Welcome to Duerrisms for the Week of September 10th, 2008. We are presented as always by the fine people at ADVANCE Physical Therapy. Hope you had as much fun this past week as we did.
With your indulgence: Happy Birthday Mom and Happy Anniversary to my Brother and Sister in Law Mark and Jennifer. Take that, Hallmark.
Please join me in welcoming back our friends at The Graphic Edge for their second year of Sponsorship for the FRATERNITY OF PAIN. Each week, The Graphic Edge will provide a free, limited edition T-Shirt for the player in Tri State Football who delivers the week's best hit. A little twist on the concept this year: coaches and parents can submit video for the purposes of nominating a player for the FOP, but we must receive the clip by Thursday of the following week. We will announce each new Fraternity of Pain winner on Saturday Night during OVERTIME and they will be listed here on Duerrisms weekly for your perusal. We have inducted South Shelby's Matt Patterson into the FOP for his week one hit against Highland. We will make up for the lack of a Week Two winner later in the Fall with two nominees from whichever night of football gives us the best offerings. Video clips can be sent in care of :
Chris Duerr's Fraternity of Pain,
KHQA Sports
301 South 36th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
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FOOTBALL 2008
WEEK TWO POSTMORTEM
Best Upset: Brown County over Greenfield, at least by state rankings standards
Most Impressive Week Two Winner: Concord Triopia
Best Game: South Shelby at Centralia
Best Bounceback: Macomb 27-0 over P-B-L
Worst Delivery on Hype: SHG at Jacksonville
Biggest Surprise: Clopton/Elsberry improves to 2-0
Best Star Turn, Defense: Dallas Job, Highland
Best Star Turn, Offense: Tyson Nordsiek, Beardstown
Injury Concerns: Shey Sibley, QND (ankle)
Davis Hendrickson, Macomb (knee)
Cole Hetzler, Highland (knee)
Week Two Bullet Points:
Important Lesson One: SHG Coach Ken Leonard is not a man to be trifled with. The Cyclones worked out their angst from the Lombard Montini loss by annihilating a very talented Jacksonville team in an absolutely scary display of power.
Important Lesson Two: Forget the Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx. The last thing I want is to be named Quincy Notre Dame's starting tailback at the end of Summer Workouts. Shey Sibley is the third straight QND back to go down in three seasons. And if you believe Shey has any chance of playing Friday against 3rd ranked Geneseo, you've never suffered a high ankle sprain.
Important Lesson Three: The WIVC North is far and away the most entertaining race in Tri State Football right now. Defensively, "The Big Three" of Triopia, Routt, and Brown County gave up a combined 13 points last week and just 32 total points in the first two weeks of football. Routt has not allowed a point yet and will be gunning for its third straight shutout against Virginia/AC Central on Saturday night. The Rockets have played the easiest schedule of the three teams in question, but played it well. This race may be a dead heat when "round robin" play starts in Week Four.
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THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
7. JORDAN HOLLAND, LB, Monroe City
13 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2 Sacks vs Macon
6. ETHAN ALLEN, QB, Clark County
12 of 15 Passing, 202 yards, 3 TD (all 1st Quarter) vs Scotland County
5. JON GILLIAM, WR, Paris
6 receptions, 121 yards, 3 TD vs Slater
4. TYSON NORDSIEK, RB, Beardstown
4 Carries, 107 rushing yards, 3 TD vs West Prairie
3. BEN HEINEMANN, QB, Routt
3 for 3 passing, 78 Yards, TD: 3 Rushing TD vs Calhoun
2. RYAN SPOHR, RB, Quincy Notre Dame
15 carries, 140 rushing yards, 2 TD vs Palmyra
1. DAVID ARENDT, RB, Concord Triopia
16 carries, 211 yards, 5 TD vs Pleasant Hill
KHQA Player of the Week:
AARON ZETTERLUND, RB, KEOKUK
341 rushing yards in a single game? That kind of production is hard enough to achieve against air, let alone with eleven other players on the field trying to tackle you. More to the point, the kid only played three quarters in the offing as Bob McIntyre took out his talented tailback once Keokuk had the win over Central Lee firmly in grasp. Running behind a rapidly improving Offensive Line, Zetterlund went over the century mark in all three quarters and just absolutely shredded the Hawks with his high work rate and cut back ability. Aaron reminds me a ton of former QND star Dan Griffard with his ability to bounce off contact and his fearless running approach. And by all accounts, the kid gets glowing marks within his own ranks for his leadership, attitude, and work ethic. We have not received official confirmation yet if Zetterlund's total is a new school record, but we sure hope so. Couldn't happen to a better young man or greater ambassador of the Chief program.
