WILLIAMSON COUNTY: NORTHBOUND INTERSTATE 57 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

The Illinois State Police District 13 and IDOT are alerting the public concerning an overnight road closure on Interstate 57

DuQuoin, IL – Due to a semi recovery operation after an early morning crash on Interstate 57 North Bound at Mile Post 49 (Williamson County), Interstate 57 North Bound will be closed beginning at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 20, 2017.

The crash occurred at 4:55 A.M. on October 20th and involved a single semi which exited the roadway to the right and entered the tree line. I57 North Bound is under construction in this area.

After consulting with the E.T. Simonds Construction, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Vernell’s Interstate Service Inc., the ISP and these partners collectively determined the safest course of action would be to close the roadway at Exit 45 – Illinois Route 148 and divert all north bound traffic off onto Illinois Route 148 for the duration of the clean-up efforts. This will ensure the safety of workers on scene while providing the necessary space for their recovery operations in the narrow confines of the construction zone. It is also believed the late evening / early morning closure will minimize the impacts to traffic.

Motorists are advised to either follow the marked detour or seek alternate routes all together as this closure is expected to last for several hours.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Southern Illinois Delegation Touts East St. Louis Site for Amazon HQ

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Washington, DC – Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12), Rodney Davis (IL-13) and John Shimkus (IL-15) today sent a letter to Amazon encouraging the company to consider the Metro East region as a viable site for its second corporate headquarters.

“We believe that the St. Louis region exceeds the prerequisites set forth by Amazon for its new headquarters,” said Bost. “Our community is home to a large, urban population with access to multiple modes of transportation, a world class, educated workforce, and a vibrant cultural life. It was important that we lay a marker down and do our part in ensuring that Amazon understands just how beneficial this partnership can be.”

In their letter, the Southern Illinois members stated, “The St. Louis region offers a unique opportunity and locale for the HQ2. With its thriving population and outstanding educational institutions, the region offers a highly-skilled and motivated talent pool of potential employees. As pointed out in the application, the St. Louis region currently has about a 1.3 million person labor force with many individuals coming from institutions of higher learning located in the region. It also highlights the fact that the area is home to 80,000 specialized STEM occupations and Scott Air Force Base, which attracts highly qualified cyber and IT employees.”

From George O’Connor – Communications Director for Congressman Mike Bost 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Gov. Rauner urges students to consider careers in manufacturing

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO, IL – Gov. Bruce Rauner highlighted exciting new advanced manufacturing career opportunities with a group of over 150 students from five Chicago high schools today at a National Manufacturing Month event. The event took place at the Wilbur Wright College Humboldt Park Campus, which houses the school’s vocational center.

“Manufacturing jobs have a reputation for being dirty and dangerous, but the industry continues to evolve and innovate every day, which requires a highly skilled workforce to fill these good-paying jobs,” Rauner said. “Investing in our young people and giving them the resources they need to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing is one of our top priorities. We must continue our work to make Illinois a more businesses friendly environment to create more high-quality and high-paying jobs for these bright students who will take over this critical industry.”

Wilbur Wright College Humboldt Park Campus hosted the event in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and the Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corp. The community college is part of the City Colleges of Chicago.

Students from Ombudsman High School, Austin College & Career Academy, Schurz High School, Prosser Career Academy and Roberto Clemente Community Academy received a facility tour of the college’s Vocational Center, where they were informed of the school’s nine-month Advanced Manufacturing Program in computerized numerical control (CNC). They then had the opportunity to tour Winzeler Gear, WaterSaver Faucet Co., SG360°, a subsidiary of the Segerdahl Corp., Laystrom Manufacturing Co. or Freedman Seating Co. Each company provided a presentation of career pathways.

The Advanced Manufacturing Program is nationally recognized and endorsed by the Manufacturing Institute. It is accredited by The National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). In 2012, the computer numerical control (CNC) machining program placed 100 percent of its graduates into jobs paying $40,000 a year, with the potential to jump to $55,000 to $65,000 in less than two years. In 2024, it is estimated more than 22,000 job positions will be available because of Illinois’ retiring workforce.

