Central’s Williams, Brown County’s Henry earn Class 1A all-state honors

Central running back Garret Williams, left, and Brown County lineman Mason Henry, right, were named to the Class 1A all-state team by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. Photos courtesy Mike Pritchard and Brown County football

QUINCY — Five area players earned mention on the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association all-state teams, which were released Tuesday. They will be honored during the state championship games played November 26-27 In Class 1A, Central running back/defensive back Garret Williams and Brown County offensive and defensive lineman Mason Henry were first-team selections. Three…

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IHSA football playoff pairings: Central earns No. 1 seed in Class 1A, QND receives home game to open Class 4A bracket

The Central football team is the No. 1 seed in its half of the Class 1A playoff bracket for the first time in program history. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

QUINCY — Dylan Dickhut’s historical research uncovered a unique fact about the Central football program. The Panthers have never been a No. 1 seed in a playoff bracket, not even when finishing the regular season undefeated. Saturday night, history changed. Central drew the No. 1 seed in the Class 1A south bracket according to the…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Hornets firmly at No. 2 in Class 1A, Raiders remain No. 5 in Class 4A

The Brown County football team is ranked No. 2 in Class 1A, while Central is tied for fifth following the Hornets' 22-20 victory over the Panthers last Friday night. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

Here are the state rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class heading into Week 5, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Loyola (9) (4-0) 90 1 2. Naperville Central (3-1) 69 3 3. Naperville Neuqua Valley (4-0) 62 5 4. Chicago Marist (3-1)…

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Saturday Rewind: Hornets bring out coach’s raw emotion after resilient victory over Panthers

Brown County football coach Tom Little talks to his players during Friday's game against Central in Camp Point, Ill. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Tom Little couldn’t hide his emotion. In the wake of a 22-20 victory over Central in Friday night’s battle of state-ranked teams, the Brown County football coach gathered the Hornets and delivered a simple message. “We told them we loved them,” Little said. That’s when the tears softly fell. “Win or…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Brown County, Central both rise in Class 1A

After beating Triopia 14-9 last Friday, Cole Behymer, left, and the Brown County football team moved up to a tie for No. 2 in the Class 1A state rankings. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Maine South (8) (3-0) 107 2 2. Chicago (Marist) (1) (3-0) 96 3 3. Naperville Central (2) (2-1) 74 1 4. Gurnee Warren (2-1) 73 4…

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Saturday Rewind: Hornets display toughness in last-second defensive stand

Brown County's Brody Woodward, left, and Ethan Lehne, right, tie up Triopia's Caden Moore during Friday night's game in Mount Sterling, Ill. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Brown County football coach Tom Little and his staff learned Friday night the Hornets have a little extra toughness in the toughest of situations. That took before the final defensive stand. “There were times we’re starting to see somebody cramp up or they’d taken a good shot and we’re sending someone…

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State football rankings: QND, Brown County move up, Central cracks top 10

The Quincy Notre Dame football team moved up to No. 4 in the Class 4A state football poll this week. Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the Illinois high school football state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and compiled by the Associated Press. The rankings were released Tuesday afternoon: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Gurnee Warren (7) (1-0) 79 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (1-0) 72 2 3. Chicago (Marist) (1-0) 62 3…

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Countdown to kickoff: Experience, stability up front helps Hornets put winning at top of menu

Brown County quarterback Tate Fullerton runs a play during the first practice the Hornets could be in full pads. Matt Schuckman photo

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Breakfast may be served. That solely depends on how well the Brown County offensive line performs. Hornets quarterback Tate Fullerton enjoys the utmost confidence in his protection, admitting he feels comfortable in the pocket and doesn’t have to worry about “whether I’m going to get hit or not.” If he avoids…

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