Schuckman: Prep football teams lining up to chase playoff bids at crucial juncture of regular season

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | September 19, 2024
Quincy High School wide receiver Rico Clay and the Blue Devils are one of two Illinois area teams with an undefeated record through the first three weeks of the regular season. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — It takes five. To be considered for one of the 256 high school football teams to qualify for a postseason berth in Illinois, five victories are needed. Six wins guarantees a spot. Seven likely gets a favorable draw. Eight almost always results in a first-round home game. And nine means you’re perfect and…

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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 12, 2023
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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Pressure-packed situation: Blue Devils need to harass Titans quarterback to gain upper hand

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | October 27, 2022
Quincy High School's Caron Banks, center, and Jett Noble, right, flush the Sterling quarterback out of the pocket during a Western Big 6 Conference game at Flinn Stadium earlier this season. | Photo courtesy Libby Phelps

QUINCY — The pressure to get pressure lies squarely on the Quincy High School football team’s defensive front. “And we have to pressure all night,” defensive lineman Caron Banks said. Otherwise, Chatham Glenwood quarterback Jack Knudson gains the edge. “We know he’s really good in the pocket and doesn’t scramble much,” QHS linebacker Ty Douglas…

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Hornets seize complete control in third quarter, knock Mustangs out of playoffs

By Muddy River Sports | October 31, 2021

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Riker Triplett’s 5-yard touchdown reception on the final play of the first half Saturday put the Unity-Payson football team in position to challenge sixth-seeded Nashville in the second half of Saturday’s Class 2A first-round playoff game. The Hornets quickly pushed the challenger aside. Leading 21-14 after Triplett’s TD, Nashville scored three touchdowns…

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