Miller’s first career home run propels Indians to West Central Conference victory over Panthers

Payson Seymour sophomore Hunter Miller celebrates after hitting his first career home run against Camp Point Central at Payson Seymour High School on Wednesday. | Shane Hulsey photo

PAYSON, Ill. — Relief. That was Hunter Miller’s overwhelming emotion as he rounded the bases for the first home run of his baseball career Wednesday. “It’s taken way too long,” Miller said. The sophomore’s two-run fourth-inning home run helped Payson Seymour secure a 9-6 West Central Conference victory over Camp Point Central. “I’ve been waiting…

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Panthers unable to chop Alvey, Tigers down to size in suffering sectional championship setback

Camp Point Central senior guard Drew Paben reacts to the 47-35 loss to Illini Bluffs in Friday night's championship game of the Class 1A Abingdon-Avon Sectional. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

ABINGDON, Ill. — Size eventually won out, no matter what the Camp Point Central boys basketball team did to negate it. The Panthers neutralized Illini Bluffs’ height advantage — 6-foot-9 Hank Alvey towers above most Class 1A post players — for the better part of the first half Friday night in the Class 1A Abingdon-Avon…

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Photo gallery: Central’s effort to cut Illini Bluffs down to size falls short in sectional title game

Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett talks to his team during a timeout Friday night during the Class 1A sectional championship game against Illini Bluffs in Abingdon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

ABINGDON, Ill. — The Camp Point Central boys basketball team knows just how big of a road block Illini Bluffs senior forward Hank Alvey can be. For the second year in a row in a sectional championship game, Alvey and the Tigers ended the Panthers’ season. Friday night, in the Class 1A Abingdon-Avon Sectional title…

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Game Night Guide: Camp Point Central gets sectional title game rematch with Illini Bluffs

Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett and his staff will have to game plan to mitigate Illini Bluffs' height advantage in Friday night's Class 1A sectional championship game in Abingdon, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

Class 1A Abingdon-Avon Sectional Championship Camp Point Central (25-8) vs. Illini Bluffs (32-3) Where: Abingdon-Avon High School When: 7 p.m. Friday Livestream: Central Illinois Sports on YouTube Scouting the Panthers: This group just knows how to win, whether that’s on the gridiron or the hardwood. The Panthers have won 52 basketball games the last two…

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Moore’s late free throws help Central claw way into Class 1A sectional championship game

Camp Point Central senior guard Nick Moore scored 19 points in Tuesday night's victory over Peoria Heights in the Class 1A Abingdon-Avon Sectional semifinals. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

ABINGDON, Ill. — Camp Point Central boys basketball James Barnett had complete faith Nick Moore was going to drain the game-clinching free throws no matter what had happened a minute earlier. “It might seem weird, but I felt more confident he was going to make those two because he had missed the previous two,” Barnett…

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Central’s Louderback finishes state wrestling tourney with victory, takes fifth place

Camp Point Central sophomore Amber Louderback, left, finished fifth in the 130-pound weight class at the Illinois girls wrestling state tournament in Champaign, Ill. | Submitted photo

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Amber Louderback ended the season with her arm raised. The Camp Point Central sophomore pinned Seneca’s Sammie Griesen in the third period of their fifth-place match at 130 pounds Saturday, earning her second state medal in as many years in the Illinois girls wrestling state tournament at State Farm Center on the…

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Central uses right reaction to challenge to fuel charge that ends with regional championship

The Camp Point Central boys basketball team poses with its Class 1A regional championship plaque after defeating Delavan 46-32 in Friday night's title game at Augusta, Ill. | Ben Marth photo

AUGUSTA, Ill. — With missed shots piling up and the loss of a halftime lead, the Camp Point Central boys basketball team needed to hit the reset button. Midway through the third quarter, Central coach James Barnett called a timeout and didn’t use the friendliest voice his team has heard this season in delivering his…

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Regional roundup: Tornadoes fall in triple overtime, while Panthers, Bombers advance to title games

NEW BERLIN, Ill. — The Griggsville-Perry boys basketball team had opportunities to avoid a second and a third overtime. Jacksonville Routt made sure there wasn’t a fourth. The sixth-seeded Rockets took the lead for good with two minutes remaining in the third overtime and finished off a 55-53 victory over the second-seeded Tornadoes in the…

