The Rochester Rockets utilized a strong special teams game as they beat the Taylorville Tornadoes in Rochester 56-7 on Friday night.  The Rockets would take a 42-7 lead at the end of the first quarter before putting the finishing touches on in the second. No points were scored during a running clock second half for either squad.  Malique Pearse would get the lone Taylorville touchdown on a beautiful throw from Cameron Smith.  The Taylorville Tornadoes finish their season 5-5. Rochester will take on Waterloo next weekend.  Taylorville lost to Waterloo in the first round of the playoffs in 2024, 33-30.  

The Taylorville Tornadoes have found out who they will face in the postseason for football.  The Tornadoes will take on the Rochester Rockets in Rochester next weekend.  The IHSA announced the matchup on Saturday evening, but has not yet announced a formal time for the game as of this posting. Coach Jeb Odam talked about this season and how much the boys bought into quarterback Isaac Repscher. 

 

 

Repscher went down with an injury towards the end of the season, and Cameron Smith came in relief. Odam praised Smith’s passing ability.  He also says it was nice to have a reliable, strong running game in Owen Mateer, Spencer Brown, and Dawson Jenkins

 

 

Playing for the Conference Championship meant the world to Coach Odam. 

 

 

The Rochester Rockets finished the season 8-1, including a 28-24 win over Mt. Zion.  The Tornadoes finished the season 5-4.  Coach Jeb Odam appeared as a guest on the Prairie Farms Pigskin Playoff Preview Show. 

The Pana Football program secured their 11th straight playoff berth in Class 2A on Saturday night following an 8 – 1 record over the regular season. Led by Senior Quarterback Parker Moore, the Pana Panthers premiered a heavy run attack this year that was complimented by over 1000+ yards through the air. Cash Lynch had a major role in the offense with 18 total touchdowns, 10 of those in the passing game. Cayden Durbin played lead back in this offense with 11 rushing touchdowns of his own. Defensively, the Panthers were led in tackles by Connor Simpson. He had an average of 13 tackles per game. Outside lineback Tyler Rench finished the season with 8 sacks causing opposing quarterbacks immense pressure.

 

#5 Pana (8 – 1) takes on #12 Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin (6 - 3)

 

Pana’s lone loss on the season came to 9 – 0 Vandalia, a 3A squad that secured a top seed. The Panthers scored 378 points while allowing only 135 points from their opposition. This season was far from a first for season Head Coach Mark Ramsey but it was his very first within the Pana program. When asked how he made his mark on an already successful team, Ramsey had this to say.

 

 

Ramsey would go on to talk the defense and some of the leaders of that unit.

 

 

At the helm of the Panthers offense is Senior Quarterback Parker Moore. Ramsey discusses what kind of leader Moore is and the path to getting the starting gig.

 

Pana Head Coach Mark Ramsey appeared as a guest on the WTIM and taylorvilledailynews.com Prairie Farms Pigskin Playoff Preview Show. Congratulations on a successful 2025 Regular Season and best of luck to the Panthers in the playoffs!

Shelbyville High School’s football team is celebrating another successful season.  They are now gearing up for the playoffs after a 5-4 regular season.  Two of their losses came in the final two weeks of the season against formidable opposition.  Head coach Bill Duckett says the resilience and flexibility of some of his players to play different positions highlights the character of his team.

 

 

Shelbyville was handed a 15-seed in the 2A bracket and will travel to unbeaten Westville.  A day and time for kick-off are yet to be announced.  When it does take place, you can listen to live commentary of the game on Cruisin’ 98.3 WSVZ. 

 

Shelbyville head coach Bill Duckett appeared as a guest on the Prairie Farms Pigskin Playoff Preview Show, broadcast on WTIM Your Information Station. 

The Taylorville Tornadoes football team's playoff hopes took many Tornado faithful on a rollercoaster last night but the Tornadoes will indeed go to the playoffs after holding off Civic Memorial 24-17 in Bethalto.  The penalty-laden game came down to the last play as the home side looked to snatch a late win.

