Small School Classes

[Carmine Evergreen]

Sadly this is true in almost every conference. The Sangamo has dropped off and is just MF and Williamsville, everyone else has dropped off the last few years.

Illini Prairie is more competitive because they have 4 (BCC, Unity, SJO, Monticello) but Pontiac, PBL and PC are way behind those 4.

HoI is EPG, Tri Valley in the big and no one else. Eureka is respectable but no real contenders. The small is fun because it's more competitive but always seems to be 1 team much better than the rest.

The TRAC seems to have a charging of the guard and Princeton and Newman aren't as dominant as they were not that long ago.

It's definitely true in the ICE. It's Wilmington n Coal City and nobody else. Manteno and Peotone are decent, but not real contenders. The rest of the conference is cannon fodder

 

[Doctor_D]

It's definitely true in the ICE. It's Wilmington n Coal City and nobody else. Manteno and Peotone are decent, but not real contenders. The rest of the conference is cannon fodder

The ICE is weird because Wilmington is one of the smallest enrollments but the most dominant team of the past decade.
Coal City has had some very good teams, but just not quite good enough up in 4A.
Reed-Custer had a couple years where they were as talented as anyone in 3A, but just didn’t quite get it done.
I think this year, Peotone and especially Manteno will do well in 3A unless/until they run into Byron or IC. ‘Tone might be 2A.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

The ICE is weird because Wilmington is one of the smallest enrollments but the most dominant team of the past decade.
Coal City has had some very good teams, but just not quite good enough up in 4A.
Reed-Custer had a couple years where they were as talented as anyone in 3A, but just didn’t quite get it done.
I think this year, Peotone and especially Manteno will do well in 3A unless/until they run into Byron or IC. ‘Tone might be 2A.

July is like that movie Groundhog Day for me. I look at Wilmington and Coal City's schedules to see:
1. Who they're playing non-con.
2. When do they play each other.

 

[618account]

nashville is my pick for the team out of 2a south for the next 2-3 years . they were young last year and took flora to the wire in round 1 .

Yea, I thought Nashville was the heavy favorite coming in and had a great opening win over Roxana, but quite the mixed bag since. Thought they'd beat a decent West Frankfort team, but they struggled there. Although, in past years they generally hit their stride down the stretch, so we'll see. 2A south just isn't very good this year.

4A south outside of Rochester is still looking like Cahokia as the best of the rest, but they've had their struggles at times. Just too much talent for anyone but Rochester.

Centralia is looking like the #2 and has a bunch of weapons with a solid D.

Would've had Breese ahead of Centralia coming into the year, but the defense gives me a lot of concern going forward, especially going against the likes of a Centralia or Cahokia.

Carterville is a mystery to me. Going to finish 9-0, but the schedule is so weak

Mt. Zion looks to be really good defensively, but struggling offensively. Looked like a rough one against Mahomet

My wild card is Highland. They've said to hell with defense, but they can put up some points. Running back is a stud, and they will sling it around. Will know how capable the offense is when they get Cahokia in a couple weeks.

Freeburg is also worthy of a mention, and a team to remember for next year. Would probably put them above Breese if they could consistently pass the ball, but way too 1-dimensional to make a post season run this year

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Newman has been hammered with injuries this year, but absolutely agree the TRAC has been bonkers in 2026.

 

[footballguy333]

Yea, I thought Nashville was the heavy favorite coming in and had a great opening win over Roxana, but quite the mixed bag since. Thought they'd beat a decent West Frankfort team, but they struggled there. Although, in past years they generally hit their stride down the stretch, so we'll see. 2A south just isn't very good this year.

4A south outside of Rochester is still looking like Cahokia as the best of the rest, but they've had their struggles at times. Just too much talent for anyone but Rochester.

Centralia is looking like the #2 and has a bunch of weapons with a solid D.

Would've had Breese ahead of Centralia coming into the year, but the defense gives me a lot of concern going forward, especially going against the likes of a Centralia or Cahokia.