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Frese, Tracy congratulate Central football championship team during Illinois State Capitol visit

State Rep. Randy Frese, center left, and State Sen. Jil Tracy, center right, pose for a photo with the Camp Point Central football team inside the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Wednesday. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Sims

SPRINGFIELD – The Camp Point Central football team was congratulated by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and State Rep. Randy Frese (R-Paloma) during its trip to the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The Panthers captured the Illinois High School Association Class 1A state football championship and had an undefeated season. The team made the trip to…

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QHS boys at No. 4 in Associated Press Class 4A state poll; Central slides in at No. 10 in Class 1A

Keshaun Thomas goes up for a shot during Quincy High School's boys basketball game against Batavia on Saturday, Jan. 27, in Blue Devil Gym. | Contributed photo

Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points, and previous ranking. Class 4ASchoolW-LPtsPrv1. Homewood-Flossmoor (10)22-211722. Curie (1)23-210913. Waubonsie Valley (1)22-09144. Quincy22-27735. Lisle (Benet Academy)20-36576. Downers North20-44887. Normal Community22-44458. Bolingbrook18-33899. Collinsville23-330610. Gurnee Warren22-413NR Others receiving votes: Kenwood 9. Glenbrook North 8. Moline 5. New Trier 3. Rock…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 3 in Class 4A

Quincy High School junior guard Kamren Wires, left, and senior guard Camden Brown have helped the Blue Devils rise to No. 3 in the Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are the Illinois boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Homewood-Flossmoor (6) 17-1 105 2 2. Curie (5) 17-1 104 1 3. Quincy 17-1 74 5 4. Waubonsie Valley 18-0 66 NR 5. Lisle (Benet Academy) 15-2 62 7…

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Photo gallery: Area wrestlers rack up medals in Quincy Invitational

Pittsfield's Tucker Cook, top, earns the pin in his third-place match at 190 pounds Saturday during the Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Winter weather may have impacted the number of teams that traveled here to participate in the Quincy Invitational, but it couldn’t diminish the ability of area wrestlers to showcase their talents. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent Saturday at matside and put together this photo gallery:

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central in top 10 to start new year

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 7 in Class 4A after finishing second at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes: Class 4A 1. Chicago Curie (4) 14-1 119 2 2. Collinsville (4) 16-0 97 10 (tie) Homewood-Flossmoor (4) 13-1 97 4 4. Normal Community (1) 12-1 82 1 5. Gurnee Warren 15-1 76 8 (tie) Lisle Benet 14-1 76…

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Bombers battle to erase deficit, come up short in Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament title game

MACOMB, Ill. — Two of the best defensive teams in the field squared off in the championship game of the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. As expected, it was a grind-it-out affair. Third-seeded Rockridge built a 10-point halftime cushion despite leading scorer Landon Bull spending the final 6:35 on the bench with two personal fouls and held…

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Panthers head to Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament yet to allow any opponent 40 points

Camp Point Central guard Drew Paben has been part of a stout defense that is allowing just 28 points per game. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Defense is top priority at Camp Point Central, no matter the sport. “We preach it. It’s not just me preaching it,” said James Barnett, the boys basketball coach whose team enters the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament this week not having allowed an opponent to score 40 points in a game yet this…

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Photo gallery: Full slate of games on second day of Rumble on the River

Hannibal's C.J. Anderson attempts to avoid a trap from Illini West's Reece Shoup, top, and Colby Robertson, right, during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Rumble on the River rumbled on Saturday with eight games being played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was there for half of the slate and put together this photo gallery:

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Quick transition: Central jumps into basketball season with victory over Brown County

Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett and the Panthers opened their season Monday with a 22-point victory over Brown County in Camp Point, Ill. | Muddy River Sports file photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Camp Point Central’s boys basketball team is far from a finished product, despite what Monday night’s 48-26 season-opening victory over Brown Country might suggest. In fact, the Panthers are not even close to what James Barnett envisions he will see later this season. “It’s going to take a while, probably until…

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‘Incredible’: Camp Point Central football team captures first state championship in school history

The Camp Point Central football team's captains hoist the Class 1A state championship trophy following their 14-0 victory over Lena-Winslow on Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football players viewed Friday’s appearance in the Class 1A state championship game as a business trip. It was more of a historic journey. “Incredible,” senior quarterback Nick Moore called it. Unforgettable, too. Behind arguably one of the most impressive defensive performances in program history and the continued postseason…

