that played last fall gained tons of experience and those reps will matter this year. Coach Gardner says the program has over 50 players in the program and those numbers and depth are going to be extremely important as Auburn looks to rebuild and have a much better 2026.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Maroa-Forsyth Trojans
Maroa, IL

Enrollment:
322

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Josh Jostes

2025 Results:
11-3 Overall, Lost 2A State Championship to Wilmington 42-6

Returning Starters: (Per team that started minimum 2 games)
10 on Offense, 11 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Kaden Blunck WR/DB
Declan Shannon TE/DL/LB
PJ Woodward TE/LB
Graham Blackwell OL/DL
Cam Trendler OL/DL
Kayson Strode OL/DL
Landon Purdeu OL
Gunner Larner LB
Grady Rose WR/DB
Carter Berg WR

Underclassmen to Watch:
Aiden Williams QB
Peyton Brilley QB
Braden Lee RB/DB
Elijah Lowe OL/DL

2026 Outlook:
When you think of 2A South you automatically think of the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans! The back to back 2A runner-up is looking to get back to the mountain top this fall and bring home their first state title since 2012. Lets not forget the Trojans have claimed 2nd place six times since 2012, but have also won two state titles under Head Coach Josh Jostes in his 26 years in charge. The strength of the Trojans this fall will be their offensive line with all 5 starters returning. The skill positions need to be repalced, but Maroa-Forsyth always has excellent players at QB, RB, and WR so I expect them not to skip a beat. The defense will be solid and disciplined as always. I fully expect Maroa to be in the mix for the 2A state championship this fall.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

I have a writeup for Williamsville that I will have done for 8/13

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The 1450 Pittsfield preview.

Pigskin Preview 2026: Pittsfield Saukees | Channel 1450

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

All.... The 1450 Pittsfield preview.

Pigskin Preview 2026: Pittsfield Saukees | Channel 1450

Still always shocked Derek and 1450 cover Pittsfield. Used to be Duerr in Quincy I feel like. But with him at Muddy River now, and KHQA owned by a company not from Quincy, I guess good on 1450 for stepping up and doing the job.

Does the sign at Pittsfield still hang on the press box? The one about their crazy historic long win streak?

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Pretzels review. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: New Berlin Pretzels | Channel 1450

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Pittsfield and Auburn are in the same boat... both return a lot but its still mostly underclassmen. Being in the Sangamo they will battle with Porta, New Berlin, Athens, Riverton and Plains to see who can get to 3+ wins...

 

[4Afan]

Pittsfield and Auburn are in the same boat... both return a lot but its still mostly underclassmen. Being in the Sangamo they will battle with Porta, New Berlin, Athens, Riverton and Plains to see who can get to 3+ wins...

In a closed conference will that many teams be fighting for 3 wins? Last year only Pittsfield, Auburn, and Riverton had less than 3 wins and Riverton was 2-7, which could get them in the playoffs this year.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Here's my take on the Sangamo... Im picking Olympia to win the conference. With basically 20 starters back and that power running game working I'm not sure anyone in the Sangamo can stop it! The question is can the Spartan D make stops allowing their O to score and create a scoreboard problem for the RPO teams... Dealing with kids today is total guesswork!~ I think what JJ is doing in Maroa is awesome and beating a team that makes long playoff runs year in and year out will be difficult but this could be the best team Olympia has ever had so Oct 9th we will see.

Olympia
Maroa
Williamsville
Porta
Athens
Pittsfield
New Berlin
Plains
Riverton
Auburn

I can see a world where Maroa, Olympia and Williamsville finish 8-1... The other 7 teams have some separation... Porta having tasted the playoffs and finding success* should have the nod over the remaining 6 teams... Running the ball will decide the pecking order so Athens and Pittsfield should be "playoff" eligible and possibly winning 4 games...

The unknown factors will be:

Was Porta a smoke and mirror team?
Was Auburn as bad as they looked?
Will New Berlins athletes become football players?
Is the talent in Athens drying up?
Is Riverton the next smoke and mirror team?
Will Williamsville's new starters be ready?
Will any team stop Olympia?

