Unity lands at No. 1

Dec. 24—Parity reigned on the area football scene this fall. More than in recent memory. But a familiar program — Unity — tops The News-Gazette’s final Top 10 poll of the 2023 season. Sports Editor

Matt Daniels with the full breakdown:

1. Unity

Record:

* 9-3

What worked: Some midseason adjustments propelled the Rockets to a strong finish and a chance to play into mid-November once again. Sitting at 3-2 after a lopsided loss at Bloomington Central Catholic in Week 5, Unity reeled off six straight wins to reach the Class 3A state quarterfinals before losing 56-46 to eventual state runner-up Mt. Carmel. Senior linebacker Brock Suding made plays all over the field, sophomore quarterback Dane Eisenmenger flashed his potential and coach Scott Hamilton’s program once again showed why it’s one of the area’s best.

2. Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond

Record:

* 9-1

What worked: The first year after Kaden Feagin proved fruitful for the Knights. Senior quarterback Jayce Parsons thrived in a dual-threat role with Feagin off to Illinois and coach Ryan Jefferson’s defense improved throughout the season. It all added up to an undefeated regular season and an outright Lincoln Prairie Conference championship. The luster, though, dimmed a bit when ALAH saw its season end abruptly with a 21-14 loss to Quincy Notre Dame in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs.

3. St. Joseph-Ogden

Record:

* 8-3

What worked: The Spartans’ offense was in gear all season, proving to the area it was for real with a 38-35 win at Unity in Week 2. Led by the duo of senior quarterback Logan Smith and junior wide receiver Coy Taylor, SJ-O overcame a two-game losing skid in the middle of the season to win its final three regular-season games. Coach Shawn Skinner

* ‘s program beat Carlinville in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs before losing a 48-47 heartbreaker…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/news-gazettes-football-final-top-155000143.html

Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Publish date : 2023-12-24 15:50:00

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