NORMAL – Proving they were ready for Illinois High School Association Class 6A playoffs, Normal Community West High School scored in every quarter while only allowing visiting Chicago Simeon to score toward the end of the contest. As a result, the 5th seeded Wildcats overpowered 12th seeded Chicago Simeon, 37-6. The Wildcats’ win has them traveling to East St. Louis Saturday to face 4th seed East St. Louis. East St. Louis defeated Lemont High School, 61-0 to advance to the second round to face the Wildcats.

A 35 yard touchdown pass from senor quarterback Johnny Freyman to senior wide receiver Gavin Camp at 2:03 in the first quarter followed by a successful extra point by senior kicker Zach Rumps was the only scoring from either team in the opening quarter putting Normal West (8-2) ahead.

The opening possession for Chicago Simeon (5-5) ended in five plays punting the ball back to Normal West, starting at their own 30 yard line. Seven plays later, Freyman connected on a 28 yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Sencerre Brown for Normal West’s next score at 9:28 in the second quarter followed by Rumps’ extra point for a 14-0 lead.

An interception of a Chicago Simeon pass by West defensive back Jaxon Hill led to Normal West’s next score at 33 seconds until halftime. Freyman connected with Camp from 25 yards out for the Wildcats’ next score followed by Rumps’ extra point for a 21-0 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter started with both teams being tougher on defense and each punting the ball back to their opponent before Normal West received the ball again at Chicago Simeon’s 32 yard line. Chicago Simeon’s defense only allowed Normal West to get to the Wolverines’ 6 yard line. There, Rumps kicked a 22 yard field goal to increase the Wildcats’ lead, 24-0 at 1:15 in the third quarter.

Chicago Simeon’s lone score of the game came at 10:04 in the fourth quarter in a 29 yard pass from junior quarterback Kaleb Sims to senior wide receiver Damarion Harris. The Wolverines opted for going for a 2-point try but Normal West defenders foiled the attempt. The Wolverines’ score cut Normal West’s lead to 24-6.

After the Chicago Simeon score, the teams punted the ball back to each other three more times, the last time with Chicago Simeon receiving the ball at their own 5 yard line. Wildcats sophomore linebacker Briar Leenerman intercepted the ball at Chicago’s 13 and the ball was placed at the 12 yard line where Normal West’s next set of downs began. Four plays later, Camp ran through Chicago Simeon defenders for another touchdown with 2:01 left in the contest. Rumps followed with another extra point giving Normal West their 30-6 lead. The Wildcats would score one more time in the closing seconds followed by another kick by Rumps resulting in the final score.

Normal West Head Coach Nate Fincham explained he believed the game wasn’t just a playoff opportunity for his team. Instead, he said, the game “was more than just an opportunity to show what Normal West football is all about. I think our guys took this game as a challenge. We knew we were the better football team. We knew we were the better prepared football team, I think we showed that today.”

“They took it to us,” explained Chicago Simeon Head Coach Derrick Hunter Sr. He described Normal West as “a tough suburban team who we came out here to play and they took it to us.”

“We didn’t do exactly what we had planned,” Hunter said. “We watched film but our players didn’t execute plays like they should have. There are no excuses. Normal was well prepared, and evidently, they showed we were unprepared. They showed they wanted the win more than we did.”

NORMAL – Summit Argo football players didn’t seem to have an answer to stopping top seed Normal Community High School’s senior running back Tommy Davis in the IHSA Class 7A playoffs Friday night at Dick Tharp Field.

Davis rushed for four touchdowns to aid his team toward the Ironmen defeating Summit in the opening playoff round, 43-0. That win helped NCHS earn a 10-0 record and advance to a second round game hosting 16th seed Bradley Bourbonnais this weekend.

Each team had possession of the ball and had to punt it away before NCHS (10-0), starting their next possession at their own 43 yard line, found openings in the Argonauts’ defense to get to their 18 yard line. From there, senior running back Tommy Davis rushed past defenders into the end zone for the first Ironmen touchdown of the night followed by sophomore kicker Will Castro’s extra point.

The first possession of the night for Summit (5-5), which followed, lasted just four downs ending in four plays giving NCHS the ball at Summit’s 1 yard line. One play later, Davis scored a touchdown at 5:08 in the first quarter followed by Castro’s extra point, giving NCHS a 14-0 lead.

