Posts Tagged ‘CAMP POINT CENTRAL’
Peters’ five-TD performance emulates high-stakes manner of Panthers’ late-season approach
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Nate Peters assures he is healthy again, and his Friday night performance confirmed it. The senior running back scored five touchdowns — three by rushing, two via reception — to headline the state-ranked Camp Point Central football team’s sixth straight victory, a 41-28 win over Carrollton before a Senior Night crowd…
Read MoreBombers finish second, Pirates beat Blue Devils in cross-river rematch at QHS Invitational
QUINCY — After more than 10 hours of volleyball, it’s only fitting that the final match of Saturday’s Quincy High School Invitational provided another three-set thriller. Macomb outlasted Freeburg 25-13, 21-25, 15-9 to earn second place in the tournament. The Bombers fell behind 5-3 in the third set after a long, grueling rally that lasted…
Read MoreAll in a night’s work: Genenbacher scores four touchdowns, passes for a fifth and sets Central career tackle record during 56-0 rout of Triopia
CAMP POINT, Ill. — By preference, Camp Point Central’s Elijah Genenbacher would be most comfortable covered by a cloak of anonymity. By performance, he’s learned to accept life beneath the glare of a spotlight. Such was the case Friday night. Genenbacher, a strapping 6-foot-2, 220-pound two-way senior, rushed for four touchdowns and a pair of…
Read MorePanthers create new Routt to victory, rally past Rockets to remain unbeaten in WIVC North
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Nate Peters is as perceptive as he is talented. The two-way senior performer for Camp Point Central’s football team admitted he had been quite nervous — and with good reason — in the waning stages of the Panthers’ 22-21 victory Saturday afternoon over Jacksonville Routt. “They have a good kicker,” said Peters,…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS, QND hold steady, Macomb moves into top 10 in Class 4A
QUINCY — Here are the latest Associated Press state rankings for the eight classes of Illinois prep football teams as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (14) 5-0 140 1 2. Barrington 5-0 114 2 3. York…
Read MoreEaton’s instincts lead to tide-turning moment as Raiders sweep Panthers in WCC match
QUINCY — Annie Eaton’s volleyball acumen continues to amaze first-year Quincy Notre Dame coach Danielle White. For a handful of points during Monday’s West Central Conference match against Camp Point Central, Eaton, normally a setter, found herself at outside hitter in a rotation White likes to implement from time to time. “I remember this summer…
Read MoreNiekamp’s big runs in Central’s victory over Brown County help him make case for more carries
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Kadin Niekamp is already thinking ahead to next season. Niekamp is admittedly salivating at the chance to move into the Camp Point Central football team’s offensive backfield on a full-time basis, but has no problem waiting his turn in a program that produces effective running backs in the same fashion Nabisco…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QND moves to No. 3, QHS climbs to No. 5, Central stays at No. 4
QUINCY — Here are the Illinois Associated Press state football rankings as voted on by a panel of sports writers and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (14) 4-0 140 1 2. Barrington 4-0 119 3 3. Oswego 4-0 96 T 5 (tie) York 4-0…
Read MoreExperiment works as Genenbacher guides Panthers to victory in new role as starting QB
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Elijah Genenbacher could take a serious liking to this quarterback thing. Thanks to some lineup reshuffling, due mostly to a series of nagging injuries, Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon installed Genenbacher as the starting quarterback Friday night for the first time in his career. Genenbacher, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior,…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QND up to No. 4 in Class 2A, QHS up to No. 7 in Class 7A
QUINCY — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press state football rankings as voted on by a state-wide panel of sports writers and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (13) 3-0 130 1 2. Chicago (Marist) 3-0 111 4 3. Barrington 3-0 101 5 4.…
Read MoreQHS, QND in state rankings at same time for first time as Illinois AP reveals first polls of season
QUINCY — History occurred Wednesday on the Gem City gridiron. The release of the Associated Press state football rankings resulted in both the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame football teams being ranked in their respective classes at the same time for the first time ever. The Blue Devils (2-0) are ranked ninth in…
Read MoreCalhoun’s late TD and extra point snaps Central’s 24-game regular-season win streak
HARDIN, Ill. — Exactly when and where Conner Longnecker broke the plane with the football may be up for debate. The fact two Western Illinois Valley Conference heavyweights went toe-to-toe for 48 minutes Friday night and the difference between the two is a matter of inches isn’t open to conjecture. This was a slobberknocker of…
Read MoreChargers rally to knock off Panthers as Lady Suns Classic rolls toward championship Saturday
