DANVILLE — The frustration of losing the last two years to a rival like Champaign Centennial was more than enough motivation for the Danville Vikings on Friday night.
But, only scoring once in those two losses was unaccepted.
The Vikings were determined that this year was going to be different.
Seniors Phillip Shaw IV, Caleb Robinson and Kaden Young all found the end zone on Friday night as the Vikings upset the eighth-rated Champaign Centennial Chargers 25-12 in a Big 12 Conference contest at Ned Whitesell Field.
“It’s been a long time since we beat them,” said Shaw, as Danville’s last win over Centennial was 13-0 triumph in the 2021 spring Covid-19 season. “It feels like we have lifted a curse or something.”
Curtis Beasley IV, who moved from tight end to guard Friday night to fill a hole on the Danville offensive line, said his team had seen a number of “predictions” picking Centennial.
“There was a lot of speculation coming into the game, what you would call predictions. If you believe in those, the odds were definitely stacked against us,” said Beasley IV. “We just fought harder than we have this year so that we could come out victorious.
“I feel like this game sets the tone for the rest of our season. We showed what we can do against a good Big 12 Conference team.”
Danville (2-3 overall, 2-2 in the Big 12) scored the very first time it touched the football.
Young, who was returning his first punt of the season, caught the ball at his own 20, started left, darted right to find a crease in the Centennial punt coverage unit. Punter Karson Kaiser was the last man with a chance to make the tackle, but Young just ran through his arms an into the end zone.
It was the first touchdown that the Vikings had scored on the Chargers since a J.J. Miles 2-yard run on Sept. 3, 2021.
“I took those losses the last two years personal,” Young said. “I reminded my teammates that this was the seniors last shot at them.
“To be able to score the first time we touched the ball was a big momentum swing.”
Centennial (4-1 overall, 4-1 in the Big 12) had a pair of drives deep into Danville territory in the second quarter.
Junior Ja’Vaughn Robinson broke up a pass on fourth-and-goal from the Danville 5 to thwart the first attempt and then sophomore Jayden Rowell intercepted a pass from Chargers quarterback Kellen Davis at the 1-yard line and then returned it 59 yards to the Centennial 30.
Six players later and just 20 seconds left in the first half, Shaw scored the first of his two touchdown runs to give the Vikings a 13-0 halftime advantage.
“Those plays just really hyped everyone up,” said Shaw of Robinson and Rowell. “We already thought we were going to win, but after that, we knew it was going to be a long time for Centennial.”
In the fourth quarter, the Chargers hit on their own big play with Davis connecting with Plamedie Ibinimion on a 75-yard touchdown pass, getting Centennial back within one score (13-6).
But, that’s when Danville started finding success with its running game.
Junior quarterback Darius Jay carried the ball six times on a 12-play drive that was capped with a 4-yard touchdown run by Shaw with 5 minutes, 39 second left in the contest.
“I’ve been watching film, and I knew Centennial would respect the pass. I knew if I used my legs, we would have a better chance of winning and I made that my mission,” said Jay, a transfer from Madison, Ind. “It was very frustrating not being able to throw the ball better. I just had to keep my head, but having your main receiver double team and them playing the deep ball well was very frustrating.
“We got the win and that’s all that matters.”
Davis connected on another long touchdown pass, this time 71 yards, to Kaiser to once again bring the Chargers within one score at 19-12.
And just like the previous possession, the Vikings went to their ground game.
Jay, Shaw and Robinson combined to carry the ball nine times for 57 yards on a scoring drive capped by a 2-yard run from Robinson that sealed the 25-12 victory.
“Those last two drives were mainly us showing how bad we wanted to win,” said Shaw. “When you run the ball like we did in the fourth quarter that is about putting pressure on the defense. Our offensive line was on another level tonight.”
And in that final quarter, it was an offensive line with only Kamarion Miles and Alex Doe at the same positions that started against Bloomington last week. Beasley moved from tight end to guard, junior Tayvion Diltz moved from guard to tackle, junior Gavin Bandeen came off the bench into a guard spot was sophomore A’jani Davis took over at tight end.
“We were all doing what we needed to do,” Beasley said. “I kept talking to guys — both offensively and defensively — about making sure that we keyed in on our responsibilities.
“So that when it came time, we didn’t have to think about it, we could just execute instinctually.”
Things won’t get any easier next week for the Vikings.
Danville will host Normal Community, the fourth-rated team in Class 7A, for its homecoming game at Ned Whitesell Field. The Ironmen (5-0 overall) shutout the Bloomington Purple Raiders 34-0 on Friday night.
TODAY
Prep Football
Schlarman Academy at St. Thomas More, 7 p.m.
Prep Cross Country
Fountain Central at Bison Stampede, 9 a.m.
Schlarman Academy, Salt Fork, Seeger, Oakwood, Armstrong-Potomac and Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at St. Joseph-Ogden Invitational 9 a.m.
Hoopeston Area at Herscher Invite, 10 a.m.
Prep Boys Soccer
Monticello at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 10 a.m.
Georgetown-Ridge Farm at St. Joseph-Ogden, 10 a.m.
Terre Haute North at Covington, 11 a.m.
Prep Girls Soccer
North Montgomery at Covington, 9 a.m.
Prep Girls Swimming
Danville at Bloomington Invite, 9 a.m.
Prep Boys Tennis
WRC Tournament, preliminaries: Attica, Covington, Parke Heritage, Riverton Parke, South Vermillion and Seeger at Fountain Central, 8 a.m.
Prep Volleyball
Bi-County Tournament: Attica, Fountain Central and Seeger at Covington, 8 a.m.
Danville at Watseka Invite, 8 a.m.
