Althoff-Highland Football Stats (UNOFFICIAL)

 

Althoff:

Passing:

#6 Ellington: 13/19, 102 Yds, TD, INT

Rushing:

#4 Brown: 31-162, 3 TD
#6 Ellington: 13-66, TD
#14 Collins: 1-9

Receiving:
#3 Bolden: 3-30
#4 Brown: 3-28
#0 Thompson: 4-26, TD
#13 Watkins: 3-18

Kick Return:

#3 Bolden: 80 TD

Kicking:

#30 Wilkinson: 6-6 XP, 0-1 FG (30)

Defensive Leaders:

#53 Woods: 5 Tkls, 1 Sk
#7 Harrington: 5 Tkls
#8 Tow: 1 Tkl, INT
#62 McGee: INT

Highland:

Passing:

#15 Bl. Gelly: 10/23, 151 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

Rushing:

#13 Harris: 24-172, TD
#15 Bl. Gelly: 11-11, TD
#8 Klaus: 1-4
#30 Bo. Gelly: 1-4

Receiving:

#13 Harris: 4-92, TD
#2 Nixon: 1-27
#0 Rinderer: 2-24
#5 Hampsch: 1-5, TD
#9 Beadle: 1-2
#11 Reinacher: 1-1

Kicking:

#19 Flores: 2-3 XP

Defensive Leaders:

#15 Bl. Gelly: 11 Tkls, INT
#5 Hampsch: 7 Tkls
#0 Rinderer: 7 Tkls

Mascoutah Strikes Back Late, Forces Draw With Columbia

 

       The Mascoutah soccer team battled to a 3-3 draw against Columbia today at Alumni Field. The first few minutes of the game, with both starting goalkeepers (Garet Dunlap for the Indians, Zach Zerban for the Eagles) getting touches early without any major scoring threat. After both teams settled in, the game floated in the midfield, with neither side possessing major advantage. After about 20 minutes, Mascoutah would make a push forward and draw a foul inside the 18-yard box, giving them a penalty kick, which was converted by Sr. D Gavin Christ to make it 1-0 Indians. The Eagles would press forward after that, but would have to wait for a breakthrough.
    With just under 10 minutes to go in the first half, the Eagles would get the tying goal, as one of Elliott Nelson's trademark long throw-ins bounced around in the goal mouth and found the feet of Owen Worcester, who pushed it into the net to even the score at 1-1, which would hold until halftime with no major chances remaining. 
    Columbia would switch goaltenders at the half (a typical strategy so far this year), with Eli Thebeau replacing Zerban between the pipes. The junior would be tested early, as Mascoutah had the advantage early in the 2nd half, but would not break through until about 10 minutes in, when So. Defender Kagen Sconyers chipped one past Thebeau from well outside the 18-yard box to regain the lead for Mascoutah. It would not take long for Columbia to equalize, as Chanse Frierdich would pick up a goal to tie the score at 2, then give the Eagles the lead with 16:30 to play on his 2nd of the night.
    This prompted an uptick in pressure defensively from Mascoutah, and whilst it took some time, the Indians were eventually able to break through, as a fantastic pass from long range found the feet of Kolton Knecht, who managed to get a shot past Thebeau to tie it at 3 with 9 minutes to play. The scoring would end there, leaving us with a 3-3 Final. 

SCORING

1st Half:
20:30 #28 Christ (PK) 1-0 MHS
30:15 #9 Worcester 1-1

2nd Half:

49:04 #18 Sconyers 2-1 MHS
52:50 #21 Frierdich 2-2
63:17 #21 Frierdich (2) 3-2 CHS
71:06 #33 Knecht 3-3

Big Plays Spark Maroons To Victory over Indians

 