AUGUSTA, Ill. — Kennedy Gunning’s reaction said it all. In a rematch of a three-set roller coaster that took place just nine days ago, Gunning delivered the game-winning kill for the Illini West volleyball team in a 20-25, 25-18, 15-11 victory over Camp Point Central in Lady Suns Classic pool play Thursday. Her subsequent celebration…
Read MoreFriday’s trip to Calhoun will give Central football team chance to see how it handles rematch
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Hello, old friend. For the third time in a little more than a calendar year, the Camp Point Central and Hardin Calhoun football teams will clash when the Panthers make the 90-minute trek south to Hardin on Friday. “They played us as tough as anybody last year no matter who we…
Read MoreDefending state champion Panthers pick up where they left off with another dominant performance
CAMP POINT, Ill. — So far, so good. Camp Point Central opened defense of its Class 1A state football championship with a resounding exclamation point Friday night. The Panthers completely overwhelmed an overmatched North Greene team 69-0, winning their 23rd consecutive regular-season game. In a contest where a running clock was in place the entire…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Backed by culture of success, Panthers seek to defend Class 1A state championship
Coverage of the Camp Point Central football program is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — There is a culture that envelops the Camp Point Central football program, a powerful intangible that was not built overnight. “We never point fingers,” said Kadin Niekamp, a junior lineman mature beyond his teenage years. “Mistakes will happen,…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Central’s Jaden Summy discusses challenge of defending state title
Coverage of the Camp Point Central football coach is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — Graduation losses often hit hard. Some years, they hit harder than others. Yet, somehow the Camp Point Central football program reloads every year. That is what will take place as the Panthers kick off their season and defense…
Read MorePanthers showcase their resolve by regaining momentum in third set to beat Chargers
CARTHAGE, Ill. — Volleyball is often a game of momentum, but in Claire Huston’s eyes, the pivotal moment in Tuesday’s match between Camp Point Central and Illini West didn’t happen in the flow of play. After the Panthers cruised to a 25-18 first set victory, the Chargers punched back with a commanding 25-12 effort in…
Read MoreFour Pleasant Hill players named to Class 1A all-state team; Central’s Miller, QND’s Bunte, two from Liberty also honored
QUINCY — Four players who helped the Pleasant Hill softball team reach a sectional championship game for the first time in school history recently received all-state honors. Senior pitcher McKinley Lowe and junior outfielder and pitcher Ava Wombles each made the Illinois Coaches Association Class 1A all-state first team. Lowe tossed three no-hitters and carried…
Read MoreCentral’s Paben, QHS’s Flachs to play in 50th Illinois High School Shrine Game
QUINCY — A pair of local prep football standouts and a couple of Quincy University recruits have been invited to play in the 50th Illinois High School Shrine Game, an all-star event taking place June 15 in Bloomington. Camp Point Central running back/defensive back Drew Paben and Quincy High School lineman Chris Flachs will represent…
Read MoreJumpin’ Jack Flash: Central’s Thompson makes history by winning three state track medals
CHARLESTON, Ill. — The schedule for Saturday’s finals of the Class 1A boys state track and field championships didn’t afford Jack Thompson the time to take stock in all he was accomplishing. It wasn’t until hours after he and the rest of the Camp Point Central athletes racked up a handful of medals that he…
Read MoreBreakfast of champions: Sweet treats, hot bats carry Wolves to third regional title in four years
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Pleasant Hill softball team received a special delivery on the way to Saturday morning’s Class 1A Camp Point Regional championship game. “The Fourth of July committee in Pleasant Hill was selling donuts at the four-way stop, and I guess they saw the bus getting ready and they said, ‘Stop by…
Read MoreSchool record, state medals highlight final day of Illinois girls track and field championships
CHARLESTON, Ill. — A school record to go along with a state medal isn’t too shabby of a way to end the season. The Camp Point Central girls 4×100-meter relay team accomplished that feat Saturday at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium, finishing in fifth place at the Class 1A state track and field championships. The…
Read MoreMustangs’ Barry qualifies for finals in three events at Class 1A state track championships
CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Mendon Unity girls track and field program hasn’t had an individual or relay state champion in more than 40 years. Saylor Barry has given herself three chances to make history. The Unity sophomore qualified for the finals in three individual events during Thursday’s preliminaries in the Class 1A state championships at…
Read MoreCentral’s Thompson, Liberty’s Gimm, Sunde leading charge to state track championships
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Jack Thompson shared the results of the events he participated in Wednesday during the Class 1A Rushville-Industry Sectional and the closing line summed it up his effort quite nicely. “Huge Day!!!” he wrote. The Camp Point Central senior jumper and sprinter set a personal record in one event, helped the Panthers break…