Oakwood at Hutsonville Invite
College Football
Florida Atlantic at Illinois, 2:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
No Local Sports Scheduled
MONDAY
Prep Boys Golf
Vermilion Valley Conference Tournament: Chrisman, Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac, Milford/Cissna Park, Oakwood, Salt Fork, Schlarman Academy, Watseka and Westville at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 9 a.m. (Turtle Run Golf Course)
Prep Girls Golf
Vermilion Valley Conference Tournament: Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac, Milford/Cissna Park, Salt Fork, Schlarman Academy, Watseka and Westville at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 9 a.m. (Turtle Run Golf Course)
Prep Boys Soccer
Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Westville at Hoopeston Area, 4:30 p.m.
Normal West at Danville, 6 p.m.
Prep Girls Soccer
Covington at North White, 4:30 p.m.
Prep Boys Tennis
WRC Tournament, finals: Attica, Covington, Parke Heritage, Riverton Parke, South Vermillion and Seeger at Fountain Central, 3:30 p.m.
Prep Girls Tennis
Danville at Champaign Central, 4 p.m.
Prep Volleyball
North Montgomery at North Vermillion, 5 p.m.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Fountain Central, 5:30 p.m.
Armstrong-Potomac at Urbana University, 6 p.m.
Georgetown-Ridge Farm at Westville, 6 p.m.
Hoopeston Area at Rantoul, 6 p.m.
Gibson City/Melvin-Sibley at Salt Fork, 6 p.m.
Oakwood at Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 6 p.m.
College Golf
Danville Area Community College Fall Invite at Danville Country Club, 8:30 a.m.
ON THE AIR
TODAY
College Football
Rutgers at Michigan, Big Ten Network, 11 a.m.
Florida Atlantic at Illinois, WDAN-AM 1490, WDNL-FM 102.1, Big Ten Network, 2:30 p.m.
Maryland at Michigan State, NBC, 2:30 p.m.
Louisiana Tech at Nebraska, Big Ten Network, 2:30 p.m.
Ohio State at Notre Dame, NBC, 6:30 p.m.
Iowa at Penn State, CBS, 6:30 p.m.
Akron at Indiana, Big Ten Network, 6:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Northwestern, 6:30 p.m.
Auto Racing
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Andy’s Frozen Custard 300, USA, 2:30 p.m.
Formula One: Japanese Grand Prix, ESPN2, 11:55 p.m.
Golf
Solheim Cup, GOLF, 7 a.m.
Champions Tour: Pure Insurance Championship, second round, GOLF, 5 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs, Marquee Sports Network, 1 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 3 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego Padres, WDAN-AM 1490, Bally Sports Midwest, 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
Auto Racing
NASCAR Cup Series: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, USA, WHRK-FM 94.9, 2:30 p.m.
Golf
Solheim Cup, GOLF, 4 a.m.
Champions Tour: Pure Insurance Championship, final round, GOLF, 5 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 12:30 p.m.
Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs, Marquee Sports Network, 1 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego Padres, WDAN-AM 1490, Bally Sports Midwest, 3 p.m.
National Football League
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens, WDAN-AM 1490, CBS, noon
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers, FOX, noon
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs, FOX, 3 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders, NBC, 7:20 p.m.
Women’s National Basketball Association
WNBA Semifinals, Game 1: Connecticut Sun at New York Liberty, ESPN, noon
WNBA Semifinals, Game 2: Dallas Wings at Las Vegas Aces, ESPN2, 4 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
International Friendly: United States vs. South Africa, TNT, 4:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Major League Baseball
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago White Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 6:30 p.m.
National Football League
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ABC, 6:15 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams at Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN, ESPN2, 7:15 p.m.
Note — some events are subject to blackout rules and regulations
CONTACT US
Editor: Chad Dare (217) 477-5151
Reporter: Marvin Holman:(217) 477-5210
E-mail: sports@dancomnews.com
Note — The Commercial-News sports desk is staff Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. All results and information should be reported during those times.
DANVILLE — High school football games are four quarters of 12 minutes.
For the Danville Vikings this season, it’s been the first two quarters (24 minutes) that has basically determined their record.
In all three losses this season, the Vikings have trailed at halftime and even in their victory, Danville trailed for more than six minutes in the first half.
“In every game this year, we have trailed at some point in the first half,’’ Danville coach Marcus Forrest said. “We really haven’t play well in the first half of games this season, and it has put us behind the 8-ball.’’
That’s because the Vikings will need at least four wins in their final five games to become playoff eligible.
Danville’s drive for a postseason berth starts at 7 p.m. this Friday against the Champaign Centennial Chargers, who are rated No. 8 in Class 6A.
“We have to focus on being fundamentally strong and starting out fast,’’ Forrest said. “The better we start, the more consistent we can be throughout the game.’’
Getting a good start against the Chargers (4-0 overall and in the Big 12) isn’t going to be easy.
Centennial has won the last two meetings with Danville, 7-0 last year and 13-6 in 2021.
“The last two times we have played Centennial, it’s been small errors and small mistakes,’’ said Danville senior Evan Yates. “It’s painful to watch, but it’s stuff that happens and we hope to turn it around this time.’’
How does that happen for the Vikings?
“It’s mental strength and mental focus,’’ he said. “We have to stay strong and not give in. It’s all about paying attention and doing your job.’’
Forrest noted the last two losses against Centennial are reminiscent of his team’s struggles this season.
“The last two years, we have had a lag for whatever reason,’’ said Forrest, noting that Danville ran 11 plays inside of the Centennial 10-yard line without scoring last year, including four straight in the game’s final minute. “It’s more mental than anything.’’
Forrest admits that every week is a “must-win” for the Vikings to qualify for postseason play, but neither he nor his team is looking that far down the road.