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Beyond the Boxscore: Defensive stand, Moore’s punts, Thompson’s catches play pivotal roles in Central’s state championship

Camp Point Central fullback Elijah Genenbacher dives for the end zone to finish an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter Friday in the Class 1A state championship game against Lena-Winslow at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — At times, they seem like just another play. Other times, they define a championship. Friday at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, the Camp Point Central football team made a number of plays that would be easy to overlook on a stat sheet but proved to be pivotal moments in the 14-0 victory…

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Photo gallery: Camp Point Central wins Class 1A state championship by beating Lena-Winslow

Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon, right, embraces senior quarterback Nick Moore after Central beat Lena-Winslow 14-0 in the Class 1A state championship game Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team brought the first state championship trophy in school history back to Adams County on Friday. Central used a stone-solid defense and two Elijah Genenbacher touchdown runs to beat three-time defending Class 1A state champion Lena-Winslow 14-0 at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium. Photographer Mike Pritchard roamed…

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State champs: Dominant defensive effort carries Camp Point Central football team to Class 1A title

The Camp Point Central football team celebrates after winning the Class 1A state championship with a 14-0 victory over Lena-Winslow on Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium. | Photo courtesy IHSA

NORMAL, Ill. — A historic season deserved a historic ending. The Camp Point Central football team delivered in the most historic way. By shutting out three-time defending state champion Lena-Winslow with a 14-0 victory Friday in the Class 1A state championship game at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, Central not only capped a 14-0 season…

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Schuck on a Truck: Camp Point Central football players celebrate winning Class 1A state semifinal

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The mission to return to the Class 1A state championship game is complete. Only one step remains. In the words of the Camp Point Central football players, that’s payback. Central earned its spot opposite defending state champion Lena-Winslow in the title game by flattening Greenfield-Northwestern 54-20 Saturday inb the semifinals. Afterward,…

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Opportunity awaits: Behind another dominant first quarter, Central earns rematch with Lena-Winslow in Class 1A title game

Camp Point Central sophomore defensive tackle Kadin Niekamp points the Panthers in the right direction during Saturday's 54-20 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in the Class 1A state semifinal in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The politically correct expression would be “unfinished business.” In football layman’s terms, Camp Point Central tight end Jack Thompson may have hit the nail on the proverbial head. “We want some revenge,” Thompson said only moments following the Panthers’ 54-20 rout of Greenfield Northwestern in the Class 1A semifinals Saturday afternoon…

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Photo gallery: Camp Point Central flattens Greenfield-Northwestern in state semifinals

The Camp Point Central football team held Greenfield-Northwestern to six points deep into the third quarter Saturday, invoking the mercy rule and running clock during a 54-20 victory in the state semifinals. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team will be playing for a Class 1A state championship once again. The Panthers steamrolled through a showdown of undefeated teams in Saturday’s state semifinal, flattening Greenfield-Northwestern 54-20. Central (13-0) will face defending state champion Lena-Winslow (13-0) at 10 a.m. Friday in the Class 1A title…

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Schuckman: Everything about state semifinal Saturday proved to be perfect

The family of Camp Point Central running back/defensive back Drew Paben celebrate the interception he returned 55 yards for a touchdown during Saturday's Class 1A state semifinal against Greenfield-Northwestern in Camp Point, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — All roads led here. From Mendon and Mount Sterling. From Pike and Calhoun counties. From near. From far. From in between. They came to see the best football teams in the Western Illinois Valley Conference collide. They came out of the deer stands and the fields to be here on time.…

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Photo gallery: Kids at play make state semifinal Saturday ultimate community affair

Before Saturday's Class 1A state semifinal football game, the elementary school kids gathered in the south end zone played their own games on the Central football field in Camp Point, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — They tossed the football and tackled each other. They wore black and gold to celebrate their favorite team. They asked for autographs afterward. The elementary school kids turned Saturday’s Class 1A state semifinal football game into their own playground. It’s how it’s meant to be. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Stroke of genius: Moore’s relationship with Central’s offensive mastermind creates efficient attack

