YellowJackets improve to 2-0 with 56-6 romp over Pinckneyville (post 2 of 3)
BY JIM BEERS
Pinckneyville had the ball to start the second half. Facing 4-and-3 on the 37 yard line, the Panthers got a 1 st down on a Chester off-sides penalty which moved the ball to the CHS 48- yard line. On the next play, Panther Tyler McConnell caught a pass for a first down, moving the ball to Chester’s 15 yard line for a first down. Pinckneyville’s star running back, Marshawn Fisher, ran the ball for another first down taking the ball to the 9-yard line. YellowJacket, Ethan Colvis made the stop to prevent a touchdown. A Pinckneyville penalty at the 7:40 mark-moved the ball back 5 yards making it 2-and-14 with 6:57 left in the 3rd quarter. On the next play from scrimmage, Panther, Tyler McConnell caught his second major pass of the series, this time for a 14-yard touchdown. The extra-point kick was no good. PHS was on the score board and trailed Chester by 31 points, 37-6, with 6:46 remaining in the 3 rd quarter. Pinckneyville’s opening possession burned up 4 minutes and four seconds. On the ensuing kickoff, Chester’s Kolton Jany returned the ball to the Pinckneyville 49 yard line. Five plays later, Chester’s Devante Palacio, a senior wide receiver, caught a Zain Al-Jassim pass for a 26-yard TD for Chester’s 7 th touchdown of the game. A 2-point conversion failed, but the Jackets extended their lead to 37 points, 43-6, at the 4:18 mark in the 3 rd quarter. The YellowJacket defense stood tall and firm on Pinckneyville’s next possession. Chester held the Panthers to just one yard on the first play of the series, tackled for a 2-yard loss on the next play, held them with no yardage on the third play and forced a punt on the next play. On the play, the partially-blocked ball took one bounce and sophomore Alex Blechle, a defensive back, was in the right place at the right time. The ball bounced right into Blechle’s arms and he returned the ball 51-yards for yet another Chester touchdown. It was Chester’s 8th. Sophomore Karim Landeros brought his mojo back into his kicking game to kick his second extra-point of the game. The YellowJackets extended their lead to 44 points, 50-6, with just 2:25 left in the 3 rd quarter. On the first play from scrimmage Alex Blechle intercepted a Pinckneyville pass with 27- seconds left in the period end the 3 rd quarter. CHS led, 50-6. Chester had the ball on the 13 yard line to start the 4 th quarter. On the fifth play from scrimmage senior running back, Gene Bicket, took the ball three yards for Chester’s 9 th and final touchdown of the game. Bicket’s TD extended the YellowJacket’s lead to 50 points, 56-6. The 2- point conversion failed.
YellowJackets improve to 2-0 with 56-6 romp over Pinckneyville (post 1 of 3)
BY JIM BEERS (photos by Jim Beers)
Seven Chester players score a total of nine touchdowns including Jany (2), Malley (2), Al-Jassim (1), Brunkhorst (1), Palacio (1), Bicket (1), and Blechle (1); Landeros kicks two extra points
After defeating the DuQuoin Indians last week by a score of 35-27, at DuQuoin, the Chester YellowJacket’s Football Team beat the Pinckneyville Panthers, 56-6, at W.O. Smith Field at CHS Friday September 6.It was Chester’s home opener to start the 2024 season 2-0. The Panthers won the coin toss and elected to kick off to Chester to open the contest. The Jackets promptly went to work behind the efforts of work-horse Kolton Jany, Chester’s senior running back. Jany ran the ball 5-of-the first 7 plays and got three first downs which took the ball all the way to the Panther’s 8-yard line. Junior running back Ethan Colvis took the ball to the 1-yard line. On the next play, junior Tray Peters scored the Jacket’s first of nine touchdowns at the 8:06 mark. Karim Landeros’ kick missed his mark and Chester led, 6-0. Behind the efforts of the Jacket’s defensive unit, and a pair of Panther false start penalties, Chester forced Pinckneyville to a 4-and-12 situation with the ball on their own 16-yard line. For some reason, the Panthers decided to go for it and failed on a pass play, turning the ball over on downs to Chester at the 4:27 mark. Two plays later, Zain Al-Jassim, Chester’s senior quarterback, took it upon himself to score the Jacket’s second touchdown of the game on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Karim Landeros’ extra-point attempt missed the mark again and Chester led, 12-0 with just 2:26 left in the first quarter.