    You expect D1 recruits to make big plays, and Illinois commit Nicholas Hankins certainly made some big plays to help his Belleville West Maroons pick up a 40-21 win over Mascoutah tonight at Bob Goalby Field. The Maroons picked up 3 touchdowns of longer than 70 yards, utilizing the talent they have at the skill positions.
    Belleville West struck early, as Sr. RB Isaiah Williams broke off a long touchdown run on the Maroons' first drive to give them an early 7-0 lead. Both teams would be able to move the ball but would not find any farther scoring in the 1st quarter. Mascoutah would have a long drive get stopped at the goal line to hold them scoreless. Hankins would get his first touchdown on an 80-yard screen pass from quarterback Caiden Capell to make it 13-0 Maroons. Indians WR Camren Reed would break off a long kickoff return, saved by Maroons K Noah Thomason from becoming a Mascoutah touchdown. It would not matter much in the long run, as Indians star RB Sean Murphy broke through for a 25-yard touchdown run just a couple of plays later to get Mascoutah on the board. 
    West would strike right back, as Hankins took the first play of the following drive to the end zone on a 71-yd TD run to make it 21-7 Maroons. Mascoutah would drive back down the field and score with less than a minute to go in the first half, capped by another Murphy touchdown run. The second half would be dominated by Capell, but by the QB's legs rather than his arm. His first TD run, from 10 yards out would get the lead back to two possessions, but a pass from Mascoutah Sophomore QB Jackson Hilgendorf found Marcus Nobles to cut the West lead down to six heading into the 4th quarter. Capell would wind up icing the game in the 4th quarter, as the Maroons run game wore down the Mascoutah defense, and Belleville West would wind up adding two more rushing touchdowns from Capell to end the game at 40-21.

STATS (UNOFFICIAL):

Belleville West:

Passing:
#8 Capell: 2/7, 76 Yd, TD

Rushing:
#1 Williams: 12-149, TD
#8 Capell: 15-121, 3 TD
#3 Hankins: 5-95, TD
#6 Taylor: 11-61

Receiving:
#3 Hankins: 2-76, TD

Kicking:
#80 Thomason: 2-3 XP

Defensive Leaders:
#4 Cutler-Johnson: 11 Tkls, 2 Sks
#33 Willis: 5 Tkls
#20 Hill: 4 Tkls
#11 Conley: 4 Tkls

Mascoutah:

Passing:
#6 Hilgendorf: 16/26, 217 Yd, TD

Rushing:
#22 Murphy: 34-152, 2 TD
#6 Hilgendorf: 7-0

Receiving:
#87 Epps: 2-61
#10 Paddock: 3-56
#8 Beverly: 3-33
#7 Nobles: 1-25, TD
#2 Reed: 3-20
#1 Beck: 3-16
#22 Murphy: 1-6

Defensive Leaders:
#49 Bowers: 4 Tkls, 1 Sck
#56 Wagner: 4 Tkls
#72 Casey: 4 Tkls

Kicking:
#81 Wilkinson: 3/3 XP

Kahoks Sweep Knights, Deliver First Win For Coach Dawson As Underclassmen Star

    

    If Katie Dawson was nervous before her first match as head coach of the Collinsville Girls Volleyball team, she certainly didn't show it. The Kahoks (1-0) were able to pick up a straight-set road win over Metro-East Lutheran (0-2) at Thomas Hooks Gymnasium, 25-14, 25-21. 

    The Kahoks were able to jump out to an early lead to start the match, with Jr. Outside Hitter Avery Johnson picking up a few early kills (on her way to a match-leading 8) and prompting Knights coach Jenna Ward to call a time-out down 10-4. It would not change the momentum much, as Collinsville were able to pick up a comfortable 1st set win. 

    The 2nd set would be much more even, as the first 15 points were quite even, with neither team gaining much of an advantage. The Kahoks Sr. Libero Addyson Muniz would step up to the service line and deliver 4 straight aces to stretch the lead to 14-9, prompting another Knights timeout. The message was received loud and clear, as the momentum swung the way of the home side. Avery Simaytis, the lone senior on the Knights squad, was able to pick up 2 of her 3 kills on the match to force a Kahok timeout at 15-all. 6 points later the score was still level, prompting another timeout from Metro-East Lutheran. The Kahoks were able to finish strongly following that timeout, exploiting a few late errors from the Knights to pick up a 25-21 set two victory.


STATS (UNOFFICIAL):
Collinsville:
#11 A. Johnson: 8 K, 3 A
#12 Av. Muniz: 3 K
#14 Edwards: 4 K, 1 BLK
#16 Ad. Muniz: 4 A
#17 J. Johnson: 4 K, 1 BLK
#22 L. Johnson: 1 K
#28 McMorris: 3 K

Metro-East Lutheran:
#2 Peterson: 2 K, 1 BLK
#3 Maack: 3 K
#8 Heard: 1 K
#13 Houck: 1 K
#16 Simaytis: 3 K
#18 Snyder: 1 BLK

2024 Football Preview

The scrimmages are done. Teams have been able to get a look at teams besides themselves, identify relative strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for when the games affect their record starting Aug. 30 (29 for Freeburg). Here's how we think it'll go this season. Teams are listed alphabetically.