Previous Winners:
Week One: JAVIS VINEYARD, RB/SS, Clark County
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KHQA PIGSKIN POWER POLL
1. CLARK COUNTY (2-0)
Last Week: 51-0 win over Scotland County
This Week: vs Putnam County
The Skinny: Ethan Allen had his Chase Daniel/Ben Rothlisberger moment on Friday, picking apart the Scotland County defense with incredible precision before having to shut it down for fear of piling on. For all of essentially one quarter, Matt Smith turned his spread offense fully loose in Kahoka Friday and watched his signal caller complete 12 of 15 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns (to three different receivers) Our photographer, who left the game for another shoot in Donnellson after four touchdowns, called it seven minutes of the most impressive offensive football he's seen. It was almost shock and awe. After allowing Bryan Plenge and Matt Morrow to remind the Tigers why they are the best wide receiving tandem in the Tri States, Allen pounced with a perfectly thrown slant route to Mason Owen that basically served as a statement: try to take away whoever you want, the Indians will just check down to the next option and continue the assault. And here's the rub: Scotland County is a very decent mid-level TRC Defense. Granted, the Tigers still have a long ways to go on the other side of the ball (Clark held SC to 31 yards of total offense, but it was largely a paint by numbers afair while doing so) but Scotland can tackle and punish on the other side of the ball. Clark County is just so much better than anyone else with the Spread that the Tigers defensive gifts disappeared. We did not hang around very long in Kahoka but Javis Vineyard had a pair of rushing touchdowns and a punt return for TD that saw him zig zag 200 yards across the field for a 50 yard score. Lynn Williams also recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown. Overall, it was pretty much the performance we've come to expect from Clark and this three game home stand figures to continue with similar efforts the next two weeks.
2. TRIOPIA (2-0)
Last Week: 51-7 win over Pleasant Hill
This Week: vs West Central
The Skinny: Two weeks into the season, I am convinced that Concord Triopia might have Western Illinois' most viable Player of the Year threat. It's just not the guy you think. Granted David Arendt has been amazing with 429 rushing yards, a 10.7 yards per carry average, and eight rushing touchdowns in two games. The kid is on pace for 40 touchdowns and two thousand yards in the regular season alone, which would dwarf Duke Joehl's production last year and certainly put him at the top of any awards discussion. The simple truth is that Arendt's talents would be far less celebrated were it not for the fact that he is feasting off the work of maybe the most dominant Offensive Lineman we've seen. Ask the Pleasant Hill kids about Jacob Millard. He is a human wrecking ball; a one man alley creator that guarantees a running lane any time Rich Thompson decides to run from guard to guard. Granted Millard is flanked by some pretty darned good technicians but it is his point of attack domination that makes this unit "special." Think Max Dancer playing at the 1A level. Triopia had 560 rushing yards on Friday against a Wolves team that should win seven games this year. Defensively, Triopia was just as impressive, allowing only a hail mary touchdown pass at the end of the first half to a team that had rolled up 370 passing yards a week prior. Adam Brockhouse had six total tackles and quarterback sack against Pleasant Hill, while Brian Carriger lead the charge with nine stops. The Trojans are slated to take on struggling West Central and Virginia/AC clubs the next two weeks before entering their back to back with state ranked Brown County and Routt. That may be the one concern here: that Triop will have had nothing close to a reasonable test before the real money games roll around.
