The post season game we’ve been anticipating.  The playoff rival we desire.  Looking over at the east side of the field lined with Hornet and Warrior flags side by side irritates some,  but I find it exhilarating.  Seeing those flags together tell me Brown County is now at a level equal with only a handful of 1A teams in the state.  Last year’s Hornet squad was not supposed to be as good as the year before, yet made it to the semifinals.  This year’s Hornet squad was not supposed to be as good as last, yet again the boys made it to the final four.  With the unwavering and focused leadership of 8 dedicated coaches the Hornets have left the realm of mediocrity and entered the universe of the elite. 

Today’s semifinal game against Tuscola was expected to be tough.  In the first half though, the hornets held their own.  The  BC defense limited Tuscola to a mere 34 rushing yards and Phillip Meyer with only 2 completions for 56 yards in the air.  The Hornet offense had 86 on the ground, with Sheppard completing 1 of 6 for 17 yards, going into halftime with a 7-6 lead.  But the 3^rd quarter was all about QB Meyer.  Let’s give credit where due: Meyer was the 3^rd quarter.  Tuscola had 140 yards in that quarter alone, with 80 of them on Meyer’s heels, and that was the difference in the game.  Given the other 3 quarters combined, BC outplayed Tuscola, but Meyer’s 3^rd was the win. 

This was another fantastic season for the hornets.  They exceed all expectations and played with skill and discipline for 13 games.  They may not have led us to the promised-land, but the swarm can see it on the horizon.  Thanks to the Hornets and coaches for handing us another great autumn of football madness.

On offense BC saw 11 possessions and 10 first downs.  Sheppard took 50 yards on 11 carries in his ground game and 6 of 18 for 144 yards and a 46 yard TD in the air.  Rick Logsdon’s ground game netted 32 yards on 10 carries, Braxton Phelps 5 carries for 8 and Sam Henricks 3 for 12.  The receiving core had Logsdon with 2 receptions for 32, Justin Volk 4 receptions for 112, including a 46 yard TD snag.  On defense Austing Gooding led all tackles with 14 (8 solo, 6 assists) with 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss, Luke Gragg with 12 (9-3), freshman Michael Scoggan with an amazing 10 tackles (5-5) and Nathan Banta rounding out the top with 7 (5-2).

Nine months till kickoff.  Until then enjoy the gridiron dreams, and as always BLEED GREEN!

Side note:  Thanks to the Sting Squad for allowing me this page again this season, and also to all the swarm that followed my weekly ramblings.

When BC and Triopia met up in week 3 the game was all about big plays and special teams.  A phenomenal come from behind on the very last second and a 22-21 win for the Trojans made for an amazing game to witness and gave Triopia the motivation they needed to grab a conference title.  Today the Hornets and Trojans met again, in a quarter final IHSA battle.  There were 3 important things BC must do to take this game: stop the Joehl and Schone run, freeze out the Huddleston deep pass, and own the clock.   

Trojan-Hornet games are always defensive battles, and nothing less was expected for today’s game.  Triopia took the kickoff on their own 30.  The Hornet D forced a 3 and out, and punt.  On BC’s first possession Triopia’s D stepped up, locking the Hornets down to 3 plays and a punt.  The mindset of this battle was set the first 4 minutes of the game.  On Triopia’s next possession a Huddleston to Joehl 27 yard pass placed the Trojan’s on their own 48 and a first down.  But the swarm did not waiver.  On 3 plays and 2 Trojan penalties another forced punt and BC possession.  The Hornets pushed a 6 play drive with a 1^st down, yet the Trojan’s held strong, forcing the 4^th punt of the 1^st quarter.

Triopia’s next possession took the game into the 2^nd quarter, and after a Gooding sack and Banta tackle for loss of yard the Hornets accepted another punt, BC ball on their own 35. Tim Woodward was sidelined with a helmet hit to the knee, Alex Sheppard now taking snaps behind center.  The Hornet went on a 67 yard, 6 ½ minute attack.  A 22 yard Logsdon run and 11 yard Volk reception landed BC in the red zone for the first time.  Sheppard drops back to pass, with Triopia’s coverage strong, knocking the ball from Logsdon’s hands.  The next play saw a pass to Taylor, only to face an interception .  Triopia would take their 4^th possession of the game on their own 20.  Derek Schone broke for a 17 yard 25 yard 1^st downs, but 2 tackles for loss, one from Nathan Banta and the other from Terry Scheer ended a 49 yard drive, with Triopia turning the ball over on loss of downs.  At the 1:10 mark in the half the Hornets ran 3 plays and took a knee, heading to the locker room with a 0-0 defensive extravaganza.  Triopia snagged 3 first downs and entered Hornet territory once in the first half.  They would enter 4 yards into Hornet territory once again in the 3^rd    quarter, but they would not be allowed another 1^st down.