On Pinckneyville’s next possession, Chester’s Cayden Brunkhorst, a senior defensive back, intercepted a Panther pass and returned it 31-yards for a pick-6 TD. This took place just 12-seconds after Al-Jassim’s TD. CHS attempted a 2-point conversion which failed. Chester led, 18-0 with 2:21 to play in the first period. The Panthers were stopped by Chester’s Alex Williamson on their second play from scrimmage, but managed to get back-to-back first downs before the clock ran out to end the first quarter. CHS led, 18-0. To start the second quarter, Pinckneyville had a 1 st and 10 at their own 31-yard line. On the opening play from scrimmage, Chester’s senior defensive back, Devante Palacio intercepted a Pinckneyville pass just 13-seconds into the period (11:47). Chester took over on the Panther 48-yard line. An Ethan Colvis run and passes to senior wide receiver Jack Heffernan (plus 1) and running back Kolton Jany (plus 44 yards) put the ball at the Panther 2-yard line. Two plays later Kolton Jany ran it in for Chester’s fourth touchdown at the 8:43 mark. Another YellowJacket 2-point conversion failed, but Chester led, 24-0. On Pinckneyville’s next possession, they managed to work the ball to the Chester’s 36 yard line on three first downs. The Jacket defense then went into action and held the Panthers to 4-and-7. For the second time in the first half they decided to go for it on 4 th down. Chester held firm and forced a PHS turnover on downs. With 4:58 to play in the first half, Chester went to work and behind first downs by Kolton Jany and Ethan Colvis, Chester was one again in the Pinckneyville red zone with a 1 st and 10 at the one yard line. On the next play, senior tight end Brenden Malley caught a 9-yard Zain Al-Jassim pass for Chester’s 5 th touchdown. A third YellowJacket 2-point conversion attempt failed, but Chester led, 30-0 at the 3:21 mark. The Jacket defense held Pinckneyville to four downs and forced a Panther punt with just 1:03 to play in the first half. With just 50-seconds on the clock, the YellowJackets had the ball on the Pinckneyville 45-yard line. Four plays later, after a Kolton Jany 21-yard run and first down, Brenden Malley scored Chester’s 6 th touchdown and his second touchdown in three minutes, on a 28-yard touchdown pass from CHS quarterback, Zain Al-Jassim. Karin Landeros came in to kick the extra point. This time his kick was good and Chester extended its lead to 37-0 to end the first half.
CGS & CHS would like to honor and remember this tragic day in our history.
Trophies available for donation this week only! If you are interested or wish to take a look please check in with the office located at the new entrance of the High School during school hours.
CHS HOMECOMING CLASS REUNION TOURS:
As CHS Homecoming approaches, Class Reunion groups have the opportunity to tour the facility the morning of the dance. This year the tours will occur Saturday, September 21st starting at 9:00am promptly. As the facility is secure, late arrivals will not have access, so please be on time. If your group would like a tour, please contact the main office, so we know we know who to expect. All groups will enter through the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, doors open at 8:45am, with the tour starting at 9:00am.
CGS HIVE AWARDS:
Chester Grade School presented its first round of character "HIVE AWARDS" on Friday September 6, 2024.Teachers nominated students for demonstrating one or more positive character traits. Award winners were recognized for demonstrating the traits of Respect or Responsibility. Front row, left to right are: Karson Nanney, Nova Taylor, Ember Richelman, Scarlett Rains, and Prudence Webb. Row 2, left to right: Katelyn Middendorf, Mia Salger, Adalyn Caron, Mateo Lopez, Joaquin Rafael, Sawyer Miller, and Elizabeth Absher. Row 3, left to right: Kinsley Hecht, Henry Cortes, Haylhn Masterson, Sophia Bert, Pedro Hernandez, Carter Davitz, Josiah Bert, Arabella Mallender, and Roxie Carroll. Each student received a certificate and he or she was introduced at the school-wide assembly. The "Hive Award Program" is coordinated by Casey Crook, School Social Worker.