Camp Point Central offensive coordinator Casey Rhea, left, and quarterback Nick Moore discuss a play during last Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal game against Belleville Althoff in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — By now, Nick Moore shouldn’t be amazed or surprised. Yet, he always is. Together over the past three seasons, Camp Point Central offensive coordinator Casey Rhea and Moore, his starting quarterback, have poured over hours of game film to gain a better grasp of what opposing defenses intend to do and…

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Playoff primer: Postseason rematch pits Panthers against Tigers in Class 1A state semifinals

A large, boisterous crowd is expected in Camp Point, Ill., on Saturday when the Central football team plays host to Greenfield-Northwestern in the Class 1A state semifinals. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — It’s no secret the chance of a Camp Point Central vs. Greenfield-Northwestern postseason rematch had been on everyone’s mind throughout the regular season. It’s finally time. The Western Illinois Valley Conference division champions both sit 12-0 heading into Saturday’s Class 1A state semifinal taking place in Camp Point. Last year, the…

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Schuck on a Truck: Central linebackers discuss playoff atmosphere, community support

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The crowd’s presence was undeniable. No matter if they were on the field or on the sideline, the Camp Point Central football players could hear its overflowing crowd and feel its energy during last Saturday’s Class 1A state quarterfinal victory over Belleville Althoff. The Panthers expect a more boisterous and potentially…

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Four Illinois prep football standouts receive first-team all-state honors from coaches association

Quincy High School quarterback Bradyn Little received first-team all-state honors in Class 7A from the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association after throwing for 3,422 yards and 45 touchdowns this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A quarterback who helped his team make history, a linebacker who tackled everything in sight and a pair of all-purpose performers who have pushed their team into the state semifinals share one thing in common. They have been named first-team all-staters. The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Tuesday…

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Panthers’ first-quarter blitz knocks Crusaders out, sends Central to Class 1A state semifinals

Camp Point Central's Drew Paben, left, and Conner Griffin celebrate Paben's touchdown reception that extended the Panthers' first-quarter lead to 30-0 against Belleville Althoff in Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal matchup in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Many of those attending Saturday’s playoff game at Camp Point Central High School likely passed a particular sign on the west side of Illinois 94. The placard reads: “Small Town. Big dreams.” Oh so true on both accounts. On paper, the Central football team faced a daunting task in its Class…

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Photo gallery: Central football team reaches state semifinals after emphatic start

Camp Point Central's Elijah Genenbacher dives into the end zone during Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal victory over Belleville Althoff in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team is back in the state semifinals, and the Panthers got there with a burst. Central outscored Belleville Althoff 30-0 in the first quarter of Saturday’s Class 1A state quarterfinal and rode the momentum to a 42-22 victory. Photographer Mike Pritchard put together this gallery of…

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Playoff primer: Central’s stout defense squares off with Althoff’s electric offense

The Camp Point Central football team is looking to return to the state semifinals, but will have to sidestep Belleville Althoff in Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — This isn’t the first time in the postseason the Camp Point Central football team has faced Belleville Althoff. In 2012, the Panthers reached the state semifinals for the first time in program history, only to lose 28-7 to Althoff in the Class 2A semis on Lindenwood-Belleville’s candy-stripe field. The Panthers have…

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Paben puts finishing touch on Central football team’s second-round playoff victory

Camp Point Central running back Drew Paben, right, stiff-arms a Hardin Calhoun defender during Saturday's Class 1A second-round playoff game in Hardin, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

HARDIN, Ill. — Drew Paben’s first touchdown run was by design, but his second was more or less an accident. Paben scored twice in the fourth quarter Saturday afternoon to propel Camp Point Central past Hardin Calhoun 32-14 in the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs. Paben’s two touchdowns allowed Central to pull…

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Photo gallery: Central earns quarterfinal date with Belleville Althoff after dispatching Calhoun

The Camp Point Central football team celebrates its 32-14 victory over Hardin Calhoun on Saturday in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs in Hardin, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

HARDIN, Ill. — The road doesn’t get any easier, but it does lead home. After beating Hardin Calhoun 32-14 on Saturday in the second-round of the Class 1A playoffs, the Camp Point Central draws Belleville Althoff in the state quarterfinals. The Crusaders (10-1) will face the Panthers (11-0) at 2 p.m. next Saturday in Camp…

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Playoff primer: Undefeated teams hit road for second-round games, QND comes home with momentum

