WBBA SPORTS BLOG

PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Week 1

2009-10-30T12:13:00.003-07:00

The postseason is finally here, and week one presents some great match ups for our area teams. Let's take a look at some of these games.

Pleasant Hill/Western vs. Greenfield/Northwestern - A rematch of a regular season game that saw GNW win 14-6. However, PHW's Brian Black was injured in that game, and I think this may have created a shocking effect for PHW that took them out of their game. The Wolve's are hungry for a playoff win, I think they get it done. Prediction - PHW 26 GNW 18

PGP vs. Pana - A somewhat dangerous matchup for the Saukees in week 1 of the playoffs. They face a much bigger (in size up front) Pana squad on a wet field. If the Saukees can get some scores early and often, I think they take the wind out of Pana's sails and cruise to a victory. However, if Pana is able to shut down the Saukee Offense in the first half, this one could be very close. Prediction - PGP 32 Pana 13

BC vs. Bement (South Piatt) - Okay, let's be quite frank here. BC WILL WIN BIG. Enough said. Prediction - BC 45 South Piatt 0

Calhoun @ Sidell Jamaica - Hard to tell what to make of the Warriors after a week 9 loss to West Central. I don't think it is a good sign for Calhoun. Plus, Sidell was a great team last year, and are poised to make another deep playoff run. Prediction - Calhoun 12 Sidell Jamaica 44

Other Predictions

South Fulton 24
Pawnee 18

Routt 21
Lewistiown 33

BPCA 28
Leroy 20

Triopia 48
Mt. Olive 6

IW 55
Riverton 12

CSE 21
Monticello 44

QND 35
Harrisburg 0

QHS 12
Morgan Park 35

Have a great week and keep us updated with those scores!

Week 9

2009-10-23T13:07:00.001-07:00

Last week of the football season. Not many great games on the docket, but playoff teams need to take care of business to secure higher seeds in the postseason. Keep us updated with those scores here, and good luck to all teams!

Week 8 - Score Updates

2009-10-16T13:46:00.002-07:00

Udate all of your scores here. Have a great week!

Seventh Heaven

2009-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's a week filled with some tremendous matchups, as the # 1 and # 5 ranked teams in 3A go head-to-head, and the # 2 and # 3 teams in 1A battle. A rainy Thursday night may play in to these big matchups on Friday.

Thoughts and Predictions:

PGP @ Illini West - To use a greatly over-used cliche "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best." Well, I think we all understand that IW is "the best." And if PGP wants respect, they NEED to win this game. Can they do it? Yes. Can they do it with the penalties and mistakes we've seen a number of times this year? Nope. PGP will have to play their best game of the season to come out on top in this one. IW still has to try to stop the PGP offense, which has proven to be a tough task. Prediction - call me a homer or a dreamer but, PGP 38 IW 32

Carrollton @ Pleasant Hill/Western - After a heartbreaking loss last week at Greenfield, PHW is really hungry to get back on the winning track. The loss of Brian Black will be hard to fill, but Jake Yancer is a kid who is more than capable of coming in and filling the void. I think PHW needs to stay with an 80:20 run-pass ratio to help control the clock in this one. Prediction PHW 38 Carrollton 19

Triopia @ BC - Probably the best matchup on paper in the state of Illinois this week. In one corner you have Triopia - Defending State Champs, winners of 21 straight, and more confidence than you can shake a stick at. In the other corner you have BC - Tremenous Defense, Great running game, and looking to prove that they are the elite team in the area. This one should be a lot of fun. Prediction BC 24 Triopia 18

BPCA @ Knoxville - After getting a healthy dosage of Sam Ghrist and the Saukee defense, BPCA will rebound nicely with a win over unbeaten Knoxville. BPCA is just way to physical to lose this one. Prediction BPCA 34 Knoxville 13

Other Predictions

Calhoun 44
Bunker Hill 6

North Greene 12
Greenfield/NW 36

Routt 56
ISD 0

Virginia-A/C 6
West Central 30

South Fulton 35
Beardstown 21

Havana 18
CSE 45

QND 36
Richwoods 24

Lincoln 22
JHS 45

QHS 34
Rock Island 30

Have a good, safe week everyone............

It's beginning to feel a lot like Fall.....

2009-10-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

And that means we're well into the football season. Teams (almost) certainly clinching playoff spots last week include PGP, BC, Triopia, IW, QND, and PROBABLY QHS. The probably comes into play because of the Blue Devils lack of playoff points to date. That being said, I still like QHS for 7 or 8 regular season wins.