3. QND (2-0)
Last Week:45-8 win over Palmyra
This Week: vs Geneseo
The Skinny: There are two ways to look at QND right now. The Raiders are either an outstanding football team worthy of their now lofty number three ranking in Class 4A Football or merely another good team that has gotten fat and happy off a greatly diminished schedule. Whatever the "reality" of the situation may be, we will have a more certain read on Bill Connell's team after Friday night. The same may be said of Larry Johnsen's Geneseo club, which carries a lofty ranking of its own (having outscored its foes 70-3 out of the gate to rise to 3rd in 5A) built on beat downs of Manley and a struggling Moline offense. The preseason scuttlebutt was that the Maple Leafs were a lesser brand of their usual selves coming into this year. The lingering criticism of QND remains its inability to win a red letter game over the last four years. Both teams have plenty to prove at 10th and Jackson Friday Night. Good news/bad news for Bill Connell. QND will get back suspeneded All Stater Jimmy Holtschlag for Friday's game (although James Aschemann did a nice job in his stead at Offensive Tackle on Friday, blowing up a hole for a 30 yard run on the first play from scrimmage) but likely lose starting tailback Shey Sibley for said contest. With Ryan Spohr and Alex Miller still in the mix, I don't know that Sibley's potential absence has that chilling of an effect on the running game. I do think it could mean that new quarterback Kramer Barnes might get a few extra chances in the passing game to clear out the box against the interior running game. Barnes has been very poised and incredibly accurate, completing 11 of his 17 passes this season without an interception. I am intrigued by his proficiency especially when you consider how hard he throws the football on every single pass. I am convinced that if QND can generate 17 or more points, it will win this game. Geneseo has good defensive speed off the ball, but the Maple Leafs have seen nothing akin to QND's Offensive Line yet this year. Geneseo's offense is very blue collar. I watched highlights of both the Manley and Moline wins on the Maple Leafs website and I think the Raiders match up extremely well on that side of the ball. The Maple Leafs use a committee of hard nosed but not particularly flashy running backs. Quarterback Michael Atwell was just 2 of 7 passing in the opener and his TD pass against Moline was essentially just a heave and pray ordeal. Pressure him and he appears to be prone to making mistakes. I have been extremely impressed with QND's defense thus far. The linebackers are incredibly reactive and Defensive Line has shown the ability to disrupt and allow kids like Anthony Hendren and Brandon Kientzle to come clean against the run. Granted, Geneseo offers by far the best Offensive Line QND has seen to date, but I didn't exactly come away from watching the Green and Gold front line awed. I think this is a very winnable game for QND, provided the Raiders stay out of their own head mentally and free themselves of the maddening mistakes that always plague them with the bright lights go on in this type environment. It is, quite bluntly, time for QND to put that talk to rest and only the Raiders can do it for themselves.
4. BROWN COUNTY (2-0)
Last Week: 7-6 win over Greenfield
This Week: at ISD
The Skinny: The Hornets staged the season's most impressive defensive outing to date in limiting state ranked Greenfield to just 107 total yards and three first downs in Friday's thriller, snuffing out a two point conversion in the late fourth quarter to punctuate the one point win. Eric Grady engineered a masterful game plan against Dan Bowman's offense and got a monster games from Nathan Goudschaal (12 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries) and Cory Bowen (14 tackles) to help set the tone up front. Greenfield's Offensive Line had no answer for the Hornet's ability to disrupt and move in the trenches, which was essentially the difference in this ball game. The line pressure also helped force a pair of pivotal momentum busting interceptions by Ace Henricks and Jacob Wilson that cut the heart out of an already frustrated attack. There is no sin in winning ugly and the Hornets have fast proven they don't need many points to post a victory. We would just like to see this offense get into a better groove before Routt and Triopia surface on radar. ISD certainly provides that opportunity and Friday will likely be the first time we see a Hornet back go for more than 80 yards in a game. Joe Cross has been wearing a big target this season and is churning out close to five yards per carry. Quentin Bradbury has yet to really get untracked yet and put his game changing speed to game changing use. The Hornets also did not complete any of their four passing attempts on Friday night. Bottom line, the Hornets have to clean up the soft spots on offense. Seven points is not going to get it done against Routt or Triopia. Brown County has the parts to be very explosive in attack. Tom Little just needs to get all the cogs working more cohesively. Even the great Carthage Wing-T attacks usually took four or five weeks to really get rolling. I suspect the Hornets, with all the talent they have in play, will do just that coming off the springboard of this week's turbo-clock win over ISD.
5. ILLINI WEST (2-0)
Last Week: 28-7 win over BPCA
This Week: vs CSE (KHQA Game of the Week)
The Skinny: The Chargers discovered first hand on Friday just how physical and tough that Spartan Defense can be. BPCA blanked Illini West in the first half last week and took a 7-0 lead into the break on Trey Yocum's 67 yard touchdown run. Truth be told, the Chargers were as much their own worst enemy in the opening stanza as the Spartans. Lots of penalties. Lots of missed assignments. But as Jim Unruh told me after the game, the real testament to his kids is how they bounced back without their good fastball and found a way to get the offense untracked in the second half. Drake Schmudlach picked up some of the slack and made a considerable statement for more work with 63 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. Big Brother Jacob Schmudlach eased the tension with a 26 yard touchdown reception from Michael Lafferty, one of just three passes the Chargers threw all night. It was a more restrained passing effort, but also more effective than in week one. Stefan Flynn, who continues to be the meat and potatoes of the offense, busted off a 60 yard touchdown run to break things open once and for all. Again, not the Chargers at their best but certainly enough to secure the win. The real story here was just how well the Charger defense played after allowing one big home run burst. Derek VanFleet had seven tackles to lead the charge, including two for loss. Nose Tackle Ross Hutson was his usual active self with a five and half stops. . Lyle Klein's defense continued to show great ability to penetrate and disrupt; this week against one of the most physical offensive lines in the Western Illinois Small School Football. They will need that ability this week against a CSE attack that has proven both proficient and surprisingly diverse, showing everything from the Wing-T to the Spread.