(article & photo by Jim Beers)
CGS START OF SCHOOL GREETING:
On the first day of school in Chester retired teachers hold a traditional "First Day of School Greeting" for teachers and students returning to school after a summer vacation full of fun and no homework. The group gathers on Opdyke Street across from the Chester Grade School and sits in lawn chairs early in the morning to wave at students and teachers as they drive by on their way to CGS. The location of the event is on the sidewalk right in front of Norma Baughman's house. Baughman is a retired teacher and enjoys hosting the event each year. This same group of retired teachers also gets together throughout the school year to volunteer for various school and community events as well as to support current teachers and staff. Pictured (Left to Right) are Bea Conley, Tammy Grah, Toni Hosick, Lois Tindall, Paula Platt, Eleanor Miller, Carolyn Schwent, and Norma Baughman. Notice the traditional Orange Yard Sign that greets passersby on their way to school.
(article & photo by Jim Beers)
CHS 2024 HOMECOMING INFO:
Jackets 'Tangle' Up with the Bulldogs at Homecoming 2024!" Join Chester High School in celebrating our "Tangled" themed 2024 Homecoming at some of our upcoming events. Chester High School students who desire to attend the Saturday, 9/21, dance should follow instructions posted here, in their Google Classrooms, daily announcements, and other visible postings throughout the school building. Come, let down your hair and support your Chester YellowJackets!
CHS 2024 HOMECOMING DRESS-UP DAYS:
Join Chester High School in celebrating our "Tangled" themed 2024 Homecoming dress up days! Chester High School students, as well as students at our area grade schools, are invited to let your hair down and join CHS in some fun, spirited dress up days September 16th-20th
CHS 2024 HOMECOMING POWDERPUFF GAME:
Before the "Jackets 'Tangle' Up with the Bulldogs" on Friday, September 20th, come watch Chester High School students participate in their annual Homecoming PowderPuff Game!
CHS FOOTBALL HOME OPENER:
School Day Pep Rally & Game
Homecoming Court Announced
Chester YellowJackets vs. Pinckneyville Panthers
https://youtu.be/r_4ndlQ6x2g?si=-U91PPOFTtHSIv23
CHS FOOTBALL HIVE THEMES:
See attached graphic.
CGS SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
See attached graphics.
Staff Member of the Month (NOMINATION LINK)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQLPJLI5_7IJC40jpmjUnv9ntrKIjICEjwppDEXIoOSVt1sA/viewform?usp=send_form
CHS: ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Reminder to the Parents and Guardians:
Any child, 5th grade and below will not be admitted without a parent in attendance. Those children are to be supervised by the parent/guardian while in attendance.
Please do not bring any balls into W.O. Smith Field or any gymnasium when coming to an athletic event. This is for the safety of other fans and the student athletes.
CHS Athletic Contests Prices:
Active Duty Military Get in Free (all events)
Students: $2 ($1 with student ID)
Adults: $5
Family Pass (Up to 4 people): $10
Senior Citizen: $2
CHS: SCHEDULING ANNOUNCEMENT:
See Attached Graphic
CHS: CLASS OF 1973 TIM KORANDO MONUMENT REDEDICATION
The CHS Class of 1973 will be holding a rededication ceremony for the Tim Korando Monument on the W.O. Smith Field side of the CHS 1925 building on Saturday, September 7th at 11am. All are welcome to join in this memorial and remembrance of classmates.
CHS: THANK YOU STINGERS Chester High School would like to thank the Chester Stingers Football Program for cleaning up the W.O. Smith Field bleacher in preparation for the upcoming CHS Varsity Football home opener this Friday night, September 6th at 7pm. THANK YOU STINGERS!!!
CHS ATHLETICS:
Chester Boys Golf wins the 2024 Randolph County Cup
2nd year in-a-row for the YellowJackets as County Winners!
