Key games highlight Week 8 high school football

Posted on October 15, 2015

WJBC High School SportsBy Greg Halbleib

A big Corn Belt Conference tilt is the highlight match-up of Week 8 in the WJBC Country Financial Friday Night High School Football Extravaganza.

Central Catholic (6-1, 6-0 Corn Belt) is looking to solidify the league lead tonight at Mahomet-Seymour (4-3, 4-2), a point driven home to his team by Saints coach Mike Moews.

“We’re guaranteed a share of the conference title but we’d like to win it outright,” said Moews, “So I’m hoping that we’re prepared this week.”

U-High (6-1, 5-1 Corn Belt) is trying to keep pace as is their opponent, visiting Pontiac (5-2, 5-1), in the conference race. The game can be heard at 7 p.m. on WJEZ.com.

Host Pioneers coach Mike Troll said while defense has been steady, offensive improvements have been welcome.

“We’ve gotten a little more consistent and we need to continue to keep that consistency and get better at our running game,” said Troll. “That was the difference against Mahomet-Seymour last week.”

Bloomington (1-6, 1-3 Big 12 Conference) visits Danville (2-5, 1-3). BHS coach Rigo Schmelzer says the Purple Raiders offense has improved faster than the defense. “We’re still missing stops, and that’s creating problems for us,” said Schmelzer.

Normal West (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) hosts league co-leader Peoria in a big test for the Wildcats according to West coach Darren Hess.

“They definitely have it rolling,” said Hess of the visiting Lions. “From a physical presence with their athletes all over the field, they’ve done a great job.”

The Extravaganza also features a big Heart of Illinois Conference tilt in Gibson City as the Falcons (7-0, 5-0) host Fieldcrest (6-1, 5-1).

Pre-game scene setters begin at 6:10 p.m. with updates on all games every quarter hour and post-game until 11 p.m. Scores can be found on the WJBC Facebook page and special Friday Twitter feed (@WJBCHSFootball, #WJBCHSFB).

The Big 12 Conference’s highlight match-up is Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Peoria Stadium as Normal Community (6-1, 4-1) faces co-leader Peoria Notre Dame (7-0, 7-0). The game can be heard at this link on WJBC.com beginning at 2:15.

Illinois State volleyball hosts Evansville and Bloomington Thunder hockey will entertain the Fargo Force. Both begin at 7 p.m. Listen to ISU here and the Thunder here.

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