Definitely some interesting early non-conf games in the CS8 this year. Hoping to catch a couple of them if they fall on days that aren't Friday.
My order for the must-watch CS8 non-conf games weeks 1 and 2 this year... excluding the crossover games b/t CS8 West and CS8 East.
1. Gibson Southern (IN) @ Rochester - Week 1 - Saturday, August 30
The choice here was easier once I was reminded (thank you rocketnation on another post) that Rocket Land's newest attraction will be open to the public week 1. Get there early!
Not exactly a "let's get an easy first win on the new turf" type of game. But then again that's never really been Rochester's mentality. Always fun to see local programs go out of state to test themselves, or bring out of state to them as is the case here. Regardless, should be a fantastic opening week match up.
Sidenote: For those who love to be nosey... Gibson Southern HC Nick Hart hosts a podcast, weekly, about his program. Can't wait to hear what he has to say about his trip to the Land of Lincoln in a few weeks!
https://www.bashradio.com/blog/categories/the-nick-hart-show-gshs
2. Chatham Glenwood @ Edwardsville - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
I'm being told... nay, we're ALL being told that this Glenwood team is the real deal. Week 1 will help us sort some of that out for sure. A clash with annual 8A qualifier Edwardsville is a test few in the CS8 dare schedule. If Glenwood and the Colten Knoedler bomb-squad we're anticipating is more than just hype, and the Glen's defense is up for it, look for the Titans to make a statement with this one!
3. Rochester @ Mt. Zion - Week 2 - Friday, September 05
Likely more a game for MTZ to prove their worth, but also a solid test for DL and the Rockets against arguably one of the best teams in 4A South. A loss in week 1 to Gibson Southern makes this game feel even more important for playoff seeding.
4. Highland @ Jacksonville - Week 1 - Saturday, August 30
Jacksonville coming off a playoff qualifying year. 4th in the CS8-West a year ago. Solid btw, the west got 4 teams in! Highland is a stout test for most anyone week 1 downstate, but the Crimson will have their hands full in this one. A win here could have Coach Grounds thinking 1st round playoff game at home.
5. Christian Brothers (MO) @ Sacred Heart-Griffin - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
Regaining their program identity is likely at the forefront this season for the Cyclones. Last year was certainly an anomaly, surely an anomaly, right? A year older, a year wiser... I don't really think "hot seats" are a thing in smaller high school football, but if they are, Coach Allison is certainly on the hottest seat in the CS8. I don't know if a win is likely, but I definitely think this game is more competitive than it's first installment in 2024.
6. Springfield @ Champaign Central - Week 1 - Thursday, August 28
Fact: Brody Scheffler is a stud.
SHS gets their 2025 campaign underway with what should be a win. Well, bluntly, it MUST be a win.
The Senators should have playoffs on the brain with the team they have and their early schedule sets them up nicely to achieve this. Springfield's weeks 5-9 are the truest representation of meat grinder the CS8 has to offer. On the road at QND, Jax, SHG, and Rochester (IN THAT ORDER) with Glenwood at home week 9. Phew! Take a breath, it's going to be a fun year!
7. Mattoon @ Decatur MacArthur - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
The Generals are surely wanting to return to form this season. They have had a good run of top-half CS8 teams in recent years. I think we'll learn a lot in week 1. QB and OL play last year was just not enough, but the larger let down a year ago was the defense. Which is certainly the side of the ball Spates has stood on in his tenure. Possible playoff qualifier game for the Generals. No wiggle room in the schedule this season as week 2 is a trip to Springfield to face what will certainly be a very, very hungry Springfield High squad who's getting picked to finish 1st or 2nd (I'd guess) in the West.
8. Sacred Heart-Griffin @ Mascoutah - Week 2 - Friday, September 05
Mascoutah is coming off back-to-back losing seasons. The key here is whether that week 1 game against the Missouri Catholics goes SHG's way or not. If not, this week 2 game becomes a little more important for SHG.
9. Bloomington @ Normal U-High - Week 2 - Friday, September 05
U-High graduated my personal choice for CS8 POY. I'm excited to see if the past few seasons have been a legitimate leaf turning moment for the Pioneers. Bloom is always a stiff test and one of the best the Big 12 has to offer. They should be 1-0 coming into this one. Playoffs should be in the mix yet again, however, as the schedule is quite favorable for U-High in '25.
10. North St. Francois County (MO) @ Chatham Glenwood - Week 2 - Friday, September 05
Glenwood's week 1 is a giant one. This one just feels a little less crucial. Albeit, a solid test. A year ago the Titans sneaked away with a 4 point victory. I expect the margin to be wider this season, but still in favor of the Titans.
11. Grandview (MO) @ Quincy Notre Dame - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
Not much info on Grandview yet. Early guess... Raiders should pull away in this one. Placing this game here simply bc it's the only other out-of-state matchup in the conference. Also interesting to see QND's form early on this season. The loss of 2 year starting QB Hunter Schuckman is likely to cause some early hiccups. Luckily the schedule favors QND early. Crucial for QND to secure 3 wins prior to weeks 4 and 5. If they come out of week 5 at 3-2, the playoffs are definitely in the picture.
12. East Peoria @ Springfield Southeast - Week 1
Southeast's only true non-conf game in 2025. And I'm unsure the timeline, but I presume this will be the first game at the renovated stadium at SE? Hopefully the Spartans can find a win here. They play a tough stretch in the middle of their schedule.
13. Decatur Eisenhower @ Streator - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
A year ago the Panthers fell by 8 at home to Streator. A win here could set them up for a 2 or 3 win season. Momentum is a funny thing...
14. Normal U-High @ Peoria Manual - Week 1 - Friday, August 29
The Pioneers will likely go to 1-0 before their class with the class of the Big 12.
15. Alton Marquette @ Quincy Notre Dame - Week 2 - Friday, September 05
Another crucial game for QND but only in terms of playoff qualifying. A game to work some kinks out, but a must-win game for the Raiders regardless.
***A rare 3 day opening week in the CS8 with SHS going on Thursday, a full Friday slate, and 2 games to choose from within the conf on Saturday! We should do this more often!!!
Ratsy
