#2 Pana (10-1) @ #1 Illini West (11-0) - Quarterfinals

[illinois sports schwab]

IW coming off of complete dominance of a good CSE team, and Pana coming off of a close win against a decent Greenville team. I don't know too much about Pana, but I do know that they have a very solid defense. IW is just rolling right now, as their defense is looking very solid, so I don't see how IW even gets close to losing this one. Especially at Fuzz where they haven't lost in four years. This IW coaching staff just knows playoff football and always seems to have their team at a top notch level once they hit this time of the year. Again, Pana could give them a game for a half, but then I think IW will pull away.

IW - 30
Pana - 14

[broadcaster]

Pana beat Macomb 28-7, and I believe Chris Jackson was out. Interested to hear what those who watched the Bombers up in Pana have to say about this team.

[mrillinois]

I saw Pana against Macomb and they didn't really impress me that much. I do think they are a good team, but they aren't on IW's level. I really think that if Macomb had Jackson last week that Macomb could have won they game.

IW-38
Pana-12

[Vikingfan1]

IW coming off of complete dominance of a good CSE team, and Pana coming off of a close win against a decent Greenville team. I don't know too much about Pana, but I do know that they have a very solid defense. IW is just rolling right now, as their defense is looking very solid, so I don't see how IW even gets close to losing this one. Especially at Fuzz where they haven't lost in four years. This IW coaching staff just knows playoff football and always seems to have their team at a top notch level once they hit this time of the year. Again, Pana could give them a game for a half, but then I think IW will pull away.

IW - 30
Pana - 14

Didn't IW lose at home in the 1st round something like 28-0 to Savannah West Central or something like that? Wasn't that just in 08?

[PhotoGuy]

Didn't IW lose at home in the 1st round something like 28-0 to Savannah West Central or something like that? Wasn't that just in 08?

IW was 14-0 and won the state championship in 08.

They were 7-3 in 2007 and lost early that year perhaps that's what you are thinking of.

[wolverine55]

You are correct. in O7 they got beat at home by Savannah West Carroll at home in round 1. State titlein O8, semi finals in O9.

[Vikingfan1]

IW was 14-0 and won the state championship in 08.

They were 7-3 in 2007 and lost early that year perhaps that's what you are thinking of.

Thanks for the correction! I knew it was either 07 or 08, couldn't quite remember.

[mrillinois]

Let's not bring up bad memories here lol, that was my last game in Carthage and the loss still hurts. We should have won that game but played very bad and Savanh wanted it more that day and deserved the win.

Now, back to next weeks game. What's everyones thoughts on it, I already posted what I think.

[German/Irish_67_9]

I think.. once again.. I'm safe taking IW by a large margin.. .. I've said my two cents about IW this postseason.. and so far I'm right.. so keep it up Chargers.. but a tough opponent awaits..
Maybe one that just beat Nashville.. 42-24..

[wolverine55]

It wouldn't surprise me if this one ends up being a running clock game even. It was pretty easy to see that IW would make at least the semis when the pairings were relaeased.

[CHUCK26]

I too think IW wins this game, but don't discredit Pana. They are a very physical team that likes to control the clock. They are content with keeping the ball for almost an entire quarter. That's the only reason I don't think it will be a blowout, because IW won't have the ball for a long enough time to get a high point total.

IW - 24
Pana - 6

[mrillinois]

I think.. once again.. I'm safe taking IW by a large margin.. .. I've said my two cents about IW this postseason.. and so far I'm right.. so keep it up Chargers.. but a tough opponent awaits..
Maybe one that just beat Nashville.. 42-24..

Right now IW isn't worrying about another game, they are focused on Pana.......

[oldviking]

I pick IW and QND both to win their next games by at least two touchdowns. JMHO

[German/Irish_67_9]

Right now IW isn't worrying about another game, they are focused on Pana.......

Haha I know mr. ill.. just waiting for the semis.. I can't wait to go to that game hopefully.. will be a classic I'd thinkk..

[Bulldogge]

Not that I'm trying to fall victim to the ol comparing scores thing, but Pana beat a Macomb team without Chris Jackson 28-7. IW dropped an easy 30 points on the Bombers in the first half. If Pana is big and slow like I've been reading they'll get blown off the field. I don't think they will, but I do think IW wins and advances to a touugh semi final game.

[syobwoc]

Rember this is the Playoffs, other scores can be toosed out the door. Was at the Macomb Pana game, and Also at the Macomb IW game. IW special teams will hurt Pana, Plus Pana has no speed. But pana's 3-5 could hurt IW early but they will make adjustments at half and make it a 3 or 4 score game. Also saw Pana play Greenville. Pana is big but very slow. Also very predictable on there play calling. IW wins QND loses a close one.

