The News-Gazette.com Weblog

Prep Confidential

Off and running

Posted by: Marcus Jackson

Saturday, October 27, 2007 12:00 AM

- The first day of the opening round of the IHSA football playoffs is over and for a few area schools, so are their seasons.
- St. Thomas More, Danville, Gibson City-Melvin Sibley, Watseka and Oakwood/Armstrong-Potomac all played their last games Friday night. The only area team that advanced was Westville, which defeated GCMS.

- St. Thomas More lost its game 34-6, but actually trailed only 14-6 entering the final quarter, before Wilmington rallied for 20 in the final 12 minutes.
- It was an emotional night for the Sabers who saw their record-setting season come to an end. Coach Dan Hennessey needed a few moments to gather himself before speaking to the media after addressing his team for the last time.
- For it being St. Thomas More's first time hosting a playoff game, it sure did things right. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was into it the whole time. The students were fired up from the beginning when they ushered the team onto the field and even into halftime when they took part in dancing to "The Cupid Shuffle" on the track.
- St. Thomas More's facilities are some of the best around, from the concession stand to the brand new bleachers installed on the home side.
- Don't think too many people are surprised to see Danville fall to No. 1 Normal Community for the second straight week. Here's hoping the IHSA adjusts a few things next year so we don't have these rematches in the first round.
- Here's what I know halfway through the first weekend. Westville is going to be tough. They haven't played yet, but Tuscola and St. Joseph-Ogden are winning state titles and Unity is going to be the Cinderella team in Class 3A. Could we see a SJ-O vs. Unity state championship game? I know the people around here would love it. The folks at Illinois would love the crowd the two popular locals would attract.
- Friday's action was good, but there is a whole slate of good match ups set for Saturday. Be sure to pick up Sunday's News-Gazette for full the full coverage.