Read More‘I had to send her’: Miller’s heroics send Panthers to regional championship game on home field
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Karly Peters knew exactly what was on the line and exactly what to do. In the bottom of the seventh inning of Wednesday’s Class 1A regional semifinal, Peters stood on second base as Lauren Miller stepped to the plate with the bases loaded, two outs and the Camp Point Central softball…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Pleasant Hill, Camp Point Central advance to regional softball championship
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central softball team walked off with a 5-4 victory over Southeastern in Wednesday’s semifinals of the Class 1A Camp Point Regional, while top-seeded Pleasant Hill rolled to a 12-2 victory over Mendon Unity. The Panthers and Wolves will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday for the regional championship. Muddy…
Read MoreRaiders wrap up WCC title as Stupavsky delivers senior at-bat, Bunte proves unhittable
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne implored catcher Payton Stupvasky to have a “senior at-bat.” She didn’t disappoint. With runners on second and third base in the fourth inning of a scoreless game Friday at The Backyard, Stupavsky drove a fly ball to right-center field that Camp Point Central’s Claire Huston caught,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Camp Point Central square off in WCC softball battle
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team completed its pursuit of the West Central Conference championship on Friday, beating Camp Point Central 4-0 at The Backyard as Caitlin Bunte tossed a one-hitter with nine strikeouts. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time behind home plate and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreFour-run frame enables Mustangs to build some momentum ahead of regional play
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Carter Reeves did exactly what Mendon Unity baseball coach Tyler McAllister has wanted him to do with an outside pitch. Simply punch it into right-center field. With two outs in the top of the fifth inning Thursday, Reeves smacked the first pitch he saw from Camp Point Central reliever Garrett Neisen…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Mustangs, Panthers offer prelude to Class 1A baseball regional
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The final week of the regular season is mirroring the rest of the spring — windy, rainy and unpredictable. Thursday’s game between the Mendon Unity and Camp Point Central baseball teams saw sunny skies turn to dark clouds, wind kick up and a steady rain that halted play in the top…
Read MoreBlue Devils scratch across single runs in fourth and fifth innings to quell Panthers’ rally
QUINCY — A quick answer enabled the Quincy High School baseball team to fend off Camp Point Central on Tuesday at the QHS field. After the Panthers scored four runs in the top of the fourth to tie the game at 7, a two-out RBI single by Brady Lowe regained the lead for the Blue…
Read MoreI am Iron Man: Camp Point Central’s Petersen toughs out streak of consecutive games catching
CAMP POINT, Ill. — It takes a certain toughness to play catcher. As Camp Point Central freshman infielder Caleb Petersen put it, “There’s no such thing as a good sissy catcher.” His older brother is as tough as they come and has an iron man streak to prove it. Cole Petersen, a senior, has caught…
Read More‘It was pretty impressive’: Panthers crank out 23 hits as offense never lets up against Crimsons
QUINCY — A roller coaster. That was the only way Camp Point Central softball coach Brey Genenbacher could describe the Panthers’ 19-9 victory over Jacksonville on Saturday at The Backyard. “Moments of greatness followed by some troubles,” Genenbacher said. The moments of greatness included 23 hits, six extra-base hits, runs in five consecutive innings to…
Read MoreMiller’s first career home run propels Indians to West Central Conference victory over Panthers
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…
Read MoreCentral baseball, softball teams rally to complete sweep of double-dip with Liberty
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Friday began and ended with late-inning heroics. First, Garrett Neisen stranded the tying run in scoring position as the Camp Point Central baseball team rallied from a four-run deficit to beat Liberty 5-4. Then, the Central softball team allowed Liberty to score five times in the top of the sixth inning…
Read MorePanthers unable to chop Alvey, Tigers down to size in suffering sectional championship setback
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central’s effort to cut Illini Bluffs down to size falls short in sectional title game
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…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Camp Point Central gets sectional title game rematch with Illini Bluffs
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…
Read MoreMoore’s late free throws help Central claw way into Class 1A sectional championship game
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…
Read MoreCentral’s Louderback finishes state wrestling tourney with victory, takes fifth place
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…
Read MoreCentral uses right reaction to challenge to fuel charge that ends with regional championship
