Sack attack

ST. JOSEPH - Braxton Waller celebrates his second-half sack after putting Carlinville quarterback Rex Reels into the turf at Dick Duval Field on Saturday, October 28. After a slow first half, St. Joseph-Ogden rallied in the second putting four additional TDs on the scoreboard to win their first-round playoff game, 38-15. "I thought our defense did a tremendous job adjusting as the game went on," said head coach Shawn Skinner. "They did a super job." The Spartans advance to the second-round and travel to Roxana to take on the Shells at 3pm for their second-round contest. See more photos here ...

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden secures playoff spot with win over PBL

PAXTON - Tanner Siems and Coy Taylor celebrate the first of three touchdown receptions by Siems in St. Joseph-Ogden's road game at Paxton-Buckley-Loda on October 19, 2023. After scoring on this 23 yard play, Siems hauled in an 11 and 37-yard pass for SJO touchdowns. Taylor also caught a 30-yard pass in the rout at Zimmerman Field in PBL. The Spartans went on to defeat the host Panthers, 34-20. See more photos from this game here.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

Cesario will be 'ringing' in the new year after Nazareth's title win

November 25, 2023 - Normal, Illinois - Nazareth Academy's Luciano Cesario is ready to put a ring on it after his team's victory over Joliet Catholic at the Illinois High School Association's Football State Finals on Saturday. The Roadrunners, who entered the postseason with five losses won the Class 5A state title defeating the heavily-favored Hilltoppers, 38-20. Cesario, a sophomore starter, finished the championship game with six tackles. See more photos here...

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Nazareth Academy wins 5A football championship

In the main photo, Nazareth Academy players celebrate with the school’s newest piece of IHSA hardware Saturday afternoon at Hancock Stadium on the Illinois State University campus. The Roadrunners, who started their 2023 campaign with four straight losses, upset Joliet Catholic Academy in the Class 5A football championship game on Saturday, November 25, in Normal, IL, by way of a 38-20 decision. More photos from this game at www.photonewsphotos.com.

Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO adjustments puts points on the board in first-round football game

October 28, 2023 - ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph, IL - Braxton Waller celebrates his sack in the second half after putting Carlinville quarterback Rex Reels into the turf at Dick Duval Field on Saturday. After a slow first half, St. Joseph-Ogden rallied in the second putting four additional TDs on the scoreboard to win their first-round playoff game, 38-15. "I thought our defense did a tremendous job adjusting as the game went on," said head coach Shawn Skinner. "They did a super job." The Spartans advance to the second-round and will travel to Roxana to take on the Shells at 3pm. See more photos from this game here ...

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Earley waiting for the right time to tackle

October 28, 2023 - A Spartan linebacker Nolan Earley flows with the play as he watches Cavalier quarterback Rex Reels rollout desparately looking for an open receiver. Reels threw just one TD, a 17-yard 4th quarter pass to Mason Gilpin. After the two-point conversion, Carlinville trailed 38-15 with two and half minutes left in the game and was unable to score again. St. Joseph-Ogden advanced to the next round of the 2023 playoffs to face Roxana a week later. See more photos from St. Joseph-Ogden's round one football game against Carlinville.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Blackburn-Kelley busts an 83-yard TD for SJO

October 28, 2023 - St. Joseph, IL - James Barron (18) and Ryker Lockhart (7) celebrate in the end zone after Tim Blackburn-Kelley's 83-yard TD in the first quarter of their home football playoff game against Carlinville. Blackburn-Kelley, a sophomore, finished the game with 89 receiving yards and 54 rushing on six carries. The Spartans went on to eliminate the Cavaliers from the IHSA playoffs, 38-15. SJO advances to face Roxana on the road this Saturday at 3pm. See more photos from St. Joseph-Ogden's round one football game against Carlinville here.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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