Quincy High School senior offensive lineman Chris Flachs and the Blue Devils travel to Wheaton North for a Class 7A second-round playoff game. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The second round of the Illinois football playoffs means a five-hour road trip for Quincy High School, a rematch for Camp Point Central and the return to Advance Physical Therapy Field for Quincy Notre Dame. Here’s a look at what Saturday’s slate looks like: Quincy High School (10-0) at Wheaton North (7-3), 2…

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Off and running: Genenbacher’s first-play touchdown sets stage for Central’s playoff win

Camp Point Central running back Elijah Genenbacher runs throw a gaping hole on the left side of the line on the Panthers' first offensive play in a 54-0 rout of Bridgeport Red Hill in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs Saturday in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The first time Elijah Genenbacher touched the ball proved to be a harbinger of things to come Saturday afternoon. For both Genenbacher and the Camp Point Central football team. Genenbacher, a junior running back whose true passion is playing linebacker on defense, was handed the ball on Central’s first offensive play…

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Photo gallery: Camp Point Central runs roughshod to victory in Class 1A first-round playoff game

The Camp Point Central football team prepares to kick off during Saturday's Class 1A first-round playoff game against Bridgeport Red Hill in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Once the Camp Point Central football team’s offense took the field, a spot in the second round of the Class 1A playoffs seemed secure. Elijah Genenbacher scored on a 68-yard run on the Panthers’ first play and they rolled to a 54-0 victory over Bridgeport Red Hill on Saturday. Next up…

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QND receives final spot in Illinois football playoff field, while QHS, Central, Unity-Payson also learn postseason paths

The Quincy Notre Dame football team made the field for the Class 2A playoffs as the last team to qualify, getting in with a 4-5 record. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An answered prayer, a unique draw and a top spot on the bracket. The revealing of the Illinois High School Association’s football playoff pairings had some of the intrigue teams crave and an intriguing twist with the final team to qualify for the 256-team field spread over eight classes. Quincy Notre Dame, which…

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Photo gallery: Second-ranked Central caps another undefeated regular season

Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon, left, and his captains walk to the center of the field for the pregame coin toss prior to Friday night's game against Winchester West Central in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team finds itself in a familiar position — riding high heading into the postseason. The Panthers finished their fifth undefeated run through the regular season in the last 13 seasons with Friday night’s 59-13 victory over Winchester West Central. The second-ranked team in Class 1A will…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils climb to No. 5, Panthers hold steady at No. 2

The Quincy High School football team moved up to No. 5 in the Class 7A state poll this week ahead of its Week 9 matchup against Mahomet-Seymour at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Loyola (10) (8-0) 109 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (8-0) 100 2 3. Barrington (8-0) 88 3 4. Maine South (7-1) 74 4 5.…

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Illinois state football rankings: Camp Point Central moves to No. 2 in Class 1A

The Camp Point Central football team is No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Class 1A state poll. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CHICAGO — 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. Loyola (11) (7-0) 119 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (7-0) 109 2 3. Barrington (7-0) 94 4 4. Maine South (6-1) 81 5 5.…

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Six area teams still in Illinois prep football playoff picture with two games remaining

Quincy High School coach Rick Little, right, has offensive lineman Cole Wagy and the Blue Devils pointed in the right direction heading into the playoffs. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois prep football playoff picture is starting to gain some clarity. Six teams in our area have qualified, should qualify or could qualify depending on what happens over the final two weeks of the regular season. Around the state, some coaches and other prognosticators are updating and changing brackets, opinions and thoughts…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 6 in Class 7A, Panthers hold at No. 3 in Class 1A

The Quincy High School football team's offense huddles prior to a play against Galesburg during last Friday's game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Loyola (11) (6-0) 128 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (2) (6-0) 119 2 3. York (6-0) 104 3 4. Barrington (6-0) 84 4 5. Maine…

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Illinois prep football rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central remain area’s ranked teams

The Camp Point Central football team remains No. 3 in the Class 1A state poll with a 5-0 record. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Loyola (14) (5-0) 149 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (5-0) 136 2 3. York (5-0) 120 3 4. Barrington (5-0) 97 4 5. Maine…

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Photo gallery: State-ranked Central makes homecoming memorable with victory

