Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Week #14 | NOWDecatur Video | Nov 29, 2016

State Week - St.Teresa Bulldogs

Now Decatur
 
 
Published on Nov 29, 2016
During the week leading up to the 1A State title game, we gave the St. Teresa Bulldogs a camera to show us what "State Week" was all about!

Monday, November 28, 2016

Friday, November 25, 2016

Week #14 | WAND TV IHSA Playoffs Video | Nov 25, 2016


St. Teresa's historic run to state title ends in loss


Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

Week #14 | NOWDecatur Video | Nov 25, 2016

Bulldogs Fall in 1A Title Game



St. Teresa fell to Forreston in the Class 1A State Finals, 35-7.

Week #14 | CSN Chicago Video | Nov 25, 2016

Forreston defeats Decatur St. Teresa for Class 1A title

By Associated Press
November 25, 2016 3:46 PM



CHAMPAIGN, ILL. -- A.J. Christensen rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown and added a 93-yard kickoff return for a score to lead Forreston past Decatur St. Teresa 35-7 in the IHSA Class 1A state football finals at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday.

Christenson's kickoff return happened just after St. Teresa tied the game at 7 with less than six minutes left in the first half.

"The kickoff was big for sure, but bigger, I think, was holding them out of the end zone twice in the first half," Christensen said. "Those stands made the difference. It took the momentum completely away from them and kept us going."

The goal-line stands came in the second quarter with the score tied or the Forreston Cardinals (14-0) ahead by a touchdown.

"We had success with the package that we had in there all year," St. Teresa coach Mark Ramsey said. "I was happy with the guys we had in. We just didn't get it done."

The Cardinals, running a triple option offense, fooled the Bulldogs (12-2) time and again in the game. The first touchdown of the game came when Forreston quarterback Hunter Daws made two play action fakes and then threw the ball over the top to Sam Barkalow for a 54-yard score.

"I thought we did some good things and some that weren't so good." Forreston coach Denny Diduch said. "Offensively, we really ran the ball well and when we shored some things up defensively, we played much better."

St. Teresa standout sophomore Jacardia Wright, an all-state selection this year, was held to just 46 yards on 16 carries. Senior quarterback Ryan Fyke threw for 209 yards for the Bulldogs.

Forreston, which won the Class 1A title in 2014, rushed for 368 yards as a team.

Week #14 | WAND TV IHSA Article | Nov 25, 2016

Forreston defeats Decatur St. Teresa for Class 1A title

Posted: Nov 25, 2016 3:40 PM CST
Updated: Nov 25, 2016 3:40 PM CST

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - A.J. Christensen rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown and added a 93-yard kickoff return for a score to lead Forreston past Decatur St. Teresa 35-7 in the IHSA Class 1A state football finals at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Friday.

Christenson's kickoff return happened just after St. Teresa tied the game at 7 with less than six minutes left in the first half.

"The kickoff was big for sure, but bigger, I think, was holding them out of the end zone twice in the first half," Christensen said. "Those stands made the difference. It took the momentum completely away from them and kept us going."

The goal-line stands came in the second quarter with the score tied or the Forreston Cardinals (14-0) ahead by a touchdown.

"We had success with the package that we had in there all year," St. Teresa coach Mark Ramsey said. "I was happy with the guys we had in. We just didn't get it done."

The Cardinals, running a triple option offense, fooled the Bulldogs (12-2) time and again in the game. The first touchdown of the game came when Forreston quarterback Hunter Daws made two play action fakes and then threw the ball over the top to Sam Barkalow for a 54-yard score.

"I thought we did some good things and some that weren't so good." Forreston coach Denny Diduch said. "Offensively, we really ran the ball well and when we shored some things up defensively, we played much better."

St. Teresa standout sophomore Jacardia Wright, an all-state selection this year, was held to just 46 yards on 16 carries. Senior quarterback Ryan Fyke threw for 209 yards for the Bulldogs.