According to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, manufacturing comprises 13 percent of Illinois’ economy. More than 12,000 manufacturing firms call Illinois home, providing jobs for nearly 600,000 Illinoisans.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

WEEK 9 PREVIEW: West Frankfort (5-3) at Nashville (3-5)

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

In a do or die situation, the West Frankfort Redbirds travel to Washington County to take on the Nashville Hornets this evening.

Here are the common opponents between the two teams:

ANNA-JONESBORO:

West Frankfort lost 43-18 Week 1

Nashville lost 71-41 Week 4

PINCKNEYVILLE:

West Frankfort won 36-14 Week 2

Nashville won 34-7 Week 7

SPARTA:

West Frankfort won 33-16 Week 3

Nashville won 35-14 Week 5

MASSAC COUNTY:

West Frankfort won 49-8 Week 8

Nashville won 17-12 Week 2.

West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had this to say about tonight’s matchup. “Nashville has a tall dual threat QB that can run and pass, as well as several talented receivers. Furthermore, their offensive line is big and physical. They have a good downhill running game to compliment their passing game. Thus, I expect a very physical game in terms of the run, but at the same time our defensive backs will have to do a good job of covering their receivers.”

“Offensively we will have to take care of the football, and compliment our run game with more balance in the passing game. They have two very big defensive ends, backed up by quick linebackers.”

I asked Nashville Coach Stephen Kozuszek to give some background information on the Hornets.  He said, “We are a young team, with only 3 seniors on the roster. Our QB is senior Cameron Parker, who was an all-conference WR last year. He is a dual threat player, who has been solid for us all year (1,333 Passing Yds, 8 TD, 7 Int / 572 Rushing Yds, 10 TD). Our leading rusher is sophomore Jullian Metcalf (805 Rushing Yds, 9 TD). Our receptions have been spread out between 3 primary WR’s, all of which are juniors: Tanner Bergmann (19 Rec, 329 Yds, 3 TD), Tabor Kozuszek (33 Rec, 365 Yds, 3 TD), and Dalton Novak (38 Rec, 456 Yds, 2 TD).”

“We dropped a couple close games early on to Carlyle and Wesclin (both playoff qualifiers), which made things tough on us going into conference play, as we then needed to steal a game from Carterville, A-J, or DuQuoin to give us a shot at a playoff berth going into Friday.”

I asked him what his thoughts were about coming into tonight’s game with the Redbirds.  West Frankfort appears to be a physical team, whose running game is the strength of their offense. We need to be able to limit their big plays on the ground and try and force them into passing situations. Both their QB and RB are good looking players, and their offense creates confusion with all of their different formations and motions.  

I am going out on a blind date with this one.  Last years Hornet squad was loaded with seniors.  Other than a few highlights on MaxPreps, I have not watched them play.

I had a few conversations this week with some individuals that are familiar with both programs.  They said that Nashville could put up some points in a hurry as well as give up some in a hurry as well too.

In their opinions, the Redbirds would be the definite favorite.  I am going with West Frankfort by 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

WEEK 9 PREVIEW: Benton (5-3) at Anna Jonesboro (8-0)

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

The Benton Rangers are playing to keep their season alive tonight as they face off against the undefeated Anna Jonesboro Wildcats.  Here are the common opponents between the two:

CARTERVILLE:

Benton lost 28-15 Week 1

A-J won 41-7 Week 5

SPARTA: 

Benton won 29-13 Week 2

A-J won 46-14 Week 8

PINCKNEYVILLE:

Benton won 41-0 Week 3

A-J won 34-0 Week 6

WEST FRANKFORT: 

Benton won 47-14 Week 5

A-J won 43-18 Week 1

MASSAC COUNTY: 

Benton won 53-13  Week

A-J won 40-7 Week 3

MURPHYSBORO:

Benton lost 19-14  Week 8

A-J won 43-14  Week

With last Friday night’s upset loss at Murphysboro, the Rangers has put themselves in a must win position.  This is what Benton Coach Bob Pankey has to say coming into tonight’s game.  “Obviously we’ve put ourselves in a much tougher situation now with the loss to Murphy. In that game, we could never really get our offense clicking and it hurt us. Now we have a tough match up with A-J this week. But as was proven last Friday night, upsets can and do happen.”

