By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – University High is looking for their second win of the season as Week five of High School Football kicks off on Friday around Central Illinois.
Pioneers Head Coach John Johnson said his team is looking to bounce back at Hancock Stadium after a loss last week to Springfield Lanphier.
“We have to play real consistent on offense and defense because they run a wing-t offense. They’re a real big football team, they’re big upfront. They only run about three or four running plays and three or four passing plays, but they do them well. And they are going to wear you down.”
In Normal, Normal West returns to action in Week five after having their week four matchup against Champaign Centennial canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.
Wildcats coach Nathan Finchim says the Wildcats will have to do the little things right to knock off top-ranked Peoria High.
“You know its all about the individual battles when you play a team like this. You have to win or stalemate your individual battle more times than you lose, and if we’re able to do that, we will be able to find success in different areas.”
With a win last week over Danville, Normal Community heads into the semifinal round of the Big 12 Tournament against Quincy Notre Dame.
Ironmen coach Jason Drengowitz said this week is a tough matchup.
“It’s going to be a big challenge to us, going on the road to beat somebody like Quincy Notre Dame, who, as you can tell, is playing with a chip on their shoulder with something to prove. They quite the formidable opponent, and we know we’re going to have our hands full and will have to play really well to beat them.”
Meanwhile, Central Catholic is coming off a win over Pontiac in week four, but Saints Coach Kevin Braucht said the Saints will face St. Joseph Ogden in Week five, who brings with them a tough run-game.
“I think (for us, we have to do) tackling, point of attack, and then taking care of the special teams and then offensively continue to improve, and if we do that we should be in a good position to win.
Across town, Bloomington High School announced their final two games of the season would be canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.
You can hear from area coaches on Friday night starting at 6 p.m., with play-by-play of University High hosting Champaign Centennial beginning at 7 p.m.
On our sister station Classic Hits 98.9 FM WJEZ, you can hear Pontiac against Prairie Central starting at 6:50 with Marc Strauss on the call.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