“We need to focus and see the better things ahead of us,’’ said junior lineman Tayvion Diltz. “Being 1-3 right now, is not what we wanted. We wanted better things. We can change it, starting this week, if we come out and play how we can.
“We need to focus on getting better and healthy.’’
After playing at Bloomington last Friday without seniors Caleb Robinson (RB/LB) and Kaden Young (WR/DB), this week both of those players are back, but the Vikings will be without junior lineman Jeremy Etchinson-Lock because of a foot injury.
“That’s been an important message this week. Against Bloomington, we have some guys trying to composite for those kids not being there,’’ Forrest said. “We just needed everyone to do their own jobs and trust the other kids to do their jobs.
“If they do that, everything will work together to where we can make plays, score points and stop them from scoring. It’s a simple game and a simple thing to do, but these are high school kids and nothing is ever simple.’’
Centennial is led by junior quarterback Kellen Davis, who has passed for 690 yards and 13 scores while also running for 221 yards and five touchdowns.
“We saw him last year and he is an athletic kid that moves well,’’ Forrest said. “They go offensively as he goes. We really have to focus on keeping him in the pocket, and when he throws, we need our linebackers and defensive backs to be disciplined.’’
Friday’s game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff and the game can be heard on WDAN-AM 1490.
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois coach Bret Bielema and staff spent last weekend taking a self inventory for the Fighting Illini football team.
Coming off a 34-23 loss to Kansas on Friday night meant that Illinois basically had a full day to look back on its first two games before starting its preparation for the No. 7-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.
“We needed to do a self-inventory and have some difficult conversations, but you can grow from that,’’ Bielema said. “The biggest thing for us is we can’t let Kansas beat us twice. We have to focus on Penn State.’’
And that’s what the Illini have done this week.
“Anytime you lose a game, I think you have to look at what you did well and what you didn’t do well,’’ Bielema said. “Nothing changes from this last week against Kansas to the first two years I’ve been here. Anytime you don’t have success, you take a personal inventory of what you’ve done within a position room, within a unit, with a football team and try to make yourself better.
“(Kansas) is a game that we didn’t have success and we have to get things corrected to move forward, but it’s not a matter of dire straights. It’s a matter of getting ourselves better.’’
And according to rankings — a lot better.
Penn State is 2-0 after wins over West Virginia (38-15) and Delaware (63-7), but both of those games were at home.
Today’s game with Illinois will be the first road test for the Nittany Lions and the nationally-televised game at Memorial Stadium is also an ‘Orange Out,’ as all fans have been asked to wear orange.
“It should be a great atmosphere at Illinois, a great environment for college football,’’ Penn State coach James Franklin said. “We opened our Big Ten season last year at Purdue. There was a black-out there.”
Bielema admits that the Illini are not only excited to play the Nittany Lions, but to just play another football game.
“When you have a game like last Friday, to get back out there is what everyone wants, players, coaches and really fans, probably,’’ Bielema said. “So, we are excited for the Penn State game. We anticipate a crowd probably as big as we’ve had since I’ve been here. Penn State is a highly ranked team for a reason, they’re a good football team.
“But, I think our guys know and understand it’s about what we do and how we handle the moment.’’
This isn’t the first time that Illinois will enter a game against Penn State as a double-digit underdog, the Nittany Lions are a 14-point favorite.
As a matter of fact, the last time these two programs squared off, the Illini were a 24.5-point underdog in a game played in State College, Pa.
In the longest game played in college football history, Illinois defeated No. 7 Penn State 20-18 on a 2-point conversion pass from backup quarterback Brandon Peters to Casey Washington in the ninth overtime.
“I definitely brought it up to our guys Sunday night when we got together and talked about what is in front of us,’’ said Bielema, knowing it would be a topic of conversation.
“They were ranked No. 7 in the country and we were 2-5 at the time. We needed something to stand on and that gave, according to a lot people, it when Illinois showed they belonged.’’
In Sunday’s meeting, Bielema asked the players that were involved in that game to raise their hands.
“There were some guys in the first two rows that raised their hands,’’ said Bielema.
On offense, the only key contributors on offense from that game are Danville native Julian Pearl on the offensive line, running backs Reggie Love III and Josh McCray, tight end Tip Reiman and then wide receivers Pat Bryant, Isaiah Williams and of course, Washington.
Defensively, Johnny Newton, Keith Randolph Jr. and Bryce Barnes are back along with linebackers Tarique Barnes, Seth Coleman and Ezekiel Holmes and defensive back Taz Nicholson.
“I don’t know if there will ever be another game like that,” Franklin said. “What it taught everyone in the country is you better have enough two-point plays in your playbook.’’
Today’s game will be the first this season for sophomore defensive back Matt Bailey and Holmes, both players missed the first two games recovering from injuries.
“It will be nice to get Matthew back in the rotation,’’ Bielema said.
“He embodies everything we need in the back end. He’s been an assistant coach of sorts during practice. We’re happy to have him back on the field.’’
Bielema also said that Pearl, who dislocated his finger in the Kansas game, is able to play this week.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. as the game will broadcast by Fox and heard locally on Busey Bank Illini Sports Network, including Danville stations WDAN-AM 1490, WDNL-FM 102.1.
GEORGETOWN — For the 60th year of the Coal Bucket game, there will be a small twist.
This year’s schedule moved the game from its traditional Week 9 spot to Week 4, but Westville coach Guy Goodlove said it doesn’t matter where the game is placed.
“Back in 2000 and 2001, I believe it was the second game of the season, so this has happened before when it moved up in the season,” Goodlove said. “The game creates a great atmosphere for High School Football, so it can be played in the first game of the year or last game of the year.