Althoff:

Ceiling: 9-0; Floor: 6-3; Prediction: 9-0

Players To Watch: RB/DB Dierre Hill (Sr.) [Oregon], WR/DB Charleston Coldon (Sr.) [Boston College], DL/OL Jason Dowell (Sr.) [Mizzou]

Key Games: vs. Belleville East, @ Unity (Tolono), vs. Kaneland

This is (on paper) one of the most talented squads ever to come out of the tradition-rich program that the Crusaders are. To put it bluntly, anything less than a State Championship game appearance would be a disappointment. With that being said, they simply need to take it one game at a time, because nothing is guaranteed in high school sports.

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Alton:

Ceiling: 2-7; Floor: 0-9; Prediction: 0-9

Players to Watch: QB Riley Smith (Jr.), WR Ka'Nye Lacey (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Triad, @ Belleville West

This Redbird program is on the rise, and we think that growth (which is the ultimate goal in high school football) is coming in a positive way. While they face a challenging non-conference schedule and the competitive Southwestern Conference, these experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the team's growth, regardless of the immediate results in the win-loss column.

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Marquette Catholic:

Ceiling: 3-6; Floor: 0-9; Prediction: 1-8

Player to Watch: QB Jack Rea (Jr.)

Key Games: @ EA-WR, vs. Perryville, MO

Much like their co-tenants at Public School Stadium, the Explorers are a young team who are heading in the right direction. They have some games against some very strong opponents, but also have some games that they will be very competitive in. 

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Belleville East:

Ceiling: 7-2; Floor: 4-5; Prediction: 6-3

Players to Watch: WR Kiethen Jones (Sr.), DT Jonathan Rulo (Jr.)

Key Games: @ Collinsville, @ Althoff

The Lancers have had a solid run of success the past few seasons, and we believe that the success will continue this year. There are some key pieces from last year's team to replace, and how the new players adjust to the varsity level will determine how much success they will have. 

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Belleville West:

Ceiling: 4-5; Floor: 1-8; Prediction: 3-6

Players to Watch: QB Bernard Chapman (Jr.), WR De'Shawn Gage (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Mascoutah, vs. Alton

The Maroons had their best season since 2019 last year, and the opportunity to continue that trend will be fuel to motivate the team to potentially more success. 

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Breese Central:

Ceiling: 8-1; Floor: 6-3; Prediction: 8-1

Players to Watch: QB/DB Preston Baker (Sr.), RB/DB Kaden Rakers (Sr.), LB/WR Jackson Kampwerth (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Highland, vs. Roxana

There is plenty of returning talent for the Cougars this season, and we think that a conference title and playoff success are certainly achievable this year. 

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Cahokia:

Ceiling: 7-2; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 6-3

Players to Watch: RB/DB Correyontae Midgett (Sr.), DE Isaac Phipps (Sr.), WR Hartles Holman (So.)

Key Games: vs. Mt. Vernon, @ Sycamore

The Comanches have a new coach this year, with former All-State QB Darien Donald taking over at his alma mater. Some key pieces return, which we think will help them to another playoff appearance.

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Carlyle:

Ceiling: 5-4; Floor: 2-7; Prediction: 3-6

Player to Watch: RB/LB Brody Diekemper (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Dupo, @ Wesclin

A lot of key pieces are gone from last year's squad, but the Indians' distinct double-wing offense will help them control the clock against most of their opponents

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Chester:

Ceiling: 8-1; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 7-2

Players to Watch: QB Zain Al-Jassim (Sr.), LB Ethan Colvis (Jr.), DB Cayden Brunkhorst (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Red Bud, vs. Waterloo

We're pretty high on the Yellow Jackets this year, with a Cahokia (Illinois) title and playoff success certainly achievable.

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Civic Memorial:

Ceiling: 3-6; Floor: 2-7; Prediction: 3-6

Players to Watch: QB Jack Piening (Sr.), RB/LB Jacob Flowers (Jr.), WR Parker Parnell (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Jersey, vs. Pontiac

Plenty of returners for the Eagles this year. MVC schedule will provide plenty of challenge for the Eagles. 

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Collinsville:

Ceiling: 8-1; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 7-2

Players to Watch: TE/DE Devin Habermehl (Sr.) [NIU], ATH Chase Reynolds (Sr.), LB Michael Tongay (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Belleville East, @ Althoff

The Kahoks should be pretty competitive in their independent. Some production to replace on the offensive end, we'll see how well some new faces produce.

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Columbia:

Ceiling: 5-4; Floor: 1-8; Prediction: 2-7

Players to Watch: QB/DB Mason Voegele (Sr.), DB Keegan Thompson (Jr.), RB/LB Sam Denny (Jr.)