The 2^nd half witnessed the Hornets take the first possession, but after a 6 play-30 yard drive and a Braxton Phelps 8 yard reception for 1^st down the Trojans line held, forcing the punt.  On Triopia’s first play of possession Justin Volk forced a short clock, pulling down an interception on the Hornets 49.  Triopia once again held firm, and on the 3^rd play of the drive Janssen Joehl returned the favor, grabbing an interception on the Trojan 30.  At this point the crowd, on both sides, were thunderous in their excitement.   A Trojan 15 yard penalty after interception pushed Triopia back, and on the next play Alex sheppard stripped the ball from Derrek Schone’s grip, recovering the ball and giving the Hornets possession on Triopia’s 22.  The boys were finally in position to mark the board.  Sam Henricks took the first handoff, busting 10 yards and a first down.  Rick Logsdon broke on the 2^nd play for 7, 3^rd play a stop, and Sheppard taking the next play 1 yard.  4^th down on the 4 yard line.  A handoff to Logsdon and ridiculous blocking by the offensive line took Rick across the white stripe, putting the Hornets in lights 6-0, xp run no good.

The Hornets offense and defense both stepped up to the call of the swarm.  Triopia’s next possession saw a 3 and out.  BC’s offense took over, burning near 5 minutes on a 10 play-41 yard drive before handing the ball to the Trojan’s on punt, Triopia taking possession on their own 19.  After a Clayton Taylor 4 yard sack, another 3 and out for Triopia, BC taking over on triopia’s 41.  The Trojan’s were relentless in their defensive stance, and unwilling to give up this battle, forcing a 3 and out for the Hornets.  A back and forth battle of wills.  BC AGAIN forced a short field, 3 and out, taking the ball on their own 30.  It looked as if Triopia would force another short yard gain, with BC picking up only 1 yard on 3 intense plays, but on punt were called on roughing the kicker, giving BC a first down on penalties and an opportunity to burn more ticks.  The Trojans held tough and forced a punt on 3 downs.  With 2:12 on the clock the Trojans ran 3 running plays before falling prey to a fumble, Sam Henricks landing on the loose ball, giving BC the last possession of the game.   Using the clock against Triopia’s remaining time outs the Hornets took the quarter final victory in one of the best defensive matchups of the 2011 campaign.  Hornets 6, Trojans 0, final.

The Hornet defense was phenomenal.  Triopia averaged only 3 carries per possession (27 carries, 3 receptions on 10 possessions) and 18 minutes on the clock, 3 first downs, 78 net yards on the ground and 41 in the air.  The D forced 2 fumbles for recovery (Sheppard, Henricks), pulled down an interception (volk) and forced short yardage for 4 quarters.  Triopia found BC territory only twice.  Austin Gooding and Christian Kennedy led all tackles with 7 each (5 solo 2 assists, 6 solo 1 assist respectively), with Gooding tacking on 2 QB sacks.  Alex Sheppard added 6 (2-4) and Terry Scheer contributed 5 (2-3), adding a hit for loss.  Nathan Banta rounded out top hits with 5 and 2 tackles for loss.   

On offense the Hornets played a brutal game, as Triopia was equally a defensive monster today.  The Hornets owned 29 ½ minutes of the clock and moved 10 first downs on 12 possessions.  The ground game witnessed Rick Logsdon with 58 yards on 20 carries (4yard TD).  Alex Sheppard took 62 on 14, Sam Henricks 25 on 6 and Braxton Phelps7 on 6 touches.  Alex Sheppard took to the air for 8 attempts, 2 completions for 19 yards and 2 interceptions. 

Until next week Hornet Nation, BLEED GREEN!

If you look under the back of Justin Volk’s pads there is a 3-way switch; Game ready, pass protect and insane coverage.  I’m pretty sure Luke snuck up behind Justin at the half and bumped it up to insane, just for fun.

The BC faithful took a 3 ½ hour road trip to Toledo, and did so in a massive swarm, to watch the Hornets play the Cumberland Pirates.   The Pirates have an above par offense and fantastic QB, and a very stiff defense.  The front 24 minutes were a  grind-up, beat down defensive battle by both teams.  Both teams were forced into 3 punts and 1 turnover on downs each.  A short field drive by the Pirates put Kendall butler in the end zone the beginning of the 2^nd, xp no good.  The Hornets were able to cross the white stripe once on a 44 yard drive late in the 2^nd quarter, only to have the play called back on a penalty.  After a hard-nosed first half the teams left the field with a 6-0 Cumberland lead.