Forreston, which won the Class 1A title in 2014, rushed for 368 yards as a team.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Week #14 | Herald & Review Section B3 | Nov 25, 2016

Week #14 | Herald & Review Section B2 | Nov 25, 2016

Week #14 | Herald & Review Section B1 | Nov 25, 2016

Week #14 | Herald & Review Section A1 | Nov 25, 2016

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Week #14 | WAND TV IHSA Playoffs Article | Nov 24, 2016

St. Teresa, Maroa-Forsyth, Carlinville and Rochester one game away from state titles

By: Gordon Voit
Posted: Nov 24, 2016 11:42 PM CST 

If there was any doubt that this is among the very best years ever for high school football in the WAND viewing area, they were put to rest last week when five teams punched their tickets to the state championship games in the six levels represented in the coverage zone.

Join sports director Gordon Voit as WAND previews the four games on tap for Memorial Stadium on Friday, including a dip into the archives for Carlinville's appearance in the 1993 state championship game.

For complete highlights and interviews from Friday's games, tune in to WAND News at 6 and 10.

1A: St. Teresa (12-1) vs. Forreston (13-0) at 10:00 am
Storylines: St. Teresa is in the state championship for the first time since 1986. The Bulldogs last won a state title in 1979, under head coach Ralph McQuiggan.

2A: Maroa-Forsyth (12-1) vs. Mackinaw-Deer Creek (12-1), 1:00 pm
Storylines: Maroa-Forsyth is making its sixth state championship appearance since 2006 and is going for its third title under head coach Josh Jostes. Dee-Mack hasn't appeared in the finals since 1987.

3A: Carlinville (12-1) vs. IC Catholic (Elmhurst) (13-0), 4:00 pm
Storylines: Carlinville has just two state championship appearances since the program started in 1913: 1978 and 1993, both of which were losses. It's been the Cavies' best season in years, but the matchup is difficult, with an IC Catholic squad that boasts three-star recruit and Northern Illinois commit Jordan Rowell, who also had an offer from Iowa.

4A: Rochester (12-1) vs. Johnsburg (13-0), 7:00 pm
Storylines: Rochester is back at it in 4A, nearly completing a perfect regular season in the Central State 8 -- with the only loss coming in the fourth quarter to 6A power Sacred Heart-Griffin. The Rockets won five straight titles from 2010-14, while Johnsburg has had a dominant season and equally impressive run in the playoffs with 56, 49 and 42 points scored in their three postseason games. However, Johnsburg hasn't made a state title game since the program began in 1978.


Week #14 | Herald & Review Section B3 | Nov 24, 2016

Week #14 | Herald & Review Section B1 | Nov 24, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Week #14 | CSN Chicago Video | Nov 22, 2016

High School Lites IHSA state finals preview: Class 1A-4A

By Edgy Tim
November 22, 2016 3:38 PM

CSN Chicago (CSN), the television home of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championships, will be airing live coverage of the 2016 IHSA Football State Championships on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 from Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

In addition, every IHSA Football State Championship telecast on CSN, including surrounding pre/postgame coverage, will be streamed LIVE on CSNChicago.com and will be made available via the NBC Sports app on tablets and smart phones. Highlights and postgame reaction from all eight games will be presented in a special state championship edition of High School Lites, Saturday at 10 p.m., immediately following the 8A title game.



Class 1A

Forreston (13-0) vs. Decatur St. Teresa (12-1), Friday, 10 a.m.

EDGY's Take: Forreston and head coach Dennis Diduch will run the football right at St. Teresa via the Cardinals’ no-huddle, Wing-T offense. All-State junior running back AJ Christensen (1,109 yards rushing 17 TDs) is the headliner in the backfield, but he is one of several quality backs that the Cardinals will use. The Forreston defense has allowed just 68 points all season and their secondary has been a big key to success in the postseason. St. Teresa and first year head coach Mark Ramsey might be new to the school, but he has over 30 years of coaching experience. He brings along a veteran staff as well. The Bulldogs want to get standout sophomore All-State running back/safety Jacardi Wright (2,485 yards rushing 39 TDs) the ball often. Senior quarterback Ryan Fyke (126-of-207 passing for 2,074 yards and 25 TD's) is more than capable of keeping the opposing defense honest. St. Teresa senior All-State lineman Sam Lugenbill leads a very strong linemen group on both sides of the football. Best matchup to watch? The Forreston offensive line against the St. Teresa defensive line.

EDGY's Pick: Forreston 34, St. Teresa 27

 

Class 2A

Deer Creek-Mackinaw (12-1) vs. Maroa-Forsyth (12-1), Friday, 1 p.m.