6. PITTSFIELD/GRIGGSVILLE-PERRY
Last Week: 32-16 win over South Fulton
This Week: vs BPCA
The Skinny: There is rain in the forecast for Friday night, which means the Saukees may face an even sterner test from the Spartans than Illini West did. Certainly, PGP will come into that contest battle tested, having a surprisingly good South Fulton squad to thank for that. After riding Michael Johnson's 80 yard kickoff return to open the second half to a 16-0 lead, the Saukees got a barrage of the Rebels offensive balance with Nick Shawgo busting off a 60 yard Touchdown run and Eylan Westlake marching his team on a long drive to tie the score at 16 midway through the third stanza. Ultimately, however, PGP's power running game wore the Rebels out. Elijah Hoover is, pound for pound, one of the toughest tackles in Tri State Football. The kid is a punishing runner who popped a pretty good Rebel Defense for 92 yards and touchdown. Devon Johnson continued to shine with 73 yards and a touchdown. And Quarterback Jordan Cawthon, who did not have a particularly sharp night throwing the ball, did pony up 50 yards of rushing of his own accord. The Saukee ground game remains a very tricky defend as all of the options involved are high quality and well protected by a rising Offensive Line. We've yet to see the PGP Defense in person and I think that is where our interest lies this week against BPCA. You can't tell much about that unit listening to the radio and I'd like to see just how quick and reactive Don Bigley's kids are...and how they respond to a BPCA Offensive Line that can flat steam roll you if you let it get running down hill. From all I've heard, Sam Ghrist has been exceptionally active. You here is name on almost every tackle. Fascinated to see these guys in person on Friday night.
7. ROUTT (2-0)
Last Week: 48-0 win over Calhoun
This Week: vs V/AC (Saturday)
The Skinny: For those of you keeping score at home, that is indeed three WIVC North teams in our Top Seven. Say what you want about the Rockets early season schedule, Routt has earned the bump and our respect by throwing back to back goose eggs on the board (in the name of all that is holy, keep Glen Payton away from sharp objects) and making quantum improvement on offense. Is is just me or is Ben Heinemann doing one heck of a Joe Zeller impersonation? Three rushing touchdowns last week? Yeah, we saw that coming. A perfect 3 for 3 passing night with smart, perfectly placed passes? Heinemann is not only athletic, but he is a supremely confident kid who plays absolutely fearlessly. He just naturally inspires a lot of confidence and Ben's warp speed development has me convinced that Routt's offense can be every bit as good as it was last year. It is certainly with Heinemann, Michael Tonry and a healthy Tim Denney much faster that it was on the whole last season. Tonry continues to electrify, this time with a kickoff return for touchdown. Denney did the bulk of his damage on the other side of the football Friday. He was credited with 13 solo tackles, 12 assists, and a 20 yard interception return for touchdown. Cody Brant had nine tackles on the Defensive Line. Carter Pruitt added eight more from his linebacker spot. The Rockets get the equivalent of one more tune up game this Saturday with Virginia/AC Central before the real fun begins with a roadie to Mount Sterling.
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THE NEXT LEVEL
8. HANNIBAL
In a perfect world, the Pirates were going to have their hands full with a ticked-off Harrisonville squad last week. Given the circumstances, I thought Hannibal played admirably with heavy hearts. Five hour road trip to Poplar Bluff this weekend ought to be an interesting test of the Pirates resolve.
9. SOUTH SHELBY
It could be argued that the better team lost on Friday in Centralia, but you can't turn over the ball three times (one in the red zone) and allow not one, but two critical fourth down conversions to a team like the Panthers and expect to win. The Cardinals increased their own degree of difficulty on this one a little too much. Still, does anyone not come away from this game marveling at the potential of Rob Wilt's offense this season?
10. JACKSONVILLE
Harkening back to my grade school sand-lot days, can Mark Grounds invoke the "do-over" rule here? I don't envy Springfield High on Friday....
11. MONROE CITY
Yes, the Panthers still make far too many mental mistakes for my liking. But this team bounces back from adversity so much better than in years past. With Shawn Maloney and Brandon Waters both on point, Monroe City tagged a quality Macon squad for 432 yards of total offense last week (at Hugh Dunn Field, no less)
12. CSE
Panther Defense has now scored 20 points of its own accord this season (John Hibbert had a 23 yard fumble return against R/I) and allowed zero in return.
13. NORTH SHELBY
Quietly, Terry Ahern's crew is playing some of the best defense in Northeast Missouri right now (59 total yards surrendered to Putnam County this week) They better continue.....
