Salt Fork Senior Amelia Birge on Sunday signed her letter of intent to continue her education and her athletic career with Olivet Nazarene University. Birge advanced to sectionals each of the last three seasons as a member of the Storm girls golf team. 

Pictured

Front Row Left to Right - Olivia Birge (sister) Martin Birge (father) Amelia Birge & Jenny Birge (mother)

Back Row Left to Right - Golf Coach Brent Wright (ONU) Golf Assistant Grace Miller (ONU) & SF Golf Coach Steve Trompeter

The 2024 Illinois Coaches Association has announced the rosters of the 50^th Shrine All Star Game that will be played at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. Center Braxton Waller of St. Joseph-Ogden and Wide Receiver Ayden Ingram of BHRA will be a part of the Blue Team. St. Joseph-Ogden Quarterback Logan Smith will be a member of the Red Team.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association announced their 2024 Hall of Fame Class on Monday. The class will be formally inducted at their annual IBCA Hall of Fame Banquet on May 4th, 2024 at Illinois State University. Among those being inducted from our coverage area are current Watseka Boys Basketball Coach Chad Cluver, Former Bismarck-Henning Boys Basketball Coach Mike Reynolds, Former University of Illinois basketball player Marc Davidson, former University of Illinois football player John Griffin, current Paris girls basketball coaches David Tingley and Missy Tingley, Career Coach David Ellars formerly of Unity, Monticello, and Salt Fork, and University of Illinois Sports Information Director Kent Brown.

The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association announced on Tuesday their 2023 All-State Teams with a few area players receiving accolades. BHRA wide receiver/defensive back Ayden Ingram and Momence lineman Nick Charbonneau were named to the Class 2A team. St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback Logan Smith was named to the Class 3A team. Milford-Cissna Park teammates Caleb Clutteur  and Gavin Schunke were named to the 8-Man All State Team. Receiving Honorable Mention honors were St. Joseph-Ogden wide receiver/defensive back Coy Taylor in Class 3A, Danville running back Phillip Shaw IV in Class 6A, and Milford-Cissna Park’s Tyler Neukomm in 8-Man Football.

The 2023 IHSA Football Playoffs Round 4 (Dates and Times to be confirmed by the IHSA imposed deadline of Monday 11/13/23 at 3 p.m. CST)

CLASS 1A

#1 Lena-Winslow (12-0) at #3 Chicago Hope Academy (11-1), Saturday 11/18 TBD

#3 Greenfield-Northwestern (12-0) at #1 Camp Point Central (12-0), Saturday 11/18 2 p.m.

CLASS 2A

#2 Maroa-Forsyth (12-0) at #5 Wilmington (11-1), Saturday 11/18 4:30 p.m.

#4 Athens (10-2) at #2 Shelbyville (11-1), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

CLASS 3A

#1 Byron (12-0) at #6 Lombard Montini (9-3), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

#4 Mt. Carmel (11-1) at #3 Roxana (12-0), 11/18 3 p.m.

CLASS 4A

#4 Wheaton Academy (11-1) at #11 St. Laurence (9-3), Saturday 11/18 3 p.m.

#1 Rochester (12-0) at #2 Murphysboro (11-1), Saturday 11/18 3 p.m.

CLASS 5A

#8 Wheaton St. Francis (10-2) at #15 Nazareth Academy (7-5), Saturday 11/18 2 p.m.

#15 Providence Catholic (8-4) at #12 Joliet Catholic Academy (9-3), Saturday 11/18 2 p.m.

CLASS 6A

#3 Cary Grove (10-2) at #1 Lake Zurich (11-1), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

#4 East St. Louis Sr. (10-2) at #2 Washington (11-1), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

CLASS 7A

#1 Normal Community (12-0) at #13 Downers Grove North (10-2), Saturday 11/18 2 p.m.

#7 Batavia (11-1) at #6 Chicago Mt. Carmel (11-1), Saturday 11/18 4 p.m.

CLASS 8A

#5 York (11-1) at #1 Loyola Academy (12-0), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

#3 Barrington (12-0) at #2 Lincoln-Way East (12-0), Saturday 11/18 1 p.m.

8 MAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

#2 Amboy vs. #9 Ridgewood at Monmouth College Friday 11/17 7 p.m.

The Vermilion Valley Conference announced its honors for the 2023 season for football on Tuesday.

Honored on The First Team Offense for All-Vermilion County were BHRA’s Ayden Ingram and Chaz Dubois and Oakwood’s Chase Harrison at Receiver. Offensive Linemen honored were BHRA’s Ethan Hall, Oakwood’s Kam Acord, Salt Fork’s Evan Hageman, and Westville’s Tyler Miller and Cade Schaumburg. Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman’s Rylan Mosier, Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac’s Ayden Larkin, Oakwood’s Cameron Black, and Westville’s Trent McMasters were honored at Running Back. Quarterbacks honored were BHRA’s Karson Stevenson and Westville’s Drew Wichtowski, and Kicker was Westville’s Nathan Blue. On the Defense, BHRA’s Ethan Hall, Salt Fork’s Evan Webb, and Westville’s Drew Wichtowski were honored at Defensive End. Defensive Tackles honored were BHRA’s Allen Brown, Westville’s Ethan Miller, and Salt Fork’s Hayden Chew. Linebackers consisted of BHRA’s Evan Parish, Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman’s Rylan Mosier, Oakwood’s Harley Grimm, Salt Fork’s Carter Chambliss, and Westville’s Cade Schaumburg. Defensive Back earning honors were BHRA’s Ayden Ingram, Oakwood’s Chase Harrison, and Salt Fork’s Jameson Remole. Earning First Team Punter was Jacob Pricer of Oakwood.