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

In a closed conference will that many teams be fighting for 3 wins? Last year only Pittsfield, Auburn, and Riverton had less than 3 wins and Riverton was 2-7, which could get them in the playoffs this year.

I think it could be a crazy year in the Sangamo... The Conference winner could be 7-2! Let that ripple down the standing and we could see multiple teams with 3+ wins... Looking at the 1450 preview vid's none of the O line drills looked impressive. Hitting the sled looked "weak" and most teams just looked like they went through the motion. I know times are different but the first 10 days of practice use to be HELL where the littlest mistakes got you doing up downs and running to touch a fence a mile away so how good these teams lines are will dictate their records. With 3 running teams, without seeing their practices, one would think they will be able to handle their competition ~~the other 7 are RPO, solf zone blocking so their D goes against soft O blocking and that could be a problem when facing Athens, Pittsfield and Olympia!!! None of the 7 RPO teams can replicate the type of lines running teams have. I can see the bottom 3 teams having only 3 total wins... If I were a betting man I would say IF the magic number is 3 wins, that 7 Sangamo teams get into the playoffs!

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Williamsville Bullets
Williamsville, IL

Enrollment:
461

Conference:
Sangamo

Head Coach:
Aaron Kunz

2025 Results:
11-1 Overall, Lost 3A Quaterfinals to Unity 42-7

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Liam Dodsworth OL/DL
Nathan Crouch OL
Griffin Watkins WR
Kaden Entwistle WR
Collin Grosenheider WR
Bryce Oglesby TE/DE
Marquisse Ringo RB
Wesley Kirkman DL
Gage Reedy ILB
Jack Ford ILB
Brenton Trickey OLB
Jack Park DB

Underclassmen to Watch:
Keagan Peters QB
Andrew Mumaw LB
Owen Alderson OL

2026 Outlook:
A standard of excellence and consistency in Central Illinois, the Bullets qualified for the playoffs for the 16th consecutive season in 2025 reaching the 3A Quaterfinals. Coach Aaron Kunz will enter his 24th season as Williamsville Head Coach this fall and has back 5 starters on offense and 6 on defense. Offensive firepower will need to be replaced as Jackson Sanders, Mason Johnson, and Matthew Miller have graduated. In a QB this fall will be Jr Keagen Peters who will utilize the WR trio of Grosenheider, Entwistle, and Watkins, while Marquisse Ringo steps in as the lead back. Defensively the Bullets will be led by Gage Reedy (led team in tackles with 93), Brenton Trickey (68 tkl/11.0 TFL), Jack Park, and Jack Ford. Goals are pretty simple in Williamsville per Coach Kunz, those are to go 1-0 each week, get the win with ourselves each day, and make a long playoff run. Williamsville will be in the mix for the Sangamo Conference Championship and another deep playoff run is possible for the Bullets this fall.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Fwiw Massey showing the preseason projection score between these two historical upper conference pack leaders Williamsville and Maroa-Forsyth show the Trojans winning 34-31 (54%) in a tight game. Of course this projection will have changed quite a bit by this week nine game. Ratsy

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Good on the conference for always making Billville/Maroa a late season smasher too! Whoever runs the Sangamo gets it man.

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... The Spartans from Stanford. Ratsy

Pigskin Preview 2026: Olympia Spartans | Channel 1450

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Muddy River Sports: Pittsfield Preview

2026 Countdown to Kickoff: Pittsfield coaching staff looking to change expectations, results | Muddy River Sports

Pittsfield football coach Dalton Barnes has revamped his coaching staff and created a new vibe where expectations are rising and the Saukees believe success will follow. Muddy River Sports Director Chris Duerr dives into the changes being felt around Saukee nation for this installment of...

muddyriversports.com

 

[cornerrat#1]

All.... Channel 20 on Trojans football. Ratsy

Maroa-Forsyth reloads after two straight state title losses | Sports | newschannel20.com