In the beginning of the 3^rd quarter the Hornet offense came out sharp.  Torching 5 minutes, the Hornets put together a 10 play-54 yard drive, culminating in a Rick Logsdon 11 yard TD run, Sheppard kick good.  That was enough to fire up the swarm.  On the Pirates next possession Luke Gragg smoked through the line for a sack, the secondary slapped down two attempted passes and forced the Pirates to punt.   On the hornets next possession the penalty bug bit again, and although the Hornets pulled 24 yards on the drive, could not gain a 1^st down, punting to a stout and determined Cumberland.  The Hornet D once again stood firm, and after only two plays Alex Sheppard retained possession on a fumble recovery.  With 3 ½ minutes remaining in the 3^rd BC put together a 9 play-56 yard drive, ending the quarter and situating the Hornets on the Pirates 11 to begin the 4^th.

 It took only two plays at the top of the final quarter for the Hornets to cross the great white stripe once again, with a Justin Volk 9 yard reception, kick good.  At that point Justin owned the 4^th quarter.  On the Pirates next possession Justin snagged an interception, taking the ball 45 yards into Pirate territory.  BC’s possession was immediately hit with a holding penalty, putting the Hornets 1^st and 20.  On the next play Woodward hooked up with Volk again for a 25 yard gain and 1^st down, with the next play giving Logsdon a 5 yard TD, kick no good.  But the Pirates were determined, and on their next possession drove 65 yards, only to be froze out by a stingy Hornet defense, and on 4^th and long Woodward knocked down a deep pass and forced a Pirate turnover.   The Pirates were not deterred.  BC put together 7 plays but was once again bitten by penalties, and forced to punt. 

2:35 left on the clock with a 2 TD Hornet lead.  A Pirate QB that is capable of putting together a 1 minute scoring offense stepped back into the shotgun.  Butler took the snap, and as the Hornet D-line broke through Butler passed deep, only to be picked off once again by #18, Justin Volk.  That was enough to close out the game and take the win over an impressive Cumberland Pirates, 20-6.

This game was a defensive classic, with both teams taking 12 possessions each.  The Hornets run D was tight all 4 quarters, and the pass coverage owned the 2^nd half, with Volk snagging 2 interceptions and knocking down 2.  The Hornets secondary owned everything past the line of scrimmage, with Sheppard, Taylor, Volk and Woodward denying pass after pass.  Austin Gooding led all tackles with 12 (an impressive 8 solos and 4 assists), Luke Gragg taking 7 (3-4, 1 sack) and Alex Sheppard zeroing in on 5 (3-2), including a painful QB sack.

On offense, the impressive Pirate D worked hard to lock down Sheppard, holding him to 35 yards.  Sam Henricks pounded the center of the field once again for 50.  Tim Woodward took 4 on the ground, with two being huge 1^st down plays and a game total 39 yards.  Rick Logsdon was held to 8 carries and 57 yards ---- in the 1^st half.  Logsdon busted loose in the second half, adding another 111 yards for a total of 168 on 25 carries.   Taylor pulled down a 10 yard Woodward pass, Volk snagging 3 for 42 (8,9 and 25 yards), giving Woodward 4 of 8 for 52 yards and a passing TD. 

The Hornets again take a trek into the quarter finals, hosting WIVC rival Triopia Trojans.  BC and Triopia are nearly mirror image, in all aspects of the game.  On the other side of the bracket the “Cola Wars” are once again revisited, as old rivals Tuscola and Arcola are set. 

I hope to see all the Hornet faithful next Saturday for another great quarter final matchup, and as always, BLEED GREEN! 

In the 2011 season BC opponents have learned much too often if they focus on one aspect of a Hornet game, zero in on one player that’s a scoring threat, they will be blindsided by another weapon.   It was apparent early in BC’s offense that Lewistown was zeroing in on Sheppard, only to learn the hard way just how well Rick can roll, in a 28-7 BC playoff victory.

Saturday’s round 1 playoffs saw the Hornets host the Lewistown Indians.  In early season polls Lewistown was ranked top 5 in Illinois in both AP and IHSS power polls.  A contender last season, the Indians struggled against top teams in 2011 and entered the post season with a 6-3 record.  Even with the record Lewistown is not a team to disregard, and the Hornets defense took that to heart early in the game.   BC received the first kickoff, and after a ritual 4 ½ minute clock burning ceremony capped by a Sheppard TD, the defense burst into action.   On Lewistown’s first possession Luke Gragg snapped the Indians defensive line, and put QB Colton Johnson on his toes, a play that was quickly followed by a boom.  A Howie Boom to be precise.  Austin Gooding aided Gragg with a painful 12 yard sack on Johnson.  This was only the first of a tag team Gragg-Gooding smash mouth defensive day. 