Key Games: @ Mater Dei, vs. Freeburg

Most likely another rebuilding year, but return enough for us to expect them to be better. We'll see how well they compete with the top half of the Cahokia (Mississippi)

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Dupo:

Ceiling: 6-3; Floor: 3-6; Prediction: 4-5

Players to Watch: QB/DB Deegan Prater (Jr.), LB Logan Lambert (Sr.), WR Thinh Staggs (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Wesclin, @ Carlyle

Solidly in the mid-pack of the Cahokia (Illinois), in our opinion. Talent at the skill positions give them the potential to contend for a conference title.

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East St. Louis:

Ceiling: 7-2; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 6-3

Players to Watch: ATH Charles Bass (Sr.) [Mizzou], RB TaRyan Martin (Sr.) [Kent State], LB Mekhi Mixon (Grambling), DL Keylan LaGrant 

Key Games: vs. Loyola Academy, vs. Edwardsville

Probably the most talented team in the area. Can they bring another State Title back to the City of Champions? National-level non-conference schedule will provide some challenge.

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Edwardsville:

Ceiling: 8-1; Floor: 6-3; Prediction: 8-1

Players to Watch: DE Iose Epenesa (Sr.) [Iowa], WR Devyon Hill-Lomax (Jr.), LB Noah Ramirez (Sr.)

Key Games: @ East St. Louis, vs. DeSmet, MO

Have the #1 player in the State, some other talent as well. Can they get the elusive SWC title?

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Freeburg:

Ceiling: 7-2; Floor: 6-3; Prediction: 7-2

Players to Watch: WR Weston Jarvis (Sr.), DL Camden Stafko (Sr.), RB Jase Brentlinger (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Breese Central, @ Salem

Lost a lot of offensive production, new guys will need to step in to fill those roles.

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Granite City:

Ceiling: 1-8; Floor: 0-9; Prediction: 0-9

Players to Watch: WR Zaiden Kelley (Sr.), RB/LB Ryan Brokaw (Jr.), K Abby Knight (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Centralia, vs. Collinsville

Will a new coach be able to establish some success for the Warriors? We think it can come eventually, but it may be a multi-year process.

---------------------------------------------

Highland:

Ceiling: 8-1; Floor: 7-2; Prediction: 8-1

Players to Watch: QB Blake Gelly (Jr.), LB Ethan Greenwald (Sr.), RB/DB Tyson Rakers (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Mahomet-Seymour, vs. Triad

Return several key pieces from a conference championship last year. May be able to make a deep run in the playoffs. 

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Jersey:

Ceiling: 5-4; Floor: 3-6; Prediction: 3-6

Players to Watch: ATH Jaxon Brunaugh (Sr.), LB Gage Walker (Sr.), WR/DB Jude Jones (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Freeburg, @ Waterloo

 

The Panthers return some pieces from last year. Can they improve enough to make a playoff push? Strength of schedule is pretty high for a 4A team.

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Madison:

Ceiling: 2-7; Floor: 1-8; Prediction: 1-8

Players to Watch: ATH Isiah Williams (Jr.), WR/OLB Alex Kennedy (Sr.), WR/DB Tarion Wilbourn (Jr.)

Key Games: @ Sparta, @ Westmont

Return some talent, especially at the skill positions. Experience will help against a fairly tough schedule.

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Mascoutah:

Ceiling: 3-6; Floor: 2-7; Prediction: 3-6

Players to Watch: QB Baruk Jonsson (Sr.), DB Camren Reed (Jr.), WR/DB Wyatt Stoltz (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Belleville West, vs. Civic Memorial

Can the Indians rebound to be a contender in the Mississippi Valley again? Some returning talent helps the answer to that question to be more positive.

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Mater Dei:

Ceiling: 6-3; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 5-4

Players to Watch: RB Deacon Hagan (Sr.), DL Chandler Toennies (Sr.), DB Carter Murphy (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Breese Central, vs. Effingham

Historically a strong program, the Knights do graduate a significant amount of production from last year. Can they reload and make a push for playoff success?

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O'Fallon:

Ceiling: 5-4; Floor: 4-5; Prediction: 5-4

Players to Watch: WR Omar Mims (Sr.), LB Drake Mosley (Sr.), DL Harold Johnson (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Troy Buchanan (MO), @ Belleville East

After an offseason that saw some significant changes, the Panthers will look to move forward and compete in the very tough Southwestern Conference. A playoff berth would be a good way to start the new era.