Receiving Special Mention were Grant Wilson of Salt Fork at Wide Receiver, Landon Coon of Westville at Wide Receiver and Defensive Back, Ashton Birch of Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac at Offensive Lineman, Walker Enos of Oakwood at Offensive Lineman, Brennan Burnett of Westville at Offensive Lineman, Kam Keller of Salt Fork at Running Back, Jameson Remole of Salt Fork at Quarterback, Jase Latoz of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman at Punter, Harrison Woods of Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac at Punter, Collin Young (Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac at Defensive End, Alec Harrison of Oakwood at Defensive End, Tyler Miller of Westville at Defensive End, Christian Walton of BHRA at Defensive End, Chaz Bubois of BHRA at Linebacker, Zeke Smith of Oakwood at Linebacker, Kyson Keller of Salt Fork at Linebacker, Trent McMasters of Westville at Linebacker, Kollin Asbury of Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac at Defensive Back, Anderson Thomas of BHRA at Kicker, and Jacob Pricer of Oakwood at Kicker.

Receiving Honorable Mention Honors were BHRA’s ELI McConkey, Enrique Rangel, & Logan Hughes; Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman’s Jack Cody, Alexander Wade, & Logan Pearson; Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac’s Ryker Small, Kendrick Sigerill, & Rasiah Jones; Oakwood’s Jackson Dudley, Tyler Huchel, & Kade Fleming; Salt Fork’s Payton Hageman, Deegan Albert, & Cam Merritt; and Westville’s Easton Barney, Ashton Wright, & Grant Beckley.

Honored on the First Team Offense for All-Vermilion Valley Conference were BHRA’s Ayden Ingram and Chaz Dubois, Momence’s Brogan Halpin, and Oakwood’s Chase Harrison at Receiver. Offensive Linemen honored were BHRA’s Allen Brown, Iroquois West’s Jace Pankey, Momence’s Nick Charboneau, Salt Fork’s Evan Hageman, and Westville’s Tyler Miller. Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman’s Rylan Mosier, Momence’s Marchello Draine, Oakwood’s Cameron Black, and Westville’s Trent McMasters were honored at Running Back. Quarterbacks honored were BHRA’s Karson Stevenson and Westville’s Drew Wichtowski, and Kicker was BHRA’s Anderson Thomas. On the Defense, BHRA’s Ethan Hall, Salt Fork’s Evan Webb, and Westville’s Drew Wichtowski were honored at Defensive End. Defensive Tackles honored were BHRA’s Allen Brown, Momence’s Nick Charboneau, and Salt Fork’s Hayden Chew. Linebackers consisted of BHRA’s Evan Parish, Momence’s Dom Brucato, Oakwood’s Harley Grimm, Salt Fork’s Carter Chambliss, and Westville’s Cade Schaumburg. Defensive Back earning honors were BHRA’s Ayden Ingram, Momence’s Tyrelle Autman, and Salt Fork’s Jameson Remole. Earning First Team Punter was Jacob Pricer of Oakwood.

Honored on the Second Team Offense at Receiver, Clifton Central’s Maddex Miner and Westville’s Landon Coon. On the Offensive Line, BHRA’s Ethan Hall, Clifton Central’s Xavier McCorkle, Momence’s Gavin Babcock, Oakwood’s Kam Acord, and Westville’s Cade Schaumburg. At Running Back, Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac’s Ayden Larkin, Momence’s Terrence Autman, and Salt Fork’s Kam Keller. Quarterback Erick Castillo of Momence and Kicker Nathan Blue of Westville rounds out the Offense. On Defense, Honored at Defensive End were Momence’s Terrence Autman and Westville’s Tyler Miller. At Defensive Tackle, Momence’s Brendan Willard and Westville’s Ethan Miller. Linebackers consisted of BHRA’s Chaz Dubois, Clifton Central’s Xavier McCorkle, Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman’s Rylan Mosier, and Westville’s Trent McMasters. Defensive Backs honored were Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac’s Kollin Asbury, Oakwood’s Chase Harrison, and Westville’s Landon Coon with Punter Jase Latoz of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman rounding out the team.

Receiving Honorable Mention accolades were Christian Walson of BHRA at Offensive and Defensive Lineman, Logan Fritz of Clifton Central at Defensive End, Carson Adams of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Chrisman at Offensive Lineman, Ashton Birch of Hoopeston Area-Armstrong-Potomac at Offensive Lineman, Dean Clendenen of Iroquois West at Wide Receiver, Alec Harrison of Oakwood at Defensive End, Easton Newberry of Momence at Running Back and Linebacker, Grant Wilson of Salt Fork at Wide Receiver and Linebacker, Brennan Burnett of Westville at Offensive Linemen, and Aidan Morris of Watseka at Defensive Back.