The teams each had one more possession after that, but Summit wound up trying to punt their way out of it only to see the punt bounce on the ground and get picked up by Ironmen senior defensive back Jayme Weaver who picked up the loose ball and ran 18 yards for a touchdown followed by Castro’s extra point, giving NCHS a 21-0 lead to end the first quarter.

Summit’s ensuing drive would only last three plays ending with NCHS recovering a fumble around the Argonauts’ own 17 yard line. Three plays later, NCHS’ Davis would score again from six yards out, followed by Castro’s extra point, putting the Ironmen up, 28-0 with 10:48 left in the second quarter.

Summit’s next possession ended in a short punt returning the ball to NCHS at the Argonauts’ 26 yard line. Four plays later, sophomore running back Briar Leenerman scored from 11 yards out at 8:09 in the second quarter followed by Castro’s extra point to give NCHS a 35-0 lead.

The Argonauts’ ensuing possession ended in a punt giving NCHS possession at Summit’s own 33 yard line. But after three unsuccessful plays toward a first down, Summit punted the ball, giving NCHS the ball at Summit’s 33 yard line. One play later, Davis rushed past and through Summit defenders for another score, but Castro’s extra point was blocked. That gave NCHS a 41-0 lead.

When there is a 40-point difference in scoring, game officials employe IHSA’s “Mercy Rule,” using a continuously running clock, stopping it only for timeouts taken by a team or because of an injury.

NCHS’ ensuing kickoff put Summit deep in their own territory starting at their own 10 yard line, but Ironmen defenders backed the Argonauts into their own end zone for a safety, upping their lead, 43-0. The Ironmen added one more touchdown to achieve the final score.

BLOOMINGTON – Upgrades will be coming for Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District, according to the governing body’s executive director in an announcement he made in the fourth floor McLean County Board Chamber at the McLean County Law and Justice Center Oct. 25. The district’s executive director, Timothy Ervin, explained the district will begin work on a $300 million investment which will deal with district’s infrastructure of its waste water in two phases. He said work to make improvements to the infrastructure will take place over the next 10 to 20 years.

The project, Ervin said will involve work on 14 separate projects “to address aging infrastructure and increase capacity at both of the district’s treatment plants in the Twin Cities. Making the updates, he said, will bring the district will bring the district “into compliance with new water quality standards and implement operational and maintenance efficacies to protect public health and the environment.”

A total of 14 proposed projects will be involved, 10 of which Ervin said will “renovate or modernize sewer infrastructure in west Bloomington and Normal.” The areas for the projects were selected, Ervin said, as part of a coordinated effort from staff of the Town of Normal, the City of Bloomington, McLean County, and the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District.

Ervin said the projects are placed into three categories: Waste Water Treatment and Facility Renovation, Interceptor System Updating, and Miscellaneous matters. He said the interceptors, which were installed in the late 1920s, have cracks and need repair.

Under the heading of Miscellaneous, the District is looking at installing what Ervin called “green infrastructure.” He added the District is also looking into “the expansion of our wetlands, planting trees, and using green infrastructure to process waste water.” He added the District is also looking into how the district can benefit from solar, geothermal, and green hydrogen to generate heat for waste water plants.

Projects Being Planned: Among the list of projects being planned by Water Reclamation District are: Wastewater facility renovation for Randolph Township, and installation of 34,300 feet of a 36 inch sewer to run parallel to Interstate 55 on the west side of Normal and Bloomington which would help move waste water from that part of the community to the waste water treatment plant.

Ervin said the 14 projects listed aren’t solely infrastructure projects, but rather, he called them “the community’s commitment to public health, the environment, and the economy.”

Ervin said the District believes the projects will “stimulate economic growth, mitigate flooding, regionalize waste water treatment, and generate well-paying jobs” as a result of the construction of infrastructure projects.

Ervin explained it took a court order in 1919 to bring the Water Reclamation District into existence as a means “to protect public health and the environment.” He added investing in the District’s work “has been paying dividends for the community ever since.” He said there are elements of the very first constructed infrastructure currently still in operation.

He added the primary waste water facility for McLean County, which began operations in 1929, continues to function. Even though it still functions, Ervin said, that facility “has become well-worn and obsolete.”

The District plans to “tap into available funding through two sources — the Federal Water Infrastructure and Innovation Act and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act State Revolving Fund Water Pollution Control Program in order to pay for the renovation.