“But with a game like this, you have to be mentally prepared and physically ready to play. We have had teams go in 0-8 and 1-7 and given no chance to win, but we get a win, so the old saying ‘take the records out’ is true for this game. Kids that haven’t done anything all year does something here and I have had kids that have never caught a pass and they catch 4-5 passes and score 2-3 touchdowns and you wonder where it came from.”
Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Chrisman coach Dwayne Grider played for the Buffaloes, so for him, it is a change of pace.
“Playing the Coal bucket is odd to play this time of the year for some of us old timers,” Grider said. “It usually builds up toward the end of the year. I hope the mystique doesn’t go away and it doesn’t go away for the players, especially the five seniors that we have.”
The Buffaloes are 0-3 overall and in the Vermilion Valley Conference, but are coming off their best performance in some time in a 27-20 loss at Clifton Central last week.
“I didn’t get to go to the game, and he team and the two coaches that were left behind to take that task on short notice, performed wonderfully,” Grider said. “Our captain, Rylan Mosier ran the defense, (assistant coach) Bryce Herrin ran the offense and Steve Silwa was up in the press box. We almost pulled it off and I couldn’t be more proud of them. If we didn’t make some key mistakes, we could have got it.”
Goodlove saw tape of the Clifton Central game and knows that the Buffaloes are going to be a different team than last year.
“They play the game like they have a chip on their shoulder and they have so much to prove,” Goodlove said. “They will come out and be very physical and play hard and they are fighting for every inch on the field. I am impressed with the Mosier kid, he goes after it. He runs over people and he is flying all over the field. He’s as good as a player as there is in the conference.
“Caiden Burress, George Carswell and the quarterback (Maddox Kochevar) has been very impressive. They want to play and they have nothing to lose and they play their hearts out. Those kids in the trenches are battling tooth and nail for what they are getting and it will be a dogfight. If you are going to gain a yard, you are going to earn that yard. They are playing hard and they want to make something good happen to the program.”
The Tigers are 2-1 after losing to Momence 34-14 last week at home.
“Momence was physical and very athletic,” Goodlove said. “When we loaded up the box, they passed the ball, when we had players in coverage, they ran the ball. When you had Brogan Halpin and Tyrell Aultman covered, No. 3 (Eddie Ferreira), 4 (Terence Aultman), and 5 (Marchello Draine) made the plays. No. 54 (Nick Charbonneau) was as good as a lineman we have seen all season. Teams getting ready to play Momence should not underestimated them and it will take a good team to beat them.”
Grider said that after being close to victory last week, it would be great to get his first win as GRFC head coach at the Coal Bucket.
“Last week, I have no words with how they fought adversity,” Grider said. “Practice is upbeat and I told the guys that if we are going to win our first game, this would be the game because it will be the biggest and a wonderful time to get that first win.”
Grider also said it would be a great win for Mosier, one of those five seniors and the unquestioned star of the team.
“His drive can not be compared. A player like him does not come along often,” Grider said. “He’s very dedicated. He watches game film constantly and his work ethic is incomparable. He has the respect of the whole team and he is their leader. It takes several people to tackle him and he runs the defense. He should be a player that plays at the next level.”
Friday’s game will be at Georgetown for the first time since the 2018 season. The game was at Westville for the 2019 and 2022 seasons with the 2020 and 2021 games cancelled because of Covid.
We stressed that we have to be ready because this game is a rivalry and it gives the seniors bragging rights for the rest of their lives and its a great game to be in,” Goodlove said. “We enjoy playing at Georgetown with the fans on top of the field. It is usually 4-5 people deep around the sidelines and it brings a great atmosphere and our kids and their kids are pumped for the game. A lot of people come to the game and it is an rowdy atmosphere and we look forward to it.”
“We have a lot to play for in front of our hometown,” Grider said. “The year before last year, we canceled the game and now we get to play here at home. We have a lot to prove and the kids have a lot to fight for. We took a pounding last year, but we were young. We matured a little bit. When Westville comes to town, we are going to surprise them. Playing at home is different. They have been doing a lot of work at the school and the kids are going to perform very well and the score will work itself out.”
While the game enters its 60th year, the rivalry has gone longer than that but it has mostly been friendly recently.
“It is hard to believe that the game has been around for 60 years, but this rivalry goes back before the Coal Bucket,” Goodlove said. “I have heard some of the old timers say they had to suspend the game for a few years because it got too heated. Today, I am glad it is just a game and it stays on the football field.”
The game starts on 7 p.m. on Friday and will be broadcast on WHRK-FM 94.9.
Iroquois West at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin
Time — 7 p.m. Friday
Records — Iroquois West 1-2 overall, 1-2 in Vermilion Valley Conference. BHRA 2-1 overall, 2-1 in Vermilion Valley Conference.
Radio — WITY-AM 980 and WITY-FM 99.5
Summary — The Blue Devils will try to keep their home record perfect as they welcome the Raiders. BHRA has scored at least 40 points in their two home games but face a challenge as Iroquois West has won its only away game in a 42-0 win over Watseka.
Watseka at Salt Fork
Time — 7 p.m. Friday
Records — Watseka 1-2 overall, 1-2 in Vermilion Valley Conference. Salt Fork 2-1 overall, 2-1 in Vermilion Valley Conference
Summary — The Storm have fought back from an opening week loss by not allowing a point in the last two games.
Oakwood at Clifton Central
Time — 7 p.m. Friday
Records — Oakwood 2-1 overall, 2-1 in Vermilion Valley Conference. Clifton Central 1-2 overall, 1-2 in Vermilion Valley Conference.
Summary — Oakwood has picked up two big wins at home, but hits the road in the battle of the Comets. Oakwood has scored over 60 points in the last two weeks, while Clifton Central has scored 42 points all season.
Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac at Momence
Time — 7 p.m. Friday
Records — HAAP 1-2 overall, 1-2 in Vermilion Valley Conference. Momence 3-0 overall, 3-0 in Vermilion Valley Conference.
Summary — The Cornjerkers have scored only 16 points this season and they might need that and then some against the Redskins, who are returning home after beating Westville last week to take leadership in the VVC.
Flanagan at Schlarman Academy
Time — 3 p.m. Saturday
Records — Flanagan 1-2 overall, 0-2 in 8-Man Football Central 1. Schlarman 1-2 overall, 0-0 in 8-Man Football Central 1.
Summary — After a two-game road trip, the Hilltoppers will return home to start conference play against Flanagan. Both teams are on two-game losing streaks, so both teams are looking to get back on track for conference season.
Attica at Fountain Central
Time — 7 p.m. Friday (Eastern)
Records — Attica 0-4 overall, 0-2 in Wabash River Conference. Fountain Central 3-1 overall, 2-0 in Wabash River Conference.
Radio — WKZS-FM 103.1
Summary — The Mustangs have rolled since a first-week loss and hope not to hit a bump before a matchup with Seeger next week for the top of the WRC. The Red Ramblers are trying to get their first win since the shortened 2020 season.
Riverton Parke at North Vermillion
Time — 7 p.m. Friday (Eastern)
Records — Riverton Parke 1-3 overall, 0-2 in Wabash River Conference. North Vermillion 2-2 overall, 1-1 in Wabash River Conference.
Summary — The Falcons return to Gibson Field coming off a close loss. The last time that happened, North Vermillion beat Covington and are looking for more luck against the Panthers, who have scored a total of 16 points the last two games.
Seeger at Parke Heritage
Time — 7 p.m. Friday (Eastern)
Records — Seeger 3-1 overall, 2-0 in Wabash River Conference. Parke Heritage 2-2 overall, 1-1 in Wabash River Conference.
Summary — The Patriots have scored at least 35 points in each of the last three games and can continue to make a statement in the WRC against the Wolves, who have already beaten their win total from last season.
South Vermillion at Covington
Time — 7 p.m. Friday (Eastern)
Records — South Vermillion 2-0 overall, 3-1 in Wabash River Conference. Covington 2-2 overall, 0-2 in Wabash River Conference.
Summary — With the Trojans’ offense stuck in gear with quarterback Wyatt Moncrief out the last two weeks, they return home to face a tough challenge in the Wildcats, who have scored at least 35 points in each of its games.
TODAY
Prep Cross Country
Danville at Uni High Pot Luck, 4:30 p.m.
Prep Boys Golf
Danville at Oakwood, 4 p.m.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Schlarman Academy, 4 p.m.
Salt Fork and Chrisman at Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac, 4 p.m.
Prep Girls Golf
Covington at Attica, 3:30 p.m.
Prep Boys Soccer
Western Boone at Covington, 4 p.m.
Oakwood/Salt Fork at Schlarman Academy, 4:30 p.m.
Iroquois West at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 4:30 p.m.
First Baptist at Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Westville, 4:30 p.m.
Watseka at Hoopeston Area, 4:30 p.m.
Peoria Richwoods at Danville, 6 p.m.
Prep Boys Tennis
Attica at Fountain Central, 3:30 p.m.
North Montgomery at Seeger, 4 p.m.
Prep Volleyball
Covington at Fountain Central, 5 p.m.
Seeger at Benton Central, 5 p.m.
Danville at Peoria Notre Dame, 6 p.m.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Cissna Park, 6 p.m.
Armstrong-Potomac at Milford, 6 p.m.
Westville at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 6 p.m.
Urbana University at Hoopeston Area, 6 p.m.
Salt Fork at Chrisman, 6 p.m.
Oakwood at Watseka, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY
Prep Football
South Vermillion at Covington, 6 p.m.
Parke Heritage at Seeger, 6 p.m.
Riverton Parke at North Vermillion, 6 p.m.
Attica at Fountain Central, 6 p.m.
Danville at Bloomington, 7 p.m.
Iroquois West at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 7 p.m.
Westville at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 7 p.m.
Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac at Momence, 7 p.m.
Watseka at Salt Fork, 7 p.m.
Oakwood at Clifton Central, 7 p.m.
Prep Boys Golf
Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac at Grant Park Invite, 1 p.m.
ON THE AIR
TODAY
College Volleyball
Illinois vs. Southern California, Big Ten Network, 4:30 p.m.
UCF at Purdue, Big Ten Network, 7 p.m.
Auto Racing
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: UNOH 200, FS1, 8 p.m.
Golf
PGA Tour: Fortinet Championship, first round, GOLF, 5 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 6:30 p.m.
National Football League
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles, Amazon Prime, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY
Prep Football
Attica at Fountain Central, WKZS-FM 103.1, 6 p.m.
Danville at Bloomington, WDAN-AM 1490, 7 p.m.
Iroquois West at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, WITY-AM 980, WITY-FM 99.5, 7 p.m.
Westville at Georgetown-Ridge Farm, WHRK-FM 94.9, 7 p.m.
Auto Racing
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Food City 300, USA, 6:30 p.m.
College Football
Virginia at Maryland, FS1, 6 p.m.
College Volleyball
Illinois vs. UCF, Big Ten Network, 4:30 p.m.
Southern California at Purdue, Big Ten Network, 7 p.m.
Golf
Champions Tour: Sanford Invitational, first round, GOLF, 3 p.m.
PGA Tour: Fortinet Championship, second round, GOLF, 5 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 6:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Phillies at St. Louis Cardinals, Apple +, 7 p.m.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks, Marquee Sports Network, 8:30 p.m.