The 2023 IHSA Football Playoff Round 3 Schedule

CLASS 1A

#4 Annawan-Wethersfield (10-1) at #1 Lena-Winslow (11-0), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#3 Chicago Hope Academy (10-1) at #10 ROWVA-Williamsfield (9-2), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#4 Belleville Althoff (10-1) at #1 Camp Point Central (11-0), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#3 Greenfield-Northwestern (11-0) at #2 Sesser-Valier-Waltonville (11-0), Saturday 11/11 2:30 p.m.

CLASS 2A

#5 Wilmington (10-1) at #1 Seneca (11-0), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#3 Bloomington Central Catholic (11-0) at #2 Maroa-Forsyth (11-0), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#4 Athens (9-2) at #8 Nashville (8-3), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#11 Breese Mater Dei (8-3) at #2 Shelbyville (10-1), Saturday 11/11 3 p.m.

CLASS 3A

#5 Du-Pec (9-2) at #1 Byron (11-0), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#6 Lombard Montini (8-3) at #2 Princeton (10-1), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#4 Mt. Carmel (10-1) at #9 Tolono Unity (9-2), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#3 Roxana (11-0) at #7 Stanford Olympia (9-2), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

CLASS 4A

#8 Sandwich (8-3) at #4 Wheaton Academy (10-1), Friday 11/10 7 p.m.

#11 Burbank St. Laurence (8-3) at #7 IC Catholic (9-2), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#4 Breese Central (9-2) at #1 Rochester (11-0), Saturday 11/11 4 p.m.

#2 Murphysboro (10-1) at #11 Harrisburg (8-3), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

CLASS 5A

#4 Morgan Park (10-1) at #8 Wheaton St. Francis (9-2), Saturday 11/11 12:30 p.m.

#15 Nazareth Academy (6-5) at #6 Mundelein Carmel (10-1), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#12 Joliet Catholic Academy (8-3) at #1 Morris (11-0), Saturday 11/11 3 p.m.

#3 Highland (10-1) at #15 Providence Catholic (7-4), Saturday 11/11 3 p.m.

CLASS 6A

#4 Belvidere North (9-2) at #1 Lake Zurich (10-1), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#7 Geneva (9-2) at #3 Cary Grove (9-2), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#4 East St. Louis Sr. (9-2) at #1 Kankakee (11-0), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#2 Washington (10-1) at #6 Chatham Glenwood (8-3), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

CLASS 7A

#1 Normal Community (11-0) at #9 Glenbard East (10-1), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#13 Downers Grove North (9-2) at #12 Lincoln-Way West (9-2), Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#7 Batavia (10-1) at #2 Hononegah (11-0), Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

#6 Chicago Mt. Carmel (10-1) at #3 Quincy (11-0), Saturday 11/11 4 p.m.

CLASS 8A

#1 Loyola Academy (11-0) at #24 St. Ignatius (8-3), Saturday 11/11 3 p.m.

#4 Edwardsville (10-1) at #5 York (10-1), Saturday 11/11 2:30 p.m.

#2 Lincoln-Way East (11-0) at #10 Warren (9-2), Saturday 11/11 7 p.m.

#6 Maine South (10-1) at #3 Barrington (11-0), Saturday 11/11 5 p.m.

ILLINOIS 8 MAN FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

#9 Cambridge Ridgewood at #5 Martinsville Saturday 11/11 2 p.m.

#2 Amboy at #6 Polo, Saturday 11/11 1 p.m.

The Vermilion Valley Conference announced their Soccer Awards this week. Announced as first team are Owen Root, Talan Gredy-Nelson, Mason Rush, and Gavin Montez of Hoopeston Area; Brody Taflinger, Ethan Merritt, and Macen Phillips of Oakwood-Salt Fork; Luke Barney and Nathan Blue of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville; Narciso Solorzano and Owen Avelar of Watseka; and Evan Cole of BHRA. Announced as second team are Easton Barney, Simon Ankstatis, and Matthew Darling of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville; Jacob Pricer and Ty Smoot of Oakwood-Salt Fork; Mario Andrade and Angel Andrade of Iroquois West; Angel Brittenham and Brian Morales-Macias of Watseka; Noah Rice of BHRA, and Grayson Kruger of Schlarman. Receiving All Vermilion County honors were Owen Root, Talan Gredy-Nelson, Mason Rush, and Gavin Montez of Hoopeston Area; Brody Taflinger, Ethan Merritt, and Jacob Pricer of Oakwood-Salt Fork; Luke Barney, Easton Barney, and Nathan Blue of Georgetown-Ridge Farm-Westville; and Evan Cole of BHRA. Congratulations on all who were honored.

The 2023 IHSA Football Playoff Round 2 Schedule (Dates and Times will be periodically updated with a deadline of Monday 10/30/23 at 3 p.m.)

CLASS 1A

#8 Forreston (8-2) at #1 Lena-Winslow (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#5 Morrison (9-1) at #4 Annawan Wethersfield (9-1) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#2 Stark County (10-0) at #10 Oneida (ROWVA) (8-2) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#6 Aurora Christian (8-2) at #3 Chicago Hope Academy (9-1) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#1 Camp Point Central (10-0) at #9 Hardin Calhoun (7-3) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#5 LeRoy (9-1) at #4 Belleville Althoff (9-1) Saturday 11/4 1:30 p.m.

