CHS: HOMECOMING REUNION TOURS
Chester High School Homecoming Sign-Up and Class Reunion Tours
Attention all class reunion organizers: If your class plans to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10th, please contact Erin Conley at erinconley@chester139.com as soon as possible.
Additionally, Chester High School is pleased to offer a guided Class Reunion Tour of our facilities, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11th. If your class intends to attend, kindly email Principal Blechle at jeremyblechle@chester139.com at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to showcasing the exciting updates to our facilities, including those currently underway.
Go Jackets!
Chester High School Homecoming Sign-Up and Class Reunion Tours
Attention all class reunion organizers: If your class plans to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10th, please contact Erin Conley at erinconley@chester139.com as soon as possible.
Additionally, Chester High School is pleased to offer a guided Class Reunion Tour of our facilities, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11th. If your class intends to attend, kindly email Principal Blechle at jeremyblechle@chester139.com at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to showcasing the exciting updates to our facilities, including those currently underway.
Go Jackets!
CECC, CGS, CHS & CUSD139 CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION DAY
Thursday, October 2nd is National Custodian Appreciation Day
We would like to recognize our hard working custodial and maintenance staff:
CECC: Debbie Jany
CGS: Kenneth Handsbury, Marilyn Schicker, Michael Stefani, and Shirl Surman
CHS: Scott Bollinger, Bob Dickson, Josh Grott, Tim Paulus, and Kay Rubach
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community!
Thursday, October 2nd is National Custodian Appreciation Day
We would like to recognize our hard working custodial and maintenance staff:
CECC: Debbie Jany
CGS: Kenneth Handsbury, Marilyn Schicker, Michael Stefani, and Shirl Surman
CHS: Scott Bollinger, Bob Dickson, Josh Grott, Tim Paulus, and Kay Rubach
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community!
Nominations for CGS Faculty Member of the Month for the month of October are now OPEN! Please use the link below or visit the Chester139.com website to submit your vote for who you feel deserves this honor. Nominations will close on October 20, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
https://forms.gle/MpXnSvFrEnPuLJfg6
CECC, CGS & CHS 2025-2026 STAFF INTRODUCTIONS
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
Photo 1
GEO Sport Lighting Company employees work high above the Chester High School football field Thursday September 25 installing the new LED lights which will debut Friday night September 26 when Chester hosts Trenton-Wesclin. Cost for the new system was approved for $137,700.00. The new light will increase safety and cost much less to operate than the former halogen lights. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Pictured are the old and outdated Halogen lights that have been removed from W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School. All four banks of lights at the field have been replaced with much brighter and more economical LED lighting. The new lights will premiere Friday night September 26 when the YellowJackets hoist the Wesclin Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3
This is the look from the top of the entrance to W.O. Smith Football Field at Chester High School. Workers from the GEO Sport Lighting Company have been busy since Tuesday September 23 replacing the lighting at the field. The decades old halogen lights had become outdated and not as bright as their former functioning, not to mention the much higher cost to operate. All four bans of lights at the field have been replaced with modern LED lights which will be much more economical and provide much better visibility at W.O. Smith Field. YellowJacket fans will be able to see the new lights Friday September 26 when the Jackets host Wesclin in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division matchup. Jim Beers Photo
GEO Sport Lighting Company employees work high above the Chester High School football field Thursday September 25 installing the new LED lights which will debut Friday night September 26 when Chester hosts Trenton-Wesclin. Cost for the new system was approved for $137,700.00. The new light will increase safety and cost much less to operate than the former halogen lights. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Pictured are the old and outdated Halogen lights that have been removed from W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School. All four banks of lights at the field have been replaced with much brighter and more economical LED lighting. The new lights will premiere Friday night September 26 when the YellowJackets hoist the Wesclin Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3
This is the look from the top of the entrance to W.O. Smith Football Field at Chester High School. Workers from the GEO Sport Lighting Company have been busy since Tuesday September 23 replacing the lighting at the field. The decades old halogen lights had become outdated and not as bright as their former functioning, not to mention the much higher cost to operate. All four bans of lights at the field have been replaced with modern LED lights which will be much more economical and provide much better visibility at W.O. Smith Field. YellowJacket fans will be able to see the new lights Friday September 26 when the Jackets host Wesclin in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division matchup. Jim Beers Photo
CHS FREE FOOTBALL BROADCAST
Tonight, Chester High School will host our inaugural multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
Tonight, Chester High School will host our inaugural multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
CGS 6th - 8th Grade Boys....check it out! 🏀
As we conclude our first full month of school, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to several groups in our community that have significantly supported our school district this year and in previous years. Love Abby has generously supplied our schools with various school supplies for our students, both this year and in the past, and their kindness does not go unnoticed! This year, we were able to provide numerous students with essential supplies during our in-person registration. Families were welcomed to collect bags filled with what they needed. Additionally, Buena Vista Bank contributed school supplies that will help equip our teacher's classrooms throughout the year! Furthermore, Wee Care of Jacob made a generous financial donation to assist any student in the district requiring school supplies throughout the year. We have already purchased backpacks for some students, along with many pairs of shoes for physical education for those in need. A BIG THANK YOU TO LOVE ABBY, WEE CARE OF JACOB, AND BUENA VISTA! Your ongoing generosity continues to make a difference for our district and the students who need a bit of extra support. We are truly thankful.
Chester High School Homecoming is just around the corner, and the school is busy making arrangements for a week of fun and spirit. On Thursday September 25 the Homecoming King and Queen Candidates were announced. Their Pictures are below. (Back Row, left to right) are junior King Candidate Karim Landeros, senior King Candidates Ethan Colvis, Brayden Juenger, and Tray Peters, and junior King Candidate Zane Eggemeyer. (Front Row, left to right) are Queen Candidate junior Aleah Eggemeyer, senior Queen Candidates, Maggie Caby, Callie Davis, and Camryn Wolff, and junior Queen Candidate Aubrey Colvis. Homecoming 2025 is Monday October 6 through Saturday October 11. Wednesday October 8 is the Powder Puff game at 5:15 p.m. That same night the Bonfire and Pep Rally will start immediately following the Powder Puff Game. Friday October 10th is the Homecoming Parade at 4:00 p.m. The Homecoming Game vs Dupo is Friday at 7:00 p.m. with the Queen Coronation at halftime of the game. Saturday October 11 is the 2025 Homecoming Dance. The Dance stats at 7:00 p.m. with the King Coronation at 9:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opens its doors (2 of 2)
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, said, “We are currently finishing some punch list items, but everything is open and functioning well at this time. This Early Childhood Center and its programming is really critical for the children and will have a huge impact on the community of Chester. The all-day program will help families. This was a huge top item on my list! Five years from now we will really see the impact on the children wop attended the Center.”