 

The Tornadoes struck first on a methodical, run-heavy drive capped off by a touchdown run from Spencer Brown.  The Eagles answered with a pair of touchdowns of their own on either side of quarter-time.  Kevahn Flanagan capped off both drives on the ground for two and 29 yards respectively.

 

Civic Memorial looked to increase their lead before the break but a fake goal attempt failed. Taylorville, looking to produce something themselves, turned the ball over when Cameron Smith's pass was tipped by Malique Pearse and intercepted.  That gave the Eagles time to score from a genuine field goal attempt and go into the intermission up by ten points.

 

Down ten points and having incurred numerous penalties in the first half, Taylorville needed a response to save their season.  Jeb Odam's side stayed on the ground for much of the second half. They brought the game back to within a score with a field goal on the second half's opening drive.

 

Civic Memorial appeared to have returned the subsequent kick-off for a touchdown, but a holding penalty disallowed the score.  Further penalties plagued the Eagles in a drive which ended with a turnover on downs.  Taylorville took advantage with another long touchdown drive which Owen Mateer finished with a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

 

Shortly thereafter, a three-play sequence saw the game tilt firmly in the Tornadoes' favor.  A tipped pass from Civic quarterback Luke Clouser could well have been intercepted.  When his pass on the next play was also tipped, Maddex Havera came down with the ball this time.  Spencer Brown started and ended the ensuing drive, with a 59-yard touchdown run on its only play.

 

Civic Memorial's next drive also ended on a turnover, as a screen pass was ruled to have flown backwards and been recovered by the Tornadoes.  They were forced to punt, setting Civic Memorial up for one final chance to level the scores or even win it in regulation.

 

The Eagles methodically drove the ball upfield, running much of the clock out.  On fourth-and-goal from the six, Clouser scrambled to his right and fired towards the end zone but could not find a receiver as timed expired giving the Tornadoes the victory.

 

Ben Peabody and Maddex Havera were named the Co-players of the game brought to you by Nicole Patrick, Your Country Financial Agent.  

 

The Tornadoes are now 5-4 and will await their playoff opponent.  We will have the bracket reveal and more discussion on their season on the Prairie Farms Playoff Pigskin Preview Show live at 7 p.m. on WTIM, Your Information Station.   You can listen on air or on the audio stream, or watch on our Facebook or YouTube livestream. 

Taylorville held on for a 24-17 win over Civic Memorial to more than likely secure a ticket to the postseason.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for all the latest on Taylorville's big road win against the Eagles.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR…

 

Central A&M – 10 vs. Heyworth – 59

 

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #10 Jamesly Jesse

 

Central A&M faced a relentless running attack from the Hornets, mainly driven by Heyworth’s Braydon Laesch. Laesch rumbled his way to paydirt on six different occasions with a 1, 3, 30, 31, 36, and 65 yard rushing toucdowns. Heyworth would tack on an additional two scores, one on a kickoff return touchdown by Braxton Denning and another rushing touchdown for Nate Godfrey.

 

Central A&M found a first half score with a 17-yard receiving touchdown brought in by Kadyn Higgins. Jamesly Jesse would tack on the Raiders only other points with a 27-yard field goal. The Raiders run defense struggled to set the edge and couldn’t find a way to keep in front of the Heyworth Hornets skill position players.

 

It was ‘Senior Night’ for several Central A&M Football players including: #10 Jamesly Jesse, #23 Evan Piersall, and #70 Austin Hutton. Best of luck to these three in their future endeavors and a big thanks for their contribution to the Raider Football program.

 

The Raiders will conclude the 2025 campaign with a 3 – 6 record.