Camp Point Central quarterback Nick Moore, left, talks with officials before Friday night's game against Brown County in Camp Point, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CAMP POINT, Ill. — A homecoming crowd, a rival coming to town and a victory. Life is pretty good if you’re the state-ranked Camp Point Central football team. The Panthers took care of business Friday night, beating Brown County 45-0 in a Western Illinois Valley Conference North Division game. Central, ranked third in Class 1A,…

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Illinois state football rankings: QHS, Central each rise one spot in respective classes

Quincy High School junior wide receiver Tykell Hammers and the Blue Devils moved up to No. 8 in the Class 7A state poll this week. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Loyola (8) (4-0) 125 2 2. Lincoln-Way East (5) (4-0) 122 1 3. York (4-0) 104 3 4. Barrington (4-0) 81 5 5. Maine…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Camp Point Central, QHS hold strong in respective classes

The Camp Point Central football team continues to hold the No. 4 spot in the Class 1A state poll heading into Week 4. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CHICAGO — Here are the Illinois Associated Press state football rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from across the state: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (8) (3-0) 125 1 2. Loyola (5) (3-0) 122 2 3. York (3-0) 103 3 4. Maine South (2-1) 83 4…

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Illinois prep football rankings: Quincy cracks Class 7A top 10 heading into Western Big 6 play

The Quincy High School football team's 2-0 start has earned the Blue Devils a spot in this week's Class 7A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters. Class 8ASchool W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (9) (2-0) 117 12. Loyola (3) (2-0) 111 23. York (2-0) 96 34. Maine South (1-1) 62 55. Barrington (2-0) 60 T76. Glenbard West (1-1)…

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Stand and deliver: Panthers put up fourth-down roadblock to fend off Warriors in WIVC clash

Camp Point Central sophomore defensive tackle Kadin Niekamp, center, reacts to stopping Hardin Calhoun on a fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter of Friday night's game. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — All of the game’s scoring occurred in the first half. All of the suspense materialized during a frantic final five minutes of the fourth quarter. The Central football team escaped its home opener Friday night with a 30-22 victory over Hardin Calhoun in a Western Illinois Valley Conference crossover game. The…

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Photo gallery: Central outlasts Calhoun in second-half defensive battle

Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon, left, addresses his team following Friday night's 30-22 victory over Hardin Calhoun. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team made a lead last despite getting pushed to the brink by Hardin Calhoun, holding on for a 30-22 victory in a Western Illinois Valley Conference crossover game. Freelance photographer Mike Pritchard roamed the sidelines and put together this photo gallery:

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Game Night Guide: Week 2 of prep football features QHS, QND on road, state-ranked teams at home

Quincy High School offensive lineman Chris Flachs, left, and running back Jeraius Rice will lead the Blue Devils against Alton on Friday night. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Week 2 of the high school football team kicks off Friday night. Here is the slate for area teams, including where you can find the games on the radio or via livestream: Quincy High School (1-0) at Alton (0-1), 7 p.m. • WTAD 930 AM • WGEM streaming app Did you know?: The…

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Illinois prep football rankings: QHS on verge of cracking top 10 in Class 7A

The seniors on the Quincy High School football team lead the Blue Devils out of the locker room prior to last Friday's game against Quincy Notre Dame at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8ASchool W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (7) (1-0) 97 12. Loyola (3) (1-0) 93 23. York (1-0) 79 34. Glenbard West (1-0) 58 75. Maine South (0-1) 42 46. Naperville North…

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Photo gallery: Second-ranked Camp Point Central rolls to 40-point halftime edge in season opener

The Camp Point Central defense shut out North Greene in the first half of Friday night's 40-8 victory in White Hall, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

WHITE HALL, Ill. — The No. 2-ranked team in Class 1A needed just 24 minutes Friday night to remind everyone it deserves such respect. The Camp Point Central football team built a 40-point lead by halftime and cruised to a 40-8 victory over North Greene in a Western Illinois Valley Conference cross-divisional matchup in the…

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Illinois prep football polls: Central opens at No. 2 in Class 1A, QHS and QND both receiving votes

Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon will lead the Panthers into the 2023 season with a No. 2 ranking in Class 1A. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters and released Wednesday: Class 8A School Pts  1. Lincoln-Way East (8) 116  2. Loyola (4) 111  3. York 78   4. Maine South 73   5. Gurnee Warren 60   6. Palatine 53…