#7 Salt Fork (8-2) at #2 Sesser-Valier-Waltonville (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#6 Casey-Westfield (9-1) at #3 Greenfield-Northwestern (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

CLASS 2A

#1 Seneca (10-0) at #9 Rockridge (9-1) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#5 Wilmington (9-1) at #4 Tri-Valley (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#7 Momence (9-1) at #2 Maroa-Forsyth (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#6 Farmington (9-1) at #3 Bloomington Central Catholic (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#8 Nashville (7-3) at #16 Quincy Notre Dame (5-5) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#5 Red Bud (8-2) at #4 Athens (8-2) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#2 Shelbyville (9-1) at #10 Vandalia (7-3) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#3 Johnston City (9-1) at #11 Breese Mater Dei (7-3) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

CLASS 3A

#1 Byron (10-0) at #9 Peotone (7-3) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#5 Pecatonica Du-Pec (8-2) at #13 Stillman Valley (6-4) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#2 Princeton (9-1) at #10 Monmouth-Roseville (6-4) Saturday 11/4 5 p.m.

#6 Lombard Montini (7-3) at #14 Prairie Central (6-4) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#1 DuQuoin (10-0) at #9 Tolono (Unity) (8-2) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#5 Sullivan-Okaw Valley (9-1) at #4 Mt. Carmel (9-1) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#7 Stanford Olympia (8-2) at #2 Greenville (10-0) Saturday 11/4 3 p.m.

#6 St. Joseph-Ogden (8-2) at #3 Roxana (10-0) Saturday 11/4 3 p.m.

CLASS 4A

#8 Sandwich (7-3) at #1 Dyett (9-1) Saturday 11/4 4 p.m.

#4 Wheaton Academy (9-1) at #12 St. Viator (6-4) Friday 11/3 7 p.m.

#7 Elmhurst IC Catholic (8-2) at #2 Rockford Boylan Catholic (9-1) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#3 Dixon (9-1) at #11 Burbank St. Laurence (7-3) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#8 Coal City (8-2) at #1 Rochester (10-0) Friday 11/3 7 p.m.

#5 Mt. Zion (8-2) at #4 Breese Central (8-2) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#7 Charleston (8-2) at #2 Murphysboro (9-1) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#14 Peoria Notre Dame (6-4) at #11 Harrisburg (7-3) Saturday 11/4 5 p.m.

CLASS 5A

#8 Wheaton (St. Francis) (8-2) at #16 Sterling (5-5) Saturday 11/4 5 p.m.

#5 Sycamore (9-1) at #4 Morgan Park (9-1) Saturday 11/4 12:30 p.m.

#7 Glenbard South (9-1) at #15 Nazareth Academy (5-5) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#6 Mundelein Carmel (9-1) at #3 Antioch (10-0) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#1 Morris (10-0) at #9 Sacred Heart-Griffin (7-3) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#13 Triad (7-3) at #12 Joliet Catholic Academy (7-3) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#15 New Lenox Providence Catholic (6-4) at #10 Hillcrest (7-3) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#6 Metamora (8-2) at #3 Highland (9-1) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

Class 6A

#1 Lake Zurich (9-1) at #9 Kaneland (7-3) Saturday 11/4 4 p.m.

#5 Wauconda (8-2) at #4 Belvidere North (8-2) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#7 Geneva (8-2) at #15 Lake Forest (6-4) Friday 11/3 7 p.m.

#3 Cary Grove (8-2) at #11 Highland Park (7-3) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#8 Blue Island Eisenhower (7-3) at #1 Kankakee (10-0) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#5 Normal Community West (8-2) at #4 East St. Louis Sr. (8-2) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#7 Crete-Monee (7-3) at #2 Washington (9-1) Saturday 11/4 3 p.m.

#6 Chatham Glenwood (7-3) at #3 Oak Lawn Richards (8-2) Saturday 11/4 2:30 p.m.

CLASS 7A

#16 Bradley-Bourbonnais (7-3) at #1 Normal Community (10-0) Saturday 11/4 6 p.m.

#9 Glenbard East (9-1) at #25 Addison Trail (7-3) Friday 11/3 6 p.m.

#13 Downers Grove North (8-2) at #4 Hersey (10-0) Saturday 11/4 6 p.m.

#12 Lincoln-Way West (8-2) at #28 Collinsville (6-4) Saturday 11/4 3 p.m.

#15 Willowbrook (8-2) at #2 Hononegah (10-0) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#10 Lincoln-Way Central (9-1) at #7 Batavia (9-1) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#3 Quincy (10-0) at #19 Wheaton North (7-3) Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

#11 Mt. Prospect (8-2) at #6 Chicago Mt. Carmel (9-1) Friday 11/3 7 p.m.

CLASS 8A

#16 Neuqua Valley (7-3) at #1 Loyola Academy (10-0) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#8 Huntley (9-1) at #24 St. Ignatius (7-3) Friday 11/3 7 p.m.

#13 Glenbard West (8-2) at #4 Edwardsville (9-1) Saturday 11/4 6 p.m.

#5 Elmhurst York (9-1) at #21 Lyons (7-3) Saturday 11/4 6 p.m.

#15 Minooka (8-2) at #2 Lincoln-Way East (10-0) Friday 11/3 6:30 p.m.

#10 Warren (8-2) at #7 South Elgin (9-1) Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#14 Naperville Central (8-2) at #3 Barrington (10-0) Saturday 11/4 7 p.m.