 

Final Score: 59 – 10 (Heyworth – W)
END OF SEASON
Central A&M – 3 – 6 ovr.
Heyworth – 7 – 2 ovr.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR…

 

Central A&M – 42 @ Fisher – 6

 

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #1 Ace Spinner

 

Central A&M scored 28 points on a pair of touchdown receptions and also two on the ground in just the first 8 minutes of the game. The Raiders offense would capitalize on four turnovers and a slew of bad snap transfers to the tune of a 42 – 0 lead going in to the First Christian Church of Moweaqua Halftime Show.

 

Halftime score: 42 – 0 (Central A&M early over Fisher)

 

Central A&M would not score again in the second half with the continuous clock benefiting the Raiders. Fisher would score a rushing touchdown in the 4th to get points on the board but would not do much else on the evening.

 

Final score: 42 – 6 (Central A&M – W)
Next week: Central A&M vs. Heyworth – 10/24/2025
Central A&M – 3 – 5 ovr.
Fisher – 1 – 7 ovr.

The Taylorville Tornadoes put up a valiant effort but came up short in a 25-12 loss to Mt. Zion that saw nearly all the scoring done in the first half.  Taylorville got on the board first with a Wyatt Younker deep reception but the Braves defense stood tall and forced the Tornadoes to kick a field goal.  Mt. Zion answered back with a series of 6-7 yard passes as Mt. Zion would slowly and methodically pick apart the Taylorville defense eventually leading to a Braves touchdown. 

 

Taylorville would again move down the field easily and put up another successful drive, but once again the Braves did a good job of shutting down the Taylorville offense in the red zone, and the Tornadoes were forced to kick a field goal again.  Taylorville trailed 7-6. Mt. Zion would get a huge touchdown from quarterback Keller Stocks on a huge quarterback keeper and the Tornadoes would trail 14-6.  The Tornadoes would score a touchdown courtesy of a huge reception from Malique Pearse to make it 14-12, but fail to convert on the two point conversion on a dropped pass from Wyatt Younker.  

 

The Tornadoes had Mt. Zion dead to rights with a little over a minute left in the first half, but Mt. Zion was able to convert a 3rd and 29 from deep in their own territory courtesy of a late hit on a pass and Mt. Zion drove down the field.  The Tornadoes appeared to have stopped the Braves at the 8 yard line as time expired for halftime, but Mt. Zion called a timeout, and the refs deemed there was enough time left on the clock to give the Braves a free play in which they scored a field goal to head into the locker room up 17-12 at halftime. 

 

Taylorville would force Mt. Zion to punt but Taylorville quarterback Cameron Smith threw a interception after a blitz forced him out of pocket, and Mt. Zion responded with a JC Anderson touchdown. No one scored the rest of the game as Mt. Zion ran down the clock for a good portion of the fourth quarter and the Braves won 25-12.  Mt. Zion improved to 7-1 and 5-0 in conference securing the Apollo Conference Championship.  Taylorville fell to 4-4 and 3-2 in conference.

 

The Tornadoes will finish their season on the road against Civic Memorial.  They need a win in order to secure a playoff spot.  Wide Receiver Wyatt Younker was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game. 

The Taylorville Tornadoes jumped out to an 18-3 lead in set one and never looked back as the Tornadoes defeated the Mattoon Green Wave on Senior Night in Taylorville at the Dolph 2-0 in straight sets. The Green Wave took an early lead in set one going up 3-2.  Taylorville would answer thanks to Keira Brandis who would get over 9 straight points as Taylorville would reach the 20 point mark.  Mattoon would fight back but it would be Taylorville pulling away with a set 1, 25-11 win. 

 

Mattoon would again jump out 2-1 early before Taylorville would answer back in convincing fashion with a 19-9 lead.  The Tornadoes would cruise to the win with another 25-11 victory. Alayna Vincent got her 600th career kill during the game.

 

Taylorville recognized their seniors: Brogan Anderson, Keira Brandis, Emlyn Mateer, Olivia Hammac, Robyn Ward, Alayna Vincent, Josie Heberling, Ella Appel, and Ryan Prince. 

 

Coach Kim Peabody praised the seniors for their commitment to the sport. 