“A-J has one of the better running games in Southern Illinois with a great RB in Jayce Turner and a great wing/slot in Arieh Hart. Both have the potential to make big plays. Our goal will be to try to contain the run game well enough to get our offense on the field. And then we have to be able to establish momentum with our offense”

Benton WR Cade Thomas

This is what Anna Jonesboro coach Brett Dietering had to say about tonight’s matchup with the Rangers.  “I expect the same thing as in the past three years, a heavy dose of Hamilton Page.  It all comes down to the ability to attack the run and pass game. If Page is not hooking up with Cade Thomas, you then have to worry about stopping Blaine Pankey running the ball.”

I’ve had the opportunity to watch both teams a few times on film, and once live.  I think that Page is the best QB in Southern Illinois.  I think Turner is the best RB.  Turner and Pankey would probably go in as the number three and four linebackers in Southern Illinois.  I think they are about even, with Luke Ford being Number 1, and Jordan Bartok #2.

Yes the Rangers are coming in the underdogs.  I might get ran out of Franklin County but I have to go with A-J in this one, especially at home.  If the Rangers get defeated, they can still get in with a lot of help from their “friends.”

It is also a game that I would not be surprised if the Rangers would win, especially if Hamilton Page has a big passing night.

This is the second best game of the night in all of Southern Illinois.  Leave early, stop at Giant City Lodge for supper, grab some apples and enjoy a great night of high school football.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports

Football Friday Forecast

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

7:00 p.m.  Partly Cloudy – 67 Degrees

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. South southeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Saturday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 69. South wind 7 to 13 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. North northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Monday
A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Monday Night
A slight chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. West northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. West northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 41. South southwest wind around 6 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 64. South southwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Week Nine High School Football game coverage

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

I have been back and forth what to do all week where I would end up.  This is how I will be handling coverage tonight.

I am going to be staying home.  I will be closely monitoring the Fairfield-S-V-W-W game streaming online.  Here is a link if you want to pay $10 for a 30 day subscription, which will include a lot of playoff games around the state, and possibly the selection show  After this, click on the Fairfield Mules icon.

https://my15news.com/    

I will be also monitoring Benton/A-J and West Frankfort/Nashville closely also.  I will take a couple peeks of what is going on over in McLeansboro to see if the Bearcats can grab a win as well.

I will also be keeping an eye on Harrisburg/Carbondale, DuQuoin/Murphysboro and Mt. Vernon/Mt. Carmel locally as those games can have huge bearings on the Class 3A bracket in the southern half of the state.

I will be checking on several games in the Southwest Conference as well, as several games will have a likely impact on the Class 3A parings that will be coming down tomorrow night.

Instead of using Twitter, I will be making updates on the website’s Facebook page, that way you can grab scores quickly where ever you are at in Southern Illinois watching what will be a great night for High School football.

As far as previews for tonight, I will be posting them shortly.  I will not have Facebook access for a few hours this morning, so check the website periodically.

As far as posting the pairings I will be posting 2A-5A as soon as the IHSA posts them on the Facebook page.  I will then post a page on the website just with the Southern Illinois schools.

I hope you have a great day.  I am looking forward to giving you the best HS football coverage to my ability during the next 36 hours.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

RLC cast of “Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” bringing classic story to life

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA, IL – After 100 years asleep, the beautiful princess is waking up on the Rend Lake College stage for the 2017 Fall Play “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.” The cast and crew are working hard for opening night, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 in the RLC Theatre, with evening shows at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, and a matinee final show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

The version of Sleeping Beauty coming to RLC’s stage is a three-act play written by Frances Homer in 1935, and more closely resembles the original “Grimms’ Fairy Tale” than the popular 1959 Disney film.
In this performance, Sleeping Beauty is cursed by a spiteful character – the Black Fairy, ruler of the moon and stars – who is not invited to the baby princess’ Christening party. The Black Fairy curses the princess to death by a prick on her finger from a needle during her 15th year. The Sunlight Fairy, the Black Fairy’s opposite as the ruler of the sun, softens the curse by ruling the princess will sleep for 100 years.