14. CLOPTON/ELSBERRY
...Because undefeated Spread Offense juggernaut Clopton/Elsberry awaits on Friday. How can a team playing its first ever year of varsity football be this good? See here: http://www.khqa.com/sports/sports_story.aspx?id=189049
15. BPCA
The Western Illinois Football team no one wants a piece of. Good luck with Kyle Borchardt on a muddy field, Friday night, Saukees.
16. MACON
Brad Muck's sensational night washed away in the Monroe City Comeback.
17. MACOMB
Bomber Defense, Running Game (two backs with over 100 yards) bounces back huge in shutout win over P-B-L. Can Macomb keep the momentum rolling for top ranked Orion this week?
18. KEOKUK
Matt Meyers returns and the Chiefs look like a completely different team against Central Lee. Go figure
19. PLEASANT HILL/WESTERN
Our concerns about the Wolves ability to handle power running teams were confirmed in the worst possible way. Nasty field conditions at Don Kemp did not help the PH/W spread offense any either.
20. BEARDSTOWN
Who knew? Aaron Elmore gets first coaching win with balanced Wing-T attack that sees Tyson Nordsiek, Ronnie Burgett and QB Cole Carlock all tally over 70 yards of rushing apiece.
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SEVEN UP
Seven kids whose stock rose with us this week
BRIAN ELLIOTT, Macomb
When Davis Hendrickson injured his knee on the Bombers first series at PBL, junior Brian Elliott jumped right into the mix and delivered 115 rushing yards and a touchdown off the bench. In concert with Austin Sears, Elliott made Davis' absence negligible in the Macomb rushing attack (no small feat) and gives Orange and Black fans an exciting prospect for the present (if Macomb isn't in playoff contention when Davis is healthy in 4-6 weeks, I would suspect the Fighting Illini Baseball staff pulls the plug on his football career) and the future.
DALLAS JOB, Highland
Promising Cougar Defensive Back is arriving fast ahead of schedule. He snared a 70 yard interception return for touchdown against Louisiana in the Cougars 28-0 win on Friday
ANDRE GIVENS, Quincy High
The speedy sophomore scored his first varsity Touchdown on Friday on a 92 yard kickoff return late against Mount Pleasant. It won't be his last. We saw him in Seven-on-Seven workouts a couple of different times this summer and he appears to be one of those rare difference makers who can change a game from anywhere on the field.
If we had Tri State Fantasy Football, this would be the guy you snare late in a keeper league and hold onto forever because you just know he's going to be a play maker for years to come.
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Pittsfield
Saukee delivered big time pop for his team in the win over South Fulton with a receiving touchdown and the aforementioned kick off return. How many weapons does Don Bigley have in his arsenal, anyway?
CARL HARTWEG, Illini West
Charger Assistant Rusty Wiley told me to keep an eye out for this emerging Holy Terror and this week the Illini West junior teamed with Kris Vincent for a combined four tackles for loss against BPCA's brutish Offensive Line.
BEN JOHNSON, Clopton/Elsberry
When the Hawks vaunted passing game stalled somewhat this week against Winfield, Johnson came from off radar to deliver 166 traditional running yards, underscoring the balance on Adam Faloon's Offense.
TYSON NORDSIEK, Beardstown
Hate to dwell on the obvious here, but the kid did propel his team to a stunning upset of West Prarie (in Sciota no less) with three critical touchdown runs.
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YOUR FRIDAY PLANNER: WEEK THREE
Though not as obscenely deeps as last week's docket, there are more than enough goodies here on both sides of the River to keep your interest, even with a largely diminished slate in Southeast Iowa. Mother nature could also swing a number of fortunes this week as heavy rains could seriously swing the balance of power in the BPCA/PGP and Clopton-Elsberry/North Shelby games from one team to another. Granted, there are still some dog matchups on this slate but overall, I think this schedule is far more akin to Week Two than to the less than inspired opening week of contests we had to stomach.
THE CENTER OF ATTENTION: CSE AT ILLINI WEST
Obviously, the mother of all subplots is at play. Bill Reed vs Jim Unruh. Two great friends with enormous respect for each other and eight combined State Championship rings between them. And for the last couple of weeks, both men have treated the head-to-head matchup with all the personal enthusiasm of a Honey-Do list. Jim Unruh actually predicted this meeting of 2-0 squads back when the schedule was released and has been griping at me about how I would hype this thing like World War 3 ever since. And Bill Reed has said for three weeks that when this game rolled around he would clam up like Bill Belichick. Okay, so I won't dwell, even though I have come to find out on numerous fronts from both camps how much fun this matchup has engendered behind the scenes.(More on that next week so as not to ruin any surprises) I'll give Bill and Jim their wish and not make too much of their personal meeting. The rub here is that the game matchup itself didn't need an selling point. In short order, Bill Reed has made believers of his kids. Do the Panthers believe enough that they can overcome the aura of the longstanding Blueboy/Thunder/Charger mystique, which has typically been worth about 20-25 points alone in this game? After the first two weeks, I am not disputing that notion. I really like what CSE has done with its defense. It would be silly to discount that attribute giving the Panthers more than a puncher's chance, especially after BPCA had some nice moments against Illini West a week earlier. Clearly, Illini West is the favorite but CSE has a diverse offense and pockets of strength that can be used to stymie many of the things the Chargers do well. I think this is really going to be a great matchup of two future playoffs teams. And if the Reed/Unruh showdown adds a little extra luster and limelight on two great teams, who's mad?