 

 

Taylorville will wrap up their regular season at Mt Zion before heading off to face Williamsville and Highland. 

The Taylorville Tornadoes jumped out early, and despite the Charleston Trojans immediately tying the game, the Tornadoes would prove to much for the Trojans. The Tornadoes picked up a 57-14 run over the Trojans in Taylorville on Friday evening. Taylorville would score on their opening drive courtesy of Spencer Brown who ran in for a 12 yard touchdown run. Charleston would answer immediately with a 70 yard touchdown run from Treylin Couch tying up the game 7-7 with 7:28 left in the first quarter. 

 

With 2:51 left in the first quarter, Isaac Repscher would throw an interception with a pass aimed at Wyatt Younker. Charleston couldn't capitalize though, and they were forced to punt. Taylorville responded with a huge reception from wide receiver Malique Pearse which put the Tornadoes in the red zone. Taylorville ended the first quarter tied 7-7 with Charleston. 

 

Starting off the second quarter, Owen Mateer punched in a 3 yard touchdown run, and Taylorville led 14-7. Taylorville forced another punt and Spencer Brown ran off a huge run, leading to an easy Dawson Jenkins rushing touchdown giving Taylorville a 21-7 lead with 8:16 left. Charleston would respond with a Couch touchdown for a 67 yard run.  Taylorville would respond with a 22 yard touchdown pass to Blake Ladage and take a 28-14 lead with 4:02 left in the first half. With 1:44 left in the first half, Isaac Repscher got pulled down awkwardly by Charleston's Trent Keeton. Two plays later, the back up quarterback Cameron Smith, threw a 52 yard touchdown pass to Blake Ladage and the Tornadoes extended their lead to 35-14 with 44 seconds left. 

 

With 40 seconds left Jackie Cargle stripped Quincy Strange of Charleston and scampered his way into the endzone. Taylorville scored two touchdowns in 11 seconds and headed into the locker room with a 42-14 lead at halftime.

 

Taylorville would find scoring in the second half from Pearse (including a two point conversion following a Charleston penalty to Patrick Curtin) and Cameron Smith. Taylorville would force running clock in the fourth quarter and the Tornadoes would cruise to an Apollo Conference win. 

 

Some notes from the game, Taylorville held a moment of silence for the crash that killed three Taylorville juveniles earlier this week.  This was homecoming week and the homecoming royalty was honored before the game. Taylorville needs to win one of their next two to secure a playoff spot. They face Apollo Conference leading Mt. Zion on Friday before finishing on the road against Civic Memorial.   Taylorville improves to 4-3 (3-1) and Charleston falls to 1-6 (1-3). Jackie Cargle was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game. 

 

 

As heard on Genuine County 94.3 WMKR…

 

Week 7: Central A&M – 14 vs. St. Teresa – 35

 

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #3 Aiden Sites

 

The first half was not kind to the Central A&M offense following numerous penalties and turnovers. Central A&M did find a score at the end of the first half through the air, the lone touchdown reception of the evening for the Raiders was secured by Aiden Sites. St. Teresa scored three passing touchdowns, two 19 yard receptions for Tommy Peter and another 70 yard long bomb to Eli Etchason.

 

Halftime score: 21 – 7 (St. Teresa over Central A&M)

 

The third and fourth quarters continued to see penalties and turnovers stack up against the Raiders. They would finish the game with 6 total. Kwame Calhoun would run for the other touchdown on the Raiders night, that from about 5 yards out. Central A&M did not find their stride in this ballgame and didn’t catch any other breaks. The Bulldog offense would keep it out of reach with two second half scores. Following the loss in Week 7, Central A&M’s playoff hopes are likely erased.

 

Final score: St. Teresa – 35 vs. Central A&M – 14
Next week: Central A&M @ Fisher – 10/17/2025
Central A&M – 2 – 5 overall
St. Teresa – 2 – 5 overall

The Taylorville Tornado volleyball team cruised to a big conference win Tuesday night, sweeping Charleston in straight sets at The Dolph.