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…
Read MoreCentral’s Louderback one victory away from securing another state wrestling medal
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Camp Point Central’s Amber Louderback is chasing another state medal. The sophomore wrestler, who finished fourth last season at 125 pounds in the Illinois girls state wrestling tournament, is one victory away from earning a spot on the podium and a top-six finish at 130 pounds. Louderback opened by pinning Edwardsville’s Olive…
Read MoreRegional 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…
Read MoreFrese, Tracy congratulate Central football championship team during Illinois State Capitol visit
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…
Read MoreQHS boys at No. 4 in Associated Press Class 4A state poll; Central slides in at No. 10 in Class 1A
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…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 3 in Class 4A
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Area wrestlers rack up medals in Quincy Invitational
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:
Read MoreDifferent approach, same result: Titans use inside presence to beat Panthers for second time
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The West Hancock boys basketball team has knocked off rival Camp Point Central twice in a six-day span. The Titans’ two victories, however, were hardly mirror images. West Hancock’s 45-42 West Central Conference victory before 625 fans on Thursday night resulted from a second-half comeback and a reliance on a strong…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central in top 10 to start new year
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…
Read MoreBombers 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…
Read MorePanthers head to Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament yet to allow any opponent 40 points
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Full slate of games on second day of Rumble on the River
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:
Read MoreLocking it down: Central’s defense takes QND out of game in second half of key WCC matchup
CAMP POINT, Ill. — When asked, Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett has no problem pointing out what is special about senior center Gavin Blewett. “Gavin brings such huge energy, and he stepped up big for us tonight,” Barnett said. Correct on both accounts, Coach. The 6-foot-2 Blewett produced game highs of 14…
Read MoreQuick transition: Central jumps into basketball season with victory over Brown County
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…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Dixon, Central senior football players celebrate Class 1A state championship
NORMAL, Ill. — Their legacy is complete, and there’s a state championship trophy to prove it. The seniors on the Camp Point Central football team and head coach Brad Dixon took the program to new heights Friday, beating Lena-Winslow 14-0 in the Class 1A state title game at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium for the…
Read More‘Incredible’: Camp Point Central football team captures first state championship in school history
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…
Read MoreBeyond the Boxscore: Defensive stand, Moore’s punts, Thompson’s catches play pivotal roles in Central’s state championship
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Camp Point Central wins Class 1A state championship by beating Lena-Winslow
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…
Read MoreState champs: Dominant defensive effort carries Camp Point Central football team to Class 1A title
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…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Central’s Robert Gooding goes inside the locker room to talk about Panthers’ personalities
CAMP POINT, Ill. — On roster of more than 40 players who spend plenty of time together on and off the field, personalities and unique traits come to light. With the Camp Point Central football team headed to Normal, Ill., this week to play in the Class 1A state championship game against Lena-Winslow at Illinois…
Read MoreSchuck 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,…
Read MoreOpportunity awaits: Behind another dominant first quarter, Central earns rematch with Lena-Winslow in Class 1A title game
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Camp Point Central flattens Greenfield-Northwestern in state semifinals
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…
Read MoreSchuckman: Everything about state semifinal Saturday proved to be perfect
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.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Kids at play make state semifinal Saturday ultimate community affair
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…
Read MoreStroke of genius: Moore’s relationship with Central’s offensive mastermind creates efficient attack
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…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Postseason rematch pits Panthers against Tigers in Class 1A state semifinals
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…
Read MoreSchuck 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…
Read MoreFour Illinois prep football standouts receive first-team all-state honors from coaches association
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…