#11 Belleville East (8-2) at #6 Maine South (9-1) Friday 11/3 6 p.m.

Illinois 8-Man Football Playoff

#1 St. Thomas More at #9 Cambridge Ridgewood Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#5 Martinsville at #13 Pawnee Saturday 11/4 2 p.m.

# 7 Flanagan at #2 Amboy Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

#6 Polo at #3 Milledgeville Saturday 11/4 1 p.m.

The 2023 IHSA Football Playoff Schedule (Dates and Times will be periodically updated with a deadline of Monday 10/23/23 at 3 p.m.)

CLASS 1A

#16 Rockford Lutheran (5-4) at #1 Lena-Winslow (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#9 Ottawa Marquette (7-2) at #8 Forreston (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#13 Deer Creek-Mackinaw (5-4) at #4 Kewanee Wethersfield (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#12 Fulton (6-3) at #5 Morrison (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#15 Princeville (5-4) at #2 Stark County (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#10 Oneida (ROWVA (7-2) at #7 Newman Central Catholic (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#14 Peru (St. Bede) (5-4) at #3 Chicago (C. Hope Academy) (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#11 Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (6-3) at #6 Aurora Christian (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#16 Bridgeport (Red Hill) (5-4) at #1 Camp Point Central (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#9 Hardin (Calhoun) (6-3) at #8 Heyworth (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#13 Tuscola (5-4) at #4 Belleville Althoff (8-1), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#12 Villa Grove (6-3) at #5 LeRoy (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#15 Carrollton (5-4) at #2 Sesser-Valier-Waltonville (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#10 Winchester West Central (6-3) at #7 Salt Fork (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#14 Nokomis (5-4) at #3 Greenfield [G.-Northwestern Coop] (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#11 Toledo (Cumberland) (6-3) at #6 Casey (Westfield) (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

CLASS 2A

#16 Dwight-Gardner-South Wilmington (5-4) at #1 Seneca (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#9 Rockridge (8-1) at #8 Westville (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#13 El Paso-Gridley (6-3) at #4 Tri-Valley (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#12 Mercer County (6-3) at #5 Wilmington (8-1), Saturday 10/28 4 p.m.

#15 Chicago Christian (5-4) at #2 Maroa-Forsyth (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#10 Knoxville (7-2) at #7 Momence (8-1), Saturday 10/28 12 p.m. (At Bradley-Bourbonnais)

#14 Unity-Payson (6-3) at #3 Bloomington Central Catholic (9-0), Saturday 10/28 7 p.m.

#11 Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin (7-2) at #6 Farmington (8-1), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#16 Quincy Notre Dame (4-5) at #1 Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#9 Pana (6-3) at #8 Nashville (6-3), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#13 Piasa Southwestern (5-4) at #4 Athens (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#12 Chester (5-4) at #5 Red Bud (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#15 Trenton Wesclin (5-4) at #2 Shelbyville (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#10 Vandalia (6-3) at #7 Lawrenceville (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#14 Auburn (5-4) at #3 Johnston City (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#11 Breese Mater Dei (6-3) at #6 Carmi White County (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

CLASS 3A

#16 Noble/Hansberry (5-4) at #1 Byron (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#9 Peotone (6-3) vs. #8 Crane (6-3) Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#13 Stillman Valley (5-4) vs. #4 Noble/Johnson (8-1) Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#12 Oregon (5-4) at #5 Pecatonica Du-Pec (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#15 Paxton (Buckley-Loda) (5-4) at #2 Princeton (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#10 Monmouth-Roseville (5-4) at #7 North Boone (6-3), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#14 Prairie Central (5-4) vs. #3 North Lawndale Charter (8-1) Saturday 10/28 12 p.m.

#11 Eureka (5-4) at #6 Lombard Montini (6-3), Friday 10/27 7:30 p.m.

#16 Monticello (5-4) at #1 DuQuoin (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#9 Tolono Unity (7-2) at #8 Williamsville (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#13 Benton (5-4) at #4 Mt. Carmel (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#12 Clinton (6-3) at #5 Sullivan-Okaw Valley (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1:30 p.m.

#15 Fairfield (5-4) at #2 Greenville (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#10 Litchfield (6-3) at #7 Stanford Olympia (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#14 Paris (5-4) at #3 Roxana (9-0), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#11 Carlinville (6-3) at #6 St. Joseph-Ogden (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

CLASS 4A

#16 Chicago Agricultural Science (5-4) vs. #1 Dyett (8-1) Saturday 10/28 11 a.m.

#9 Ridgewood (6-3) at #8 Sandwich (6-3), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#13 Phoenix (5-4) at #4 Wheaton Academy (8-1), Friday 10/27 8 p.m.

#12 St. Viator (5-4) at #5 Richmond-Burton (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#15 Phillips (5-4) at #2 Boylan Catholic (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#10 Geneseo (6-3) at #7 Elmhurst IC Catholic (7-2), Saturday 10/28 5 p.m.

#14 Plano (5-4) at #3 Dixon (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#11 Burbank St. Laurence (6-3) vs. #6 Chicago Vocational (7-2) 10/28 6 p.m.