[mrillinois]

Haha I know mr. ill.. just waiting for the semis.. I can't wait to go to that game hopefully.. will be a classic I'd thinkk..

I don't want you at the game lol. I don't mean that in a bad way, because I want QND to win so you'll be at that game :).

And your right, if they play it should be another classic high school football game.

[Titanfan89]

Is IW still running the reverses and fake reverses on kickoffs and punts this year? I haven't heard much about it this year.

[illinois sports schwab]

Is IW still running the reverses and fake reverses on kickoffs and punts this year? I haven't heard much about it this year.

When they actually get punted/kicked to, yes, they are. However, even sometimes when they do get kicked to, it is a short squabbler, so one guy just has to pick it up and go. Everyone knows how good Carthage/IW has been returning punts and kicks in previous years, so why take the risk, especially if #21 is standing back there. But I do think Carson and Schmudlach do alot of the returning.

[broadcaster]

I saw a little film on Pana in the past couple of days. They look like a very solid football team, but very limited on both side of the ball with their speed. Last week IW went to Smudlach and Huss w/the majority of the carries against CSE, which really might have limited what Pana could have seen on tape of Ser Whitaker. (Not a bad coaching move in all honesty) I think this will be Sers week to tote the load for the Chargers, and just like we've seen with other opponents, his speed will catch Pana off guard. Huss, Huss,....boom. Whitaker to the house.

On the other side of the ball, Pana will have to play very good football, and do well on 1st downs. Like I said, even their skilled position players aren't big play threats, especially against a very fast IW defense. The best chance for Pana would be to get an early lead, and control the football. But I think there will be too many big play opportunities for IW.

IW - 29
Pana - 7

[bballjunkie1]

IW by a ton

[ABC123]

Pana admittedly has not had much experience defending the wing T. They will roll into Carthage today and get rolled by not being able to stop IW offense.

[Titanfan89]

IW 10
Pana 0

1st Quarter

Pana's defense is selling out with 9 and 10 in the box and IW is burning them.

[Titanfan89]

IW scores again and 2 point conversion is good.

Illini West 18
Pana 0

Late 1st quarter

[Titanfan89]

IW scored first in the game when Pana tried a punt, snap was snapped over the head of punter and out of back of end zone. Safety, 2-0 IW. IW then took free kick to the house with 2 point conversion good. IW 10-0, that is where I picked it up.

[Titanfan89]

Illini West 18
Pana 0

End of 1st

[Titanfan89]

IW stuff Pana on 3 downs again, Pana forced to punt at their own 10.

[Titanfan89]

IW takes possession at their own 43.

[Titanfan89]

IW breaks out the passing again, Whitaker wide open for a 57 yard TD pass. TD Illini West. Pana is shell shocked. 2 point conversion no good.

IW 24
Pana 0

Early 2nd

[Titanfan89]

Pana is quietly putting together a drive around midfield.

[Titanfan89]

IW stops Pana on 3rd down, Pana goes for it on 4th and 2. Chargers jump offside and give Pana a 1st down to continue their drive. 1st and 10 at 49 of Pana.

[Titanfan89]

IW stops Pana again on 3rd down, forces another Pana punt. IW possession at their own 18.

[Titanfan89]

Zane Schmudlach fakes out everyone on a 3rd and 5 and scampers 60 something yards for another IW td. Pana had no clue. Person on 2 point conversion pass was wide open as well. Pana is falling apart.

Illini West 32
Pana 0

2nd quarter

[Titanfan89]

Mt. Carmel was leading DuQuoin by I think 3 td's in the first half of that game.

[Titanfan89]

Stillman Valley leads Aurora Christion 33 to 8.

[Titanfan89]

After allowing Pana a 1st down IW stops Pana again and they are forced to punt. IW takes possession at their own 47, going for a running clock.

[Titanfan89]

IW scores again.

IW 40
Pana 0

Late 2nd

The woodshed is now open.

[Titanfan89]

IW interception as Pana tried some kind of reverse pass at the end of the half. Didn't work too well.

Illini West 40
Pana 0

Halftime

[Titanfan89]

Mt. Carmel leads DuQuoin 21 to 0 after 3.

[Titanfan89]

Mt. Carmel leads DuQuoin 28-0 early in the 4th.

[Titanfan89]

Pana has ball to start 2nd half and turn it over.

IW starts second string offense to begin second half.