As the princess grows, the Queen promises her to marry Prince Rupert, the only eligible bachelor nearby, who disapproves of her free and happy life, constantly wishing to change her. Sleeping Beauty is not happy about the union and decides to prick her finger on purpose to escape her mother’s plan. Not only does Sleeping Beauty fall asleep, but so does the whole palace, and the story resumes with a twist when they all wake.

Director Tracey Webb will make this her 44th show for RLC, not including the annual “Flummoxed Fairytales.” She said this performance offers a different message to young audience members than the popular animated film.

“The prince who awakens Sleeping Beauty is actually in love with her before he ever actually sees her. This, to me, is a stronger message than the one in Disney’s story. Good looks will fade in time, but to truly love a person, you have to love the way their mind works,” said Webb. “It’s a lively show and full of comedy.”

As for the cast and crew, Webb said she’s thrilled to have such an amenable group filling multiple roles and learning many new skills.

“The cast is so talented and that makes directing a joy. The most challenging part has been building the castle, because we don’t have a separate crew to do it. My actors have doubled as talent and set crew. Volunteers and parents have stepped in to help too,” said Webb. “There are also two dances in the show, so the actors have had to become dancers in just a few weeks. Some of the actors have never danced before. Performing on stage takes a lot of discipline. What has truly been rewarding is how the group has pulled together and become like an extended family.”

The actor playing the part of Sleeping Beauty is no stranger to RLC’s stage. Kyla Mitchell of Benton is an art major who performed in the 2016 Fall Play “The Legend of Robin Hood” and in the 2017 showing of “Flummoxed Fairytales.” Despite not landing the role she wanted – as the villain Black Fairy – Mitchell said she’s enjoying the lead role because of her character’s personality.

“I love that Sleeping Beauty is so spirited. She has more to say about the things going on around her than I thought she would,” said Mitchell. “She willingly goes into the 100-year sleep rather than marry the wrong guy.”

Playing the role of Sleeping Beauty’s mother is veteran RLC actor Deborah Petitt of Sesser. Petitt is a 2017 RLC graduate who has performed in no less than seven shows, plus backstage work as Assistant Stage Manager for two more. Like Mitchell, Petitt also wanted the role of the Black Fairy, but is excited to take on a different villain.

“The Queen has a very dominant personality, which is exhibited in her relationship with the King,” said Petitt. “My favorite line is, ‘I made so many plans for her. But they didn’t turn out how I expected,’ and that says a lot about her. This is a family-friendly show filled with tons of humor, so come out and let us entertain you.”

Playing the part of the King is Matt Loucks of Sesser, an RLC musical theatre student. “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” will be his fourth show on stage, logging spots in the 2015 Spring Musical “Les Miserables,” the 2017 Spring Musical “The Wizard of Oz,” and in “Flummoxed Fairytales.” Loucks said he had his eye on one of the Prince roles, but is looking forward to bringing the King to life on stage.

“The King is a very passive character who wants what’s best for the kingdom and his daughter, but also wants to be the nice guy while doing all of it,” said Loucks. “After reading the script, I am quite happy with the role. I would suggest to anyone who loves theatre to come out for one night.”

Two different Princes will take the stage opening night. The first – Prince Rupert – is the man Sleeping Beauty is promised to marry, leading her to prick her finger in protest. Prince Rupert will be portrayed by Zion McMillan of Mt. Vernon, a music education major at RLC. This will be his debut performance.

“I like the role a lot. Rupert is the prince Beauty is supposed to marry, but he’s mean and disrespectful. It’s a fun role to play,” said McMillan. “The fight scene is my favorite. Everyone needs to come out and see the most majestic fight scene live.”