Carterville is a mystery to me. Going to finish 9-0, but the schedule is so weak

Mt. Zion looks to be really good defensively, but struggling offensively. Looked like a rough one against Mahomet

My wild card is Highland. They've said to hell with defense, but they can put up some points. Running back is a stud, and they will sling it around. Will know how capable the offense is when they get Cahokia in a couple weeks.

Freeburg is also worthy of a mention, and a team to remember for next year. Would probably put them above Breese if they could consistently pass the ball, but way too 1-dimensional to make a post season run this year

Agreed. 2a south is very weak. STT has not impressed thus far. I went to see the QND game week 1 and I believe that QND still needed some time to mesh. QND would beat them handily now.

I’m in-tune with the SCC and in 2A, it would seem any of Vandalia, Pana, and Carlinville could be “issues”, but I don’t think the Cavies or the Panthers make it past the quarters without a very favorable draw. I hear rumors that Maroa is in a “reloading” year, and finishing with both Olympia and Williamsville will be a test for them. Could finish 7-2, which would scramble brackets. I imagine Maroa goes south though.

We’ll see about Nashville, JC, Flora, etc. it’s not particular strong in the south this year, and so it’s “wide-open” in a bad way

 

[Alexander33]

None of those team inspire confidence into me. Especially Johnston. They always flame out early. BDC always does.

Johnston City has made it to the playoff semifinals twice in recent years. That fact does not support your statement that "They always flame out early."

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Yea, I thought Nashville was the heavy favorite coming in and had a great opening win over Roxana, but quite the mixed bag since. Thought they'd beat a decent West Frankfort team, but they struggled there. Although, in past years they generally hit their stride down the stretch, so we'll see. 2A south just isn't very good this year.

4A south outside of Rochester is still looking like Cahokia as the best of the rest, but they've had their struggles at times. Just too much talent for anyone but Rochester.

Centralia is looking like the #2 and has a bunch of weapons with a solid D.

Would've had Breese ahead of Centralia coming into the year, but the defense gives me a lot of concern going forward, especially going against the likes of a Centralia or Cahokia.

Carterville is a mystery to me. Going to finish 9-0, but the schedule is so weak

Mt. Zion looks to be really good defensively, but struggling offensively. Looked like a rough one against Mahomet

My wild card is Highland. They've said to hell with defense, but they can put up some points. Running back is a stud, and they will sling it around. Will know how capable the offense is when they get Cahokia in a couple weeks.

Freeburg is also worthy of a mention, and a team to remember for next year. Would probably put them above Breese if they could consistently pass the ball, but way too 1-dimensional to make a post season run this year

If ya can't play defense you wont go far... Freeburg should be fine... Just can't have TOs and penalties... Even in down years Rochester is a threat in 4A... TOs are what kills the Rockets...

 

[Alexander33]

The Western Illinois Valley Conference (WIV) will decide its divisional championships this coming Friday night. Camp Point Central (5-0) travels to Brown County (5-0) while Hardin Calhoun (5-0) visits Greenfield-Northwestern (4-1). The results of these games will be very informative in relation to whether or not one of these teams can win the 1A state championship.

The NUIC seems a little bit down this year. Lena-Winslow has a couple of losses and Stockton struggled against El Paso-Gridley. Still, it seems improbable that all four WIV teams are better than the NUIC teams, so unless one or two WIV teams can separate themselves from the others, then Lena-Winslow and Stockton should still be considered the favorites to win the 1A championship.

It is possible the overall WIV conference championship will be decided Friday, October 16th (the last game of the regular season). Hardin Calhoun plays at Brown County that night. If the winner of that game wins it decisively (let's say by more than 14 points), and is still unbeaten, then I would make that team a slight favorite to win the 1A title.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

Camp Point Central (5-0) travels to Brown County (5-0) while Hardin Calhoun (5-0) visits Greenfield-Northwestern (4-1)

Wow! 4 very good football teams right there! Greenfield's only loss at Camp Point. Exciting week in the Mighty WIV

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

Tuscola vs. Tri Valley is an good matchup in the HoI.