Women’s National Basketball Association
WNBA Playoffs, Game 1: Washington Mystics at New York Liberty, ESPN2, 7 p.m.
WNBA Playoffs, Game 1: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings, ESPN2, 9 p.m.
Note — some events are subject to blackout rules and regulations
CONTACT US
Editor: Chad Dare (217) 477-5151
Reporter: Marvin Holman:(217) 477-5210
E-mail: sports@dancomnews.com
Note — The Commercial-News sports desk is staff Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. All results and information should be reported during those times.
STATE LINE, Ind. — With National Football League season here and fans tuning in again to watch the action, one local Dallas Cowboys fan will be watching to see if the players and others on the sidelines are wearing his shirts.
Shawn Hackett of State Line, Ind. has a print shop in his house, which he renovated after purchasing a former church building.
His business is called Broken Halo Graphics and Design. In addition to printing for local organizations and events, he’s been selling shirts to Mike “Fish” Fisher with Sports Illustrated and the Dallas Cowboys.
Hackett, who grew up in State Line, bought the former methodist church on Woodard Street in State Line about 25 years ago and turned it into his home.
Hackett is a truck driver, but started doing stencil work and then printing T-shirts and other items last year.
He said the side work started in his kitchen, then moved to a little room upstairs and then into three to four rooms upstairs and is getting ready to expand into another room.
He started his business Broken Halo in 2022.
Hackett got connected with Fisher, who works for Sports Illustrated.
Fisher is a writer and columnist and is on radio and television. He’s an Emmy winner, has covered the NFL since 1983 and the Dallas Cowboys since 1990, and is the author of two best-selling books on the Dallas Cowboys.
Hackett said Fisher has a YouTube Channel about the Dallas Cowboys that he’s watched. He told Fisher that Fisher needed someone to do shirts for him.
Fisher called him and asked if Hackett could make them.
Hackett said he wasn’t sure at first how fast he could make some shirts, and Fisher said he’d get back with him.
About a week later, Hackett came back from a vacation and Fisher was wearing some shirts Fisher had made up on his own.
Hackett was disappointed and learned Fisher had gotten them from a friend of a friend, but Fisher said the shirts weren’t the best.
Hackett got Fisher’s address and sent him a care package of shirts, and Fisher loved them.
Now, Hackett has made shirts for Fisher’s broadcasts and Fisher has asked Hackett to make shirts for the football players including quarterback Dak Prescott and the other players.
“So, they will be wearing my shirts, which is pretty cool,” Hackett said.
Hackett’s neighbor, John Martin, thinks it’s cool what Hackett does. The State Line City, Ind. post office also is keeping busy with Hackett’s orders and deliveries.
Hackett had about 200 orders in August.
He hopes the orders will continue to keep coming in, especially once people see the football players wearing the shirts too.
He’ll be watching the players and crowd on football game days to see if he sees his shirts.
“I’d like to see one person wearing my shirts,” Hackett said, adding that Fisher wears them all the time.
Hackett said he’d love to meet Fisher in person sometime too.
Hackett’s brokenhalodesign.com website features Fisher’s shirts and decals that has Fisher’s catch phrases on them, such as “Exclusive Exclusive” and “Straight Dope No Bullshh,” which was a No. 1 seller last year.
He has hats, mugs, can Koozies and other items.
This year, quarterback Prescott was calling the offense, “The Texas Coast Offense.” Their offense is a spinoff of the west coast offense.
Fisher sent Hackett a hand-drawn picture with the state of Texas on it and a star for a shirt design. That and Hackett’s own design of Texas Coast Offense have now been the most popular selling items.
“That’s what they want for the offensive lineman,” Hackett said of shirts with a picture of a boat and saying Texas Coast Offense. “That’s what they hopefully will be wearing soon.”
Hackett said he’s been a longtime Dallas Cowboys fan. His mom found a photo of him when he was a little boy in Cowboys clothing.
He’s a football fan in general. Hackett said his daughter is named after Chicago Bears’ great Walter Payton, with her middle name being Payton.
Other recent local events Hackett has made shirts for include Pridefest in downtown Danville, a benefit to help an Indiana man with medical costs, and the American Legion in Westville for the riders and sesquicentennial. He’s also made jerseys and hats for the Bismarck baseball league.
He has a trailer where he can make shirts on site, and he ships a lot of shirts and items.
Hackett said he’s shipped to every state except Maine so far, and he’s shipped to Canada too.
“Most of them are Texas, but it’s everywhere,” he said about his deliveries.
Now with football season here, he’s busy. There can be some late nights for him getting all the shirts made.
If the shirts take off that the Dallas Cowboys players will be wearing maybe as early as this weekend, “then it’s just going to be nuts around here,” Hackett said.
He also started a subscription service for a shirt of the month that he also hopes takes off.
Hackett said he’s sold more shirts this year than all of last year, and football season is just starting.
“Luckily the quarterback says something, and everybody wants that shirt,” he said.
Fisher is trying to get it where they make shirts to benefit Prescott’s Faith Fight Finish Foundation.
The foundation focuses on four main initiatives: colon cancer research, mental health and suicide prevention, bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth and the communities they serve, and offering assistance to those facing life-challenging hardships. Faith Fight Finish was established as a tribute to Prescott’s Mom, Peggy, who lost her battle with colon cancer in 2013; and its work honors Prescott’s brother, Jace, who died by suicide in 2020.
“The Faith Fight Finish Foundation was created to support families and communities and invest in the future of our youth,” Prescott said on the foundation’s website.
Hackett said it’s fun to be part of the NFL through the shirts and his business, and maybe he’ll get to Texas and meet Fisher and the players. What the future holds is still to be determined.