EDGY's Take: These two teams run completely different styles of football, especially on offense. Dee-Mack and head coach Job Linboom want to run the no-huddle power running attack. Look for All-State fullback Jared Reese (1,951 yards rushing 29 TD's) to get several touches. Dee-Mack will also rely on big, experienced offensive and defensive lines. Keep an eye on junior All-State lineman Hunter Mull. On the other sideline will be head coach Josh Jostens and the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans — and they’re quite familiar with the state finals (five other appearances since 2006 with two titles). The Trojans will run a high-tempo spread offense. Quarterback Tyler Ray (149-for-233 passing, 2,293 yards 32 TDs) is a key and also keep an eye on running backs Jaxson Nelson (1,119 yards rushing 15 TDs) and Deondre Gregory (772 yards rushing 8 TD). The Maroa-Forsyth defense is speed-based, relied on by a very strong and experienced core of linebackers including senior Wes Livingood. Can the Maroa defense get the football back from the Dee-Mack offense? Can the Dee-Mack defense slow down the Trojans’ high flying offense?

EDGY's Pick: Dee Mack 28, Maroa-Forsyth 27

 

Class 3A

IC Catholic (13-0) vs. Carlinville (12-1), Friday, 4 p.m.

EDGY's Take: IC Catholic and head coach Bill Krefft are seeking their third state football title. The Knights offense has been exceptional all season behind senior quarterback Luke Ricobene (134-of-200 passing for 2,247 yards and 27 touchdowns) and running back/defensive back Jordan Rowell (2,025 yards rushing 34 TDs). The Knights also possess a very good offensive linemen group led by senior Jimmy Kenneally and senior Robert Vitek. Carlinville and head coach Chad Easterday will try to capture the school's first state title after placing second in state twice (1978 and 1993). The Cavaliers will give the football to All-State running back Jacob Dixon (2,995 yards rushing 45 touchdowns) early and often. The play-action passing game is very capable with quarterback Adam Walton (113-of-187 passing for 1,660 yards 17 TD's). Can the Cavs’ defense slow down the IC offense? Can the Knights handle Carlinville’s speed?

EDGY's Pick: IC Catholic 41, Carlinville 20

 

Class 4A

Johnsburg (13-0) vs. Rochester (12-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

EDGY's Take: Johnsburg was able to take full advantage of several Phillips turnovers for a thrilling, 23-20, semifinal win last Friday. The Skyhawks, coached by Dan DeBoeuf, will make their first state title game appearance in school history. All-State running back Alex Peete (2,295 yards 37 touchdowns) will get a lot of looks. Senior lineman Joe Moore (6-foot-3, 260 pounds), an Air Force verbal commitment, is a name to watch along with junior quarterback/linebacker Riley Buchanan (1,556 yards passing 18 TDs). Rochester and head coach Derek Leonard has the Rockets playing in their sixth 4A state title game over the past seven years. They feature a wide open spread passing game led by senior quarterbacks Nik Baker (2,418 yards passing 28 touchdowns) and Josh Grant (1,177 yards passing 21 touchdowns). Keep an eye on the Cox twins: wide receiver/defensive back Avante Cox (68 catches for 998 yards 19 TD's) and Deante Cox (6-foot-0, 170 pounds). A downfield target will be 6-foot-6 senior WR Collin Stallworth (47 catches 1, 078 yards 14 TDs). Can the Johnsburg defense contain Rochester’s big play offense? Can the Rochester defense slow down Johnsburg’s running game?

EDGY's Pick: Rochester 35, Johnsburg 17

Saturday's slate of games:

Class 5A: Vernon Hills vs. Peoria, 10 a.m.
Class 6A: Prairie Ridge vs. Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, 1 p.m.
Class 7A: Plainfield North vs. East St. Louis, 4 p.m.
Class 8A: Loyola vs. Maine South, 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Week #13 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 4 | Nov 19, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #13 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 3 | Nov 19, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #13 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 2 | Nov 19, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #13 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 1 | Nov 19, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #13 | Herald & Review Section C4 | Nov 20, 2016

Week #13 | Herald & Review Section C1 | Nov 20, 2016

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Week #13 | WAND TV IHSA Playoffs Video | Nov 19, 2016

St. Teresa Parties Like It's 1986 in Win Over Calhoun

Posted: Nov 19, 2016 9:34 PM CST  
By: Noah Newman
Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

Click the video above for highlights and reaction from St. Teresa's big win over Hardin Calhoun.