ALAH vs. Sullivan is also a good one in the Lincoln Prairie. Both are 5-0

 

[1A Football Guy]

Johnston City has made it to the playoff semifinals twice in recent years. That fact does not support your statement that "They always flame out early."

What about last year when they got belted by Maroa 2nd round. They cannot compete with them. EVER. It’s why I don’t trust Johnston. All hype. Never any substance

 

[1A Football Guy]

Tuscola vs. Tri Valley is an good matchup in the HoI.

ALAH vs. Sullivan is also a good one in the Lincoln Prairie. Both are 5-0

You’ll learn a-lot about tuscola this week. When it comes to their contention in 1A south. If they win. They are right there with the 3 WIVC teams everyone thinks of in Hardin Calhoun, BC, CPC. GNW not lagging far behind those 3.

 

[1A Football Guy]

The Western Illinois Valley Conference (WIV) will decide its divisional championships this coming Friday night. Camp Point Central (5-0) travels to Brown County (5-0) while Hardin Calhoun (5-0) visits Greenfield-Northwestern (4-1). The results of these games will be very informative in relation to whether or not one of these teams can win the 1A state championship.

The NUIC seems a little bit down this year. Lena-Winslow has a couple of losses and Stockton struggled against El Paso-Gridley. Still, it seems improbable that all four WIV teams are better than the NUIC teams, so unless one or two WIV teams can separate themselves from the others, then Lena-Winslow and Stockton should still be considered the favorites to win the 1A championship.

It is possible the overall WIV conference championship will be decided Friday, October 16th (the last game of the regular season). Hardin Calhoun plays at Brown County that night. If the winner of that game wins it decisively (let's say by more than 14 points), and is still unbeaten, then I would make that team a slight favorite to win the 1A title.

Until they are beaten the NUIC is the favorite pretty plain and simple.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

ALAH vs. Sullivan is also a good one in the Lincoln Prairie. Both are 5-0

Ahh, yes, the annual who'll get the inflated high playoff seed game! Played, likely, in 11 inch grass not mowed since August.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

What about last year when they got belted by Maroa 2nd round. They cannot compete with them. EVER. It’s why I don’t trust Johnston. All hype. Never any substance

How many times has Maroa been to the finals in the last 10-15 years??? I remember people saying Cary Grove couldn't compete against EStL...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Ahh, yes, the annual who'll get the inflated high playoff seed game! Played, likely, in 11 inch grass not mowed since August.

No that's Lexington... knee high grass and a flooded field that didn't have rain the previous 15 days... Ah the memories....

 

[Kevin JCHS 1981]

No that's Lexington... knee high grass and a flooded field that didn't have rain the previous 15 days... Ah the memories....

I know this doesn't really fit the thread for small classes. But Providence Catholic did that one year when they still had grass, to Joliet Catholic. Ankle high grass and flooded after 10 days of no rain.

It worked too, they beat a highly rated JCA team.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

I know this doesn't really fit the thread for small classes. But Providence Catholic did that one year when they still had grass, to Joliet Catholic. Ankle high grass and flooded after 10 days of no rain.

It worked too, they beat a highly rated JCA team.

Gotta love home cookin... We ran the Power-I and had speed and power... BUT not in the swamp Lexington created... We lost 19-6... That was the 1988 season... Oh the agony!~~~~~~ lol

 

[1A Football Guy]

How many times has Maroa been to the finals in the last 10-15 years??? I remember people saying Cary Grove couldn't compete against EStL...

Your pointing to 2 instances CG got ESTL. I have several years of data backing up the BDC not doing a singular thing of substance.

 

[1A Football Guy]

Ahh, yes, the annual who'll get the inflated high playoff seed game! Played, likely, in 11 inch grass not mowed since August.

