5 Takeaways: Belleville Althoff vs Camp Point Central

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday afternoon Prep Redzone made our second trip to Belleville Althoff this season as the Crusaders hosted Camp Point Central.&nbsp; It was an explosive start to the game with back and forth scoring in the early going.&nbsp; Once Althoff's defense settled in and their offense could not be stopped they took control and won 58-19 advancing to the 1A State Championship next Friday.&nbsp; Here we examine this contest in<strong> 5 Takeaways: Belleville Althoff vs Camp Point Central</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hill Jr is Best Player in State</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best player in the state of Illinois is Althoff running back [player_tooltip player_id='201724' first='Dierre' last='Hill'] Jr.&nbsp; I don't care if its 1A and he is from southern Illinois not Chicago.&nbsp; He would dominate against any level of competition anywhere in the state.&nbsp; The Oregon commit made a strong case to bump up in the final 2025 rankings from #2 to #1 overall.&nbsp; Against a very good Camp Point Central defense he made it look like he was playing Madden going for 321 yards on 12 carries and 5 touchdowns to go along with a pair of two point conversions.&nbsp; When he touches the ball you think he is going the distance every time.&nbsp; That included a 99 yard run and several others where he broke tackles, used his elite vision, and long distance speed to score.&nbsp; The balance and ability to change gears and cut is incredible.&nbsp; He has superstar written all over him at the next level at Oregon.&nbsp; Also want to credit his offensive line for their blocking up front particularly their bookend tackles Patton Leib and [player_tooltip player_id='1564824' first='Logan' last='Davis'] who moved guys in the run game all game long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Speed and Revenge Storylines of Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year Camp Point Central defeated Althoff when it looked like they were destined to win state.&nbsp; Althoff was very clear they wanted this team and this game on their path to the crown.&nbsp; Both teams are built on speed.&nbsp; They train for it.&nbsp; They have athletes.&nbsp; In this game it was Althoff's speed that was just too much.&nbsp; We mentioned Hill, but the fastest player on the field might have been 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='214234' first='Jayden' last='Ellington'] who is electric going for 65 yard and 45 yard TD runs.&nbsp; Also 2028 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1682049' first='Logan' last='Thompson'] ripped off a 69 yard touchdown late in the game.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='1598828' first='Steven' last='Brown'] is a 2027 back up running back that is oozing with speed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Althoff Defensive Stars Shine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside of a few long plays the Althoff defense was rock solid in this game.&nbsp; They made Camp Point go the length of the field and twice got stops on 4^th and 1 on the goal line that were massive in the momentum especially one that sent the game to half.&nbsp; It was their run defense against the three back attack.&nbsp; Mizzou commit [player_tooltip player_id='258001' first='Jason' last='Dowell'] was everything you look for in a top 10 prospect.&nbsp; The strong defensive end owned the line of scrimmage getting stop after stop in the run.&nbsp; Boston College corner [player_tooltip player_id='1292071' first='Charleston' last='Coldon'] flew in on a consistent basis from the perimeter to stuff the run.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='831091' first='Drake' last='Mosley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1292104' first='Cooper' last='Zimmer'] continue to be the two most underrated linebackers in the senior class as they made plays up front.&nbsp; On the back end [player_tooltip player_id='973848' first='Xavier' last='Chapman'] was effective tackling from his corner spot and defensive backs James Saddler along with 2026 safety [player_tooltip player_id='1585178' first='Lorne' last='Green'] had key interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camp Point Run Game and Play Action Pass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without question Camp Point Central has several prospects that can play at the next level.&nbsp; Quarterback Elijah Genenbacker wears #33 and looks like a linebacker/fullback playing QB.&nbsp; He is a physical runner that broke one early for 90 yards on a touchdown in the first quarter.&nbsp; Runs with physicality and toughness.&nbsp; Hit a couple throws in the play action game over the middle.&nbsp; Probably more of a H-back/full back/defender in college, but love the toughness here.&nbsp; Same can be said about 2026 full back [player_tooltip player_id='1585323' first='Kadin' last='Niekamp'].&nbsp; A team that uses an old school full back he should be a prospect to look at in the junior class.&nbsp; He goes 6'0” 215 pounds and is like a mack truck with the ball in his hands.&nbsp; Scored a short TD along with a couple long turns.&nbsp; Keeps those legs churning!&nbsp; Class of 2025 6'1” 190 pound back [player_tooltip player_id='1565543' first='Nate' last='Peters'] is a good pass catcher that has a nice speed/power combination.&nbsp; Should find a home at the small college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Althoff One Game from Title</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With this win Belleville Althoff will now play Lena Winslow for the crown next Friday at 10 AM.&nbsp; I find it hard to believe that anyone can stop this team with their speed and top end talent.&nbsp; They are one win away from finishing off a perfect season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->