For the American
Cahokia head football coach Antwyne Golliday is one class man both on and off the field. Last Saturday afternoon at historic Township Stadium (now Lindenwood Field) on the southeast part of Belleville, his football team proved to be all class as well, beating the Althoff Crusaders 14-0 in front of 3,000-plus in the Illinois Class 5-A State Football Play-offs.
Cahokia advances to the quarterfinal round on the road against Triad, an 11- 7 winner over Mascoutah last Saturday with the winner advancing to the final four next week against the Lemont-Rock Island Alleman winner.
After giving up 57 points three weeks ago in a loss to the Crusaders, the Comanches showed a lot of heart in the rematch. The Cahokia defense was great in limiting Althoff running back Jason Ford Jr. to -9 yards rushing on 10 totes. Ford entered the contest with more than 1,500 yards rusing.
The most impressive thing about this victory was that Golliday did not mention after his whipping three weeks ago he was without three starters.
“We just play the games with the cards that were dealt,” Golliday said. “I give all the credit to these young men who responded to the coaching since that loss three weeks ago.”
The leadership of freshman quarterback Darien Donald and the running of tailback Martavis Hines, who finished the day with 122 yards on 33 carries, paced Cahokia. Also playing a huge part, especially on third down, was running back Ronnie Thomas who finished with 81 yards on 13 carries.
The freshman quarterback proved he will be the leader of this young team for the next three years, guiding the Comanches on a 20-play drive that ate up eight minutes and 28 seconds of the fourth quarter with Hines capping it off with a 1-yd plunge. Althoff only had the ball for 1:56 in the fourth quarter.
Playing with house money this season with a roster loaded with freshmen and sophomores, Cahokia is quietly building a great football program. The developmental leagues in Centreville has been very positive for the development of these young players.
Scott’s pick: Cahokia 21, Triad 14
The East St. Louis Flyers lost 24-8 to the Edwardsville Tigers last Friday night. The Tigers (11-0) advance to the Class 7A quarterfinals tomorrow night, traveling to Darien Hinsdale South for a 7:00p.m. kick-off. Darien defeated Bradley-Bourbonnais 48- 28 last Friday night.
Edwardsville proved they are just better than East Side this year by controlling the high-octane Flyers’ offensive attack of Jauois Singleton, Jerell McDaniel, and quarterback Derrick Johnson.
Edwardsville’s defense never allowed them to get in rhythm all night, limiting the fourth highest offensive attack in the state to one touchdown.
The Flyers had some shots, but penalties, dropped passes, and some mental mistakes by some young players proved costly in front of 5,000 at the Sports Complex.
The Tigers’ sensational tailback E.J. Jones finished with 123 yards on 27 carries. However, defensively he my have played his best game of the year with a game-high 11 tackles.
With a very young team and student-athletes taking care of their business working hard in the off-season, look for the 2006 Flyers to be great!
Scott’s Notes:
Flyers tailback Jaious Singleton ended a spectacular career. Singleton finished with 4,514 yards and 54 TDs. He will be setting up his official visits this week.
I like Gary Pinkel, but I do not like some of his lying coaches on his staff. There is a-lot of reason why MIZZOU is not getting the local blue- chippers.
Check out this list and were they are going or gone since Damien Nash made them all a few more dollars. Laurence Maroney (Minnesota), Brandon Williams (Wisconsin), Steve Davis (Minnesota), Will Paul (Michigan).
Congrats to East St. Louis Flyers Track & Field coach Roscoe Whitfield on being name Illinois Class AA Track & Field Coach of the year! Hey Roscoe, I know some people did not want it out there.