Ervin added District user rates and property taxes which pay for the District will undergo annual increases in an effort to counter future debt services that come as a result of EPA-required infrastructure improvements. He added the District is pursuing seeking Federal and State funding for the improvements in an attempt to lessen the financial burden such costs on taxpayers.

Ervin said the District has done some calculating to determine what an average cost could be for residents. He explained based on a resident’s average water use of 5,000 gallons, the water treatment fee which will be $16.73 in 2024 will increase to $39.85 by 2044.

The District will continue to work with local, State, and Federal agencies in an effort to protect public health and the environment by using “efficient and effective treatment of waste water in McLean County,” Ervin said.

NORMAL – Board members of Normal-based Unit 5 School District were informed concerning the results of a recent survey conducted concerning what parents, staff, and students believed needed to be addressed by the district as it began putting together a strategic plan for its next five years.

District Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle explained to Board members and attendees of the meeting in the auditorium at Normal Community West High School that the plan was being assembled so Unit 5 could develop a strategic plan the district could use to guide it for the next five years.

The District’s survey asking what issues parents, District staff, and students thought needed to be addressed received responses from 6,600 people who all had a stake in the District’s future. Among the topics brought up in the survey were curriculum, safety at the schools, space at District facilities, and other numerous topics.

Dr. Weikle said a total of 6,600 people responded to the survey and those who answered the survey ranged from students to current faculty to concerned parents to members of the public.

Dr. Weikle said, when asked whether class sizes were the proper size when it came to learning, 75 percent of students, 60 percent of families and community members and 35 percent of District staff members said yes.

“Good News” About Normal West Science Teacher Schermann Winning National Award: April Schermann, science teacher at Normal Community West High School, was recognized at the meeting for having won the 2023-24 National Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Computer Science Teacher Of The Year Award. PLTW recognizes educators who have “a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience, expanding access to PLTW Programs and transforming teaching” according to the organization. Schermann was chosen from among numerously nominated teachers from across the country. Schermann has taught at Normal West for 22 years and during her career has won numerous awards related to her teaching. When not helping guide young minds to learn more about science, Schermann also serves as head coach of Normal West’s Softball team.

“Good News” Celebrating Evans JHS Baseball Placing 2nd At State: George L. Evans Junior High School’s baseball team, coached by Bob Scornavacco, finished the Illinois Elementary School Association baseball season by winning second place in the State Championship.

New Administrators Introduced: District Superintendent Dr. Weikle introduced new administrators joining the district. The first new person introduced was Marcus Mason who will be a human resources generalist for the district. With 16 years of HR experience, Mason comes to the district from his last job as an employee relations investigator with Rivian Motors. Mason has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ball State University. Also formerly a BSU basketball player, Mason is currently working on his Master’s degree seeking it from Pennsylvania’s St. Francis University. Mason is married with two children.

Dr. Weikle introduced Molly Rohde to the meeting. Rohde will serve as an Exempt EOP for the district, responsible for dealing with employees who meet certain criteria such dealing with certaina medical conditions or disabilities. Rohde comes to the district having worked at Evergreen Village where she was an HR Generalist. Rohde has worked in education, as well, having been employed by the Janesville, Wisc. School District. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University where she majored in Psychology. She also has professional certification in human resources.

Mikaila Walls was introduced by Dr. Weikle, explaining Walls comes to the district having been at State Farm in the position of Talent Acquisition Specialist. Walls holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Illinois State University. Outside of work, Walls volunteers doing community service with The Baby Fold, Project Oz, Westside Revitalization Project, and Back-To-School Alliance.

NORMAL – Following Normal Community West High School’s win over Champaign Centennial Friday night, with Head Coach Darren Hess serving a one-game suspension imposed by Big 12 Conference officials, it was up to Assistant Coach Duane Thoennes to guide the team through the Wildcats’ last regular season home game.

Because Wildcats Head Coach Nate Fincham was tossed from Normal West’s game last week at Peoria High by game officials in that game’s fourth quarter and was serving out a one game suspension from Illinois High School Association, leaving Thoennes to lead the Wildcats through their last regular season game. Although the Wildcats were outscored by visiting Champaign Centennial 10-0 in the first quarter, the Wildcats roared back outscoring the Chargers in the second quarter, 20-7 as they marched toward a final victory over the Chargers, 40-24.