WORTH YOUR TICKET DOLLAR
GENESEO AT QND
I've seen this song and dance too many times from QND; the inability to finish off a money opponent. And yet, here I am again awash in the afterglow of watching that impressive Palmyra beatdown (and a defense I think is Bill Connell's most aggressive since 2004) believing that QND is just superior to Geneseo in too many ways to lose at home. Go to the Geneseo website, watch the highlight reels, and try and convince yourself that the Maple Leafs are good enough to play QND to within 10 points. I couldn't do it. This isn't about talent. It's about psyche. And I for one am curious as all get out as to what kind of mental make-up this QND incarnation has. If the Raiders do win this game, and convincingly, the carry over effect could last until Thanksgiving Weekend. Conversely, another "morale" victory could seriously undermine all of the hard earned early season momentum.
BPCA AT PITTSFIELD/GRIGGSVILLE-PERRY
The running lanes that Devon Johnson and Elijah Hoover have so readily enjoyed are going to be a lot harder to come by Friday night when BPCA hits town. Just ask the good folks at Illini West. This will be the least glamorous, most entertaining slugfest you see all year. If it rains, even more so as PGP's speed advantage gets negated. Look, the Saukees haven't exactly been great in money games over the years either. And this is, without a doubt, a very stern test for what is widely believed to be the most complete PGP team of the Don Bigley era. Time to prove it.
CLOPTON/ELSBERRY AT NORTH SHELBY
A head-to-head battle of the two least likely 2-0 teams in Tri State Football. North Shelby's defensive improvement from last season to this has been as radical as any I can remember. Now, a defensive backfield that was riddled with bullets in 2007 goes headlong against Ryan Flanagan and ace receiver Ryan Bencomo, who had 4 touchdowns on opening night. Conversely, if it rains, can a Hawk Defense without anything resembling a signature effort yet slow down Daniel Jones and Josh McEwen. Lots of intriguing variables in play here.
MONROE CITY AT CENTRALIA
I find it interesting that so many people are so dismissive of this game. Didn't South Shelby prove last week that Centralia's Defense is very suspect? Brandon Waters has his confidence back and Shawn Maloney is at his best in big matchups (see also South Shelby last year) and has a natural gift for preying on a foes weaknesses. Centralia's decided size advantage in the trenches is cause for concern as is home field advantage in one of the Tri State's best atmospheres. Still, I think Monroe City is being dismissed far too readily.
SOUTH SHELBY AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The scoreboard could be on tilt this week as a South Shelby team that should have beaten Centralia last week takes dead aim at one of the most traditionally explosive attacks in the Show Me State.
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FEARLESS DUERR PREDICTIONS
Missouri
WRIGHT CITY 3
BOWLING GREEN 21
PUTNAM COUNTY 0
CLARK COUNTY 48
HANNIBAL 31
POPLAR BLUFF 6
HIGHLAND 16
SCOTLAND CO 6
SLATER 0
KNOX COUNTY 14
LOUISIANA 6
PALMYRA 30
MACON 21
MARK TWAIN 7
MONROE CITY 21
CENTRALIA 30
NORTH SHELBY 28
CLOPTON/ELSBERRY 34
PARIS 34
WESTRAN 10
SOUTH SHELBY 42
MONTGOMERY CO. 24
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Illinois
BEARDSTOWN 18
WEST HANCOCK 28
BROWN COUNTY 54
ISD 6
BPCA 8
PGP 14
CSE 12
ILLINI WEST 30
SPRINGFIELD 6
JACKSONVILLE 42
MACOMB 14
ORION 34
PLEASANT HILL 32
NORTH GREENE 18
QUINCY HIGH 34
EVANSVILLE 7
GENESEO 10
QND 13
ROUTT 35
VIRGINIA/AC 0
R/I 14
PORTA 20
TRIOPIA 42
WEST CENTRAL 7
SOUTH FULTON 38
UNITY/PAYSON 6
ATHENS 12
WEST PRAIRIE 20
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RANDOM MEA CULPA
For the record tennis fans:
(A) I do, in fact, have a mother and father
(B) I do, in fact, know who they are
(C) I have zero say-so in TV Programming decisions, Sports or otherwise
(D) I was just as ticked off as you on Monday when the US Open Final did not run
(E) More so in having to deal with an avalanche of angry e-mails on Tuesday when I returned to work
(F) Am hopeful that because so many of you voiced your opinion to the powers that be, such a stupid mistake will never be repeated here again.