[Titanfan89]

IW second string scores on their first possession.

Illini West 46
Pana 0

Early 3rd

[Titanfan89]

Mt. Carmel defeats DuQuoin 35-0, looks like it will be Mt. Carmel at Illini West next weekend in the semis.

[Titanfan89]

Illini West 46
Pana 0

End of 3rd

Pana threatening against IW 2nd string defense.

[Titanfan89]

Pana scores a 14 yard rushing TD on 1st play of 1st quarter.

Illini West 46
Pana 8

Early 4th

[Titanfan89]

Illini West will play Sandwich next year? I didn't know that. Sandwich is in the semi finals in 4A this year.

[Titanfan89]

IW mishandles snap on 4th down punt attempt. Pana takes over at IW 5.

[Titanfan89]

Pana scores again.

Illini West 46
Pana 16

7 and change left in the game.

[Titanfan89]

IW second team offenses scores a 53 yard rushing touchdown, Kyle Miller with his first varisty touchdown.

Illini West 54
Pana 16

4th quarter

[Titanfan89]

Illini West 54
Pana 16

Final

3rd straight final four appearance for Illini West.

Mt. Carmel @ Illini West next saturday for a chance to make it to Champaign.

[Titanfan89]

Game time has been set for 1:00 p.m. next saturday already.

[Bulldogge]

Game time has been set for 1:00 p.m. next saturday already.

Excellent, since my band is giggin in Burlington next week, I think I'll sneak over to watch the game.

[TDogg11]

Sweet, hopefully Ill be able to get to Btown and see the Forehead and we'll be able to see the Chargers take care of business against Mt. Carmel!

[Bulldogge]

Sweet, hopefully Ill be able to get to Btown and see the Forehead and we'll be able to see the Chargers take care of business against Mt. Carmel!


If we lose, you can expect me to beat those drums a little harder than usual lol.

[German/Irish_67_9]

Finally. Iw will face a team this postseason that wont pee down their legs and play dead for you.. Aces by a touchdown

[Bulldogge]

Finally. Iw will face a team this postseason that wont pee down their legs and play dead for you.. Aces by a touchdown

I'm not seeing it, think they'll be a better version of Pana and that won't be good enough...actually I don't know, but I can't resist disagreeing with you ;)

[wolverine55]

Titanfan89, Mendota is the team that joins the WCC next year, not Sandwich. And, given the two-division format, it won't be a guarantee that IW will play them. And, I agree with German; finally IW plays a team that will make the drive to Carthage worth it, so I can stop driving all over the state in search of quality games. Although, no complaints about going to Quincy today!

[ok then]

Finally. Iw will face a team this postseason that wont pee down their legs and play dead for you.. Aces by a touchdown


Someone is a little upset after their own team lost sounds like

[wolverine55]

He probably is, but he's probably right too. To paraphrase Mike Tyson, it didn't take rocket surgery or brain science to figure out IW would easily make the semis once the brackets were released.

[broadcaster]

IW put it all together today and played a great game. Special teams TD. Rushing TD's from nearly every position on the field. A passing TD where Whitaker was WIDE open because of a great fake. This team clicked on all cylinders and really put this game out of reach early. The JV/back-up players even played a very nice second half, 14-16 against the Pana starters. I expected a closer game, but IW could have hung over 60-70 points today. Really surprised to see such a blowout in the quarterfinals. We'll have extended highlights, and hear from Coach Unurh tonight on Overtime.

[guest07]

Yeah, nobody should be surprised by this one. I think we all expected this when we saw the brackets. Should be more interesting the next couple of weeks.

[Titanfan89]

I could of swore that the radio broadcast said that IW was playing Sandwich next year, not Mendota.

[illinois sports schwab]

IW flexed their muscles against none of the best defenses in the state. Those Pana boys were big, but those hicks from IW were able to prove that size doesn't matter. I still don't see how any team is going to beat them, however, the next one should be a good one.

[German/Irish_67_9]

Someone is a little upset after their own team lost sounds like

Called this game the only 3A game worth seeing from the start, slick.

[TDogg11]

Finally. Iw will face a team this postseason that wont pee down their legs and play dead for you.. Aces by a touchdown

So Im interested to see why you have them by a td G/I? What do you know about the Aces? Size, speed, key players? Since there is a thread for this game lets discuss it there.

Dogg :D

[bluefan73]

I could of swore that the radio broadcast said that IW was playing Sandwich next year, not Mendota.

Maybe. If so, it was a mistake.