 

Taylorville dominated from start to finish, winning by scores of 25-7 and 25-6 — wrapping up the match in just about 30 minutes.

 

The Dolph was decked out in pink for breast cancer awareness, and the Tornadoes gave fans plenty to cheer about. After Charleston jumped ahead early, Taylorville’s Robyn Ward took over at the service line, helping the Tornadoes go on a big run to take the first set 25-7.

 

Taylorville kept the pressure on in the second set, racing out to a 10-1 lead and never looking back, taking it 25-6. Ward was named the player of the game for her strong serving and play at the net.

 

Head coach Kim Peabody said the team was focused on taking care of business, but also playing for a bigger cause — supporting teacher Kirsten Crowe as she continues her battle with breast cancer. The team also raised money during the event to help in that fight.

 

With the win, Taylorville improves to 22-4 overall and stays perfect in Apollo Conference play at 7-0. The Tornadoes are back in action Thursday on the road against Mahomet-Seymour.

The Taylorville Tornadoes rolled to a dominating win Friday night, blowing past Apollo Conference rival Mattoon 50 to 6.

 

Things didn’t start out smoothly for Taylorville, as the Tornadoes went three and out on their first drive. Mattoon took advantage, marching down the field behind quarterback Brayden Hackett and running back Brayden Dailey. Hackett punched in a one-yard touchdown run to give the Green Wave an early 6-0 lead. But after the extra point was blocked, Mattoon wouldn’t find the endzone again all night.

 

From there, Taylorville’s offense came alive. Quarterback Isaac Repscher connected with Malique Pearse for a 23-yard touchdown to take the lead, then hit Pearse again on a 41-yard strike to set up a two-point conversion and a 15-6 advantage after one quarter.

 

Repscher kept the momentum going with a rushing touchdown early in the second, followed by a 72-yard scoring strike to Wyatt Younker. Moments later, Maddex Havera picked off a pass and returned it deep into Mattoon territory, though the Tornadoes were stopped on fourth down. Still, Taylorville carried a commanding 29-6 lead into halftime.

 

The second half was more of the same. Havera struck again with another interception — this time a pick six from over 60 yards out. Repscher added another score after a Mattoon fumble, and Taylorville ended the third quarter in complete control, up 43 to 6.

 

With the running clock in the fourth, Spencer Brown capped off the Tornadoes’ big night with a 15-yard touchdown run, sealing the 50-6 victory. Malique Pearse was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game. 

 

Taylorville evens their record at 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the Apollo. Mattoon drops to 1-5 and 0-3 in conference play. The Tornadoes will be back home Friday night for homecoming against Charleston. 

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR….

 

Central A&M – 14 vs. Tuscola – 35

 

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #5 Emett Stenger

 

Central A&M played an excellent first half offensively and defensively to match the Tuscola Warriors front 5 and downhill running attack. The opening score of the ball game favored Tuscola with running back Dylan Graves punching one in from 8 out. The Raiders found a quick response to the tune of a 29 yard reception for a touchdown by Kadyn Higgins. Higgins made a wonderful, one handed snag to bring in the Raiders first touchdown. Tuscola would be rebound again with a Myles McKinnie 11 yard scamper, helping put the Warriors up by 7. Closing out the half was a long haul by Kadyn Higgins for 57 yards and a score. Emett Stenger had an interception in the later stages of the first half keeping the game tied going into the First Christian Church of Moweaqua Halftime Show.

 

 Halftime score: 14 – 14

 

The third quarter saw each time with timely defensive stops and each team was held scoreless for the 12 minute period. The fourth quarter began to get away from the Raiders as they could not find an answer for the Warriors three touchdowns.

 

Final score: 35 – 14 (Tuscola)
Next week: Central A&M @ St. Teresa – 10/10/2025
Central A&M: 2 – 4 ovr.
Tuscola: 5 – 1 ovr.