No kidding. ALAH has the right man at the helm. I think he does preach and do the right things but that conference is no bueno.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

No kidding. ALAH has the right man at the helm. I think he does preach and do the right things but that conference is no bueno.

Coach Jefferson is one of the best in the Lincoln Prairie. Their run last fall was the best since he took over back in 2018 as they went 12-1 losing in the 2A Semifinals. Big game this week versus Sullivan.

Back to their conference though, while not having tremendous playoff success, it still has good programs in Sullivan and Nokomis. Fisher is having a great start to life in the LPC. Coach Bertetto at Sullivan took a doormat of a program and has taken them to the postseason in 3 of his 5 years in charge.

Argenta-Oreana, Cumberland are having down years but have had solid teams in the not too distant past. Heck Cumberland was 9-2 last year and has made the playoffs 9 straight years under Coach Watkins.

Sangamon Valley was a playoff team in 2024.

Arcola and Tri-County both are struggling with numbers.

 

[Patrick Devitt]

Johnston City has made it to the playoff semifinals twice in recent years. That fact does not support your statement that "They always flame out early."

Black Diamond has some quality teams in Johnston City, Flora, and Fairfield. The issue is the closed conference, which IMO, kills them come playoff time. A few non-conference games would be beneficial. Going 7-2, with two quality losses against higher quality opponents would be better than going in 9-0 not being tested.

BDC did have some surprises last year with Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton making the playoffs after ending a long losing streak.

Hamilton County is quietly having a great year, currently sitting 4-1, and will be making only their 4th playoff appearance since 2000.

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville is usually very strong but is having an uncharacteristically down year, but the Red Devils haven't missed the playoffs since 2015.

Carmi-White County, was one of BDC's best under Kurt Simon, had a rough first season under Coach Clinton Wolff in 2025, but they're improved in 2026 even if their record is only 1-4.

Red Hill is solid, with four straight playoff appearances, but they just joined the BDC for football last season.

Eldorado and Edwards County both have been struggling programs for a few years now.

 

[Anon17889813823813796]

Coach Jefferson is one of the best in the Lincoln Prairie. Their run last fall was the best since he took over back in 2018 as they went 12-1 losing in the 2A Semifinals. Big game this week versus Sullivan.

Back to their conference though, while not having tremendous playoff success, it still has good programs in Sullivan and Nokomis. Fisher is having a great start to life in the LPC. Coach Bertetto at Sullivan took a doormat of a program and has taken them to the postseason in 3 of his 5 years in charge.

Argenta-Oreana, Cumberland are having down years but have had solid teams in the not too distant past. Heck Cumberland was 9-2 last year and has made the playoffs 9 straight years under Coach Watkins.

Sangamon Valley was a playoff team in 2024.

Arcola and Tri-County both are struggling with numbers.

Sullivan was, with the exception of the 2014 season in the CIC, a doormat. They couldn't ever get anything going in the CIC or Okaw outside of one or two good years. They were, at the time, a 3a school, who then had to drop down to playing A-O, Villa Grove, Arcola, etc. I sure hope they could right the ship

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Black Diamond has some quality teams in Johnston City, Flora, and Fairfield. The issue is the closed conference, which IMO, kills them come playoff time. A few non-conference games would be beneficial. Going 7-2, with two quality losses against higher quality opponents would be better than going in 9-0 not being tested.

BDC did have some surprises last year with Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton making the playoffs after ending a long losing streak.

Hamilton County is quietly having a great year, currently sitting 4-1, and will be making only their 4th playoff appearance since 2000.

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville is usually very strong but is having an uncharacteristically down year, but the Red Devils haven't missed the playoffs since 2015.

Carmi-White County, was one of BDC's best under Kurt Simon, had a rough first season under Coach Clinton Wolff in 2025, but they're improved in 2026 even if their record is only 1-4.

Red Hill is solid, with four straight playoff appearances, but they just joined the BDC for football last season.

Eldorado and Edwards County both have been struggling programs for a few years now.