HARDIN-- In Mark Ramsey's first year at the helm, the St. Teresa football program is doing something it hasn't done in thirty years.

The Bulldogs clinched a trip to state for the first time since 1986, with a 34-20 win over Hardin Calhoun in the 1A semifinals.

St. Teresa will face undefeated Forreston in the title game Friday at 10 AM.

Week #13 | NOWDecatur Video | Nov 19, 2016


St. Teresa Heading to State


Published on Nov 19, 2016
St. Teresa is heading back to the IHSA State finals for the first time since 1986, with a 34-20 win over Hardin Calhoun.

Week #13 | Alton Telegraph | Nov 19, 2016

Week #13 | Herald & Review Section B3 | Nov 19, 2016

Week #13 | Herald & Review Section B1 | Nov 19, 2016

Week #13 | WAND TV IHSA Playoffs Video | Nov 19, 2016

St. Teresa Fights for First State Championship Berth Since 1986

Posted: Nov 19, 2016 1:13 AM CST  
By: Gordon Voit

Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

DECATUR -- Mark Ramsey's first year at the helm of St. Teresa's football program has been going swimmingly. The Bulldogs are 11-1, they boast one of the top playmakers in the state regardless of level in sophomore Jacardia Wright and they are one game away from their first state championship appearance since 1986.

But there's still work left to be done. The number Ramsey and Co. are chasing is 37, as in 37 years since the school's last state title in 1979.

Up next for the 1A No. 2 seed Bulldogs is a trip to Hardin to take on upstart Calhoun, who is also chasing history. No. 12 seed Calhoun (9-3), which also carries the Bulldogs nickname, is having its first winning season since it finished 5-4 in 2011 and missed the playoffs. Calhoun is among the smallest public schools in the state at 149 students, but the Bulldogs have fooled defenses all season with their multi-option rushing attack.

For St. Teresa, explosive plays have come to be the defining quality that opponents fear, but the Bulldog defense has allowed 13.25 points per game and it boasts players like defensive back Mike Davis, a senior whose 11 interceptions put him in a tie for sixth place nationally according to MaxPreps.com.

To hear from Davis on how he's picked off so many passes, plus an overview of what the team's run has meant to other seniors like lineman Brady Moore, click the video.

Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 1:30 p.m. in Hardin.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Week #13 | RiverBender.com | Nov 18, 2016

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Calhoun, St. Teresa square off in Class 1A Semifinals on Saturday

By Dan Brannan, Content Director
Published November 18 2016 5:01 PM

HARDIN Calhoun’s Warriors are riding a wave of momentum into the Class 1A IHSA State Football Playoffs on Saturday for a semifinal matchup against St. Teresa High School of Decatur.

The 9-3 Warriors slipped past previously undefeated powerhouse Tuscola last week 28-27. Calhoun and St. Teresa, 11-1, collide at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Calhoun High School's football field.

St. Teresa, blanked Tolono Unity 27-0 last week at St. Teresa High School in its quarterfinal matchup. The Bulldogs' only loss came from Tuscola, where they fell 33-14 on Oct. 7. 

“It’s a pretty big deal and everyone around the whole community is very excited,” Calhoun head football coach Aaron Elmore said. “I probably haven’t seen this much excitement since I was in high school.”

Elmore said the reason he and the other coaches banded together to build the football program back was so this team could experience the same things they did when they were in high school. Elmore was a member of Calhoun’s last state championship team in 1993.

It is going to be a cold day on Saturday, with highs in the mid to high 40's.

“I am very excited and happy for these kids,” Elmore said. “I know how much work they put in. I want them to experience what I was able to experience in high school. I think they will give their best shot at St. Teresa this weekend, for sure.”

Calhoun will need top-notch performances from players like Ty Bick, Wes Klocke, Cole Lammy, Jacob Watters, Michael Finch, Cody Gilman, Brady Ellis, Eric Rose, Keaton Rose and Easton Clark, along with the rest of the team.

St. Teresa is very explosive offensively, Elmore said.

