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

By Steve Eighinger | November 19, 2023
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

By Muddy River Sports | November 19, 2023
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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Playoff primer: Postseason rematch pits Panthers against Tigers in Class 1A state semifinals

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | November 17, 2023
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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Rally for the ages: Central’s 24-point second half vaults Panthers into Class 1A state semifinals

By Steve Eighinger | November 13, 2022
Central's Carter Eyler, left, and Isaac Genenbacher, right, run toward teammate Drew Paben, center, to celebrate his touchdown that punctuated Saturday's 24-12 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in the Class 1A state quarterfinals. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Central quarterback Nick Moore’s post-game assessment was rather poignant. And precise. “The first half was kind of rough,” Moore said in matter-of-fact fashion. Yep, pretty much much nailed it, Nick. Fortunately, there are two halves in a high school football game. The margin of Central’s 24-12 Class 1A quarterfinal playoff victory…

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Photo gallery: Central football team rallies to advance to Class 1A state semifinals

By Muddy River Sports | November 13, 2022
Central football coach Brad Dixon addresses his team following the Panthers' 24-12 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal matchup in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Shut out in the first half and trailing by two scores, the Central football team showed why it has been one of the area’s most successful programs for the past decade. The Panthers simply refuse to lose. They rallied for a 24-12 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in the Class 1A state quarterfinals…

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