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Key pieces to the puzzle: Check out five football players who will have significant impacts

Hannibal offensive lineman Ryan Ross, here clearing a path during a district game against Warrenton a year ago, will continue to be a pivotal road grader for the Pirates this season. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The discussion of the best football player in the area starts and stops with Aneyas Williams. An argument could be made that the Hannibal senior running back, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame, is the top offensive talent in the state of Missouri. If you talk quarterbacks, one name tops…

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Double the fun: QND’s Stratton, Central’s Genenbacher take on challenge of playing in two all-star games in same day

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton will pull off a rare double-double when he plays in both the Illinois Shrine Game and the Muddy River Showcase on Saturday. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jackson Stratton and Isaac Genenbacher had the same initial thought when they received invitations to play in the Muddy River Showcase. How can I make this work? The Quincy Notre Dame and Camp Point Central multi-sport athletes had committed to play in the Illinois Shrine Bowl, an all-star event for prep football players…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Isaac Genenbacher

Camp Point Central's Isaac Genenbacher will participate in both the Illinois Shrine Bowl and the Muddy River Showcase next Saturday. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. CAMP POINT, Ill. —…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Breyhar Wiskirchen

Breyhar Wiskirchen will represent Camp Point Central in the Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. CAMP POINT, Ill. —…

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Tigers’ length keeps Panthers at bay as historic season ends in sectional championship game

Illini Bluffs forward Hank Alvey goes to block a shot by Camp Point Central's Drew Paben during Friday night's Class 1A sectional championship game in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — Being double and triple teamed is a nightly occurrence for Hank Alvey. He’s familiar with opposing defenses pushing and pulling him in every direction.  It comes with the territory when you’re 6-foot-9 and opponents are looking for anything that may get under your skin. “It’s nothing new. That’s what teams have been…

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Photo gallery: Central fights to end in sectional championship loss to Illini Bluffs

Camp Point Central forward Carter Eyler, center, gets a shot off over the Illini Bluffs defense during Friday night's Class 1A sectional championship game at Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — The bid to become the first team in program history to win a sectional championship fell just short. The Central boys basketball team struggled to combat Illini Bluffs’ size and lost 54-46 to end its season with a 27-5 record. Photographer Mike Pritchard shared this photo gallery from the game:

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Schuck on a Truck: Central wrestler Amber Louderback discusses historic state medal-winning season

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Amber Louderback’s determination cannot be undersold or overstated. She’s passionate, committed and tough. It’s why the Camp Point Central freshman became the first girls wrestler in program history to earn a medal at the state tournament, finishing fourth in the 125-pound class recently during the event held at Grossinger Motors Arena…

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Sound the alarms: Sizzling effort from 3-point range, stingy defense carry Panthers into sectional championship game

The Central boys basketball team's bench and crowd react to a play during Wednesday night's victory over Peoria Christian in the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — Not much could delay the inevitable, but the fire alarms blaring in the Bushnell-Prairie City High School gymnasium created a significant sense of confusion in the waning minutes of Wednesday’s Class 1A sectional semifinal boys basketball game between Camp Point Central and Peoria Christian. “It just came out of nowhere,” Central junior…

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Photo gallery: Central advances to sectional title game for first time in program history

The Central boys basketball players celebrate their 51-39 victory over Peoria Christian in the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional semifinals on Wednesday night in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central boys basketball team will play for the first sectional championship game in program history Friday night, advancing to the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional title game by beating Peoria Christian 51-39. Photographer Mike Pritchard shared these images for a photo gallery of the game:

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy climbs one spot in Class 4A, Camp Point Central jumps two spots in Class 1A

Camp Point Central's Drew Paben goes up for a shot during a game against West Hancock in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament in December. | File photo by David Adam

Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (14) 28-1 149 1 2. Moline (1) 28-3 134 2 3. Joliet West 25-5 115 3 4. Kenwood 24-6 101 4 5. Hinsdale Central 28-3 88 5…

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Central bounces back from last-second loss to defeat Southeastern for third place at Macomb

