The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Illini West Chargers dream of a huge upset win and an extended play-off run was ended last Saturday afternoon in Taylor Ridge when the top-seeded Rockridge Rockets defeated the upstart visitors from Hancock County 56-12.
The Rockets showed they were for real by taking the opening kick-off and marching for a quick score in only 4 plays. The successful extra point kick put the hosts in front 7 -0 with only 2 minutes off the clock.
The Chargers tried to mount a rally on their first possession when senior running back Isaiah Knotts broke free on a 34-yard run to get the Chargers down to the Rocket 18-yard line.
The Chargers were able to gain another first down but were turned away when the Rockridge defense stiffened.
After the stop, it would take the Rockets offense only 6 plays to cover the 85 yards to reach the opposite endzone and extend their lead to 14-0.
The remainder of the first half would be much of the same as the Rockets defense would smother the Charger offense, while the Rocket offense tacked on two more touchdowns. The two teams went into the halftime break with Rockridge in complete control with a 28-0 lead.
The only second quarter bright spot for the Chargers was an interception and return of 40 yards by Knotts late in the period.
Unfortunately, the Charger offense could not capitalize on the big play. To make matters worse, Knotts suffered a severe hamstring strain near the end of the return that would end his day and his outstanding senior season.
After the break, a glimmer of hope returned for the Chargers when sophomore Caleb Schreacke fielded the deep Rocket kick-off at his own 4-yard line and split the Rockridge coverage unit to race 96 yards for a touchdown.
The conversion failed, but the Chargers had points on the scoreboard as they now trailed 28-6.
The Rockets response to the IW score was immediate as they quickly marched the field for another score and a 35-6 lead. Their defense then stopped the next IW possession, and they had possession again near midfield with hopes of ending any hopes the visitors had left.
Schreacke put at least a temporary halt to that, however, when he jumped a Rocket screen pass in the flat and intercepted the pass.
The sophomore then raced the final 43 yards for his second Charger TD In less than 5 minutes of the second half. The scoreboard showed 35-12 in favor of the Rockets.
Unfortunately, that was the last opportunity for the Charger faithful to celebrate as the Rockets scored three more times to complete their convincing 56-12 victory.
The Chargers gained only 76 yards on this day with only 2 first downs on offense. The offense was severely hampered by not only the outstanding Rockridge defense but multiple injuries in the Charger backfield.
Knotts would finish with a team high 51 yards on 6 carries. This would put the senior running back’s total for the 2025 season at 1412 yards rushing.
The Chargers other 19 yards rushing in this contest were split among Izik Jones, Austin Cramer, Chase Heath, Draiden Heath and Liam Murphy.
Murphy would finish the day hitting on 2 of 7 pass attempts, but for only 6 yards. The catches were by Schreacke and Cramer for 3 yards each. The sophomores total also included an interception.
The Charger defense fought hard on this day but were often overwhelmed by the speed and athleticism of the Rocket offense.
Junior linebacker Jaxson Steinkamp and senior safety Reed Schaefer led the way with 11 total tackles apiece.
Schreacke chipped in 9 total tackles, while junior defensive back Keagan Walker and Knotts finished with 6 tackles each.
Others on the tackle chart included senior Chase Yelton with 5 stops and junior defensive back Myles Neff with 4.
The rest of the tackle chart included Cramer (2), Malachi Miller (2), Josiah Sturlic (2), Deacon Zaehringer (2), Draiden Heath (2), Mason Williams (2), Izik Jones (1), Nelson Anderson (1), Chase Heath (1), Mason Renteria (1), Even Worley (1) and Matayo Renteria (1).
The Chargers finish their 2025 season with a play-off berth and a 5-5 overall record.
They overcame a rash of midseason injuries to multiple starters that led to a 4-game losing streak and yet they fought back to win their final 3 regular season games.
This allowed the team to achieve a play-off berth despite all the injuries. The 2025 Chargers fought hard through adversity and for that reason this season was a success.