Principal Marshall said, “We have increased our availability to families from about 55 places to 80 full-time opportunities. This will have a huge impact to help families that are enrolled here. To date, everything is going really well and all seems to be running smoothly. When a problem does arise, we all work together to solve the issue and keep everything functioning. We have a great team!
The Chester Early Childhood Center stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the Chester School Board and Superintendent Mrs. Briggs, whose leadership made this initiative a reality. Their investment in early childhood education is a gift to the entire community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all children in Randolph Co
For more information about programs or enrollment, please contact the Chester Early Childhood Center directly. 618-822-0829
Chester Early Childhood Center Teachers and Staff
Rachel Marshall, Principal
Melissa Davitz, Pre-K Coordinator
Becky Gielow- preschool teacher
Ellyce Blaizer- Mrs. Gielow’s SIU Student Teacher
Brandie Stefani- cook
Michelle McConnell- cook
Brandy Gendron- paraprofessional
Caitlin Schwarz- preschool teacher
Cassie Venus- paraprofessional
Debbie Jany-Head custodian
Denise McClain- EC Special Education teacher
Gina Hafertepe- paraprofessional
Jada Berry- PI/ Birth to Three, Chester/Ellis Grove area
Jenny Krantz- preschool teacher
Kim Gross-paraprofessional
Kyra Heck- paraprofessional
Lindsey Hargis- Preschool teacher
Mallory Leathers- paraprofessional
Melissa Davitz- Pre-K Coordinator
Melissa Duncan-PI/ Birth to Three, Red Bud/Prairie Du Rocher area
Rachel Vasquez- paraprofessional
Rebecca Hanna- Administrative Assistant
Shane Martinez-Head Cook not pictured
Vicki Thompson- PI/ Birth to Three, Sparta/Steeleville area
Principal Marshall said, “We had a very successful Open House Saturday September 13. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
“On Thursday night October 16 we will be hosting a Family Fun Night on the Memorial Hospital in Chester parking lot. It will take place in front of the new Clinic from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity for the kids and a variety of other attractions to entertain and hold their interest. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. More information will be announced as the plan unfolds!”
PHOTO 6 First Day of School
Students arrive at the Chester Early Childhood Center on the first day of school August 14. Faculty and staff anxiously await the arrival of their students throughout the early morning. All went well and Day No. 1 took off without a hitch! Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 7 KITCHEN
Students at the Chester Early Childhood Center receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. This is the kitchen located on the lower level of the facility and does a great job of serving the students. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Meeting Room
This large meeting room at the Chester Early Childhood Center will double as the new official meeting room of the District Board of Education. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 9 Classroom
The classrooms at the Chester Early Childhood Center are state-of-the-are and are fully and beautifully furnished. The center features four full-day pre-school classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Jim Beers Photo
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, said, “We are currently finishing some punch list items, but everything is open and functioning well at this time. This Early Childhood Center and its programming is really critical for the children and will have a huge impact on the community of Chester. The all-day program will help families. This was a huge top item on my list! Five years from now we will really see the impact on the children wop attended the Center.”
Principal Marshall said, “We have increased our availability to families from about 55 places to 80 full-time opportunities. This will have a huge impact to help families that are enrolled here. To date, everything is going really well and all seems to be running smoothly. When a problem does arise, we all work together to solve the issue and keep everything functioning. We have a great team!
The Chester Early Childhood Center stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the Chester School Board and Superintendent Mrs. Briggs, whose leadership made this initiative a reality. Their investment in early childhood education is a gift to the entire community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all children in Randolph Co
For more information about programs or enrollment, please contact the Chester Early Childhood Center directly. 618-822-0829
Chester Early Childhood Center Teachers and Staff
Rachel Marshall, Principal
Melissa Davitz, Pre-K Coordinator
Becky Gielow- preschool teacher
Ellyce Blaizer- Mrs. Gielow’s SIU Student Teacher
Brandie Stefani- cook
Michelle McConnell- cook
Brandy Gendron- paraprofessional
Caitlin Schwarz- preschool teacher
Cassie Venus- paraprofessional
Debbie Jany-Head custodian
Denise McClain- EC Special Education teacher
Gina Hafertepe- paraprofessional
Jada Berry- PI/ Birth to Three, Chester/Ellis Grove area
Jenny Krantz- preschool teacher
Kim Gross-paraprofessional
Kyra Heck- paraprofessional
Lindsey Hargis- Preschool teacher
Mallory Leathers- paraprofessional
Melissa Davitz- Pre-K Coordinator
Melissa Duncan-PI/ Birth to Three, Red Bud/Prairie Du Rocher area
Rachel Vasquez- paraprofessional
Rebecca Hanna- Administrative Assistant
Shane Martinez-Head Cook not pictured
Vicki Thompson- PI/ Birth to Three, Sparta/Steeleville area
Principal Marshall said, “We had a very successful Open House Saturday September 13. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
“On Thursday night October 16 we will be hosting a Family Fun Night on the Memorial Hospital in Chester parking lot. It will take place in front of the new Clinic from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity for the kids and a variety of other attractions to entertain and hold their interest. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. More information will be announced as the plan unfolds!”
PHOTO 6 First Day of School
Students arrive at the Chester Early Childhood Center on the first day of school August 14. Faculty and staff anxiously await the arrival of their students throughout the early morning. All went well and Day No. 1 took off without a hitch! Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 7 KITCHEN
Students at the Chester Early Childhood Center receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. This is the kitchen located on the lower level of the facility and does a great job of serving the students. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Meeting Room
This large meeting room at the Chester Early Childhood Center will double as the new official meeting room of the District Board of Education. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 9 Classroom
The classrooms at the Chester Early Childhood Center are state-of-the-are and are fully and beautifully furnished. The center features four full-day pre-school classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Jim Beers Photo
Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opens its doors (1 of 2)
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Chester, IL — The Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opened its doors to students for the first time on August 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for early education in Randolph County. After months of preparation, long hours, and the dedicated efforts of staff and administration, the center welcomed its first group of eager learners into a warm and engaging environment.