On the Hornets next possession, the biggest offensive play of the day, as Rick Logsdon broke loose on a 50 yard run for TD.  Rick’s 14 carries netted 142 yards, and made Rick the 2^nd player of the 2011 campaign to bust a grand in rushing.  In the 3^rd quarter Tim Woodward launched a 26 yard pass through an unsuspecting Indian backfield, connecting a perfect pass to Alex Sheppard for TD.  Adding  73 on the ground Shep ended the day with over 100 total on offense, and after a deflection on pass by Volk, contributed another 32 yards on an interception.  Tim Woodward connected 2 of 3 in the air, with a 21 yard snag by Justin Volk and a 26 yard TD toss to Shep.  There may not be a lot of scheduled flights on Air Woodward, but when he does leave the ground you know you’re going to reach your destination.  Woodward also snagged the 2^nd interception of the game for the Hornets.   Sam Henricks as always played the part of hardcore workhorse, dragging his opponents an average of 5 yards per carry, ending the day with 43 on the ground.  Henricks ability to pull 2 and 3 defenders that extra yard wore down Lewistown’s interior line. 

On defense the Gragg-Gooding hit fest was enhanced by a wrecking crew of hits by both an aggressive hornet line and a no-bend backfield.  The defensive 6 minute freeze out and goal line stop on the 6 yard line was a worthy cap to the first half of play.  Gooding led all tackles with 12 (4 solo, 8 assists), Alex Sheppard adding 11 (8-3), Luke Gragg tagging 9 (4-5).  Terry Scheer, Nathan Banta, Sam Henricks and Christian Kennedy added hard hitting 6 tackles each.

Next week the Hornets head to Toledo Cumberland High to face the Pirates in a 2^nd round playoff matchup.  Toledo enters the game at 6-4 after a hard fought first round victory over Winchester West Central.  The Pirates defensive core is their front line, With Andrew Breese, Jamin Repp and Jackson Green grabbing interior tackles.  Look for Kendall Butler, Nathan Day, Brayden Smith and Branden Adamson to make noise in the LB and DB positions.  On offense the Pirates main receivers will be the two tight ends, Kole Butler and Coen Shaffer, and WR Austin Miller.  QB Kendall Butler is capable in the air, and is also Toledo’s main weapon in their ground attack, usually leading or at least matching rush yards with RB Brayden Smith. 

Next Saturday is a perfect day for a Hornet caravan.  Hope to see you in Toledo, and as always, BLEED GREEN!

 Impressive lead blocking offered up big open field plays.  Defensive aggression forced a blocked punt, fumble recovery, a game ending interception and some of the hardest hits of the season.  At 7-1 going into the final week, a win over the Carrollton Hawks would ensure home field advantage week one of the playoffs.  Once again the Hornet faithful were not disappointed.

It took one Carrollton play for the Hornets dominance to show its head.  On the Hawks first snap Luke Gragg dives on a fumble at the 24 yard line.  9 plays and a clock burning 5 minutes later the line opens up, giving Alex Sheppard a one yard TD, kick good.  On Carrollton’s 2^nd possession the Hawks drove a hard 70 yards before the Hornet D froze the hawks on downs on the Hornets 30 yard line.  Once again an impressive series, laced with a 30 yard Woodward-to-Volk reception topped off a 70 yard drive with Sheppard punching in another 1 yard run for TD, kick good.   BC’s 3^rd possession gave witness to more of the same, with a 96 yard drive, culminating in a 1 yard run for TD by Rick Logsdon, kick good.  After a great half of O-line dominance and excellent lead blocking by Austin Gooding the Hornets took a break with a 21-0 lead.

BC took the kickoff to start the 2^nd half of play.  Carrollton took advantage of solid pass coverage, picking Woodward’s pass attempt to Justin Volk.  But the Hornets D held firm, and on 4^th down Howie Boom blew through the line, Gooding blocking the punt and giving the ball to the Hornets on their own 39.   Tim Woodward quickly found a target, with a 26 yard connect to Justin Volk, once again putting the Hornets in Hawk territory.   With just over 2 minutes of possession Sam Henricks crosses the line on an 8 yard run, kick good.   The Hornet offense would finish the night on one final drive, going 69 yards and capping the evening with a 15 yard Rick Logsdon TD run, kick good.  Carrollton would have possession twice more in the 4^th, punching the first in for TD.  The 2^nd, and final drive of the game The Hawks were picked, with Dylan Ruble nabbing the interception and dashing the hopes of another 6 on the board.  Final tally, BC 35, Carrollton 6. 

On defense Austin Gooding led all tackles with 11 (4 solo, 7 assists) and a blocked punt, Luke Gragg added 9 (4-5) with a fumble recovery, Nathan Banta (4-3) and Sam Henricks (2-5) tacked on 7 monster hits each.  Dylan Ruble closed out the evening with a game ending interception.  On offense much credit needs to be given to the O-line, opening holes and running phenomenal lead blocking.   Rick Logsdon took the role as workhorse, taking the clock-burning  yards and big hits with 66 yards on 15 carries.  Sam Henricks with 11 carries for 73 yards and a solid 35 yard breakaway play.  Alex Sheppard led the run attack with 16 carries for 184, achieving a 1,000 yard rushing season, the first grand in rushing under Little and staff (sidenote, Rick Logsdon is sitting on 891 yards after 9 weeks).  Tim Woodward launched 2 for 7 in the air with 1 interception, Justin Volk snagging on both for 56 yards.