Thoughts and Predictions:

Routt @ Triopia (Thursday) - After getting blown out by BC, things don't get any easier for the Routt Rockets. Having to travel to Don Kemp field and take on the defending State Champs is a task that many willingly take on. The weather outside is supposed to be frightful, and the outcome may produce the same feeling for Routt. Prediction - Triopia 36 Routt 14

PGP @ BPCA - The Saukees will have to play some tremendous defense to slow down Trey Yocum. The kid is very talented, and has the ability to run you over AND run past you. However, BPCA has to try to counter with shutting down all of the Saukees offensive weapons. If the Saukees can hold Yocum to less than 125 yards, they win this one easily. Prediction PGP 42 BPCA 22

Pleasant Hill/Western @ Greenfield/NW - Ahh..the Bucket is back in the Wolves den and PHW is feeling really good about themselves. They need to stay focused, because Greenfield is a very formidable foe, especially at home. I really am liking PHW's new found balance on offense, and their defense flat out likes to hit. Prediction PHW 35 GNW 14

CSE @ Mendon/Unity - A game that used to be a competitive rivalry has turned into to a blowout. CSE will put up big numbers, especially considering this may be the last time these two teams ever meet. Prediction CSE 64 Mendon/Unity 6

Other Predictions

Bunker Hill 6
Carrollton 52

North Greene 12
Calhoun 32

ISD 6
Virginia-A/C 36

Beardstown 42
Rushville/Industry 18

Illini West 63
West Hancock 0

QND 55
Manual 12

Galesburg 18
QHS 35

Keep us updated with those scores by texting to 217-473-6290 and 217-473-5151 AND by leaving those scores here by commenting on this thread...

Week 5 - We're almost halfway there

2009-09-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Week 5 already. Soon, we will have a somewhat clearer look at how the playoffs (can't believe we're talking about them already) will be setting up for the area teams. I think it's safe to say that PGP, IW, Calhoun, Routt, BC, Triopia, QND, CSE, PHW and (who guessed it) QHS are all going to be in the postseason. However, there are a couple of teams that are on "the bubble" as they say, and this week could determine if they will or will not make it, or if they are a legit contender if they do. That being said, let's make some predictions:

PGP @ Beardstown - Not going to spend much time here. Beardstown has won 2 games, but not against Saukee-quality opponents. Prediction - PGP 54 Beardstown 6

Calhoun @ PHW - THE BATTLE FOR THE BUCKET IS BACK! One of my favorite area rivalries is in play this week at Pleasant Hill. Both of these teams will in the playoffs barring some unforeseen event. This should be an old fashioned slobber knocker of a game. That being said, I have really come to like the look out of the backfield from PHW with Baker & Black Inc. Prediction - PHW 28 Calhoun 18

Greenfield/Northwestern @ Carrollton - This may prove to be the deciding factor on whether or not the Hawks are in the postseason. Greenfield is hungry to continue the dominance they showed last week against Bunker Hill. Prediction - GNW 24 Carrollton 22

BC @ Routt - This should be a GREAT game. BC is unscored on this year. Routt has been the early story (not named QHS) in the area. Nate Graham has his kids playing hard and believing they can win every time they step onto the field. Routt will score, but not as much as the Hornets. Prediction - BC 35 Routt 21

Other Predictions:

Triopia 58
Virgina-A/C 6

West Central 35
ISD 12

West Prairie 22
CSE 60

IW 68
Rushville/Industry 0

QND 52
Peoria Woodruff 12

JHS 21
Taylorville 32

QHS 30
E. Moline 13

Keep us updated with those scores by commenting on this post...

Week 4 - Almost Half Way Done

2009-09-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Who can believe that we're already in week 4? This week provides some good match ups

Thoughts/Predictions

CSE @ PGP - This will be a high scoring affair, with both teams having explosive offenses. However, this one will come down to whose defense can actually make a stop. CSE has to try to scheme to stop Hoover, D. Johnson, M. Johnson, Cawthon, Butler, Hoover, and Risley. Sounds like a tough task. Prediction - PGP 55 CSE 31

Pleasant Hill/Western @ North Greene - The Wolves have put back-to-back wins together, and if they can stop Williford and Company, they'll be 3-1. Prediction - PHW 26 NG 13

Carrollton @ Calhoun - Talk about a difference in philosophies....Carrollton - THE SPREAD....Calhoun - RUN IT DOWN YOUR THROAT AND MAKE YOU LIKE IT...I'm a traditionalist myself - Calhoun 28 Carrollton 21

Other Predictions

Triopia 60
West Central 0

BC 68
ISD 0

Illini West 52
Mercer County (Aledo) 21

Routt 45
Virginia-A/C 0

South Fulton 35
R/I 6

Keep us updated with the scores from the game you're at.....

