Week 2 Preview: Illinois Central 8 Conference
We kickstarted week 1 in the ICE Conference with a bang. It was great to see the players put the pads on and play the game that they love. In week 1 we saw blowouts and close games, will that…
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Continue ReadingWe kickstarted week 1 in the ICE Conference with a bang. It was great to see the players put the pads on and play the game that they love. In week 1 we saw blowouts and close games, will that be the same in week 2? Let’s dive into it.
Game 1
Manteno (0-1) vs Coal City (1-0)
Preview
The Coalers had a dominating first game against Streator showcasing their dominance with Asa Cooper Asa Cooper 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Coal City | 2021 IL and Kyle Gockman. These two caused problems on both sides of the ball each got a special team’s TD. This team is going to be one to watch this season as they can be a top team in the ICE conference when it’s all said and done. These two playmakers get it done for the Coalers, they have a battle with Manteno this week where they’re going to be tested by their offense led by Caleb Borkenhagen. Manteno lost to Reed-Custer last week and they look to bounce back from that loss.
The deciding factor in this game is how Manteno is going to limit both Cooper and Gockman, if they can do this then they have a good chance of winning. If, however, they are unable to do so the Coalers will advance to 2-0.
Game 2
Peotone (1-0) @ Streator (0-1)
Preview
Peotone is coming off of a hard-fought battle with Herscher where they were able to secure the win. We got a look at their smash-mouth football with four rotating backs. Their defense did a good job limiting Lunsford and Burns after giving up a 53 yard TD pass. The focal point is going to be Streator’s QB Tyler Luckey, he can get it done through the air and on the ground with his legs. For Streator, it was their first game with a new head coach and new schemes. As the season progresses I expect the playbook to open up for Streator and the team to get a better grasp on the new system.
Streator will need two things to happen to win this game. One, winning the turnover battle, and Two, keeping their legs in the second half. This is important because Peotone’s offense wears you down with their physicality up front and on defense, they fly to the ball to swarm the ballcarrier. There are no plays taken off when going up against Peotone as it’s going to be a dog fight all 4 Quarters.
Game 3
Wilmington (1-0) at Herscher (0-1)
Preview
Wilmington is coming off of a high-scoring battle against Lisle where they were able to close out the win. They had 10 players with multiple carries showcasing their talent in the backfield. They’re facing off against a Herscher team that lost to Peotone last week. Look for Lunsford and Burns to come out strong against the Wildcats as they look to advance to 1-1.
The key component for Wilmington to win is to continue with their rotation of running backs, be aggressive up front, and physically dominant in the running game. On defense, they will need to focus a lot of attention on Lunsford. He’s a playmaker that can cause problems in both the run and pass game. If he’s limited to under 100 yards Wilmington has a good chance of winning. For Hersher, they will need to get Lunsford going early in the game to set up the play-action shot downfield. Look for Herscher to run counters, draws, and screens on offense and on defense, they will need to shoot the gaps and play physical.
Game 4
Reed-Custer (1-0) at Lisle (0-1)
Preview
Reed-Custer had a dominant season opener against Manteno. Elliot Cassem and Jake McPherson were at the helm of the offensive firepower for the Comets. They’re going up against a Lisle team that came close to beating 3A powerhouse Wilmington in a shootout last week. This game can go either way as both teams have the talent and discipline to beat the other. What it’s going to come down to is A) who wins the turnover battle, and B) who wins starting field position. Whichever team is able to accomplish both are going to set themselves up to win. Look for Reed-Custer and Lisle to pound the rock as a primary attack and air it out to keep the opposing defense on their toes. This is my pick for the ICE Conference Game of the Week and I look forward to seeing how it plays out.
With week 2 starting tomorrow for the Interstate Central Eight Conference it will be a sight to see. Each game the teams are heading into it with the mindset that they are 0-0. Your previous week’s performance matters none once those Friday night lights come on and the clock starts. All that matters at that moment is your effort and how your team performs. I look forward to week 2 of the ICE Conference as there are great matchups across the board. I’ll be checking back in with the results of each game in the coming days with stats and updates for each team.
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