#16 Lincoln (5-4) at #1 Rochester (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#9 Normal University (7-2) at #8 Coal City (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#13 Cahokia (5-4) at #4 Breese (Central) (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#12 Effingham (5-4) at #5 Mt. Zion (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2:30 p.m.

#15 Taylorville (5-4) at #2 Murphysboro (8-1), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#10 Freeburg (6-3) at #7 Charleston (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#14 Peoria Notre Dame (5-4) at #3 Kewanee (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#11 Harrisburg (6-3) at #6 Carterville (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

CLASS 5A

#16 Sterling (4-5) vs. #1 Payton (9-0) Saturday 10/28 4 p.m.

#9 Rochelle (7-2) at #8 Wheaton St. Francis (7-2), Friday 10/27 7:30 p.m.

#13 Corliss (5-4) vs. #4 Morgan Park (8-1) Saturday 10/28 2:30 p.m.

#12 Evergreen Park (6-3) at #5 Sycamore (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#15 Nazareth Academy (4-5) at #2 Prairie Ridge (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#10 Noble/UIC (7-2) at #7 Glenbard South (8-1), Friday 10/27 6 p.m.

#14 Englewood STEM (5-4) at #3 Antioch (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#11 Lindblom (7-2) at #6 Mundelein Carmel (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#16 Tinley Park (5-4) at #1 Morris (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#9 Sacred Heart-Griffin (6-3) at #8 Thornton Fractional North (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#13 Triad (6-3) at #4 Mahomet-Seymour (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#12 Joliet Catholic Academy (6-3) at #5 Peoria (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#15 Providence Catholic (5-4) at #2 Morton (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#10 Hillcrest (6-3) at #7 Carbondale (H.S.) (7-2), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#14 Mt. Vernon (6-3) at #3 Highland (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#11 Decatur MacArthur (6-3) at #6 Metamora (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

CLASS 6A

#16 Crystal Lake Central (5-4) at #1 Lake Zurich (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#9 Kaneland (6-3) at #8 Riverside-Brookfield (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#13 Amundsen (6-3) at #4 Belvidere North (7-2), Friday 10/27 7:15 p.m.

#12 Fox Lake Grant (6-3) at #5 Wauconda (7-2), Saturday 10/28 5 p.m.

#15 Lake Forest (5-4) vs. #2 Lake View (7-2) Saturday 10/28 11 a.m.

#10 Senn (6-3) at #7 Geneva (7-2), Friday 10/27 7:30 p.m.

#14 Libertyville (5-4) at #3 Cary Grove (7-2), Friday 10/27 6:30 p.m.

#11 Highland Park (6-3) vs. #6 Mather (7-2) Saturday 10/28 2:30 p.m.

#16 Midlothian Bremen (5-4) at #1 Kankakee (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#9 Dunlap (6-3) at #8 Blue Island Eisenhower (6-3), Friday 10/27 6:30 p.m.

#13 Lemont (5-4) at #4 East St. Louis Sr. (7-2), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#12 Chicago Simeon (5-4) at #5 Normal Community West (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#15 Danville (5-4) at #2 Washington (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#10 Champaign Centennial (6-3) at #7 Crete Monee (6-3), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#14 Chicago Hubbard (5-4) at #3 Oak Lawn Richards (7-2), Friday 10/27 6:30 p.m.

#11 Bloomington (5-4) at #6 Chatham Glenwood (6-3), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

CLASS 7A

#32 Argo (5-4) at #1 Normal Community (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#17 St. Charles North (6-3) at #16 Bradley-Bourbonnais (6-3), Saturday 10/28 6 p.m.

#25 Addison Trail (6-3) vs. #8 Lincoln Park (8-1) at Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#24 Machesney Park Harlem (6-3) at #9 Glenbard East (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#29 Wheaton-Warrenville South (5-4) at #4 Hersey (9-0), Saturday 10/28 6 p.m.

#20 Kenwood (6-3) at #13 Downers Grove North (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#28 Collinsville (5-4) at #5 Maine West (9-0), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#21 Hoffman Estates (6-3) at #12 Lincoln-Way West (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#31 Rockford Auburn (5-4) at #2 Rockton Hononegah (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#18 Yorkville (6-3) at #15 Willowbrook (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#26 Brother Rice (5-4) at #7 Batavia (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#23 Algonquin Jacobs (6-3) at #10 Lincoln-Way Central (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#30 West Chicago (5-4) at #3 Quincy (9-0), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#19 Wheaton North (6-3) vs. #14 Whitney Young (7-2) Friday 10/27 6 p.m.

#27 St. Rita (5-4) at #6 Chicago Mt. Carmel (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#22 Buffalo Grove (6-3) at #11 Prospect (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

CLASS 8A

#32 Plainfield North (4-5) at #1 Loyola Academy (9-0), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#17 Palatine (6-3) at #16 Neuqua Valley (6-3), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#25 Niles West (6-3) at #8 Huntley (8-1), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#24 St. Ignatius (6-3) at #9 Joliet West (8-1), Friday 7 p.m.

#29 West Aurora (5-4) at #4 Edwardsville (8-1), Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

#20 Naperville North (6-3) at #13 Glenbard West (7-2), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#28 Homewood-Flossmoor (5-4) at #5 Elmhurst York (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#21 Lyons (6-3) at #12 Lincolnshire Stevenson (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#31 Taft (4-5) at #2 Lincoln-Way East (9-0), Saturday 10/28 3 p.m.