--------------------------------------------

Red Bud:

Ceiling: 7-2; Floor: 6-3; Prediction: 6-3

Players to Watch: QB Dylan Oliver (Sr.), RB/LB Lucas Schwartzkopf (Sr.), DL Zach Manning (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Wesclin, @ Chester

Always a contender in the Cahokia (Illinois), the Musketeers should challenge for another conference title. Some production will have to come from new faces for that to happen.

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Roxana:

Ceiling: 9-0; Floor: 8-1; Prediction: 8-1

Players to Watch: RB Andruw Ellis (Sr.) [NIU], DE Sean Maberry (Jr.), DB Zeb Katzmarek (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Jersey, @ Breese Central

After a fantastic season last year, the Shells will look to replicate that success (or at least come close to it). Can the returners keep the fuel burning for this year?

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Salem:

Ceiling: 3-6; Floor: 1-8; Prediction: 2-7

Players to Watch: RB Jeremiah Rinehart (Sr.), LB Kolsyn Quinn (Sr.), DB Trey Clark (So.)

Key Games: @ Centralia, @ Columbia

The Wildcats lose some key production from last year, but do return some intriguing underclassmen who had some success at the varsity level last year. It may be a rebuilding year in Marion County, but the future does look bright for them.

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Sparta:

Ceiling: 1-8; Floor: 0-9; Prediction: 0-9

Players to Watch: RB Artez Richardson (Sr.), LB Quintin Littlepage (Sr.), DT Jaden Nation (Jr.)

Key Games: vs. Madison, @ Red Bud

Football is back for the Bulldogs! This is a positive development for both the student-athletes and the Sparta (and Steeleville) communities. How competitive they are on the field is a unknown quantity, but simply playing the game at the varsity level is a cause for celebration this year.

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Triad:

Ceiling: 6-3; Floor: 5-4; Prediction: 6-3

Players to Watch: QB Isaac Ackerman (Sr.), DE Owen Lightner (Sr.), WR Ian Dempsey (Sr.)

Key Games: @ Highland, vs. Collinsville

The Knights should be, as per usual, a contender in the MVC. Another playoff appearance is an expectation.

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Waterloo:

Ceiling: 6-3; Floor: 2-7; Prediction: 5-4

Players to Watch: RB Derez Sayles (Jr.), LB Justin Manning (Sr.), WR Chris Pete (Sr.)

Key Games: vs. Jersey, @ Triad

A team that can not be underestimated, with a decent number of skill players back. A tough schedule will show how talented they are.

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Wesclin:

Ceiling: 5-4; Floor: 3-6; Prediction: 5-4

Players to Watch: QB Christian Lopez (Jr.), LB Caleb Ferris (Jr.), DE Lino Garcia (Jr.)

Key Games: @ Dupo, vs. Carlyle

We think the Warriors will take a small step back, but should still be competitive for a playoff spot. There will be some new faces to keep an eye on offense.

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East Alton-Wood River:

Ceiling: 1-8; Floor: 0-9; Prediction: 0-9

Players to Watch: QB Nick Winchester (Jr.), LB Drake Champlin (Sr.), RB Ronan Winters (So.)

Key Games: @ Clinton, vs. Marquette

Some pieces do return for the Oilers, which will provide some optimism. Can they improve from last year's mark?

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Thank you all for reading our football preview! We will be releasing our pre-season polls on our X (Twitter) and Facebook pages Monday morning.

2024-25 Boys Soccer Season Preview

 Our area has had a lot of success in soccer over the past few years, and we think that trend will continue for the 2024 season. Here's some info about each team this year, along with our opinion on where they'll be at this year.

Cahokia (Illinois)

Lebanon are the returning conference champion, and with plenty of pieces returning, we believe the Greyhounds are in a good position to do so again, and maybe make a push for a regional title. Deion Washington and Lincoln Hamm are two field players we expect to do a lot of scoring, and goalkeeper Blake Goetter will hold things down well between the posts. Wesclin will look to challenge for the conference crown as well, with an experienced forward group led by Everardo Diaz and Owen Szpila. Carlyle return starting goalkeeper Matthew Guthrie, as well as some field players, leading us to expect an improved season for the Indians. Valmeyer return their goalkeeper as well in Jake Coats, and with an expanded schedule the opportunity for wins will be there for the Pirates this year. 