Good point... I made the same about the CS8... There are teams that are a waste of time playing... My suggestion was raiding several conferences to create a 12/14 team league with two divies... Play 6/7 conference games and schedule 2/3 hard non-conference games... But playing a tough 9 game schedule could wreak havoc on your team with injuries... People say "too much travel" yet the same people will pay $5 a gallon to go watch a professional or college sporting event that's 2/4 hours away from their home! If all 9 of your games are a battle you will be ready for the playoffs...

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Sullivan was, with the exception of the 2014 season in the CIC, a doormat. They couldn't ever get anything going in the CIC or Okaw outside of one or two good years. They were, at the time, a 3a school, who then had to drop down to playing A-O, Villa Grove, Arcola, etc. I sure hope they could right the ship

Sullivan has the athletes... I almost put in for the HC job awhile back but traveling from Kincaid to Sullivan 6/7 days a week would've been a killer.

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Black Diamond has some quality teams in Johnston City, Flora, and Fairfield. The issue is the closed conference, which IMO, kills them come playoff time. A few non-conference games would be beneficial. Going 7-2, with two quality losses against higher quality opponents would be better than going in 9-0 not being tested.

BDC did have some surprises last year with Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton making the playoffs after ending a long losing streak.

Hamilton County is quietly having a great year, currently sitting 4-1, and will be making only their 4th playoff appearance since 2000.

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville is usually very strong but is having an uncharacteristically down year, but the Red Devils haven't missed the playoffs since 2015.

Carmi-White County, was one of BDC's best under Kurt Simon, had a rough first season under Coach Clinton Wolff in 2025, but they're improved in 2026 even if their record is only 1-4.

Red Hill is solid, with four straight playoff appearances, but they just joined the BDC for football last season.

Eldorado and Edwards County both have been struggling programs for a few years now.

What happened to Zeigler-Royalton football?

 

[AlabamaTimberwolf]

Your pointing to 2 instances CG got ESTL. I have several years of data backing up the BDC not doing a singular thing of substance.

Well historically Maroa is 4-0 against Johnston City?... But historically Maroa can't handle running teams...

2025-25 Lost to Wilmington 42-6
2023-24 Lost to Wilmington 42-7
2022-23 Lost to Downs TV 36-6
2018-19 Lost to GCMS 38-32
2016-17 Lost to DeeMack 35-7
2015-16 Lost to Athens 34-27
2013-14 Lost to Downs TV 14-6
2010-11 Lost to Newman 48-7
2009-10 Lost to Morrison 36-14

Maroa gets beaten by running teams by an average of 36-12

So while conceding to your point that, in the past, Maroa has had Johnston City's number, they have played the BLD 7 times and yes they have won all 7 games...

My belief is that a running team... Johnston City... can handle Maroa. Olympia beat #1 Maroa last season 50-36... It's just a matter when Johnston City beats Maroa.

Something has to give between these two teams right... I think JJ is one hell of a coach and I have supported Maroa in the past... Chatham broke a 20 year losing streak to SHG so it just a matter of time for Johnston City.

Im like you... The old saying... "Im from Missouri... You have to show me!" applies with these these teams from the BDC View attachment HIGH SCHOOL WALL.jpeg

 

[Patrick Devitt]

What happened to Zeigler-Royalton football?

Zeigler-Royalton started cooping with Christopher back in 1990.

Dont forget the Purple Tornadoes were 1A State Champs back in 1982.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

How many times has Maroa been to the finals in the last 10-15 years??? I remember people saying Cary Grove couldn't compete against EStL...

10 times since 2006...

2006 - 2A Title, beat Westville
2009 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Morrison
2010 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Sterling Newman Catholic
2012 - 1A Title, beat Stockton
2014 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Pearl City
2016 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Deer Creek Mackinaw
2017 - 2A 2nd place, lost to GCMS
2018 - 2A 2nd place, lost to GCMS
2024 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Chicago Christian
2025 - 2A 2nd place, lost to Wilmington

2-8 in title games in that stretch.