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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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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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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Taste of Champaign: Panthers leave no doubt they belong in state title game after dismantling Mustangs

Central all-stater Isaac Genenbacher, center, and his teammates celebrate their 44-8 victory over Colfax Ridgeview-Lexington on Saturday in the Class 1A state semifinals in Colfax, Ill. | Photo courtesy Andrew Eyler

COLFAX, Ill. — Ross Riley’s explanation for the Camp Point Central football team’s Class 1A semifinal win over Ridgeview-Lexington was a simple one. That was fitting because the Panthers’ 44-8 victory was simple domination. “We were just going, and I was just running. I don’t know what else to say,” exclaimed a jubilant Riley. “It’s…

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