(G) If it is, I will personally strangle the decision maker in charge, if only to avoid your scorn, at personal employment peril.
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RANDOM MUSINGS
Tough coaching debut for Garrett Campbell at Illinois College as his Blueboy Offense was done in by a rash of turnovers. A couple of bright spots for IC. DJ Jackson was named the Midwest Conference Special Teams Performer of the Week after garnering 179 yards on four kick returns and blocking a field goal that led to a Dink Simmons Touchdown return. Fort Madison's Michael Jennings finished the day with 15 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown as well. I have a feeling once Campbell recruits to improve his running game (Mitch Niekamp threw 63 passes on Saturday) the Blueboys Pistol Offense will have more teeth. You can see potential there.
Tough season debut for Do or Die Bowl alum Clay Bricker at Monmouth. The Fighting Scots starting tailback had 12 carries for 28 yards in his team's 24-17 win over Loras. The BPCA product also had one catch for two years. His high school teammate Marcus Ruff was also credited for a tackle in the win.
Jacksonville's Les Hammers had five total tackles, three for loss in Truman State's season opening win over Southern Arkansas. The Bulldogs host Central Missouri State on Saturday night on the new field turf at Stokes Stadium, which means a visit from former Montgomery County All State Quarterback Eric Czerniewski and the 24th ranked team in the nation in Division Two.
Our favorite former Mark Twain Tiger, Clint Carroz scored his first career touchdown for Southwest Baptist against powerhouse Northwest Missouri State. The Former Quincy Herald Whig Player of the Year, who plays nose guard, got moved to the fullback spot for a couple of carries when the game (63-28 final) got well out of hand. Clint got two carries, one for a 1 yard touchdown. He also registered three tackles from his normal spot.
Just one guys humble opinion but I would contend that this is the most telling and important week on Western Illinois Footbal Schedule. If the Leathernecks go 0-for-the Dakotas this season, I don't think they end up making the playoffs. And clearly Saturday's showdown with South Dakota State is the more winnable of the two games, despite the fact that the Jackrabbits just humbled a very highly regarded YSU club on its home field.
Our buddy Cole Peevler was featured last month as one of the 24 Iowa Hawkeyes to watch this season. You can read a very nice write up on the Keokuk Golf Phenom by clicking here: http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-golf/spec-rel/082808aac.html
Due to a downed lighting standard at the Football Field, Unity-Payson will be playing all of its home football games this year on Saturday Afternoons, starting with Saturday's title with South Fulton at 1:00pm. Also on the Saturday High School docket this week are Quincy High/Evansville, Hannibal/Poplar Bluff, and Virginia/Routt.
It is getting late early for a trio of annual playoff qualifiers. Rushville/Industry's region best 18 year postseason streak is in serious jeopardy if the Rockets can't find a way to beat Porta this weekend. Practically speaking, R/I would be 0-3 on the year with Illini West and PGP still left to play, meaning best case scenario the Rockets would be looking at four wins and the death of "the streak." West Prairie's situation is also fairly dicey because Beardstown was one of the 5-6 projected wins we had on the board for the Cyclones...and the bottom of the slate just got tougher with South Fulton, Havana and even Pleasant Plains playing at a much higher level than anticipated. West Hancock is 0-2 with Illini West and Pittsfield still looming. That leaves Don Capaldo's crew having to beat Beardstown, Plains, West Prairie, R/I and Central Southeastern to get in. Possible, but I think CSE is clearly a superior team to West Hancock at this point and none of those "easy" games are chalk. Bottom line, if any of those three teams lose on Friday, I don't see a Macomb-like 6-0 finish in their futures.
Congrats to former West Hancock Football standout and Do or Die Bowl Star Ryan Clark on his engagement to former Warsaw Softball and Basketball Standout Angela Mulch.
Duerrisms apologies to QND Soccer's Alex Rinella. I misidentified him this week during our QHS/QND highlights on his spectacular header attempt. His jersey was crinkled funny through the number and I thought the "23" on his back was actually the "21" worn by Ethan Arns.
QND Basketball star Chloe Barnes has narrowed her college decision to Creighton or Ball State. Expect a decision from the gifted off guard within the next three weeks as Chloe wants to enter her senior year with no outside distractions.