Melissa Davitz, Pre K Coordinator said, “The center features four full-day preschool classrooms designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, the facility includes an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom, offering half-day morning and afternoon.”
“The Pre-K program in Chester has been operating for over 30 plus years. Pre-K is largely funded through ISBE utilizing state grant funding. The new CECC gives the families of Chester a jump start on their child’s education. The addition of the third campus has allowed Pre-K to increase their enrollment from 55 students to 80 students.”
“Any families that wish to enroll their children, must simply call 618-822-0829 to schedule a screening appointment. Pre-K is Monday through Thursday from 7:45-2:45 and on Friday from 7:45-1:30. While at school, children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.”
“There is no cost to the families to have a child in Pre-K, Pre-K is always free. All of us at the CECC are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to work in this new location. This is such a wonderful blessing for the community of Chester. We are all excited to watch this program grow and watch the children of Chester succeed,” said Davitz.
Principal Rachell Marshall said, “Serving families beyond the classroom, Chester Early Childhood Center is also home to the Prevention Initiative and ISBE grant funded program—a vital birth-to-three service that supports families throughout Randolph County.”
“Through home visits, this program partners with parents and caregivers to promote healthy development and school readiness. The center also organizes many group events in various communities in Randolph County, providing opportunities for parents to connect, engage in activities with their children, and build lasting support networks.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the public was invited to an Open House on September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Visitors had the chance to tour the building.
"I am truly blessed to have the best staff working in this building," said Mrs. Marshall. "Everyone worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for our students—from moving furniture to setting up classrooms and resources. It’s been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead."
PHOTO 1 Briggs
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, proudly stands on the front porch of the new Chester Early Childhood Center at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Briggs was instrumental in making the new facility a reality. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Rachell Marshall Principal
Rachel Marshall, Principal of the new Chester Early Childhood Center, takes time out from her busy schedule at the ribbon cutting event, to take a photo in front of the dedication Plaque at the new center. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Teachers, administration, Board of Education members, and Superintendent
PHOTO 4 Rebecca Hannah
This is the friendly face that greets students, parents, and guests as they enter the lobby of the Chester Early Childhood Center. Rebecca Hannah, Administrative Assistant, is excited to welcome all visitors to the new center on a daily basis. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Playground
Children get a chance to experience the state-of-the-art playground at the Chester Early Childhood Center. On all good weather days students enjoy their time on the playground. Jim Beers Photo
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Chester, IL — The Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opened its doors to students for the first time on August 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for early education in Randolph County. After months of preparation, long hours, and the dedicated efforts of staff and administration, the center welcomed its first group of eager learners into a warm and engaging environment.
Melissa Davitz, Pre K Coordinator said, “The center features four full-day preschool classrooms designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, the facility includes an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom, offering half-day morning and afternoon.”
“The Pre-K program in Chester has been operating for over 30 plus years. Pre-K is largely funded through ISBE utilizing state grant funding. The new CECC gives the families of Chester a jump start on their child’s education. The addition of the third campus has allowed Pre-K to increase their enrollment from 55 students to 80 students.”
“Any families that wish to enroll their children, must simply call 618-822-0829 to schedule a screening appointment. Pre-K is Monday through Thursday from 7:45-2:45 and on Friday from 7:45-1:30. While at school, children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.”
“There is no cost to the families to have a child in Pre-K, Pre-K is always free. All of us at the CECC are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to work in this new location. This is such a wonderful blessing for the community of Chester. We are all excited to watch this program grow and watch the children of Chester succeed,” said Davitz.
Principal Rachell Marshall said, “Serving families beyond the classroom, Chester Early Childhood Center is also home to the Prevention Initiative and ISBE grant funded program—a vital birth-to-three service that supports families throughout Randolph County.”
“Through home visits, this program partners with parents and caregivers to promote healthy development and school readiness. The center also organizes many group events in various communities in Randolph County, providing opportunities for parents to connect, engage in activities with their children, and build lasting support networks.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the public was invited to an Open House on September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Visitors had the chance to tour the building.
"I am truly blessed to have the best staff working in this building," said Mrs. Marshall. "Everyone worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for our students—from moving furniture to setting up classrooms and resources. It’s been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead."
PHOTO 1 Briggs
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, proudly stands on the front porch of the new Chester Early Childhood Center at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Briggs was instrumental in making the new facility a reality. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Rachell Marshall Principal
Rachel Marshall, Principal of the new Chester Early Childhood Center, takes time out from her busy schedule at the ribbon cutting event, to take a photo in front of the dedication Plaque at the new center. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Teachers, administration, Board of Education members, and Superintendent
PHOTO 4 Rebecca Hannah
This is the friendly face that greets students, parents, and guests as they enter the lobby of the Chester Early Childhood Center. Rebecca Hannah, Administrative Assistant, is excited to welcome all visitors to the new center on a daily basis. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Playground
Children get a chance to experience the state-of-the-art playground at the Chester Early Childhood Center. On all good weather days students enjoy their time on the playground. Jim Beers Photo
CHS STUDENT MOVEMENT RESTICTION
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, CHS implemented a temporary restriction on student movement to enable our administration and support services to address the needs of a student. We want to assure the community that there was no threat or danger to the student body. This measure was taken to uphold student privacy and ensure an efficient response to the situation. Thank you for your understanding and support.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, CHS implemented a temporary restriction on student movement to enable our administration and support services to address the needs of a student. We want to assure the community that there was no threat or danger to the student body. This measure was taken to uphold student privacy and ensure an efficient response to the situation. Thank you for your understanding and support.
CHS Cross Country runs at DuQuoin Invitational
Vallet and Hargis represent girls while Hobbs and Ramirez compete for boys
BY JIM BEERS
Thursday September 18 was the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event took place at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and featured a Girls’ Division and Boys’ Division. The races were 2.98 miles. The weather cooperated with lower temperatures and lower humidity with dry, clear conditions.
Chester sent four runners to DuQuoin, two girls and two boys, to compete against runners from other Southern Illinois schools. Katelyn Vallet and Caitlyn Hargis competed in the Girls’ Division while Ivan Hobbs and Jaden Ramirez ran in the Boys’ Division.
Schools that had five runners or more qualified to compete as a “team” while schools that had fewer than five runners competed as individuals. Since Chester had only two runners in each division YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners had to compete as individuals.