#18 Sandburg (6-3) at #15 Minooka (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#26 Lane (6-3) at #7 South Elgin (8-1), Saturday 10/28 1 p.m.

#23 Oswego (6-3) at #10 Gurnee Warren (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#30 Glenbrook South (4-5) at #3 Barrington (9-0), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#19 Downers Grove South (6-3) at #14 Naperville Central (7-2), Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

#27 Lockport Twp. (5-4) at #6 Maine South (8-1), Friday 10/27 7:30 p.m.

#22 Aurora East (6-3) at #11 Belleville East (7-2), Friday 10/27 6 p.m.

Illinois 8-Man Football Playoff

(16) Bushnell Prairie City (4-5) at (1) Champaign St Thomas More (9-0) Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

(9) Cambridge Ridgewood (7-2) at (8) South Fork (7-2) Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

(12) River Ridge (5-4) at (5) Martinsville (7-2) Saturday 10/28 6 p.m.

(13) Pawnee (5-4) at (4) Milford-Cissna Park (7-2) Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

(11) West Prairie (6-3) at (6) Polo (7-2) Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

(14) Orangeville (5-4) at (3) Milledgeville (8-1) Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

(10) South Beloit (6-3) at (7) Flanagan (7-2) Friday 10/27 7 p.m.

(15) Kirkland Hiawatha (4-5) at (2) Amboy (9-0) Saturday 10/28 2 p.m.

Eastern Illinois Baseball League has announced their awards for the 2023 season. Kyle Czarnecki of the Buckley Dutchmasters earned the Dick Franzen Award for being the season’s batting champion with a .524 average in 52 plate appearances.  Czarnecki collected 22 hits in 42 at bats, collecting 17 RBI's and 1.391 OPS. Nolan Roseman of the Royal Giants was voted the recipient of the Virgil Scheiwe Award for Pitcher of the Year.  Roseman went 6-0 on the year with a league leading 1.21 ERA over 29.2 innings.  Roseman was 2nd in the league with 48 strikeouts and a league leading 0.81 WHIP. The winner of the Ralph Loschen Award for Most Outstanding Player went to Buckley First Baseman Quentin Hatfill.  Hatfill led the league in both home runs (3) and runs batted in (26).  Hatfill batted .415 and collected 5 double and a triple with a .500 On Base average and a .717 Slugging Percentage.  The Dutchmaster veteran played in all 16 games, also anchoring the Dutchmaster infield defense that turned 11 double plays.

The Illinois Coaches Association announced their 2023 All-State Softball Teams for Class 1A and 2A on Monday. Being honored from our area in Class 1A were Milford-Cissna Park’s Addison Lucht (First Team) and Brynlee Wright (Second Team), Watseka’s Brianna Denault (First Team), and Salt Fork’s Kendyl Hurt (Second Team) and Alexa Jamison (Third Team). In Class 2A, St. Joseph-Ogden’s Shayne Immke (First Team), Addy Martinie (Second Team), Peyton Jones (Third Team), and Addison Frick (Third Team), and Westville’s Abby Sabalaskey (Second Team). Congratulations to all who were honored.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association have announced their Coach of the Year lists. Being honored from our area for High School Boys Basketball are Salt Fork's Andrew Johnson and St. Joseph-Ogden's Kiel Duval. High School Girls Basketball coaches honored are Cissna Park's Anthony Videka and Paris' David Tingley. Videka was also honored for Junior High Girls Basketball along with Danville North Ridge Middle School's Drew O'Connell, Paris Crestwood Junior High's Missy Tingley, and Paris Mayo Middle School's Adam Vilk. Honored for Men's College Basketball are Danville Area Community College's DaJuan Gouard and University of Illinois' Brad Underwood. Honored for Women's College Basketball are Danville Area Community College's Erika Harris and University of Illinois' Shauna Green. Congratulations to all who were honored.

Salt Fork Senior Blake Norton signed his national letter of intent on Sunday to continue his education and his athletic career at Illinois Central College in Peoria. Norton will join the Cougars baseball program. He is completing his senior season for the Salt Fork Storm baseball team, after aiding the team to Regional Finals appearances each of the last two seasons. Blake also starred for the Storm basketball team as a 1,000 point career scorer and a member of the All-Vermilion Valley Conference team his senior year in helping guide Salt Fork to a Sectional semifinal appearance in 2022-2023.

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association have announced their Coach of the Year lists. Being honored from our area for High School Boys Basketball are Salt Fork's Andrew Johnson and St. Joseph-Ogden's Kiel Duval. High School Girls Basketball coaches honored are Cissna Park's Anthony Videka and Paris' David Tingley. Videka was also honored for Junior High Girls Basketball along with Danville North Ridge Middle School's Drew O'Connell, Paris Crestwood Junior High's Missy Tingley, and Paris Mayo Middle School's Adam Vilk. Honored for Men's College Basketball are Danville Area Community College's DaJuan Gouard and University of Illinois' Brad Underwood. Honored for Women's College Basketball are Danville Area Community College's Erika Harris and University of Illinois' Shauna Green. Congratulations to all who were honored.