Running back Jarcadia Wright, only a sophomore, has 2,339 total rushing yards in 197 carries for an average of 11.9 yards a carry. He has 36 rushing touchdowns and 40 total touchdowns on the season.

Elmore said Wright could be one of the most explosive running backs he has seen in IHSA Class 1A.

“If we can contain him from breaking long runs we will definitely have a chance at winning,” Elmore said.

“They have one of best running backs we have seen on film in several years. They also have a good passing attack and are very versatile on offense. On defense, they get to the ball fairly well.

"For us to win, it will take playing ball hawking defense and getting to the football. We want to put pressure on them and play ball-control offense. We need to keep a hold of the ball and possibly take some possessions away from them.”

Deer and duck hunters will be out in droves for the contest, Elmore said. The coach said he also expects to see several of the rival WIVC players there to see the game. Those players may be dressed in their school colors to show the WIVC support. Before the game, there will be an abundance of tailgating near the field.

Elmore said in times past when Calhoun hosted a playoff game of this magnitude, 4,000-5,000 people would come and he said that could happen again on Saturday.

“This is why we put in all the work," Elmore said. "We been talking to the boys about this for a few years and what they could accomplish. They are starting to realize all their hard work is paying off and want to continue to play beyond this game.

"They have pushed hard this week and we are going to try to win this game and play for the state championship.”

The Calhoun and St. Teresa game will be streamed live on RiverBender.com. The game can also be viewed on Facebook, YouTube, on RiverBender.com's Roku and Chromecast channels and by downloading the RiverBender.com app. 

Week #13 | NOWDecatur Video | Nov 18, 2016



Trojans and Bulldogs Head to Semifinals

Published on Nov 18, 2016

St. Teresa and Maroa-Forsyth each play for the chance to move on to the IHSA State Championships. St. Teresa travels to Hardin Calhoun while Maroa-Forsyth hosts Shelbyville.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Week #13 | RiverBender.com | Nov 15, 2016

Deer, ducks and football will be the rage this weekend in Calhoun County


HARDIN – Calhoun County will be busy this weekend, not only with deer and duck hunters invading the area as the deer hunting season kicks off, but the game of the year for WIVC fans when Calhoun hosts St. Teresa High School at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Week #12 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 5 | Nov 12, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #12 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 4 | Nov 12, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #12 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 3 | Nov 12, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #12 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 2 | Nov 12, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #12 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 1 | Nov 12, 2016





Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #12 | Herald & Review Section C4 | Nov 13, 2016


Week #12 | Herald & Review Section C3 | Nov 13, 2016


Friday, November 11, 2016

Week #12 | NOWDecatur Video | Nov 11, 2016

Published on Nov 11, 2016
St. Teresa beat Warrensburg-Latham in week 3 of the season. Now they face-off with a berth in the State Semifinals at stake.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Week #12 | NOWDecatur Radio Interview | Nov 10, 2016






Podcast – The Aric Lee Show

The Aric Lee Show weekdays 9am – Noon on ESPNDecatur 1050AM.

St. Teresa Senior QB/DB (Date Added: 11/10/16)

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Week #11 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 4 | Nov 05, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #11 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 3 | Nov 05, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #11 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 2 | Nov 05, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #11 | WSOY Radio Broadcast | Segment 1 | Nov 05, 2016


Brett & Troy
Brett Zerfowski, Voice of the Bulldogs
Troy Hayes, Color Analyst

Week #11 | Herald & Review Section C4 | Nov 6, 2016

Week #11 | Herald & Review Section C1 | Nov 6, 2016

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Week #11 | WAND TV IHSA Playoffs | Nov 5, 2016


Saturday highlight zone: IHSA football playoffs

Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

Posted: Nov 05, 2016 10:37 PM CST
By: Noah Newman

Round two of the high school football playoffs is in the books.

Several teams in the WAND coverage area are moving on to the quarterfinals.

Click the video above for all the highlights!

Week #11 | NOW Decatur Video | Nov 5, 2016

Published on Nov 5, 2016

St. Teresa scored late and held off Athens, 27-26 to advance to the Class 1A quarterfinals. They will play CIC foe Warresnburg-Latham next.

Week #11 | Herald & Review Section B4 | Nov 5, 2016

Week #11 | Herald & Review Section B3 | Nov 5, 2016