There were 10 schools represented in the Boys’ Division and 8 schools represented in the Girls’ Division. The Boys’ Division had six “Team” scores while the Girls’ Division had only three “Team” scores.
Girls’ Division
The 8 schools represented in the Girls’ Division included DuQuoin, Red Bud, Nashville, Chester, Pinckneyville, Steeleville, Trico, and Christopher. There was a field of 30 runners in this group. The three schools that qualified for “Team” scores included DuQuoin, Red Bud, and Nashville.
Chester Results
Katelyn Vallet (freshman) 5th Place 23:27.33
Caitlyn Hargis (sophomore) 16th Place 27:34.89
Team Scores
1st Place DuQuoin Score 27
2nd Place Red Bud Score 43
3rd Place Nashville Score 57
General Facts
The overall winner of the Girls’ Division Race was Ava Gregory of DuQuoin. Her winning time was 21:22.14. The final runner to cross the finish line in the 2.98 mile race had a place of 30th and a time of 37:17.57.
Top 5 Finishers
1st Ava Gregory DuQuoin 21:22.14
2nd Ava Wagner Red Bud 22:16.96
3rd Adi Wilson Nashville 22:20.43
4th Addyson Piel Red Bud 23:24.24
5th Katelyn Vallet Chester 23:27.33
Boys’ Division
There were 10 schools represented in the Boys’ Division including DuQuoin, Pinckneyville, Eldorado, Sparta, Nashville, Red Bud, Steeleville, Trico, Chester, and Christopher. There were 51 runners in the field of competitors. The six schools that qualified for a “Team” score included Pinckneyville, Eldorado, Sparta, Nashville, Steeleville, and Christopher.
Chester Results
Ivan Hobbs (senior) 22nd Place Score 21:11.52
Jaden Ramirez (sophomore) 37th Place Score 23:54.87
Team Scores
1st Place Pinckneyville Score 22
2nd Place Eldorado Score 53
3rd Place Sparta Score 67
4th Place Nashville Score 117
5th Place Steeleville Score 118
6th Place Christopher Score 146
General Facts
The overall winner of the Boys’ Division was Caiden Cook of DuQuoin. He had a winning time of 15:42.83. The final runner to complete the 2.98 mile race crossed the finish line with a time of 32:17.58. He placed 51st.
Top 5 Finishers
1st Place Caiden Cook DuQuoin 15:42.83
2nd Place Hayden Swiney DuQuoin 16:29.06
3rd Place Landen Boman Pinckneyville 16:31.65
4th Place Liam Roberts Eldorado 17:03.38
5th Place Jesse Winter Pinckneyville 18:15.92
The Chester High School Cross Country Team is coached by Chris Kern. The next meet on the Jacket schedule is Monday September 2 at the Nashville Invitational.
Photo 1 Katelyn Vallet
Chester High School freshman, Katelyn Vallet, finished in the Top 5 at the 2025 DuQuoin Invitational Meet. The event is also known as he John Campbell Invitational. Valledy turned in a time of 23:27.33. She finished 5th out of the field of 30 runners. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Caitlyn Hargis
Caitlyn Hargis, a sophomore Lady Jacket cross country runner from Chester High School finished 16th out of 30 runners in the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event was held at the DuQuoin State Fair Grounds. Hargis had a time of 27:34.89. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3 Ivan Hobbs
Chester YellowJacket cross country runner, Ivan Hobbs, a senior, finished 22nd out of 51 competitors at the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event was 2.98 miles long and Hobbs had a time of 21:11.52 to lead the Chester runners. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Jaden Ramirez
CHS sophomore, Jaden Ramirez, placed 37th overall out of a field of 51 competitors at the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event took place at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and was 2.98 miles in length. Ramirez turned in a time of 23:54.87. Jim Beers Photo
Vallet and Hargis represent girls while Hobbs and Ramirez compete for boys
BY JIM BEERS
Thursday September 18 was the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event took place at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and featured a Girls’ Division and Boys’ Division. The races were 2.98 miles. The weather cooperated with lower temperatures and lower humidity with dry, clear conditions.
Chester sent four runners to DuQuoin, two girls and two boys, to compete against runners from other Southern Illinois schools. Katelyn Vallet and Caitlyn Hargis competed in the Girls’ Division while Ivan Hobbs and Jaden Ramirez ran in the Boys’ Division.
Schools that had five runners or more qualified to compete as a “team” while schools that had fewer than five runners competed as individuals. Since Chester had only two runners in each division YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners had to compete as individuals.
There were 10 schools represented in the Boys’ Division and 8 schools represented in the Girls’ Division. The Boys’ Division had six “Team” scores while the Girls’ Division had only three “Team” scores.
Girls’ Division
The 8 schools represented in the Girls’ Division included DuQuoin, Red Bud, Nashville, Chester, Pinckneyville, Steeleville, Trico, and Christopher. There was a field of 30 runners in this group. The three schools that qualified for “Team” scores included DuQuoin, Red Bud, and Nashville.
Chester Results
Katelyn Vallet (freshman) 5th Place 23:27.33
Caitlyn Hargis (sophomore) 16th Place 27:34.89
Team Scores
1st Place DuQuoin Score 27
2nd Place Red Bud Score 43
3rd Place Nashville Score 57
General Facts
The overall winner of the Girls’ Division Race was Ava Gregory of DuQuoin. Her winning time was 21:22.14. The final runner to cross the finish line in the 2.98 mile race had a place of 30th and a time of 37:17.57.
Top 5 Finishers
1st Ava Gregory DuQuoin 21:22.14
2nd Ava Wagner Red Bud 22:16.96
3rd Adi Wilson Nashville 22:20.43
4th Addyson Piel Red Bud 23:24.24
5th Katelyn Vallet Chester 23:27.33
Boys’ Division
There were 10 schools represented in the Boys’ Division including DuQuoin, Pinckneyville, Eldorado, Sparta, Nashville, Red Bud, Steeleville, Trico, Chester, and Christopher. There were 51 runners in the field of competitors. The six schools that qualified for a “Team” score included Pinckneyville, Eldorado, Sparta, Nashville, Steeleville, and Christopher.