MACOMB, Ill. — The Central boys basketball team rebounded from a crushing last-second loss in Friday afternoon’s semifinals and defeated Southeastern 51-43 in the third-place game at the 76th annual Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. Breyhar Wiskirchen led the Panthers (10-3) with 18 points.  Isaac Genenbacher scored 12 for Central, and Drew Paben added 10. Danny Stephens scored 30…

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Moore never loses confidence, hits 3-pointer in final minute to help Central reach semifinals at Macomb

Central's Nick Moore drives to the basket while West Hancock's Gavin Grothaus defends in the second half of Wednesday's quarterfinal game in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament in Western Hall. At left is Central coach James Barnett. | David Adam

MACOMB, Ill. — It’s a good thing Central’s Nick Moore has a short memory. His 3-pointer with 3:10 remaining in the fourth quarter cut West Hancock’s lead to 47-45. Thirty seconds later, Moore launched what could have been the go-ahead shot from the corner. Instead, the ball hit the support behind the backboard. “That wasn’t…

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Panthers use toughness, tenaciousness to finish off weekend with solid Rumble on the River victory

From left to right, Camp Point Central's Drew Paben, Gavin Blewitt and Isaac Genenbacher surround Madison's Carlis Wilson during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett admits the preparation for this weekend’s pair of challenges included some uneasiness. “Nervous,” Barnett said of the one word he thought of having to travel to play West Central Conference opponent Quincy Notre Dame on Friday night and then play a neutral site affair against…

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Central football team makes quick work of Dupo to start Class 1A playoff run

The Central football team put the clamps on Dupo's offense during a 66-0 victory in the opening round of the Class 1A state playoffs on Saturday in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

Camp Point was up 38-0 early in the second quarter and their second scoop-and-score defensive touchdown of the first half made it 54-0 going into halftime. The running clock made the second half a little less painful for Dupo before the 66-0 final.

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Central’s Dixon reaches coaching milestone as sixth-ranked Panthers overwhelm Wolves

Central running back Gavin Graves, left, follows the lead block of lineman Robert Gooding during Friday night's game against Pleasant Hill at Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Central football coach Brad Dixon preferred to deflect the post-game attention toward his team. But, hey, a coach only wins his 100th game one time, and Friday night it was Dixon’s turn. Central’s 46-0 victory over Pleasant Hill provided Dixon with that milestone, one that makes him just the 10th coach…

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Prairie State Profile: Youthful Panthers look to make state take notice in wrestling regional

Central sophomore wrestler Conner Griffin, left, carries a 37-7 record into the postseason. Matt Schuckman photo

The Prairie State Profile will appear each week to highlight Illinois area student-athletes. CAMP POINT, Ill. — The youth wrestling program designed to promote the sport and serve as a feeder program for Central’s high school team is working. Saturday, the rest of the state will start to see how well it works. The Central…

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QHS, Central, Palmyra wrestlers ready to vie for championships at Quincy Invitational

Quincy High School had five wrestlers finish undefeated in Friday night's action in pool format and position themselves to challenge for individual championships Saturday during the Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. Photo courtesy Libby Phelps, Quippi staff

QUINCY — Weather may have altered the brackets and forced some teams to decline making the trip to compete in the Quincy Invitational, but Friday night’s opening rounds of the long-time wrestling tournament showed the cream always rises to the top. Quincy High School had five wrestlers go unbeaten during Friday’s action, while Central had…

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Wrestling roundup: Blue Devils’ Garrett wins individual crown as QHS takes third overall

Quincy High School wrestler Kayden Garrett shows off the team trophy the Blue Devils won Saturday at the 60th Murdale Invitational in Carbondale, Ill. Photo courtesy QHS wrestling

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Kayden Garrett’s individual championship helped the Quincy High School wrestling team finish third among 25 teams in the 60th Murdale Invitational at Carbondale High School. Garrett, a senior wrestling at 170 pounds, won his first two matches in pool play with a second-period pin and a 21-6 technical fall. In the championship…

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Camp Point Central shuts out Pleasant Hill

CPC Coach Brad Dixon talks to his team after Friday night's 34-0 win over Pleasant Hill Photo: J. Robert Gough

After rallying for the win in their season opener, the Camp Point Central Panthers didn’t need to come up with any last-minute heroics this week.  Connor Griffin and Issac Genenbacher each ran for two scores and Garrett Williams ran for 118 yards as the Panthers improve to 2-0 with a 34-0 win at Pleasant Hill. …

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