[wolverine55]

One thing about comments like"I don't see how anyone is going to beat them" is...there are probably fans of three other teams right now that feel the exact same way! I really wish we could get teams to stagger the times of semifinal games and maybe spread them out over Friday and Sat. A lot of the "traditional powers" have held serve so far in 1-4a; should be a lot of good games this weekend.

[illinois sports schwab]

One thing about comments like"I don't see how anyone is going to beat them" is...there are probably fans of three other teams right now that feel the exact same way!

Of course there are, that's what fans are supposed to think and feel like. There were people from Pana that really thought Pana was playing their best football and they would be able to stop IW and pull out a victory. There are certain things that seem a bit far-fetched, more so than others, but I don't blame any of them because that's what all fans mentalities should be. And IMO, most may disagree, but one of those "a bit far-fetched" ideas is Mt. Carmel going to Fuzz with their big boys and beating probably the fastest and most talented team in the state. Well, far-fetched may be a bit much, but I would indeed be surprised if that were too happen. It's not that Mt. Carmel isn't good enough, it's just the fact that this IW team is also very good and are playing at a place where no one comes in and wins. This IW coaching staff has always found ways to win against "better" competition, i.e. Wilmington, Oregon, QND, and maybe even DuQuoin. No matter what they are faced with, they seem to have a scheme and a plan that almost always works out in the end. However, there shouldn't be one Mt. Carmel fan that thinks they won't beat this IW team, because they do have a great chance. Maybe not great, but better than about any other team would, which is saying something. All discussion aside, this should be another instant classic at Fuzz so I hope everyone is able to make it, including some area fans/teams that can no longer watch their team play anymore. They'll get to see the first team that doesn't urinate when they see IW.

[arod14]

Mt Carmel is obviously a very good team, but for them to win they will have to find a way to shut down the big play makers on the Chargers. Nobody else has been able to do that this year yet, can they be the first? I am guessing that they will not be able to and the Chargers find a way to win at home. I fully expect another of the classic playoff games we have been lucky enough to see at Carthage, but would gladly settle for an IW blowout :)

[acesfan]

Mt Carmel is obviously a very good team, but for them to win they will have to find a way to shut down the big play makers on the Chargers. Nobody else has been able to do that this year yet, can they be the first? I am guessing that they will not be able to and the Chargers find a way to win at home. I fully expect another of the classic playoff games we have been lucky enough to see at Carthage, but would gladly settle for an IW blowout :)

MAY THE BETTER TEAM WIN!! might be you guys, might be us!!! will all come to a head on Sat!!!

WOOT!!! GO ACES!!

[acesfan4life]

MAY THE BETTER TEAM WIN!! might be you guys, might be us!!! will all come to a head on Sat!!!

WOOT!!! GO ACES!!

Woot GO ACES! I am just so Happy that our boys have made it this far.... DO i want them to win?? well YES! is it POSSIBLE? YES!!!! but if the road comes dark and it ends i know in my heart and in the many fans that have come to watch them that it has been a great season.... so REGARDLESS of the outcome the ACES still rock in my book!!!

[acesfan]

woot go aces! I am just so happy that our boys have made it this far.... Do i want them to win?? Well yes! Is it possible? Yes!!!! But if the road comes dark and it ends i know in my heart and in the many fans that have come to watch them that it has been a great season.... So regardless of the outcome the aces still rock in my book!!!

well put!! So proud of our boys of fall!!! Go aces!!!! This is our year!!

[Football Fan1]

I'm not seeing it, think they'll be a better version of Pana and that won't be good enough...actually I don't know, but I can't resist disagreeing with you ;)
Don't compare us to Pana. Not even close.
No offense to Pana but they weren't great. Aces would have done the same to them as IW did. Pana hasn't seen a team this year like a IW or MT. CARMEL. This game should be a classic.

[illinois sports schwab]

Lets move all further discussion to the IW/Mt Carmel thread. This game is history, all that matters is the upcoming game. Thank you.

[illinois sports schwab]

Wrong thread...

Wrong prediction... ;)

[Football Fan1]

Broadcaster: I am not just saying this because you picked Mt. Carmel to win. You could have picked IW and I would think the same thing.

Unbelievable article, post, whatever you want to call it. Wow. Excellent rundown.

[broadcaster]

Broadcaster: I am not just saying this because you picked Mt. Carmel to win. You could have picked IW and I would think the same thing.

Unbelievable article, post, whatever you want to call it. Wow. Excellent rundown.

Appreciate that. As sports schwab pointed out, I should have put in on the other thread, so I moved it over there. Hope everyone making the long drive gets their gas & money worth out of this game!