Chester Results
Ivan Hobbs (senior) 22nd Place Score 21:11.52
Jaden Ramirez (sophomore) 37th Place Score 23:54.87
Team Scores
1st Place Pinckneyville Score 22
2nd Place Eldorado Score 53
3rd Place Sparta Score 67
4th Place Nashville Score 117
5th Place Steeleville Score 118
6th Place Christopher Score 146
General Facts
The overall winner of the Boys’ Division was Caiden Cook of DuQuoin. He had a winning time of 15:42.83. The final runner to complete the 2.98 mile race crossed the finish line with a time of 32:17.58. He placed 51st.
Top 5 Finishers
1st Place Caiden Cook DuQuoin 15:42.83
2nd Place Hayden Swiney DuQuoin 16:29.06
3rd Place Landen Boman Pinckneyville 16:31.65
4th Place Liam Roberts Eldorado 17:03.38
5th Place Jesse Winter Pinckneyville 18:15.92
The Chester High School Cross Country Team is coached by Chris Kern. The next meet on the Jacket schedule is Monday September 2 at the Nashville Invitational.
Photo 1 Katelyn Vallet
Chester High School freshman, Katelyn Vallet, finished in the Top 5 at the 2025 DuQuoin Invitational Meet. The event is also known as he John Campbell Invitational. Valledy turned in a time of 23:27.33. She finished 5th out of the field of 30 runners. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Caitlyn Hargis
Caitlyn Hargis, a sophomore Lady Jacket cross country runner from Chester High School finished 16th out of 30 runners in the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event was held at the DuQuoin State Fair Grounds. Hargis had a time of 27:34.89. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3 Ivan Hobbs
Chester YellowJacket cross country runner, Ivan Hobbs, a senior, finished 22nd out of 51 competitors at the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event was 2.98 miles long and Hobbs had a time of 21:11.52 to lead the Chester runners. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Jaden Ramirez
CHS sophomore, Jaden Ramirez, placed 37th overall out of a field of 51 competitors at the 2025 DuQuoin John Campbell Cross Country Meet. The event took place at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and was 2.98 miles in length. Ramirez turned in a time of 23:54.87. Jim Beers Photo
Lady Jackets edge Lady Bulldogs at Sparta by 8 strokes
Macy Bert and Rylie Myers finish No. 1 and No. 2
BY JIM BEERS
In her first year as Head Coach of the Chester High School Lady YellowJackets Golf Team, Robin Barton is having welcomed success with her Lady Jackets Golf Team. On Wednesday September 3 Barton and her girls traveled to Sparta for a dual match with the Sparta Lady Bulldogs.
The girls played well and brought home a win over the Lady Bulldogs. Chester had the top two finishers as well as the 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th finishers to win by eight strokes, 198 to 206. The Lady Jackets have 9 golfers on their roster, but only six are allowed to play on the varsity team for this particular match.
On this date, the six varsity members included Macy Bert, Rylie Myers, Riley Lochhead, and Addy Gottschammer, all seniors. Rounding out the golfers included Mallorie Homan, a sophomore, and Ashlynn Young, a freshman. Other team members that did not play at Sparta include Monica Anaya and Macy VanZant, juniors, and Natalie Venus, a freshman.
Team Finishes
1st Place Chester 198 strokes Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Class 1A
2nd Place Sparta 206 strokes Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Class 1A
Individual scores and places
1st Place Macy Bert (senior) Chester 40 strokes (Medalist)
2nd Place Rylie Myers (senior) Chester 46 strokes
3rd Place Kaylynn French (junior) Sparta 47 strokes
4th Place Loughlyn Kurtz (junior) Sparta 51 strokes
5th Place Ashley Bowen (freshman) Sparta 53 strokes
6th Place Tie Carly Gerlach (junior) Sparta 55 strokes
6th Place Tie Mallorie Homan (sophomore) Chester 55 strokes
8th Place Riley Lochhead (senior) Chester 57 strokes
9th Place Addy Gottschammer (senior) Chester 58 strokes
10th Place Ashlynn Young (freshman) Chester 61 strokes
PHOTO 1 Macy Bert
Chester High School senior, Macy Bert, was the winner of the CHS vs Sparta dual golf match at Sparta Wednesday September 3. Bert had a 9-hole round of 40 strokes to finish at the top of the field of 10 golfers. She earned Medalist honors for her top score. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 Rylie Myers
Lady Jacket Rylie Myers, a senior at Chester High School, finished 2nd overall at the Sparta Dual Match Wednesday September 3. Myers shot 46 strokes for her runner-up performance. Her score helped her Lady YellowJackets edge the Lady Bulldogs by 8 strokes, 198 to 206, to win the match. Jim Beers Photo
Macy Bert and Rylie Myers finish No. 1 and No. 2
BY JIM BEERS
In her first year as Head Coach of the Chester High School Lady YellowJackets Golf Team, Robin Barton is having welcomed success with her Lady Jackets Golf Team. On Wednesday September 3 Barton and her girls traveled to Sparta for a dual match with the Sparta Lady Bulldogs.
The girls played well and brought home a win over the Lady Bulldogs. Chester had the top two finishers as well as the 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th finishers to win by eight strokes, 198 to 206. The Lady Jackets have 9 golfers on their roster, but only six are allowed to play on the varsity team for this particular match.
On this date, the six varsity members included Macy Bert, Rylie Myers, Riley Lochhead, and Addy Gottschammer, all seniors. Rounding out the golfers included Mallorie Homan, a sophomore, and Ashlynn Young, a freshman. Other team members that did not play at Sparta include Monica Anaya and Macy VanZant, juniors, and Natalie Venus, a freshman.