Tireless Cross Country advocate Andy Edgar called this week with the exciting news that his Running Raider Invite (next Tuesday) has grown into a 46 team affair, what he calls the biggest non-weekend event in Downstate Running.
Future Star Alert: remember the name Na'Kea Shepherd, softball fans. The Louisiana Freshman delivered her first varsity Home Run on Wednesday and it came off one of the region's elite pitchers in Mark Twain's Kachina Hudson. The young lady is still a bit raw but she has a ton of natural power in her swing.
Galesburg Volleyball star Katie Hosteng, who we featured against Pittsfield on OVERTIME in the Early Bird Classic last weekend, has given her verbal to Western Illinois.
I caught them just after a disappointing loss to Franklin, but I was really impressed with what I saw out of the unsung Griggsville-Perry Volleyball team at Meredosia in their upset of West Central on Saturday. Miranda Whitaker is a daunting defensive presence at the net and it seems like she contests nearly everything hit her way (did a nice job on Tomi White Saturday, despite giving up height)
Speaking of Hudson, the Lady Tiger ace delivered what might have been her finest varsity pitching performance on Tuesday in limiting the Centralia juggernaut to one unearned run, albeit in a 1-0 losing cause. Kachina has hit a very nice groove and is locating the ball very well right now. The Twain Offensive Lineup is a little young but this is a team that has a fighting chance in every game because of its pitching and defense.
Anyone else find Bill Belichick's sudden "piety" in the wake of Bernard Pollard's hit on Tom Brady delightfully hypocritical? The whole "we teach our guys to hit above the knees and below the neck" would probably play better is Bill did not employ one Rodney Harrison, who is universally recognized by his peers in every single players poll I've ever seen as the "dirtiest player in the NFL" Enjoy the 6-10 finish, Genius...you've earned it.
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THE SEVEN COOLEST PEOPLE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH AT THIS VERY MOMENT (AT LEAST FOR THIS WEEK.)
JERRY SYMONS
Our area is blessed with a lot of great radio play-by-play men. I am not sure any are better than the voice of Jacksonville Sports. If I am going to invest my time listening to a high school or college game, I want to the commentator to invest the same level of faith in me. Jerry gives you not only a great play call, but is free with his opinions and rarely minces words. I'd forgotten just how good the guy was at his craft over the summer until listening to him this past weekend.
TAYLOR NORD
He is the Javis Vineyard of Tri State Soccer. At any given moment, Nord can create magic with the ball at his feet. I am a pretty jaded after watching 20 years of soccer but some of the moves he pulls on over-matched defenders and some of the jaw dropping runs he makes would be enough to make me shell out ticket money. The best analogy I can make is that if soccer were basketball, Taylor would be an AND1 Point Guard wowing people with his mix tape moves. Can we get this kid a YouTube site already?
THE ILLINOIS BROTHERHOOD OF MYRON COPE
I must be living right. I have scored a coveted invitation to the clandestine Pike County Black and Gold enclave that is "The Pit" to watch a Super-Steeler Game this season. Which begs the question...what is the proper gift of esteem I present my host? A case of Mothers Milk "IC" from the Sheridan Chapter of the Duerr/Broderick Clan? A FatHead Poster of Jackie Smith dropping the ball in the End Zone in XIII?? The lifeless body of Joe "Turkey" Jones??? The mind races...
SAM DANCER
Our favorite Leatherneck is listed is listed in the Game Notes for Saturday's Showdown with South Dakota State as the owner of both the top bench press (465 pounds) and squat (639 pounds) on the squad. The QND alum got some run in Saturday's blowout win over Quincy University
MALLARY OWEN
I guess that explains why all of those undersized hitters at Southeastern look so great bringing the ball to the floor for the Lady Suns this season. The MVP of the Suns Classic was quietly content to make stars of Shelby Lanning, Jordan Ringenberger, and Sheena Flesner...but everybody in the building last week took note of just how good Tim Kerr's junior quarterback had become. Between Owen, Hannah Kvitle, Katelyn Moore, and Ashley Treaster this is actually turning out to be a very nice year for Setters.
GABRIEL NOGUEZ
America's Hometown has a new Soccer Star on the come. Two games. Two hat tricks and Eric Hill's crew has outscored its competition 12-0 straight out of the gate. Pirates debut Thursday on the new turf at Porter Stadium against Boonville.
GARY KRIGBAUM
The father of the late Colin Krigbaum felt compelled last Friday to meet with the Hannibal Football Team in the wake of his son's death and share words of support and comfort for Colin's grieving teammates. I can't even fathom summoning that kind of emotional strength, considering just how raw the Krigbaum's own personal wounds over the tragedy still were. All I can say is there is a special place in heaven for people with that kind of selflessness and character. No wonder Colin was such a special kid.