Week 3 Thoughts and Score Updates

2009-09-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Week 3 (hopefully) will provide some more excitment in the area. After two weeks of mainly blowouts, there are some intriguing matchups this week. Here's our thoughts...

PGP @ West Prairie - This should not be close. PGP had a lackluster week against SF last week, and still won by a convincing margin. West Prairie lost a heartbreaker to Beardstown last week, and won't pick up their first win in Week 3. Prediction - PGP 60 West Prairie 6

Pleasant Hill/Western @ Bunker Hill - PHW played a nice game against a much improved West Central squad last week. They shut out the Cougars, using a solid defensive strategy. However, I still don't believe that we have seen what the offense can really do. Look for us to get a taste of that this week. Prediction - PHW 45 BH 16

Carrollton @ North Greene - The Hawks found out that Brown County is indeed for real. They took one on the chin, but don't let that fool you. Carrollton's passing will give North Greene headaches this week. Prediction - Carrollton 35 NG 6

Greenfield/Northwestern @ Calhoun - I would highly doubt that either one of these teams had enjoyable practices this week. Greenfield lost at home 31-6 to Routt and Calhoun lost to Triopia 34-6. Both have been itching to get back on the field to prove that they are better than last week's performances. Prediciton - Greenfield/Northwestern 24 Calhoun 20

Illini West @ CSE - This game will see A BUNCH of points. However, I don't think the CSE defense is going to be able to catch the Charger's prolific offense. Prediction - IW 63 CSE 28

Other Predictions:

Triopia 56
ISD 0

Routt 56
West Central 12

BC 50
Virginia-A/C 0

BPCA 42
R/I 13

QND 45
Spring Valley Hall 7

Keep us updated with those scores, and tune in to 97.5 FM WBBA and wbbaradio.com this Sunday for Sports on a Sunday Evening with special guests Rob Logsdon and Brian Shoemaker

Week 2 reflections

2009-09-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, another week has come and gone. Here's a few thougts on this week's games.

PGP 32 South Fulton 13 - Saukees give up 481 yards, 326 through the air. They need to fix this problem NOW, or CSE will tear them apart. Overall, offense looked good, especially Cawthon at QB.

PHW 21 West Central 0 - Wolve's shut out WC, and pick up that always important first win. The offense can, and will, produce more. Borrowman catches 2 TDS, only 12 to go for the IHSA record.

Routt 31 Greenfield/NW 6 - WHAT???????????? At Greenfield??? Nate Graham Coach of the Year, it could happen.

QND 49 Palmyra 0 - The spread is as explosive for QND as when they used to run it down your throught. That is very scary people.

Triopia 34 Calhoun 6 - More of a point spread than what I thought it may be. Trojans have reloaded again.

Other suprises - QHS wins, CSE puts up 60+ again, Pirates score 7 against Cardinals (baseball side note)

Thanks for the score updates via text or here on the blog...

Week 2 Thoughts and Score updates

2009-09-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Another Friday is upon us and the teams are rearing to go for Week 2. Remember to post all of those score updates here, and also test them to 217-473-6290 and 217-473-5151.

Thoughts about week 2:

PGP vs. South Fulton - I don't see this being an extremely close game at the end, but it may prove to be a good first half. South Fulton's size will give PGP some trouble with the run up the middle, but expect them to use scat back Michael Johnson a BUNCH on the outside. Cawthon should get some more passing attempts against a team that surrendered 61 points to CSE last week, mostly through the air. This will be a good test of how much improvement the Saukee Defense has been able to muster in the off season. Prediction - PGP 51 SF 18

Pleasant Hill/Western vs. West Central - Both teams enter 0-1. Both are hungry for that first win. However, PHW has a LOT more to prove than West Central. After getting shut out in week 1, the Wolves need to prove to the area that they are a team that can put up points in bunches. West Central played Carrollton decently for a young team that has not seen a lot of success. Prediction - PHW 55 WC 23