Team Finishes
1st Place Chester 198 strokes Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Class 1A
2nd Place Sparta 206 strokes Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Class 1A
Individual scores and places
1st Place Macy Bert (senior) Chester 40 strokes (Medalist)
2nd Place Rylie Myers (senior) Chester 46 strokes
3rd Place Kaylynn French (junior) Sparta 47 strokes
4th Place Loughlyn Kurtz (junior) Sparta 51 strokes
5th Place Ashley Bowen (freshman) Sparta 53 strokes
6th Place Tie Carly Gerlach (junior) Sparta 55 strokes
6th Place Tie Mallorie Homan (sophomore) Chester 55 strokes
8th Place Riley Lochhead (senior) Chester 57 strokes
9th Place Addy Gottschammer (senior) Chester 58 strokes
10th Place Ashlynn Young (freshman) Chester 61 strokes
PHOTO 1 Macy Bert
Chester High School senior, Macy Bert, was the winner of the CHS vs Sparta dual golf match at Sparta Wednesday September 3. Bert had a 9-hole round of 40 strokes to finish at the top of the field of 10 golfers. She earned Medalist honors for her top score. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 Rylie Myers
Lady Jacket Rylie Myers, a senior at Chester High School, finished 2nd overall at the Sparta Dual Match Wednesday September 3. Myers shot 46 strokes for her runner-up performance. Her score helped her Lady YellowJackets edge the Lady Bulldogs by 8 strokes, 198 to 206, to win the match. Jim Beers Photo
YellowJacket Golf Teams win final home matches of 2025 season vs Trico (CORRECTION)
Trevin Eggemeyer shoots 35 to win the varsity match and Aidan McKinney, Logan Brace, and Trico’s Jesse Barge each shoot 51 to tie for 1st Place in JV match
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Golf Teams put it all together Monday September 22 to win their final home golf match of the 2025 season. The event featured the YellowJackets and the Trico Pioneers in a dual match. Tamms-Egyptian also entered two individuals in the varsity finale.
The day was a bit rainy at times, but not quite bad enough to force a cancellation or a postponement of the match. Temperatures were cool and the skies were mostly cloudy throughout the day. The moisture did, however, make the fairways and greens a bit softer and less dusty for the athletes.
The Jackets are coached by Clayton Andrews, the YellowJacket’s first-year man at the helm. Clayton Andrews. Andrews is a recent CHS golfer and has done a great job this year as a rookie Head Coach.
Andrews said, “I was extremely proud of the way the boys played today. It wasn’t ideal conditions with some rain off-and-on, but they battled through it, breaking their season best team score by 10 strokes!”
“Trevin Eggemeyer had a great round of 1-under par to lead the varsity. The boys are figuring things out at the right time, and hopefully can keep it rolling with the approaching Cahokia Conference Tournament and the 2025 IHSA Class 1A Regional Tournament just around the corner.”
Chester will compete in the 2025 Cahokia Conference Tournament Wednesday September 24 at Governor’s Run in Carlyle. This will be a varsity only event. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A Regional Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday October 1 at Cobden. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A Sectional Tournament is Monday October 6 at West Frankfort. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A State Tournament is Friday October 10.
Varsity Results
Team Scores and Finishes
1st Place Chester YellowJackets Class 1A Cahokia Conference 162
2nd Place Trico Pioneers Class 1A Black Diamond Conference 167
Chester Scores
Trevin Eggemeyer (junior) 1st 35
Tallen James (junior) 2nd 37
Kross Jany (junior) 8th 44
Jack Luthy (freshman) 9th 46
Logan Springston (sophomore) 10th 50
Alden Davitz (sophomore) 13th 57
Trico Scores
Brock Heins (junior) 3rd Tie 41
Eli Schaber (freshman) 3rd Tie 41
Wade Rees (freshman) 5th 42
Tucker Deming (senior) 6th Tie 43
Kaden Langston (senior) 6th Tie 43
Beau Koehn (senior) 11th TIE 52
Tamms-Egyptian Scores
Bentley Mathis (freshman) 11th Tie 52
Jimmie Easton (senior) 14th 79
Junior Varsity Results
Team Scores and Finishes
1st Place Chester JV YellowJackets Class 1A Cahokia Conference 215
2nd Place Trico JV Pioneers Class 1A Black Diamond Conference 221
Chester JV Scores
Aidan McKinney (junior) 1st Tie 51
Logan Brace (junior) 1st Tie 51
Preston Liefer (freshman) 4th 52
Logan McDonald (junior) 10th 61
Trico JV Scores
Jesse Barge (senior) 1st Tie 51
Ethan Kranawetter (senior) 7th Tie 59
Embry Jones (freshman) 7th TIE 59
Tate Schaber (senior) 7th Tie 59
Owen Woolf (senior) 5th 55
Donovan Jimenez (senior) 6th 56
PHOTO 1 Trevin Eggemeyer
Chester High School golfer Trevin Eggemeyer, a junior, was the winner of the final home match of the 2025 season Monday September 22 when the YellowJackets hosted Sparta and Tamms-Egyptian. Eggemeyer placed 1st with his round of 35 strokes (1-under par). Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Aidan McKinney
Aidan McKinney, a Chester High School junior, tied for 1st Place with his round of 51 at the CHS home match Monday September 22. The Jackets hosted Trico in the dual Junior Varsity 9-hole match. Clayton Andrews Photo
PHOTO 3 Logan Brace
Chester High School junior, Logan Brace, tied for 1st Place in the Junior Varsity 9-hole match Monday September 22. The event took place at the Chester Country Club when the YellowJackets hosted Trico. Chester won, 215-221. Clayton Andrews Photo
Trevin Eggemeyer shoots 35 to win the varsity match and Aidan McKinney, Logan Brace, and Trico’s Jesse Barge each shoot 51 to tie for 1st Place in JV match
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Golf Teams put it all together Monday September 22 to win their final home golf match of the 2025 season. The event featured the YellowJackets and the Trico Pioneers in a dual match. Tamms-Egyptian also entered two individuals in the varsity finale.
The day was a bit rainy at times, but not quite bad enough to force a cancellation or a postponement of the match. Temperatures were cool and the skies were mostly cloudy throughout the day. The moisture did, however, make the fairways and greens a bit softer and less dusty for the athletes.
The Jackets are coached by Clayton Andrews, the YellowJacket’s first-year man at the helm. Clayton Andrews. Andrews is a recent CHS golfer and has done a great job this year as a rookie Head Coach.
Andrews said, “I was extremely proud of the way the boys played today. It wasn’t ideal conditions with some rain off-and-on, but they battled through it, breaking their season best team score by 10 strokes!”
“Trevin Eggemeyer had a great round of 1-under par to lead the varsity. The boys are figuring things out at the right time, and hopefully can keep it rolling with the approaching Cahokia Conference Tournament and the 2025 IHSA Class 1A Regional Tournament just around the corner.”
Chester will compete in the 2025 Cahokia Conference Tournament Wednesday September 24 at Governor’s Run in Carlyle. This will be a varsity only event. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A Regional Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday October 1 at Cobden. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A Sectional Tournament is Monday October 6 at West Frankfort. The 2025 IHSA Class 1A State Tournament is Friday October 10.