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Cahokia (Mississippi)

As time passes on, some things change, and some things stay the same. One of those constants in this particular setting is the performance of Columbia. The Eagles have established themselves as one of the premier programs in our area, and following a 1A 3rd Place finish last year, the capability is there for another State run. Hayes van Breusegen and Brady Hemminghaus are back at Forward and Goalkeeper, respectively, providing some key experience. Freeburg will have a young group this year, but we expect the performance to not drop off too much, owing to the impressive work Coach Krauss and company have done in building the program as of late. Sophomores Dathan Krauss and Ethan Zobrist will be key pieces this season. Salem return a few pieces from last year's regional semi-finalist team. Where exactly the Wildcats slot in remains to be seen, but success tends to produce more success, so we expect positive growth for them this season. Breese Central have some shoes (or cleats) to fill, with a lot of production from last year's team lost to graduation. But, in an athletic program as strong top to bottom as the Cougars have been, enough talent will be there to keep them competitive. East Alton-Wood River will be a competitive bunch, with returners in goal (Keaton Magurany) and in the midfield (Cashtion Gaunt, Brad Garrison) providing a framework for new players to fill in. Roxana have a new coach this year, but return enough pieces to be able to fight for wins in their schedule.

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Independents

Gibault return most of their midfield, but not much at defender or forward. Michael Wessel is the leading returning scorer for the Hawks, who look to go back-to-back for regional titles. Granite City will be an intriguing squad to keep an eye on this year. Most of the production returns from a growing year last year, including forward Armando Hernandez. Tyler Lakin will provide some experience in goal for the Warriors. Mater Dei may be the independent that takes the biggest step forward this year, with key players back at goalkeeper and in the field. Andy Palma and Cam Albers are our picks to do yeoman's work in regards to scoring for the Knights. 

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Gateway Metro

What has become one of the deepest conferences in the area looks to provide more of the same this year. Althoff return some major pieces in Luke Smith and Bo Gomric, as well as intriguing junior Tyler Birdsong. The Crusaders played for a Sectional title last year, can they make a similar run this year once again in 2A. We think it is certainly possible. Marquette find themselves in a unique off-the-field situation, after temporarily losing their traditional home field at Gordon Moore Park due to a sinkhole. They have found a new home (Glazebrook Park in Godfrey), and will look to challenge for conference and playoff titles this year. Jude Keller (Midfield) and Will Fahnestock (GK) will be recognized returners, and Maicol Gonzalez is another intriguing midfield piece for the Explorers. Father McGivney's season ended in heart-breaking fashion last year, and plenty of returners are back for the Griffins, who will be looking to wash the bitter taste of defeat away with new success this year. Aaron Broadwater and Spencer Martin will be a great 1-2 combo for scoring purposes, and goalkeeper Patrick Gierer, who impressed us a lot last year, is back for his sophomore season. Maryville Christian have some young players who got a lot of time last year, and we think that experience will provide some dividends for the Lions this year. Look for juniors Jonah Christian and Cole Pritchett to exemplify that this year. Metro-East Lutheran return a fair bit from last year's squad. Improvement is a goal we think the Knights can achieve this season. Jack Schwarz and Rodrigo Fuertes will be key pieces in the green and gold this year.

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Mississippi Valley

Traditionally, the MVC has been dominated by two teams in the sport of soccer. We think that those two teams will be the frontrunners again this year. Triad have been one of the best teams in the area for the past several years. However, the large majority of their scoring from last year has departed. As the saying goes, however, defense wins championships, and with defense (and goalie) being the area that has the most experience returning, we think the Knights are still going to be a significant challenge for anybody they face. Waterloo have been the other traditional power, and with more returners back, the Bulldogs will certainly be gunning for conference and playoff success. Ty Kinzinger and Caeden Wille were key pieces last year, and GK Parker Lacroix also saw significant time last year. Sep. 17 and Oct. 10 will be dates circled on the calendar for both of these teams. Mascoutah will try to play spoiler this year, and the Indians have enough talent returning for that to be achievable. F Kannon Creamer is the leading returning goal scorer for Mascoutah, and enough other pieces return for an experienced group to make a push. Civic Memorial have had a solid run of success over the past few seasons, and we think that trend will continue for 2024. Tyler Wilson is a name to watch for the Eagles this year. Highland have a lot of production to make up for this year, but we think they will still be competitive this year. Jersey have some talented juniors in Adam Kribs (F) and Brady Maxeiner (GK), who will keep the Panthers competitive.