With a win Friday against an old WCC conference foe Mendon, BC would guarantee a 6 win lock for playoffs.  The Mustangs goal was to derail the Hornet hopes for another week.  Mendon has shown much improvement their first couple years in the WIVC, and has been a threat on the ground and in the air against virtually all opponents, except for 2 of the big 3 in the North, falling to both Triopia and Routt.  The big question last night was could Mendon’s high powered offense blast enough points to take out the final team of the WIVC North’s triple threat?

The game started out rocky for the Hornets.  On the Mustangs first possession Aaron Whittler scorched the sidelines with a big gain, and within a hand full of plays Mendon was perched on the Hornets 1 yard line.  That was enough of a shock treatment for the Hornet D to take control.  Forcing a jump and then a botched play the Mustangs burned 4 downs and stopped in their tracks on the Hornet 10.  It was time for the sting of a Hornet offense.  It’s almost impossible to gauge which BC back will play the role of premiere yardage king.  Friday night Rick Logsdon took the reins and rode the Mustangs defense down field.  On BC’s first possession the Hornets burned up almost a full 8 minutes on the clock, Sam Henricks and Alex Sheppard playing the role of work horses, Logsdon pulling in the big yardage.  Taking the ball 90 yards in a time consuming barrage of up the gut football the Hornets crossed the white stripe on a Logsdon 3 yard gain, Sheppard kick good.   On Mendon’s next possession sophomore Nathan Banta read with perfection a Jacob Miller pass at midfield, grabbing his first career interception, taking it 48 yards to Mendon’s 12.  Logsdon, in top form, quickly punched it in for the Hornets 2^nd TD, kick good.  On the Mustangs 3^rd possession they were able to burn only 2 minutes off the board, but were once again stopped cold by smothering plays from a determined Hornet D.  BC struck once more in the 2^nd quarter at the 2:48 mark with a Sheppard 2 yard scamper, kick good.  To finish out the half both teams froze out big yardage from their opponents, and headed to the locker room with a BC 21-0 lead.

The 3^rd quarter brought out the Mustang D with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.  On BC’s first possession Mendon forced short yardage  and a BC punt. But the Hornets D held firm with monster stops from Gooding, Sheer, Banta, Gragg and Kennedy.  On the Hornets 2^nd series in the half the backs pulled out 3 consecutive long yardage plays (Logsdon 24 yard carry, Sheppard 26 yard carry and Henricks 25 yard carry), putting BC on the Mustang 2 yard line.  A 2 yard push by Logsdon and a Sheppard XP kick added another 7 on BC’s side of the board.  The Hornets offensive line worked flawlessly on this 67 yard drive.  Even with BC’s dominance the Mustangs never hung their heads, never gave up.  On their next possession Mendon took the clock into the 4^th quarter and was finally able to strike on a Kyle Vandermaiden 8 yard run.  The Hornets offense then set to task burning up 9 minutes, and when in striking distance went Air Woodward, with Justin Volk pulling down a big yardage pass, then to Sheppard for an 8 yard TD reception, kick good.  With 3 minutes left in the game and a 35-6 lead, BC’s starters earned their rest, heading to the sidelines.  The sophomore squad took over to finish the game.  Although the young Hornets had some amazing stops on the next Mustang drive, with Boylen and Mekdara exacting nasty hits on Mendon’s backfield, the Mustangs were able to march downfield for a final 13 yard TD run by Vandermaiden.  Final score BC 35, Mendon-UP 13.  BC’s 6 win lock for playoffs was now a confirmation.

Much credit needs to be given to both the Hornet offensive and defensive lines.  BC’s big boys played a monster game, and although the Mustangs exacted some yardage, BC’s D found a way to stop the Mendon's key plays.   The O-line allowed openings and great lead blocking for their backs to exact efficient yardage.  Luke Gragg led all tacklers with 11 (5 solo, 6 assists), Austin Gooding with 10 (4-6) and Christian Kennedy contributed 10 (5-5).  On offense Rick Logsdon was insane on the run, averaging 10 yards per carry (180 yards on 18 carries), Henricks adding 55 yards on 10 and Sheppard 65 yards on 10.  Tim Woodward jetted 4 of 6 in the air for 65 yards, Justin Volk pulling down two in tight coverage for 46 yards. 

Next Friday BC finish off their 3 game road trip, visiting Greenfield in a cross-conference week 8 game.   