Varsity Results
Team Scores and Finishes
1st Place Chester YellowJackets Class 1A Cahokia Conference 162
2nd Place Trico Pioneers Class 1A Black Diamond Conference 167
Chester Scores
Trevin Eggemeyer (junior) 1st 35
Tallen James (junior) 2nd 37
Kross Jany (junior) 8th 44
Jack Luthy (freshman) 9th 46
Logan Springston (sophomore) 10th 50
Alden Davitz (sophomore) 13th 57
Trico Scores
Brock Heins (junior) 3rd Tie 41
Eli Schaber (freshman) 3rd Tie 41
Wade Rees (freshman) 5th 42
Tucker Deming (senior) 6th Tie 43
Kaden Langston (senior) 6th Tie 43
Beau Koehn (senior) 11th TIE 52
Tamms-Egyptian Scores
Bentley Mathis (freshman) 11th Tie 52
Jimmie Easton (senior) 14th 79
Junior Varsity Results
Team Scores and Finishes
1st Place Chester JV YellowJackets Class 1A Cahokia Conference 215
2nd Place Trico JV Pioneers Class 1A Black Diamond Conference 221
Chester JV Scores
Aidan McKinney (junior) 1st Tie 51
Logan Brace (junior) 1st Tie 51
Preston Liefer (freshman) 4th 52
Logan McDonald (junior) 10th 61
Trico JV Scores
Jesse Barge (senior) 1st Tie 51
Ethan Kranawetter (senior) 7th Tie 59
Embry Jones (freshman) 7th TIE 59
Tate Schaber (senior) 7th Tie 59
Owen Woolf (senior) 5th 55
Donovan Jimenez (senior) 6th 56
PHOTO 1 Trevin Eggemeyer
Chester High School golfer Trevin Eggemeyer, a junior, was the winner of the final home match of the 2025 season Monday September 22 when the YellowJackets hosted Sparta and Tamms-Egyptian. Eggemeyer placed 1st with his round of 35 strokes (1-under par). Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Aidan McKinney
Aidan McKinney, a Chester High School junior, tied for 1st Place with his round of 51 at the CHS home match Monday September 22. The Jackets hosted Trico in the dual Junior Varsity 9-hole match. Clayton Andrews Photo
PHOTO 3 Logan Brace
Chester High School junior, Logan Brace, tied for 1st Place in the Junior Varsity 9-hole match Monday September 22. The event took place at the Chester Country Club when the YellowJackets hosted Trico. Chester won, 215-221. Clayton Andrews Photo
CGS Faculty Member of the Month for September: Gail Kordys! Congratulations, Mrs. Kordys! Thank you for all you do for our students and school!
CHS HOMECOMING 2025
Below you will find a link for 2 Google Forms if you would like to order an orange Powder Puff staff shirt or a Homecoming shirt. The Powder Puff shirts will be distributed on Tuesday, October 7th and the Homecoming shirts will be distributed on Wednesday, October 8th.
All community and student shirt orders are due at the end of the school day TODAY.
Payment will be collected when shirts arrive.
Homecoming Shirt
https://forms.gle/r3EyGs6Kg5d3fy9Y9
Powder Puff Shirt
https://forms.gle/cdHNjdWpDzdn6H669
Below you will find a link for 2 Google Forms if you would like to order an orange Powder Puff staff shirt or a Homecoming shirt. The Powder Puff shirts will be distributed on Tuesday, October 7th and the Homecoming shirts will be distributed on Wednesday, October 8th.
All community and student shirt orders are due at the end of the school day TODAY.
Payment will be collected when shirts arrive.
Homecoming Shirt
https://forms.gle/r3EyGs6Kg5d3fy9Y9
Powder Puff Shirt
https://forms.gle/cdHNjdWpDzdn6H669
Jackets shut out Bulldogs, 27-0; improve to 3-1, overall and 1-0 in the Cahokia Conference (3 of 3)
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
“Alex Blechle had a big touchdown early in the game for us. TaShawn Palacio had another big night with over 100 yards receiving. I am really impressed with our blocking on the edge. Zane Eggemeyer had a great game with several big hits on defense and several huge blocks on offense.
“Trey McCartney, TaShawn Palacio, and Ethan Colvis all do a great job blocking for each other. Trey McCartney and Tray Peters each had a really good night on offense. McCartney had another receiving touchdown, and Peters had two passing touchdowns.”
“Overall it was a great game and a great way to start conference play. I am very proud of the boys and how hard they worked all four quarters for the win.”
In the win Chester ran 64 plays vs Sparta’s 52 plays. CHS had a total of 421 yards (151 passing & 270 rushing) and SHS recorded a total of 37 yards (53 passing and -16 rushing). The Jackets were 2-of-6 on 3rd downs (33%). The Bulldogs were 2-of-14 on 3rd downs (14%).
CHS quarterback Tray Peters completed 9-of-17 passes (53%) for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers included TaShawn Palacio (4 for 103 yards and 1 touchdown), Trey McCartney (4 for 46 yards and 1 touchdown), and Alex Blechle (1 for 2 yards).
The Jackets ran 35 times for a total of 270 yards and two touchdowns. Leaders included Ethan Colvis (13 for 154 yards and 1 touchdown), Alex Blechle (8 for 65 yards and 1 touchdown), Tray Peters (9 for 40 yards), and Zane Eggemeyer (4 for 17 yards). The rest of the team ran once for -6 yards.
Coach Belton attributed a great deal of importance of the YellowJacket’s success on the defense. The Jackets recorded 19 solo tackles, 38 tackle assists, 3 quarterback sacks, and 8 tackles for a loss (TFL).
Defensive credit goes to the following players. Ethan Colvis (7 solos, 2 sacks, and 4 TFL), TaShawn Palacio (2 solos, 2 assists, and 1 TFL), Kanon Jany (2 solos, and 7 assists), Donnie Sabo (2 solos and 1 assist), Alex Blechle (1 solo and 3 assists), Zane Eggemeyer (1 solo, 4 assists, and 1 TFL), Morgan Miers (1 solo, 4 assists, and 1 TFL), Karim Landeros (1 solo, 2 assists, and 1 TFL), Derrius Shoemate (1 solo, and 2 assists), Paxton Beam (2 assists), Bently Valleroy (1 assist), Gage Beam (1 assist). The rest of the team contributed 1 solo, 9 assists, 1 sack, and 1 TFL. Derrius Shoemate and Donnie Sabo each contributed interceptions.
