A Knight in Dragonland

High school football, that is … not that prima donna NFL crap that Hank Williams Jr. likes to sing about.
On Friday, August 29, 2008, at Pekin Memorial Stadium, the Pekin Community High School Dragons open up their first season under new head coach George Kaider aginst the Richwoods Community High School Knights under their new [...]

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The Pekin High School varsity football team has a new head coach. His name is George Kaider, and his teams have gone 95-21 during his 11-year coaching career … although 10 of those years were spent as an assistant coach at McHenry, Lake Zurich and Palatine. He spent one season as a head [...]

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Metamora won their first state championship since 1975 by beating Morris, 17-14.  The Redbirds truly showed their mettle in this game, coming from behind (something they haven’t really had to do all season) to win by a field goal in the final seconds of the game.
Congratulations to the Redbirds, IHSA Football Class 5A State Champions.

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The Metamora Redbirds came back from an early 7-0 deficit to trounce Marion in their IHSA 5A Semifinal, 62-34 (PJStar, WEEK). Metamora (13-0) will now face Morris (11-2) for the IHSA Class 5A State Championship in Champaign’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 24 at 10:00 A.M.
Good luck to the Redbirds!

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Metamora blasted its way past Pontiac yesterday, 35-14. Three costly Pontiac fumbles on three consecutive offensive drives in the second quarter led to quick Redbird scores. Metamora (12-0) advances to the 5A Semifinals where they’ll face Marion (10-2).
North Fulton beat Stark County, 20-13. The Wildcats (10-2) advance to face Galena (12-0) [...]

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I know, I know … I’m a big blogging slacker. Believe me, I have been following the local high school football scene. I just haven’t blogged about it. Blame the current viral plague(s) that seems to be running through Pekin right now. My office has been hoppin’ for the last two [...]

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Yes, I’m aware that I’ve been seriously remiss in my blogging duties. I’m posting my Friday high school football round-up on Monday night … late on Monday night. Shame, shame, shame … I know, I know.
This has not been a good year for Pekin High School football. Faced with a 1-4 record [...]

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Ohhh no … that did not happen. Pekin LOST to EAST PEORIA??? For their Homecoming Game??? I can’t get over the horror that the Dragons lost to a team that – until last night – was destined for yet another winless season after 25 straight losses. Ohhh … the pain!
My agony [...]

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There were lots of high-scoring, lopsided victories again this week. Among the scores listed here, Havana and Dee-Mack had the only close games.
The Washington Panthers have been quite the spoiler for me this season. First they inflicted the only loss on my otherwise undefeated alma mater. Now they’ve ruined Pekin’s chance for [...]

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There were a few close games this week, but yet again we witness numerous slaughters.
Pekin High fell victim to the Eagles of Dunlap, 54-14.
Richwoods ran over the Rams, 57-8.
Josiah Rosenberger and the Potters triumphed over the Little Giants of Canton, 27-15. Rosenberger rushed for 210 yards, with most of those yards coming in the [...]

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Yet another Friday night of brutal conquests …
The Dragons suffered the onslaught of the mighty Redbirds, losing 56-0. Pekin High apparently hasn’t been beaten that badly since 1916, when they lost to Manual 57-0. Holy ouch, Batman.
The Knights pummeled the Irish, 40-7.
Morton slammed East Peoria, 61-21.
Dunlap beat Washington, 27-6.
Fieldcrest stomped Tremont, 29-10.
Woodruff skinned [...]

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The Knights were victorious over Jerseyville, 28-6. Richwoods {gasp} actually utilized the passing game to set up several of their scores. Matt Perez came down with 2 interceptions for the Knight’s defense. Richwoods faces Notre Dame next week.
Pekin was pottered by Morton, 30-8. Pekin scored their only points on a 3-play, [...]

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Last night the Dragons rocketed to the 500th victory in the history of Pekin High School football. Kudos to Pekin senior receiver-defensive back Justin Giddens for his outstanding performance: two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two fumble recoveries (including a critical turnover at the Dragon’s one yard line). Pekin 12, Limestone [...]

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Unfortunate from my perspective, at least … Richwoods lost to Washington, and Pekin lost to O’Fallon.
(SIGH)
Ahh well … last season started out the same way, and both the Knights and the Dragons ended up in the playoffs.  Hopefully the same will hold true for this season.
I’m surprised there hasn’t been any gloating from a certain [...]

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Normal Community beat Batavia for the 6A state championship.  The final score was 30-20.  Batavia came back from behind and threatened, bringing the scores to 27-20 until Normal kicked a field goal with under a minute left to put the final nail in.
Batavia lost their starting quarterback early in the game, too – talk about [...]

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