For an avid football fan there is nothing better than watching equally talented high school teams go head-to-head in a hard-nosed game.   Add the rivalry of Brown County vs. Routt and the level of intensity escalates to fanatics dream.   Fridays visit to Kraushaar-Rosenberger Field did not disappoint the Hornet faithful.  The time of possession was split almost equally, with both teams eating up 12 minutes of the clock each per half.  The difference it seems came down to the Hornets smothering defense, allowing Routt only 98 rushing on 45 carries and 108 passing yards, while BC’s offense jetted 51 carries for 310 yards. 

The first half offense witnessed Rick Logsdon and Sam Henricks pounding the turf at 2 to 4 yards a carry, with Henricks at times rolling through for big yardage.  By the middle of the 1^st quarter Alex Sheppard, following aggressive blocking, began ripping out 10 and 12 yards per carry, the offensive line blasting huge holes in Routt’s defense.  At 2:30 in the 1^st Sheppard tore across the white stripe on a 4 yard run, xp kick good.  Although the Hornet D forced 2 Rocket punts in the first half Routt  was able to put together a solid 3 ½ minute drive, going to the air to advance the field before QB Nick Lonergan busted through on a 1 yard run for TD, xp kick good.  The Hornets, using the clock to their advantage, burned up the final 4 ½ minutes of the first half, and opted for a field goal, sending the game to halftime with a 10-7 lead.

It is well known to compete with Routt a team must put up a good 3^rd quarter D, as very few team can adjust a second half offense better than the Rockets.  The Hornet D line did not disappoint.  Big boys Nathan Banta and Christian Kennedy repeatedly froze the line of scrimmage with monster hits,   Howie Boom Gooding punished Routt’s backs with every touch, and Luke Gragg and Sheppard froze out the long run.  Both teams made it through more than 18 minutes without allowing major field position.  Then Ricky busted loose. After pounding short yardage on 15 carries Logsdon ripped through the Rocket line for a 40 yard gain to Routt’s 29 yard line.  Making quick work BC played aggressive up the gut football, with Woodward capping the drive with a 4 yard sweep for TD, xp kick good.  But as always never count the Rockets out.  With 3:09 on the clock Nick Rossi blasted a 60+ yard kickoff return, followed quickly by a Garrett Eilering reception, and after an exciting 2 minute drive Routt’ QB Lonergan once again punched in a 1 yard run for TD, xp kick good. 

With 1:16 left ticking and down 3 an onside kick by Routt was expected.  The Hornets realigned their special team, but on the kick the ball bounced off the leg of a BC player, allowing Brant Young to recover.  Routt had the momentum, and it was up to the Hornet defense to make a statement, and that they did.  The Hornet line froze out Routt in 4 downs and took over last possession with just 23 seconds left.  BC pulls out a quality victory over an impressive Routt in another WIVC North classic matchup, 17-14.

On offense Logsdon held 20 carries for 132 yards.  Henricks added 9 carries for 42, Sheppard 19 carries for 126 and Woodward 3 carries for 10.  BC took 19 first downs, with Logsdon handling 10.  BC’s defense held Routt to 45 carries and 98 yards, and allowed only 108 passing from a very impressive QB Nick Lonergan.  Howie Boom led all tacklers with 14 (7-7, 1 for loss), Banta and Kennedy contributed a hard hitting 8 each, Sheppard and Gragg both adding 7 apiece. 

Next Friday the Hornets travel to Mendon for the final WIVC north matchup of the season.

In the past 7 years since Brown County’s entry into the WIVC no regular season game has been more epic, no rivalry is more exciting than the gridiron grind of a BC-Triopia matchup.   In that 7 year span there has never been a blowout between the two teams, not once a running clock.  Just hard-nosed, exciting football.   The last time the Hornets dropped a regular season game was in 2008, against the Trojans, the closest scoring game Triopia faced all season (12-3), as the Trojans marched on to a 42-7 state championship.  The Hornets forged ahead the next two seasons, going 9-0 with 2 conference championships and a semifinal appearance.   After 7 years the fans know when these two 1A powerhouses take the field all previous wins, all accolades and state rankings are left at the gate and a game of monumental proportions is about to be witnessed.  Under the Friday night lights this week the fanatics in the stands were not disappointed. 

