By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – For the second time this year, two intercity teams will face each other; however, this time, it’s for third place in the Big 12 Conference.
In the first matchup, Normal Community defeated Normal West 14-0, but Wildcats coach Nathan Finchim said his team is looking for redemption.
“It’s always fun getting to play Normal Community. They are a well-coached team; they do it the right way. They are a measuring stick for us, and we need to know where we’re at, and we found out where we were at in week one. And we are going to see where we are at in week six. So, I think our players are just excited about the chance to play them again.”
Meanwhile, Normal Community coach Jason Drengowitz said he’s looking forward to the matchup and finish the season on a winning note.
“I think it’s an exciting time, especially anytime you get to play a cross-town rival again. I don’t think there has ever been a year where Normal Community has played Bloomington and Normal West twice in the same year. That’s definitely exciting and gives us a lot of energy and motivation to play for. We know it’s going to be a big challenge.”
While this is the last week of football for many teams in the area, Bloomington High School football ended its season two weeks early due to COVID-19 protocols.
“It was a difficult decision; it was difficult to tell our kids, most importantly our Seniors. It was kind of a whirlwind of a week, and with 14-days and where we were at in the season, we knew that would subsequently end our season,” said Bloomington coach Scott Godfrey.
Outside of the twin cities, Lincoln is looking for its first win of the year over state-ranked Effingham.
“We kinda had to reload a little bit with inexperienced players, with young players, and some new players. We did have quite a few new players of football come out this year. So they got a lot of good experience, a lot of good reps; you know it’s been just a learning season for us,” said Railsplitters coach Matt Silkowski.
Meanwhile, Clinton looks to end their season .500 with a week six matchup with undefeated Central A & M.
“They (Central A &M) returned a lot of skilled players and linemen that kind of make up the foundation of everything you do. They are an experienced football team, and you know it’s going to be a tough game for us,” said Maroons coach Chris Ridgeway.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