BC @ Carrollton - BC put up 48 points on PHW last week, and don't expect that offensive surge to slow down one bit. The Hornet defense would love to see just how many quarters it can go without surrendering a touchdown. Prediciton - BC 35 Carrollton 6

Calhoun @ Triopia - The Trojans have won 15 straight games, beginning with the first game last season. Calhoun won BIG in week one, albeit against a much weaker foe. This could be a good one. Prediciton - Triopia 21 Calhoun 13

Other Predictions

Routt 12
Greenfield 40

Rushville/Industry 0
CSE 55

BPCA 13
IW 44

QND 36
Palmyra,MO 6

QHS 13
Mount Pleasant, IA 35

Have a good week on the gridiron.....

Week 1 thoughts and score updates

2009-08-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's here. High school football season. On Friday, the lights will be on and the fans will be buzzing with the excitement of another year on the gridiron. For someone, it may be the start of something very special. Here on some of my thoughts on the week 1 match-ups. Also, if you have score updates at a game that you're at, please text us at 217-473-6290 and 217-473-5151 or post your updates as a comment on this thread.

PGP vs. Mendon Unity - This one shouldn't be close. I could see a running clock the whole second half without much trouble. Prediction - PGP 56 Mendon 12

BC vs. PHW - Can the Wolves compete with this highly touted Hornets squad? I think so? Can they get over the hump and beat them? That's the $100 question. PHW has some great weapons on offense, but can their defense shut down BC's dynamic offense? Prediction - BC 35-21 PHW

Carrollton vs West Central - Carrollton lost some tremendous athletes from las year's team. West Central is young but has some really nice players on their squad. If Carrollton can stop Jacob Peak then West Central may not have enough to win this one. Prediction - Carrollton 24-14 WC.

CSE vs. South Fulton - This is one of the more intriguing games on the docket for week 1. CSE is on the verge of being a great team. South Fulton is a team that competed with, and beat some, of the better teams in their area last year. Prediction - CSE 20-13 South Fulton

Just some thoughts on a few of the area games. Remember to update us with those scores when you can. Have a great night under the lights...

Sunday Night Sports

2009-08-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Answer to question 1 - thunder
Answer to question 2 - Green Bay Packers
Answer to question 3 - Jerry Rice
Answer to question 4 - John Smoltz
Answert to question 5 - Caleb Pratt, Westville, 8,477 yards, 2004-07

What does everybody think about the upcoming football season? Who's the dark horse in the area? Does anyone have a shot to win it all? Let's hear those thoughts....

2009 Football

2009-08-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

Practices started just over a week ago and scrimmages are this weekend. There is quite a bit of excitement in the area for this football season. We hope that everyone will stay tuned to wbbaradio.com and 97.5 FM Wbba to keep up to date on all of the area sports info. Remember that coaches corner comes your way every Saturday morning from 9-10, and Sports on A Sunday Evening is every Sunday from 5-7 p.m. And don't forget to sign up for our Pick 'em contest by emailing your name and desired screen name to sundaynightsports@yahoo.com.

Thoughts on area teams:

PGP - Entire backfield returning including 1000+ in rushing yards from Devon Johnson. Should see a good mix of run and pass from the Saukees this season. Defense will be the question as there are some holes to fill from last year and the Saukees struggled at time on the D last season. Prediction - 8-1 or 9-0 is not out of the question.

Pleasant Hill/Western - It's time for this group of upperclassman to step up and show everybody what all the hype is about. This is a very talented team with a tough WIVC schedule. They should be able to have a good run/pass balance that will make them successful offensively. Prediction - 6-3

Brown County - A team that returns a lot from a playoff squad last year. They may be able to take advantage of their pure athleticism in most games in the regular season. Don't be surprised if they run the table in the regular season and go a couple of rounds into the playoffs.

Illini West - Return some Very talented skill players from a State Championship squad. Offensive and Defensive line will be the question, but as we all know, someone will step up and fill those spots - Prediction - 9-0 or 8-1

West Central - It's been a rough couple of years for the Cougars on the football field. Is this the year they finally turn it around? They have plenty of athletes. It'll come down to staying healthy and getting some help up front - Prediction - 3-6 or 4-5

CSE - Another team with a bunch of talented skill players and questions in the line. If they can get blocking, look out for the Panthers - Prediction - 6-3

I think it's going to be a fun season of football in this part of Illinois. Let's hear your thoughts...