Triopia and Brown County entered this week’s game 2-0, with decisive victories against WIVC South opponents.  The aggressive offense of both the Hornets and Trojans exploded onto the field in the 1^st quarter.  With just under a minute and 2 plays a handoff to Derrek Schone culminated into a burst of 67 yards and a TD. On the ensuing kickoff BC sophomore Braxton Phelps set fire to the field with a 93 yard kickoff return, only to be called back on a penalty.  Using the clock wisely the Hornets burned 6 minutes to punch Sam Henricks across the white stripe to tie the game.  The nights specials team extravaganza did not end with Phelps.  On the very next kickoff Jansen Joehl kicked in the afterburners, torching the east sideline for an 84 yard kickoff return.  The Hornets then wasted little time on their next possession, driving in Rick Logsdon on a 5 yard run.  The 2^nd quarter both teams settled in, and began using the clock.  The Trojans were unable to gain big yardage on BC.  The Hornets possession took on a deep drive and a ridiculously impressive 31 yard reception for TD from Tim Woodward to Justin Volk at the 7 minute mark.  The Hornets continued a dominant defensive stance the remainder of the 2^nd quarter, with Austin Gooding, Luke Gragg, Clayton Taylor and Christian Kennedy creating demanding and decisive stops, going into halftime with a 21-14 lead over the guest Trojans.

If the first half of the gridiron gridlock was all about the offense, the second half was defense and time management.  Defensive stands by both teams prevailed for 6 minutes.  The next BC possession the Hornets would burn a full 12 minutes off the board before turning over on downs deep into Trojan territory.   Both the Trojans and Hornets held another 2 minute possession each, with no success.  At 2 minutes left in the game the Trojans were finally able to put together a successful offensive drive, and with only 1 second left on the clock Jared Sanders pulled down a prayer with a 10 yard reception from QB Huddleston for the final TD.  Risking the game, Coach Thompson went for the 2 pt. Conversion and win as opposed to the tie, with a successful reception by Schone.   The final score in an exciting WIVC North game, Triopia 22, BC 21. 

Austing Gooding led the defense with 9 incredible solo tackles, two monstrous QB sacks and 6 assists (15).  Christian Kennedy had a career high defensive game with 8 tackles, 2 for loss.  Clayton Taylor added with 2 important QB sacks.  On offense the Hornets handed out 10 first downs.  Alex Sheppard led all rushers with 15 carries for 91 yards.  Tim Woodward connected 2 for 3 with 1 interception and 77yds (1 for TD).  Sheppard with a 46 yard reception, Volk, 31 yard for TD.  Braxton Phelps added a 65 yard blast on special teams.

Next Friday the Hornets travel to Wright City Missouri for an out of conference matchup.

Calhoun Warriors are known for their triple option offense.  It is a tough offense to read, and even more difficult to run, as it is a last second handoff based on how the quarterback reads the opposing defense.  But it is also a great offense for the Hornets to open the season against, as it made our D focus on ball movement and meticulous handoffs.  Going into week 1 against an imposing Calhoun offense is a great way to begin the 2011 campaign.  Containing returning 1,000 yd rusher (and one of the top monster fullbacks in the WIVC) Ethan Eberlin, while not losing site of the talents of Austin Malley and Tyler Johnson would no doubt be a full 4 quarter task that would test a new Hornet defensive line.  Equally, the Hornet offense needed to maintain dominance, striking hard and fast early.   BC wasted little time Friday making this game plan work in their favor.

The Swarm launched out of the first kickoff Friday with ferocity.  After just a couple plays Alex Sheppard cut right on a handoff for an amazing tackle breaking 59 yard run for touchdown,  Sam Henricks finishing off the series with a smooth 2 point conversion.  On the ensuing Warrior drive the BC defense held strong, forcing a turnover.  The Hornet offense again struck quickly, with Sam Henricks taking it in on a 9 yard run.  BC finished out the first half with another Sheppard 10 yard run score.  After the first quarter the Hornets amassed a 20-0 lead, Sheppard walking into the 2^nd quarter with over 100 yards. 

The 2^nd quarter BC’s D went to work maintaining field position while the Hornet offense took the lead advantage to work on their passing game.  BC moved the ball well, and the D held field position.  Neither team crossed the line in the 2^nd, but both played great up the gut defensive football.  The 3^rd quarter may was a mix of slight overconfidence by the hornets, and a fired up Warrior squad.  Calhoun came out of halftime aggressive on offense and stingy on the D.  A 12 yard push by Eberlein finally put Calhoun on the scoreboard halfway through the 3^rd.  The D on both teams stiffened at that point, but Calhoun now had some momentum.  2 minutes into the 4^th Ausin Malley scored on an impressive 38 yard qb keeper.  At that point the Hornets snapped out of their slump and went to work.  It took only 34 ticks on the clock in the next series for Rick Logsdon to break the pack on a 51 yard scamper for TD.   On the ensuing Warrior drive malley was taken down in the backfield, forcing a fumble and Hornet recovery in Warrior territory.  An impressive 24 yard reception by Justin Volk put the hornets on the 1 yard line and quick QB keeper by Tim Woodward for the score.  On the final Warrior drive the swarm were plagued with two costly penalties, allowing Calhoun good field position and a 19 yard TD run by Tyler Johnson.  The hornets finished the game burning the final 3:00, finishing the game with a 32-20 victory and the 22nd consecutive WIVC regular season win.