Read MorePanthers’ first-quarter blitz knocks Crusaders out, sends Central to Class 1A state semifinals
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central football team reaches state semifinals after emphatic start
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…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Central’s stout defense squares off with Althoff’s electric offense
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…
Read MorePaben puts finishing touch on Central football team’s second-round playoff victory
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central earns quarterfinal date with Belleville Althoff after dispatching Calhoun
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…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Undefeated teams hit road for second-round games, QND comes home with momentum
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…
Read MoreOff and running: Genenbacher’s first-play touchdown sets stage for Central’s playoff win
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Camp Point Central runs roughshod to victory in Class 1A first-round playoff game
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…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Inside look at all Illinois postseason football games involving area teams
QUINCY — Saturday, four area football teams kickstart their pursuit of a trip to Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend for the chance to play for a state championship. Here is a closer look at each of those matchups: West Chicago (5-4) at Quincy High School (9-0), 2 p.m. • Class 7A first-round…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Central football seniors discuss playoff atmosphere and tradition
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Playoff week is in full swing, which brings a new intensity and vibe to the Camp Point Central football team’s weekly preparations. The Panthers open the Class 1A playoffs at 2 p.m. Saturday at home against Bridgeport Red Hill. Central finished the regular season 9-0 and is the No. 1-seeded team…
Read MoreQND receives final spot in Illinois football playoff field, while QHS, Central, Unity-Payson also learn postseason paths
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Second-ranked Central caps another undefeated regular season
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils climb to No. 5, Panthers hold steady at No. 2
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.…
Read MoreIllinois state football rankings: Camp Point Central moves to No. 2 in Class 1A
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.…
Read MoreSix area teams still in Illinois prep football playoff picture with two games remaining
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 6 in Class 7A, Panthers hold at No. 3 in Class 1A
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central remain area’s ranked teams
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…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Wives of Central football coaches discuss family, Friday nights together
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The wives of the Camp Point Central football coaches are a staff unto themselves. Each week, prior to Friday night, they game plan how to wrangle kids, pack enough juice boxes and gear to survive a three hours and make arrangements for postgame festivities. It’s done to allow their husbands to…
Read MorePhoto gallery: State-ranked Central makes homecoming memorable with victory
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,…
Read MoreIllinois state football rankings: QHS, Central each rise one spot in respective classes
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…
Read MoreEffective Panthers continue to play with confidence, pick up another WIVC North victory
MENDON, Ill. — There is a quiet effectiveness about the Camp Point Central football team. And it’s obvious. The Panthers go about their duty on game nights with a business-like approach, and they fully expect to win. Most of the time, they do just that. “We go into every game confident,” said Nick Moore, the…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Camp Point Central, QHS hold strong in respective classes
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Quincy cracks Class 7A top 10 heading into Western Big 6 play
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)…
Read MoreStand and deliver: Panthers put up fourth-down roadblock to fend off Warriors in WIVC clash
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central outlasts Calhoun in second-half defensive battle
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:
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 2 of prep football features QHS, QND on road, state-ranked teams at home
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS on verge of cracking top 10 in Class 7A
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Second-ranked Camp Point Central rolls to 40-point halftime edge in season opener
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…
Read MoreIllinois prep football polls: Central opens at No. 2 in Class 1A, QHS and QND both receiving votes
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…
Read MoreKey pieces to the puzzle: Check out five football players who will have significant impacts
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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