Playing his opposite is Prince Delmar, portrayed by Garrett Jones of Bluford. This will be his third role on RLC’s stage, having performed in the 2016 Fall Play “The Legend of Robin Hood” and in the 2017 showing of “Flummoxed Fairytales.” This engineering major had not planned to audition, but did so to appease his actor friends.

“I hadn’t planned on auditioning, but Tracey asked me to come to help, and when I got there, one of my friends wouldn’t take no for an answer. Then I came out with a lead role. Prince Delmar is essentially the prince charming of the play, so he’s kind of important,” said Jones. “It’s looking to be a great show. The casting is wonderful, the set looks spectacular, and the fight scene at the end is going to be awesome.”

Webb said Prince Delmar is a key character in the show, one that sends an important message about love to the audience. In the show, he finds a 100-year-old diary written by his grandfather about Sleeping Beauty, and falls in love with her character before ever meeting her or kissing her awake.

Joining Jones, Loucks, McMillan, Mitchel, and Petitt on stage are 33 actors ranging from college students to grade schoolers. For 14 actors, “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” is their first performance on stage at RLC.

The cast of “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.”
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

• Schuyler Bailey (Thompsonville) as Lady Jane
• Alex Brue (Chanderville) as Lady Charlotte
• Ariannah Burzynski (Opdyke) as Anna the Flower Girl
• Rachel Dahl (Benton) as the Sunlight Fairy
• Aaron Dawson (Benton) as King Tuffy
• Aidan Ezell (Mt. Vernon) as the Caretaker
• Connor Fauset (Akin) as Russ the Palace Guard
• Taylor Frank (Valier) as the Red Fairy
• Kailey Greer (Pinckneyville) as the Orange Fairy
• Claire Gulley (Benton) as April the Village Girl
• Bianca Hernandez (West Frankfort) as the Yellow Fairy
• Carter Hertenstein (Mt. Vernon) as Jake the Village Boy
• Jonelle Jones (Sesser) as Bonnie the Flower Girl
• Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia) as Lady Vanessa
• Garrett McFarlin (Texico) as Jeb the Footman
• Zoie Nitz (Sesser) as Cynthia the Flower Girl
• Benjamin Payne (Bonnie) as Bumps
• Sierra Porritt (West Frankfort) as Nanny
• Riley Rodgers (Wayne City) as Nate the Page Boy
• Maggie Sanders (Pinckneyville) as Lady Meredith
• Danielle Skidmore (Mt. Vernon) as Hilda the Cook
• Danielle Stricklin (Mt. Vernon) as the Black Fairy
• Kaleb Tiberend (Benton) as Gus the Palace Guard
• Sierra Tiberend (Benton) as Madge the Cook
• Falyn VanDyke (Mt. Vernon) as the Violet Fairy
• Eyson Vaneycke (Mt. Vernon) as Johnny the Village Boy
• Dereke Waithe (Mt. Vernon) as Joe the Footman
• Josie Webb (Ewing) as May the Village Girl
• Madison Webb (McLeansboro) as the Blue Fairy
• Emma Wisehart (Whittington) as the Green Fairy
• Ethan Wisehart (Whittington) as Nick the Page Boy
• Emmaline Wolf (Ina) as the Indigo Fairy

Webb encourages everyone to spend an evening with the cast and crew of “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland,” and hopes everyone will enjoy the show as much as they have enjoyed getting ready for opening night.

“This is a family-friendly show. Good conquers evil and true love wins in the end. Best of all, there are moments of great tension and other moments of great comedy. The entire ensemble is working very well together, and I don’t think anybody in the audience will go away disappointed,” Webb said.

Ticket are on sale now for “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” and cost $12 each. Contact the Box office to reserve a seat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 through Saturday, Nov. 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, all in the RLC Theatre.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Playoff probabilities for S-V-W-W, West Frankfort, and Benton

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

First of all we need to continue prayers for Zeigler-Royalton head basketball coach Matt Morgan, who suffered a heart attack this evening.  He is resting comfortably in an area hospital.  Lets pray for a speedy recovery and that he will be back on the sidelines at the Christopher Turkey Tournament.