The Hornet D accomplished the task of containing Eberlein, limiting the monster fullback 40 yards on 14 carries.  Much credit goes to BC’s D line, forcing 6 turnovers (4 fumbles recovered, 1 interception) and 5 big QB sacks.  Austin Gooding led all tackles with 10 (1 sack), Luke Gragg and Henricks with 7 tackles, Sheppard grabbed 8 with 2 sacks.  Terry Scheer seemed to make noise on every defensive stand, closing pockets and contributing to big plays.  Possibly the biggest defensive play in the game was an exciting 45 yard interception created by Jacob Carr.  BC’s offensive line allowed both Sheppard and Logsdon to achieve 150 yards for the evening, with Henricks being the battled workhorse, grinding it up the middle for 49 yards on 14 carries.    Woodward finished the game 2 for 7, 56 yards passing. 

Next Friday the Hornets will Host North Greene at the Nest.

Rob Logsdon, August 22, 2011

Repeat, recognition, respect.  Brown County Hornets have redefined the meaning of the three R’s.  After 9 years of a dedicated coaching staff, the Hornets are now at a level to be noticed as a powerhouse in 1A.  The IHSS preseason poll enters BC at #2 this week(poll posted at bottom of article).  It is expected the AP’s (due out the 26^th) will most likely put BC in the top 4.   (Updated, AP preseason poll at bottom of page) Considering the steady improvement overall in the WIVC, that’s quite a compliment, but when it’s all said and done, the case still must be made under the lights on Friday night.

But I digress.   Now for your preseason review.

Back to back North champs.  Back to back undefeated regular seasons.  The deepest post season run in playoff history.  7 straight playoff years of 9 seasons.  Brown County football has now built a tradition equal to their counterparts in the WIVC.   With possibly one of the biggest graduating classes in the history of the program (16) one would question how the Hornets will successfully reload.  But that question disappears when we review the list of quality returners.  With both Tim Woodward and Alex Sheppard are as dangerous in the backfield as they are as QB.  Who will captain behind center will not be an issue.   Sam Henricks is the projected workhorse in the FB position, and Rick Logsdon returns after a 700 + yard rushing season on offense.  Add to that the returning carriers and receiving core of Luke Gragg, Clayton Taylor, Wilson Yingling and a plethora of available weapons, BC’s scoring possibilities and quick ball movement is evident.  On defense, even with the loss of serious quality linemen BC brings back very quick and dangerous Austin Gooding, Christian Kennedy and monster man Colt Garrett.   Look for the young guns Nathan Banta, Nathan Mekdara and Alec Boylen to make some major noise in 2011.  A happy addition is 1^st year seniors Justin Volk and the hoss, Levi Norvell.   Also, a plethora of Sophomore talent will no doubt see quality time in the swarm.

Week 1 takes BC to Hardin in a gridiron rematch against the Calhoun Warriors.   Last season the Warriors went three games deep in playoffs before falling to the Hornets.  Starting at Calhoun is a great way to kick off the season, as the football atmosphere in Hardin is fantastic.  Although the Warriors graduate 11, the potential of Coach Peyton’s squad to climb to the top of the South is not diminished.   It is still an unknown as to who will take the helm at QB, Austin Malley is the only other with varsity experience, with Dakota Schulte and Andrew Sievers as possible sophomore starters behind center .  Considering Malley’s ability to find seams to break through he could either be an extremely dangerous utility QB, or placed as a position player with potential for a grand in yardage for the season.    FB goliath Ethan Eberlin returns in a senior leadership role, looking for back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons.   If the Warriors can create passing opportunities, beware of speedster  Andy Nelson’s potential of a massive receiving yards season. Although 6 of the 7 top defensive players graduate, with Calhoun this is not necessarily a weakness.  

Week 1 will be an exciting game against a quality opponent.  Welcome to 2011 Hornet football my friends.

IHSS Preseason Poll, Aug. 22 2011

1. Dakota (9-2) (15) 167 -
2. Brown County (12-1) 134 -
3. Tuscola (12-2) (2) 130 -
4. Lewistown (12-1) 96 -
5. East Dubuque (10-2) 79 -
6. Central A & M (8-3) 66 -
7. Le Roy (8-3) 46 -
8. Galena (7-3) 36 -
(tie) Triopia (7-3) 36 -
10. Jacksonville Routt Catholic (10-2) 31 -

Others receiving votes on at least two ballots: Hardin (Calhoun) (8-4) 20, Lexington (8-4) 19, Greenfield-Northwestern (5-4) 18, Forreston (6-4) 17, Freeport (Aquin) (7-3) 15, Stockton (3-6) 14, Oakland (Tri-County) (9-2) 4.

AP Preseason Poll, Aug 23, 2011

Follow The Sting Squad and WIVC Football Group on Facebook