DANVILLE — Senior Phillip Shaw IV scored four touchdowns — three rushing and one receiving — as the Danville Vikings blasted past the Peoria Manual Rams 58-12 in a Big 12 Conference football game at Ned Whitesell Field.
Shaw scored on runs of 18, 18 and 47 yards, while his second quarter touchdown reception from Darius Jay gave the Vikings (1-2 overall, 1-1 in the Big 12) a lead they would never relinquish.
Jay finished with two passing touchdowns, his second was a 72-yard strike to JaVaughn Robinson, to go along with a 2-yard run in the second quarter.
Seniors Caleb Robinson and Evan Yates got into end zone in the fourth quarter, as Danville scored 42 unanswered points on its way to a Senior Night victory and its first win of this season.
Manual’s two scores came on big plays. London Tolliver had a 93-yard kickoff return in the first quarter, while Terrence Paige had a 81-yard reception from quarterback Amaree Breedlove.
Tolliver’s kickoff return came right after sophomore Timothy Long made his first-ever high school field goal of 31 yards.
For the complete recap on the Danville victory, see Tuesday’s print edition of the Commercial-News.
Danville 58, Manual 12
Manual `6 `6 `0 `0 `— `12
Danville `3 `20 `6 `29 `— `58
First quarter
Danville — Timothy Long 31-yard field goal, 5:29.
Manual — London Tolliver 93-yard kickoff return (run failed), 5:14.
Second quarter
Danville — Phillip Shaw IV 7-yard pass from Darius Jay (Long kick) 11:03.
Danville — Jay 2-yard run (run failed), 7:55.
Manual — Terrence Paige 81-yard pass from Amaree Breedlove (pass failed), 5:59.
Danville — Shaw 18-yard run (Long kick), 1:53.
Third quarter
Danville — JaVaughn Robinson 72-yard pass from Jay (run failed), 8:41.
Fourth quarter
Danville — Shaw 18-yard run (Shaw pass from Jay), 9:45.
Danville — Shaw 47-yard run (Long kick), 7:31.
Danville — Caleb Robinson 37-yard run (Long kick), 6:17.
Danville — Evan Yates 1-yard run (Long kick), 3:55.
Records — Peoria Manual 0-3 overall, 0-3 in the Big 12 Conference. Danville 1-2 overall, 1-1 in the Big 12.
TODAY
Prep Football
Fountain Central at Covington, 6 p.m.
Schlarman Academy at Kirkland Hiawatha, 1 p.m.
Prep Cross Country
Danville at First to the Finish meet in Peoria, 9 a.m.
Schlarman Academy,Salt Fork, Oakwood, Armstrong-Potomac, Hoopeston Area and Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 9 a.m.
Prep Boys Golf
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, Westville and Oakwood at Blue Ridge Invite, 8 a.m.
Prep Girls Golf
WRC Meet at Parke Heritage, 8 a.m.
Prep Boys Soccer
Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Westville at Blue Ridge, 10 a.m.
Oakwood/Salt Fork at Cornjerker Classic
Prep Girls Soccer
Covington at Benton Central, 10 a.m.
Prep Boys Tennis
Covington at Booster Club Invitational, 8 a.m.
Seeger Invitational, 9 a.m.
Prep Girls Tennis
Danville at Raider Invite, 8 a.m.
Prep Volleyball
Covington at West Lafayette Harrison Classic, 8 a.m.
Fountain Central at Rossville Hornet Invite, 8 a.m.
Tiger Slam Tournament at Westville, 9 a.m.
North Vermillion Falcon Invite, 9 a.m.
Schlarman at Decatur Lutheran Tournament, 9 a.m.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Tri-Valley Invite, 9 a.m.
Danville at Lincoln Invite, 10 a.m.
College Golf
Danville Area Community College at Vincennes Fall Invite, 11 a.m.
SUNDAY
College Golf
Danville Area Community College at Vincennes Fall Invite, 7:30 a.m.
MONDAY
Prep Boys Golf
Salt Fork and Westville at Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, 4 p.m.
Donovan, Milford, and Georgetown-Ridge Farm at Hoopeston Area/Armstrong-Potomac, 4 p.m.
Prep Girls Golf
Crawfordsville and Covington at Seeger, 3:30 p.m.
North Montgomery and Tri-West at Fountain Central, 3:30 p.m.
Prep Boys Soccer
Schlarman Academy at Danville, 4:30 p.m.
Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at Fisher, 4:30 p.m.
Unity at Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Westville, 4:30 p.m.
Judah Christian at Hoopeston Area, 4:30 p.m.
Prep Girls Soccer
Covington at Western Boone, 4:30 p.m.
Prep Boys Tennis
Fountain Central at Seeger, 3:30 p.m.
Prep Girls Tennis
St. Thomas More at Danville, 4 p.m.
Paris at Schlarman Academy, 4 p.m.
Prep Volleyball
South Vermillion at North Vermillion, 5 p.m.
Oakwood at Danville, 6 p.m.
Hoopeston Area at St. Joseph-Ogden, 6 p.m.
Villa Grove at Salt Fork, 6 p.m.
Unity at Westville, 6 p.m.
College Golf
Danville Area Community College at Parkland Fall Invite, 8 a.m.
ON THE AIR
TODAY
Prep Football
Fountain Central at Covington, WKZS-FM 103.1, 6 p.m.
Auto Racing
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Kansas 300, NBC, 2:30 p.m.
College Football
Notre Dame at North Carolina State, ABC, 11 a.m.
Nebraska at Colorado, FOX, 11 a.m.
Purdue at Virginia Tech, ESPN2, 11 a.m.
Youngstown State at Ohio State, Big Ten Network, 11 a.m.