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Southwestern

Collinsville lose some key pieces from last year's super-sectional squad, but return enough that we think the Kahoks will still be a strong team. Juan Carlos Doria and Chris Munoz will be the key field players, and Braden Henson does return in goal as well. Edwardsville preview very similarly, with an experienced goalkeeper in Collin Schelecte, as well as some intriguing field players, most notably Owen Lunsford at midfield and defender Henry Vivian. O'Fallon will have some things to say as well in regards to the race for the conference title. Carson Nix and Harrison Schroeder are strong returners in the midfield, and Robbie Greene returns at keeper. The matchups between these 3 teams, as per usual, will be very competitive. Belleville West are coming off of a solid season, and will try to make a push into the top half of the conference this year, with more returning than most other teams. Keeper Jacob Mathenia and the midfield duo of Braden Missey and Jerard Perez are key among those. Belleville East will play a tough style that's difficult for anybody to match up. Mason Moore and Mikah Allen look to be the main scorers for the Lancers this year. Alton return star midfielder Dillan Cowan, as well as a few other pieces who will keep the Redbirds competitive this season.

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Thank you all for reading our 2024 Boys Soccer Preview! Best of luck (and skill) to all area teams this season.

2024-25 Girls Volleyball Season Preview

 A new season of girls volleyball is upon us, and there are many intriguing storylines to be talked about, and more will certainly develop as the season progresses. Several traditionally strong programs will have new faces in leadership roles, both on the court and off. Several new coaches are taking over programs this year. We'll break things down by conference, providing an overview of how we THINK things will go (In sports, especially at the high school level, nothing is certain).

Cahokia (Illinois)

We feel that there are a few teams that could certainly challenge for a conference title, and potentially for some postseason hardware. Carlyle have had several strong seasons as of late, and we think that the Indians will continue that trend for this season as well. Their senior class has several talented players, including OH Lera Schmeink. Wesclin are the defending conference champions, and could certainly contend with their cross-county rivals for the conference crown. Sr. S Elena Wessel will be a key piece for the Warriors this season. Red Bud have a young, but fairly experienced group, and may be able to wreak havoc in the area, especially later in the season. DS/L Maria Murry will be one of the best sophomores in the area. Chester lost a fair bit of production from last season's 24 win team, but return enough to be competitive, including Jr. hitter Maggie Caby. We think that Sparta will improve this year, but how high in the standings they climb is an unanswered question at this point. Another senior-laden group, look for MB Erin Kempfer to be a main contributor for them. Okawville lost some key players from last year, but will still be a tough out come playoff time in 1A.  Look for MH Caroline Tepe to lead the Rockets this year.

Cahokia (Kaskaskia)

This division has been led by one team as of late, but we think that this will be one of the more competitive conferences in the area. Valmeyer lose 5 starters from last year's team, but long-time coach Karla Bivins has kept the Pirates as one of the strongest programs in our area for 1A. Sr. S Violet Krekel will be counted on heavily to keep the tradition going. Marissa-Coulterville have their eyes set on dethroning the reigning champs, and we think that is certainly possible. Their Sep. 3 matchup will be an early barometer for both teams. Hannah Krause and Annie Villareal will be leaders for the Meteors this season. Steeleville, who have been competitive in the conference for the past few seasons, will be a team that should not be overlooked this season. Their MB duo of Shaylee Ayers and Hannah Middendorf will help them push for potential playoff success. New Athens are a program that have had success in the past, and will look to re-capture some of that this season. MH Nora Hager and the Tucker duo of Lilly and Abigail will lead the Yellow Jackets this year. Dupo have a new coach, with Freeburg alumna Lily Dircks taking over for the Tigers this season. Sr. Allie Taylor will be a leader for them this year, and will help to improve the Tigers this year. Lebanon have some returning pieces, and will look to be competitive this year. Autumn Guyette is a name to watch for the Greyhounds.

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Cahokia (Mississippi)

It seems that just about every year a team from this league specifically makes a deep run, which points to the quality of programs that this conference has. The Breese Central Cougars, who year in and year out are one of THE teams to beat (in any class) in our area, will look to continue their success for this season as well. MB Peyton Benhoff will be a key piece for the team this year. Columbia have a young group, but a very talented one, and may be a team that could make a deep run this year (although 2A is always a very talented class). Jr. Kinley Jany and So. Claire Sandstrom will be ready to take on all and sundry this year. It will be a year of change for Freeburg, with many of their leaders from last year and their head coach having moved on. However, the program has been strong for many years, and we think that the Midgets will be a tough out for anyone this season. Salem had a nice run to end last year, winning a 3A regional. This year's Wildcat squad will look to replicate that this year, and with several players returning from last year's squad, including S Emma Gregg, that could be achievable this year. Roxana host one of the premier small-school tournaments of the year, and their performance in their own tournament will be a good gauge for the Shells this season. The Shells will be a battle-tested group come playoff time, which may prove beneficial. East Alton-Wood River will also open their season at the Roxana Tournament, and like their rivals, their performance there will provide a guide for how the rest of the season may go. OH Kenadie Romero is a name to watch for the Oilers this year.

