For the first time this winter, boys and girls basketball could use a shot clock in tournaments or shootouts.… MORE
Category Archives: Local Sports
Ridgeview-Lexington advances to 7-0 following Week 7 clash with Eureka Hornets
By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Two unbeatens took the field in Eureka Friday night for Week 7 action in the Heart of Illinois Conference. It was an early start for the Hornets to get up 7-0, but the Mustangs defense forced five turnovers leading to a 21-7 win. Quarterback Jacob Morin of Eureka, got the…… MORE
Rough night for Pioneers as Class 4A #1 Sacred Heart Griffin dominates 49-7
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – It was a night to forget for the University High Pioneers as Sacred Heart Griffin came to the Twin Cities and picked up a 49-7 win. The number one team in Class 4A shutout the Pioneers 41-0 through the third quarter, before U-High was able to strike for it’s first…… MORE
Normal Community back in win column with Week 5 win over Bloomington Purple Raiders
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – As rain fell from above and lightning lit up the sky, tough playing conditions and delays played the main factor in Normal Communities win over the Bloomington Purple Raiders, 35-7. The game was called with 5:19 left to go in the fourth quarter, as lightning filled the sky for the…… MORE
Central Catholic uses big second half to topple Monticello in Illini Prairie Conference action
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Saints are marching to 3-1 in the Illini Prairie Conference after a 42-28 win over Monticello in Week 4 of the high school football season. Colin Hayes was the catalyst for Central Catholic, as the junior quarterback was responsible for five touchdowns, two through the air and three on…… MORE
Pork and Pigskins first round voting is underway
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – First round voting to find the state’s best pork chop sandwich is underway in the Illinois High School Association’s and Illinois Pork Producers Association’s (IPPA) Pork and Pigskins Championship. 58 contenders will look to advance out of the first round into the Savory 16. Voting is currently open online here.…… MORE
Normal West claims Chili Bowl after blanking Ironmen in Week 3
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Normal West Wildcats defense has shutout another offense this season, as West pulled off a 21-4 win over Normal Community. West went up early with a 49 yard touchdown pass from Jayden Mangruem to Matthew Marsaglia. Mangruem threw a second touchdown to Marsaglia late in the first to give…… MORE
Normal West Wildcats pounce on Purple Raiders in Week 2 of high school football
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Week 2 of the High School Football season featured blowouts for many local area teams, including intercity foes Normal West and Bloomington. Wildcats quarterback Jayden Mangruem led Normal West’s scoring effort with three touchdowns as the Cats shutout the Purple Raiders 46-0. West’s defense forced a safety late in the…… MORE
Normal West Wildcats dismantle Champaign Central in week one of high school football
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The High School Football Extravaganza on WJBC, sponsored by CEFCU, not a bank, better, featured the Normal Community West Wildcats blanking Champaign Central 42-0. Wildcats Jayden Mangruem led the way with 68 yards through the air, also tallying 3 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The defense stifled the Champaign Central Maroons…… MORE
ISU women’s basketball program mourns the loss of Simone Goods
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – The Illinois State women’s basketball program is mourning the loss of former Redbird player Simone Goods, who passed away on Saturday after a courageous battle with cancer. “I know I speak for our entire woman’s basketball program, and all of Redbird Nation when I say that I am beyond heartbroken…… 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…