The University of Illinois football program hasn’t done very well in recent years when visiting the Edward Jones Dome in the annual Missouri vs. Illinois college football rivalry game.
On Saturday afternoon, the Fighting Illini will seek to end the madness when the two teams tangle in front of a nationally televised audience. Illinois beat Mizzou somewhere in St. Louis in 1896. Since then, OLD MIZZOU has dominated the Illini in the 314. Let’s take a look:
*In 1969 @ the old Busch Stadium, 31 -6, *2002: 33- 20* and in *2003: 22 -15.*
After a brief parting of ways so to speak, Mizzou has continued with the whipping of Ron Zook’s teams in 2007 (40-34) and last season’s52 –42 shoot-out. But, I’m sure Ron Zook telling the Mizzou loyalists, “HELP IS ON THE WAY”……………………………
Entering the 2009, game Illinois fans to to end the nightmare in St. Louis with the Tigers, and a couple of local players for the Illini plan on playing a role to end the drought. Running-back Jason Ford of Belleville Althoff and former East St. Louis Flyer All- American Terry “Black Cat” Hawthorne plan on being a huge part of the celebration on Saturday. Both should see the field often. London Davis (Cahokia) and former East St. Louis All-State player Tommie Hopkins also play for the Illini.
Ford, who graduated from Althoff as the St. Louis metro area’s all-time leading ball carrier, rushed for 294 yards with a team leading 8 touchdowns in 2008 as a true freshman. In addition, Ford had 9receptions for 79 yards.
Ford credits the reps he received as a freshman, and his off –season program to get him ready for the 2009 season. “I’m better prepared knowing the playbook better, my blocking assignments, and the overall quickness at the collegiate level, “ he said. “I’ve prepared myself to be the best student-athlete I can be. Hopefully, it will pay off and our team will have a great season.”
Ford is the son of Jason Ford Sr., who was a standout football and baseball player at East St. Louis Sr. High. A devoted family man, Jason Sr. and his wife and kids will be looking forward to Saturday when Jason Jr. returns home for the game.
“It’s a thrill having all the family and friends over all weekend,” Jason Sr. said. “This is a dream come true to see my son play collegiate football near his home, besides, I don’t have to spend much on gas this weekend…. “Might even Metro Link it..”
As for Hawthorne, the heralded freshman who was ranked as the #1 wide receiver in the country last year by more than a few scouting services, he will be excited but focused on his trip back home.
“I just want to much sure we as a team take care of business,” he said.
Terry who had been limited in drills until a couple of weeks ago because of a hand injury. He has also been working out on the defensive side of the ball as well as special teams.
“Obviously, he (Hawthorne) is an excellent football player,” said Ron Zook. “I just asked him what he thought of taking some reps on defense and he said sure. I wouldn’t read much into it, he’s a quality football player with a lot of ability.”
It seems as though the Illini football staff have seen what many around these parts have seen the last four years at East St. Louis Sr. High when Hawthorne led his Flyers to the 2008 Illinois Class 7A State Football title. Just get him on the field, anywhere, and he will make a play for you, offense or defense. Boy what good “old” Mizzou missed out on from these four 618 boys.
SCOTT’S NOTES:
Coach Darren Sunkett’s football team lost last week 49-28 to third ranked (USA Today) Elder High School from Cincinnati, part of the 2009 Sky Chili Cross-Town Showdown.
The Flyers travel back to Southwest Ohio to play the Middletown Middies. Kick –off is set for 7p.m. Middletown is the former high school of 12-year NFL Player, and future Hall of Famer Cris Carter. Carter a standout from Ohio State University was drafted by the Eagles, and also played for the Vikings, before retiring in 2002 with the Miami Dolphins.
The Middies beat Aiken, Ohio 48-6 in their season opener. The Middies are led by two of the best players in the State in QB Caleb Watkins (6’3” 205) and RB Antonio Banks (5’11” 210)
* Cahokia football stand-out WR Jimmie Hunt gave an oral commitment to Mizzou. Hence, oral.