BY JIM BEERS
On Thursday August 15 the Chester High School Boys’ Golf Team opened the 2024
season by hosting the 2 nd Annual Randolph County Cup match which featured Chester, Sparta, Steeleville and Red Bud. It was a very hot, muggy day which featured high temperatures and lots of humidity.
The event kicked off at 1:30 p.m. with sunny conditions. There were slight predictions of
possible showers, but at tee-off time there was no indication of rain. There certainly no
thoughts of storms or dangerous conditions!
As the afternoon wore on, clouds started to appear and breezes picked up. Humidity
increased and the weather service warned of possible storms.
The event was played in two parts. The Front 9 was a 2-man Best Ball Match Play and
the Back 9 was singles play. The team with the most points from the entire 18-hole event was awarded the coveter “County Cup” which was a sizeable entity.
Golfers managed to complete the Front 9 by 4:00 p.m. and were taking a much needed
break after playing nine holes in the heat and humidity. During the break officials, coaches,
golfers and fans began to notice that the skies were beginning to darken. Cautiously the teams returned to the Chester Country Club Course to begin Back 9 Singles play.
Golfers had just started Singles play when sounds of thunder were heard in the distance.
After just a few more minutes more sounds of thunder were heard in the distance, so officials made the decision to halt play according to IHSA Emergency Regulations.
Regulations stated that after hearing thunder, players were supposed to come off the
course for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes if there were no more sounds of thunder, play could
resume.
As the afternoon proceeded, flashes of lightening were seen in the distance which
required a 30-minute delay until there were no more flashes of lightening. Unfortunately,
conditions continued to worsen after about an hour of numerous delays it was decided to
postpone the second half the competition until a safe, later date.
The Chester Country Club had already prepared a nice meal for the boys, so most stayed
and ate a delicious meal before they headed back to Red Bud, Sparta, and Steeleville.
After completion of the Front 9 on August 15 Chester and Red Bud were tied for 1st Place
with 2.5 points apiece’ followed by Steeleville with 1 point and Sparta with 0 points. .
On Wednesday September 4, the four Randolph County Teams, Red Bud, Steeleville,
Sparta, and Chester, returned to the Chester Country Club to finish what they started back on August 15 and determine the 2024 Randolph County Cup Champion.
The Back 9 was singles play and scores for the Back 9 were added to the first day scores
to determine the winner. After all scores were tallied, the winner was announced! Chester was the winner for the second year in-a-row with 6.5 points. Red Bud was the Runner-Up with 5.5 points. Steeleville finished 3rd with 3 points, and Sparta was the fourth place finisher with 2 points. (photo by Jim Beers)
CHS ATHLETICS:
Lady Jacket Golf is runner-up at Marissa
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Lady Jacket Varsity Golf Team traveled to Marissa High School
Tuesday September 3 to compete in a quadrangular match.
The event took place at the White Oak Golf Course in Marissa. Four team competed in
the match including Marissa, Dupo, Chester, and Waterloo-Gibault Catholic. The young Lady Jacket team played well in the cooler temperatures and was runner-up in the four-team contest.
The course was a Par 37 course and the Jackets had a great day. Junior Rylie Myers led
Chester with a score of 50. Senior Rylie Conley was Chester’s second finisher with 55 strokes.
Freshman Mallorie Homan was the Lady Jacket’s third golfer with her score of 58.
The final two Chester golfers were just one strike apart. Junior Macy Bert finished fourth
with game of 60 strokes while Junior Riley Lochhead turned in a score of 61 strokes.
Gibault Catholic won the match with a team score of 195. The Lady Jackets finished
ahead of the other teams with a score of 223. In third place was Dupo with their team score of 234 strokes, and Marissa finished in fourth place with 259 strokes.
Other Lady Jacket golfers include junior Jessica Stumpe, sophomore Monica Anaya,
junior Addison Gottschammer, and freshman, Addison Coffey. The Lady Jackets are coached by Meg Schnoeker. (photo by Jim Beers)
CHS 2024 FOOTBALL SEASON:
Thank you to our CHS Football Sponsors!!!
CHS 2024 Football Season Schedule in attached graphic.