Salt Fork Senior Shelby McGee signed her national letter of intent on Sunday to attend Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis to continue her education and athletic career. Shelby will join the IUPUI Jaguar Track & Field program. Shelby is rounding out her senior campaign with the Salt Fork Track & Field Program. During her junior season, Shelby finished 4th at the IHSA State Finals for 100 meter hurdles and 4th for the triple jump in helping Salt Fork to a 5th place finish. She also had Top 10 finishes at the State Finals in 2021 as a sophomore when Salt Fork placed 3rd. Shelby also participated for the Salt Fork volleyball and basketball teams.

Armstrong-Potomac Senior Kyla Bullington signed her letter of intent last week to attend Lake Land College to continue her education and athletic career. Kyla will join the Laker Women’s Basketball program. She was a 1,000 point scorer for the Trojans Girls Basketball team, was a member of the volleyball team, and is rounding out her senior season with the softball program there. She earned All-Vermillion Valley First Team Honors for Basketball for the 3rd straight season for basketball after receiving special mention her freshman season.

Oakwood Senior Dalton Hobick on Wednesday signed his letter of intent to attend Kankakee Community College to continue his education and his athletic career. Hobick will be joining Kankakee’s baseball team. He is in his senior season with the Oakwood Comets and is also a part of Post 210 Speakers in American Legion baseball. Hobick was a three sports star at Oakwood, finishing 2nd Team All Vermillion Valley Conference his senior year as ended his career as a 1,000 point scorer. Hobick also was quarterback for the Comets football team.

Salt Fork Senior Nathan Kirby announced Wednesday via his Twitter account that he will continue his education and his athletic career with Eastern Illinois University. Kirby will join the EIU Track and Field program. Kirby’s junior track and field season ended with 3 top 3 finishes in the Class 1A IHSA Boys Track and Field state finals, a 3rd place finish in the 200m hurdles, and runner-up finishes as part of the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams.

On Sunday, Salt Fork Senior Garrett Taylor signed his national letter of intent to attend Illinois State University to continue his education and his athletic career. Taylor will join the ISU Track & Field team. The past 11 months have been phenomenal for Taylor, as he earned his 2nd consecutive state champion finish in the discus throw and placed 3rd overall in shot put in the 2022 Class 1A State Finals, helping lead Salt Fork to a shared team state championship with Cowden-Herrick-Beecher City, the Storm's 2nd trip to the top of the podium, and their 3rd consecutive top 2 finish in the State Finals (2019, 2021, 2022). Taylor also starred in basketball, where he was a 1,000 point scorer for the Storm, helping to lead his team to a Regional Championship in 2023, while being named to the Vermilion Valley Conference 1st Team, and in football helping the Storm Football Team reach the 2nd round of the IHSA Playoffs in 2022 while being named All-Vermilion Valley Conference First Team both on offense as a Tight End and on defense as a lineman. Taylor currently in his senior campaign with the Storm Track & Field program, where last week he set a new personal record for discus throw with 181 feet 9 inches.

Area sports fans will have another athlete hitting the big stage with the arrival of Dylan Dodd to the “big club” in the Atlanta Braves organization. It was announced this weekend that Dodd will break spring training as part of the Braves starting rotation, a team just 17 months removed from a World Series Championship. Dodd took advantage of his opportunity with a spring that saw him go 1-0 in 5 outings. Dodd struck out 20 in 18 innings while posting a 2.00 ERA. His rotation spot is slated to fall on April 4th against the St. Louis Cardinals under the lights at Busch Stadium.

Hoopeston Area High School Senior Alexa Bailey has signed her letter of intent to attend Greenville University to continue her education and her athletic career. Bailey will play softball at Greenville. She was an All-Vermilion County Special Mention her junior year.

Both the Danville Area Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams are headed to the national tournament.  The DACC men defeated Parkland 71-47 on Sunday in the Region 24 Tournament. They move on to the NJCAA national tournament that will be played at DACC March 21-25.

For the first time in history, the DACC women’s team has advanced to the national tournament.  They defeated Lake Land College on Sunday to advance.  The Women’s National tournament will be March 21-25 in Port Huron, Michigan.

Hoopeston Area senior athlete Tobi West signed her letter of intent on Wednesday to continue her education and athletic career with Keystone College in Pennsylvania. West helped lead the Cornjerkers to Regional Semifinal finishes each of the last two seasons. She earned All-Vermilion Valley Special Mention and All-Vermilion County First Team honors this season.

In a follow up to our story from Sunday, the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) was notified Thursday by Vermilion County Bobcats Owner Ellen Tully of her team's intentions to cease operations, effective immediately.

The league announced the story on their website along with changes in the schedule for this weekend's games. Additional changes will be announced at a later date. Tully said in a statement to the league via a press release, "Regretfully the Bobcats have ceased operations. It's a sad day for hockey fans in Danville, but I want to personally thank them for their loyalty to the Bobcats over the past 2 seasons." Information on ticket refunds for the fan base will be announced in the near future.

This past weekend started off with the SPHL on Friday announced that Peoria would be replacing the Bobcats as an opponent for Quad City for games on Friday and Saturday. It was announced at that time that the Bobcats would be Quad City’s opponent for a game at the David S. Palmer Arena for Sunday’s action. Quad City showed to the Palmer Arena on Sunday along with fans and workers, but the Bobcats team did not show to the ice for the game, leading to a forfeit win for the Storm.

The Bobcats end their second and final season with a record of 4-24-2.