In something that I have been looking at being a possibility since week three,  The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Red Devils and the Fairfield Mules will be facing off against each other at the Train Yard, undefeated, with a conference title on the line.

For 3A, I was looking at the possibility of quadrants.  I found out today they were a thing of the past.  So the south will be seeded 1-16.

Going into tomorrow night’s game there are four undefeated teams in 3A from Springfield, south.  Along with the Devils and The Mules, the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats and Carlinville.

If Carlinville beats Greenville (6-2) tomorrow night, there will be a tie for the Number one and Two seed for the south half of the bracket between the winner of the Train Yard Showdown.

The Number one seed will then have the possibility of drawing Vienna-Goreville, Mt. Carmel or Harrisburg, all with 4-4 records.  If the Eagles beat Carmi-White County on Saturday, they will be in the best playoff point shape with 40.  Harrisburg is sitting at 36, as they face Carbondale.  Mt. Carmel has 33 and they face win less Mt. Vernon tomorrow night.

There is a chance that Harrisburg and V-G could be bumped up to 4A, as the cutoff line has been dropped  to 548 which is the Eagles enrollment.  Harrisburg is six below the cutoff at 542.

For West Frankfort it is as simple as this, they have to beat Nashville to get in. They are sitting at 30 playoff points, which if they beat the Hornets tomorrow night, would be the lowest 6-3 seeded team in the south.   If all the 4-4 teams do not get in and the Devils win tomorrow night, there is a very good possibility you could see the Redbirds and the Devils match up at Carroll Kelly field a week from Saturday.

I have had a gut feeling for a couple weeks that however things turn out, the Redbirds would end up facing the winner of the Train Yard battle.

If S-V-W-W would lose and the teams on the bubble at 4-4 would get in, West Frankfort still could be a possibility.  There is also an outside chance they could end up with the DuQuoin Indians.  They have been bumped up to 3A, and that could be whether they win or lose to Murphysboro.

I went local with this.  There are numerous possibilities from the Metro East.  We can start breaking them down more around 9:00 p.m.

Now onto the Rangers.  They have a task of facing an undefeated team in A-J on the road.  They are in similar but better shape than their arch enemy’s the West Frankfort Redbirds.  Win or lose the Rangers will be Redbird fans tomorrow night, for one thing, playoff points.  They will get one if WF leaves Washington County with a win.

They will be rooting for the Harrisburg Bulldogs to beat Carbondale.  They will be rooting for Murphysboro to beat DuQuoin.  Carterville vs. Massac they will get a playoff point either way.  They will also be rooting for Pinckneyville and Sparta to pull major upsets.

If they go down to A-J and lose they will be at a lot of teams mercy.  The Rangers will be in a unfamiliar role, being underdogs. However, it is a very winnable game for Benton.  It would be well worth taking the drive to Union County tomorrow night, enjoy the scenery on the way down, and watch what I would believe to be a whale of a football game.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

High School Football Week 9 Schedule

October 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Black Diamond

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn (8-0) at Fairfield (8-0)

Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton (0-8) at Hamilton County (0-8)

Eldorado (6-2) at Johnston City (2-6)

Edwards County (3-5) at Chester (4-4)

Carmi-White County (5-3) at Vienna-Goreville (4-4)

Southern Illinois River to River

Benton (5-3) at Anna-Jonesboro (8-0)

West Frankfort (5-3) at Nashville (3-5) 

Harrisburg (4-4) at Carbondale (2-6)

Herrin (7-1) at Breese Central (4-4)

Carterville (5-3) at Massac County (0-8)

Murphysboro  (2-6) at DuQuoin (6-2)

Carlyle (5-3) at Pinckeyville (0-8)

Sparta (1-7) at Red Bud (5-3)

South Seven

Belleville Altoff (7-1) at Houston TX Christian (2-4)

Cahokia (3-5) at Crete Monee (7-1)

Mascoutah (3-5) at Centralia (6-2)

Mattoon (2-6) at Marion (5-3)

Mt. Carmel (4-4) at Mt. Vernon (0-8)

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports
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