Champaign Centennial (6-3 overall and Big 12 Record) scored first on a 2 yard pass from junior quarterback Kellen Davis to senior wide receiver Karson Kaiser for the first score of the game followed by Kaiser kicking a successful extra point to give the Chargers a fast 7-0 lead.

The first possession for Normal West (7-2 overall, 6-2 Big 12) ended in a turnover handing the ball back to the Chargers on their own 23 yard line. The Chargers marched down field in six plays despite having officials’ flags on two plays scoring a field goal from Normal West’s 9 yard line by Kaiser acting as kicker to expand the visiting team’s lead to 10-0 at the six minute mark in the first quarter.

The score stayed that way going into the second quarter until Wildcats senior quarterback Johnny Freymann connected with senior wide receiver Sencerre Brown on a 21 yard touchdown pass with 9:22 left in the second quarter followed by a successful point after by senior kicker Zach Rumps. That reduced the Chargers’ lead to 10-7.

After the ensuing kickoff, the Wildcats’ defense proved difficult for Champaign Centennial to get past once they started from their own 29 yard line. But four plays later, Champaign Centennial needed to punt the ball back to Normal West which started its next possession from its own 39 yard line. Four plays later, Normal West running back Terrell Jackson outpaced Champaign defenders sprinting 24 yards for the Wildcats next score with 7:10 left until halftime. Rumps followed with an extra point try which he missed, giving the Wildcats a 13-10 lead.

Champaign’s next possession was brief as on the third play with the ball at Champaign’s 21 yard line, Normal West’s Brown playing defensive back intercepted a pass and scrambled 31 yards for the Wildcats’ next touchdown with 5:05 left in the second quarter. Rumps followed with a successful extra point to give Normal West a 20-10 lead.

The Chargers scored once more before halftime as junior quarterback Kellen Davis kept the ball for a five yard run to complete his team’s 13 play 73 yard march toward their next score which closed Normal West’s lead to within three, 20-17 going into halftime.

Normal West received the ball to open the second half and quickly scored as Freymann connected with senior wide receiver Gavin Camp on a 17 yard touchdown for his team’s next score at the 9:30 mark in the third quarter followed by Rumps’ extra point. That extended West’s lead to 27-17.

Defense took over from that point as the Chargers had two unsuccessful possession and Normal West had one before scoring again. Camp would score his second touchdown of the game at 2:10 in the third quarter topping a 7 play 75 yard drive toward another score followed by Rumps’ extra point. That score doubled Normal West’s advantage on the Chargers, 34-17 with 2:02 left in the third quarter.

Champaign Centennial managed to get their ball to West’s 44 yard line after the ensuing kickoff completing their four play drive with a flee flicker play caught by senior wide receiver Anthony Caceres for the Chargers’ next score followed by Kaiser’s extra point. Normal West still held a 10 point lead at that point, 34-24.

Following the ensuing kickoff, Normal West started their drive from their own 34 yard line and 10 plays later, the Wildcats scored again as fans watched Camp dash into the end zone for a third time on the night from five yard out for another score. Kaiser followed to add an extra point but missed it resulting in the eventual final score.

Thoennes explained that while Fincham may have been with the team at practices and came up with the gameplan in preparation for Friday’s game, Assistant Coaches D.T. Thornton and Brent Warner Powell were responsible for making sure the offense Fincham prepared got carried out by his team’s players when he was absent.

“It was Hess’ game plan,” Thoennes said. “We just called the plays and the team executed really well.” Thoennes added there was nothing different about how Normal West operated during the game except for the fact that Hess was not present for the game. Hess had also been suspended for a portion of the Wildcats’ 2014 season returning for the next season.

Thoennes said he hoped Normal West would open the postseason at home. “We’re 7-2 but we should be one of the top five or six in Class 6A, maybe get a home game,” he explained.

Thoennes said the Wildcats have had numerous injuries all season to the point that he said he can’t recall if they have played a full game all season with the entire team at full strength all season. He credited Freyman with looking as though he had not been gone long from an injury which kept him sidelined for a few weeks.

Normal West Hosts IHSA Class 6A Playoffs: Normal West has made the playoffs and are seeded 5th. They will host 12th seed Chicago Simeon, who finished the season at 5-4, this weekend.