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Gateway Metro

This league has provided some entertaining and exciting matchups in its short existence, and we think that that trend will continue this season. Althoff strike us as a team on a mission this year, with enough returning talent to make a push for a Regional title in a tough 2A field. Gabby Orlet will be one of the best setters in the area, and a talented junior class will look to continue the tradition of success that the Crusaders have had. Father McGivney will be a solid squad again, and will look to avenge an early playoff exit at the hands of Gibault. The junior duo of Mia Lieberman and Grace Nesbit will be leaders for the Griffins, who could possibly make a push for a 1A Regional title this season. Marquette will be a competitive unit this year, with S Rose Brangenberg penciled in as a name to watch for the Explorers this year.  We were unfortunately unable to find any information on Christ Our Rock, but the Silver Stallions have traditionally been a solid program, and we as such will assume similar results for them this year. Maryville Christian have the potential to make a big jump, with most of their production coming from underclassmen last year. Sophomore Ella Harrison will be a player to watch for the Lions. 

Metro-East Lutheran have a fairly young group this year, but a fairly tough schedule will hone the Knights into a team that certainly can not be overlooked. MH Avery Simaytis looks to be a main cog for MEL this year.

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Independents/Non-Area Conferences

The lone team in our coverage area in a conference predominantly comprised of teams outside it, the Comanches of Cahokia have a few returning players from last year's regional semifinalist squad. DS Synia Forest will anchor the back row for the Comanches, while the offensive attack will be led by Jermaira Ewing. Gibault will be looking to push for a 1A regional title this year, with the Grohmann duo of Kamille and Karmon leading the way for the Hawks. Granite City will look to continue the slow positive growth of the past few years, with setter Brooke Drennan striking us as the name to watch in southwestern Madison County this year. Just down Route 203, the Madison Trojans will look to field a competitive squad this year. S Amiya Gregory is a name to watch for Madison this year. For the first time in the 49-year history of the program, there will not be a Rakers coaching at Mater Dei. Former assistant Cortney Walker takes the helm for the defending state champion Knights, and the expectations still remain high for the program. MB Alyssa Koerkenmeier looks to continue her stellar athletic career, and help lead the Knights to another strong season.

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Mississippi Valley

The MVC is always a rock fight, and volleyball will be no exception to the rule. We think Mascoutah are the team to beat, even with a new coach in charge, with Brooke Kloess moving over from Freeburg. Avery Boehm is the player to watch, but there is certainly more than just her. Another deep run in the playoffs is certainly achievable. Triad are a team with the right balance of experience and young talent to be a tough team to beat. Senior Ellie Bugger and Sophomore Grace Parker exemplify the dichotomy for the Knights. Waterloo are led by a strong group of juniors and sophomores, but senior Emerson Horvath will be leader for Coach Crawford and the Bulldogs this year. Civic Memorial have a very experienced group this year, but if they can make it one step further and win a regional remains to be seen. The back row will be a strength for the Eagles this year. Highland graduated most of their contributors, but have traditionally been a solid program, and we think they will still be a competitive volleyball team. Jersey should improve, with plenty of returners back the Panthers should take a step forward, led by MH Meredith Gray. 

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Southwestern

There are a few questions regarding the SWC, and what the answers to those questions are remains to be seen. Can Edwardsville continue their reign of dominance with plenty of returners back? Will Belleville West build on last season's impressive post-season run, with key pieces back in Adela Gagen and J'La Sparks? Where will O'Fallon fit in, with some key pieces gone from last year? We do think the Panthers will be strong once again, with Sophia Waitukaitis leading the way. Belleville East lost most of their main contributors, but utilized more depth than perhaps any other team in the area. Will last year's varsity experience help them in new roles? Collinsville return nearly their entire roster from a regional finalist team last year. Avery Johnson will be another high-level sophomore to look out for. There are some changes in personnel for Alton this year, but we think the Redbirds will still be solid. East St. Louis return a few pieces from last year's team, and we think that the Flyerettes will be an improved team this year. 

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Thank you for reading our volleyball preview, everyone! We look to forward to getting out to some games this season.