Category Archives: High School Sports

Central Catholic runs away with Week 5 win over Tolono Unity

Central Catholic runs away with Week 5 win over Tolono Unity

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Central Catholic Saints relied on their field general in Week 5 to defeat a conference rival, but not in the way you may think. Senior quarterback for the Saints Colin Hayes beat the Rockets with his legs instead of his arm, finding the end zone for six rushing touchdowns…MORE

Normal Community remains unbeaten; tops Peoria High in Week 4 shootout

Normal Community remains unbeaten; tops Peoria High in Week 4 shootout

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Ironmen have not only survived the gauntlet through four weeks of the regular season, but instead have proven that they belong at the top after defeating Peoria High in Week 4 63-42. The Ironmen are up to 4-0 on the season and have also added wins over Sacred Heart…MORE

Normal West capitalizes on mistakes; beat Bloomington in intercity showdown

Normal West capitalizes on mistakes; beat Bloomington in intercity showdown

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Flags littered the field at Wildcats Stadium Friday night as Normal West had it’s first home game of the season, renewing it’s rivalry with Bloomington. Unsportsmanlike penalties were a theme for both sidelines, as the two team’s were eager to gain an edge in this intercity clash, though the Wildcats…MORE

Normal Community steamrolls Sacred Heart-Griffin in opening week of regular season

Normal Community steamrolls Sacred Heart-Griffin in opening week of regular season

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Expectations were lofty heading into the 2023 season for the Normal Community Ironmen football team, and a week one matchup challenging one of the best programs in Illinois would be the first test. The Ironmen jumped on the back of their skill position players, as running backs Tommy Davis and…MORE

Ironmen falter late, Pekin snatches 32-31 playoff win over Normal Community

Ironmen falter late, Pekin snatches 32-31 playoff win over Normal Community

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The 2nd round of the IHSA football playoff’s delivered a classic between two Central Illinois teams that came down to the wire. As cheers roared from the stands at Dick Tharp field, Ironmen fans were on their feet anticipating a victory, before things took a drastic turn late in the…MORE

No. 19 Normal Community rolls over No. 14 Hononegah 44-13 in round one of Class 7A playoffs

No. 19 Normal Community rolls over No. 14 Hononegah 44-13 in round one of Class 7A playoffs

By Jake Fogal ROCKTON – Normal Community has extended their win streak to six games as the Ironmen traveled to Rockton for a first round playoff matchup with Hononegah. Community quarterback Kyle Beaty impressed in his postseason debut, throwing for five touchdowns and 255 yards. The sophomore connected with 6’7 wide receiver Elliot Oliver three…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…