Delaware at Penn State, Peacock, 11 a.m.
UNLV at Michigan, CBS, 2:30 p.m.
Iowa at Iowa State, FOX, 2:30 p.m.
Richmond at Michigan State, Big Ten Network, 2:30 pm.
UTEP at Northwestern, Big Ten Network, 2:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Maryland, NBC, 6:30 p.m.
Eastern Michigan at Minnesota, Big Ten Network, 6:30 p.m.
Temple at Rutgers, Big Ten Network, 6:30 p.m.
Wisconsin at Washington State, ABC, 6:37 p.m.
Golf
LPGA Tour: The Kroger Queen City Championship, third round, GOLF, 1 p.m.
Champions Tour: Ascension Charity Classic, second round, GOLF, 4 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs, Marquee Sports Network, 1 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers, NBC Sports Chicago, 5 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds, WDAN-AM 1490, Bally Sports Midwest, 5:30 p.m.
Soccer
International Friendly: United States vs. Uzbekistan, TNT, 4:30 p.m.
Tennis
U.S. Open, Women’s Championship, ESPN, 3 p.m.
SUNDAY
Auto Racing
IndyCar: Grand Prix of Monterey, NBC, 2 p.m.
NASCAR Cup Series: Hollywood Casino 400, USA, 2 p.m.
Golf
LPGA Tour: The Kroger Queen City Championship, final round, GOLF, 1 p.m.
Champions Tour: Ascension Charity Classic, final round, GOLF, 4 p.m.
Major League Baseball
Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers, NBC Sports Chicago, noon
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds, Bally Sports Midwest, 12:30 p.m.
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chicago Cubs, Marquee Sports Network, 1 p.m.
National Football League
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, CBS, noon
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings, CBS, noon
San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers, FOX, noon
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, CBS, 3 p.m.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, FOX, 3 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, NBC, 7:20 p.m.
Tennis
U.S. Open, Women’s Doubles Championship, ESPN, noon
U.S. Open: Men’s Championship, ESPN, 3 p.m..
Women’s National Basketball Association
Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun, CBS Sports Network, noon
MONDAY
Major League Baseball
St. Louis Cardinals at Baltimore Orioles, WDAN-AM 1490, Bally Sports Midwest, 5:30 p.m.
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, 6:30 p.m.
National Football League
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, 7:15 p.m.
Note — some events are subject to blackout rules and regulations
CONTACT US
Editor: Chad Dare (217) 477-5151
Reporter: Marvin Holman:(217) 477-5210
E-mail: sports@dancomnews.com
Note — The Commercial-News sports desk is staff Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. All results and information should be reported during those times.
INDIANAPOLIS – Quenton Nelson didn’t pause to gather his thoughts or even to take an extra breath.
Asked whether he’s more curious or confident about how rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will perform in Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Indianapolis Colts left guard left no room for interpretation in his support of the new face of the franchise.
“I would just say the way he comes into work every day and handles his business around the facility,” Nelson said of the behavior that inspires his confidence. “Just takes care of business. What he’s done in the huddle with communication, getting the cadence right and everything has been great. Then, on the field, just how special he is. He can run the ball. He can throw. He can do it all. And he’s special.”
The Colts are counting on it.
Coming off a disastrous 4-12-1 campaign in 2022, Indianapolis used the No. 4 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft on Richardson, despite his lack of experience. The 21-year-old started just 13 games at Florida with mixed results.
But his athletic gifts are unlike any ever seen before at the position at the professional level, and as the team did its homework, it fell even more in love with Richardson as a person.
He’s mature beyond his years and has displayed a tireless work ethic since entering the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center for the first time in May.
Richardson won a training camp battle with veteran Gardner Minshew for the starting job and – even more impressively – was named one of seven captains in a vote by his teammates.
“I’m confident in his abilities, what he’s been able to put on tape so far,” defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said. “And I’m confident that the vets, especially on the offensive side, will rally around him. The defense will rally around him. No matter what happens, the team’s gonna have his back.”
The challenge immediately ahead is significant.
Jacksonville won five straight games – and six of its last seven – down the stretch last season to overcome a 3-7 start and overtake the Tennessee Titans for its first AFC South championship since 2017.
The Jaguars then upset the Los Angeles Chargers with a stirring comeback in the wild-card round before falling to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoffs.
With quarterback Trevor Lawrence entering his third season as a starter and a host of talented weapons at his disposal, Jacksonville is highly touted to repeat as division champ. Some pundits even see the Jaguars as dark horse Super Bowl contenders.
Slowing down a high-powered passing attack that has added Calvin Ridley to a returning mix of Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram and Travis Etienne will be at the top of the Colts’ to-do list.
If a young and inexperienced defensive secondary is to have any chance of accomplishing that feat, it will need plenty of help from the guys in the trenches.
Even when the visitors push the tempo.
“I think for the defensive line — if they are getting the ball out quick, we’ve got to be able to get our hands up if we can, and obviously we have to be sticky in coverage,” first-year Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “We can’t let them have the explosive plays when they throw something quick. We have to tackle and wrap up.”
In a season of firsts for Steichen and Richardson, Jacksonville represents a significant checkpoint.
The Colts haven’t won a Week 1 contest since 2013, and they are 4.5-point underdogs on their home field in a quest to end that streak Sunday.
With the weight of the fanbase on his shoulders and the expectations accompanying a high first-round pick, it would be understandable if Richardson succumbs to some jitters this week.
But the quarterback insists he’s blocking out the noise and focusing on the job at hand.
“Don’t overthink it,” Richardson said. “Football is football. Trust my trainer, trust my information, trust my teammates, trust the coaches and just go out there and play. Don’t overthink it and just play football.”