The Jackets ended their three-game road swing with two wins and one loss. Including their opening night home win, Chester is now 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division.
They host Trenton-Wesclin this Friday September 26 at W.O. Smith Field. It will be the second conference game of 2025. Friday night will feature the 2025 CHS Dance Team Dance Camp performance prior to the game.
Also, Friday September 26 the CHS Class of 1965 Football Team will be on hand to celebrate its first outright conference championship. At that time Chester was a member of the SWE Conference (Southwestern Egyptian Conference). Players and families from that team will be at the game to celebrate their accomplishment.
Photo 1 Trey McCartney
Chester's Trey McCartney (88) at left, jumps to block a pass from Sparta's quarterback Dariontez Monroe (3) in the game at Sparta Friday September 19. For the night, McCartney had a good night on defense, and on offense, he scored Chester's second touchdown on a 16-yard pass from quarterback Tray Peters to extend Chester's lead to 14-0. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 TaShawn Palacio
TaShawn Palacio (11) is hard to bring down on one of his runs against the Sparta Bulldogs. Shwon here, Sparta's Brock Wilson (77), Diego Perez (52) and Chaze Reed-Fajardo (16) attempts to bring Palacio down. For the night Palacio caught a 71-yard touchdown pass and caught a total of four passes for 103 yards and a TD. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3 TaShawn Palacio
At the 4:21 mark in the 4th Quarter at Sparta, Chester wide receiver TaShawn Palacio (11), makes his way into the end zone for a YellowJacket touchdown. The score extended Chester's lead to 27-0 on Palacio's 71-yard TD effort. Jim Beers Photo
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
“Alex Blechle had a big touchdown early in the game for us. TaShawn Palacio had another big night with over 100 yards receiving. I am really impressed with our blocking on the edge. Zane Eggemeyer had a great game with several big hits on defense and several huge blocks on offense.
“Trey McCartney, TaShawn Palacio, and Ethan Colvis all do a great job blocking for each other. Trey McCartney and Tray Peters each had a really good night on offense. McCartney had another receiving touchdown, and Peters had two passing touchdowns.”
“Overall it was a great game and a great way to start conference play. I am very proud of the boys and how hard they worked all four quarters for the win.”
In the win Chester ran 64 plays vs Sparta’s 52 plays. CHS had a total of 421 yards (151 passing & 270 rushing) and SHS recorded a total of 37 yards (53 passing and -16 rushing). The Jackets were 2-of-6 on 3rd downs (33%). The Bulldogs were 2-of-14 on 3rd downs (14%).
CHS quarterback Tray Peters completed 9-of-17 passes (53%) for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers included TaShawn Palacio (4 for 103 yards and 1 touchdown), Trey McCartney (4 for 46 yards and 1 touchdown), and Alex Blechle (1 for 2 yards).
The Jackets ran 35 times for a total of 270 yards and two touchdowns. Leaders included Ethan Colvis (13 for 154 yards and 1 touchdown), Alex Blechle (8 for 65 yards and 1 touchdown), Tray Peters (9 for 40 yards), and Zane Eggemeyer (4 for 17 yards). The rest of the team ran once for -6 yards.
Coach Belton attributed a great deal of importance of the YellowJacket’s success on the defense. The Jackets recorded 19 solo tackles, 38 tackle assists, 3 quarterback sacks, and 8 tackles for a loss (TFL).
Defensive credit goes to the following players. Ethan Colvis (7 solos, 2 sacks, and 4 TFL), TaShawn Palacio (2 solos, 2 assists, and 1 TFL), Kanon Jany (2 solos, and 7 assists), Donnie Sabo (2 solos and 1 assist), Alex Blechle (1 solo and 3 assists), Zane Eggemeyer (1 solo, 4 assists, and 1 TFL), Morgan Miers (1 solo, 4 assists, and 1 TFL), Karim Landeros (1 solo, 2 assists, and 1 TFL), Derrius Shoemate (1 solo, and 2 assists), Paxton Beam (2 assists), Bently Valleroy (1 assist), Gage Beam (1 assist). The rest of the team contributed 1 solo, 9 assists, 1 sack, and 1 TFL. Derrius Shoemate and Donnie Sabo each contributed interceptions.
The Jackets ended their three-game road swing with two wins and one loss. Including their opening night home win, Chester is now 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division.
They host Trenton-Wesclin this Friday September 26 at W.O. Smith Field. It will be the second conference game of 2025. Friday night will feature the 2025 CHS Dance Team Dance Camp performance prior to the game.
Also, Friday September 26 the CHS Class of 1965 Football Team will be on hand to celebrate its first outright conference championship. At that time Chester was a member of the SWE Conference (Southwestern Egyptian Conference). Players and families from that team will be at the game to celebrate their accomplishment.
Photo 1 Trey McCartney
Chester's Trey McCartney (88) at left, jumps to block a pass from Sparta's quarterback Dariontez Monroe (3) in the game at Sparta Friday September 19. For the night, McCartney had a good night on defense, and on offense, he scored Chester's second touchdown on a 16-yard pass from quarterback Tray Peters to extend Chester's lead to 14-0. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 TaShawn Palacio
TaShawn Palacio (11) is hard to bring down on one of his runs against the Sparta Bulldogs. Shwon here, Sparta's Brock Wilson (77), Diego Perez (52) and Chaze Reed-Fajardo (16) attempts to bring Palacio down. For the night Palacio caught a 71-yard touchdown pass and caught a total of four passes for 103 yards and a TD. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3 TaShawn Palacio
At the 4:21 mark in the 4th Quarter at Sparta, Chester wide receiver TaShawn Palacio (11), makes his way into the end zone for a YellowJacket touchdown. The score extended Chester's lead to 27-0 on Palacio's 71-yard TD effort. Jim Beers Photo
Jackets shut out Bulldogs, 27-0; improve to 3-1, overall and 1-0 in the Cahokia Conference (2 of 3)
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
To end the first half, both teams experienced a series of very odd circumstances resulting in several time outs, inadvertent whistles, turnovers on downs, and several YellowJacket incomplete passes. The half ended with CHS ahead, 21-0.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Chester received the opening kickoff to begin the second half. The Jackets did achieve two first downs on nine plays, but were held to turn the ball over on downs at the 8:00 mark.
Sparta was on a good start to begin its possession with good runs by junior Gavin Watson. Facing 3-and-1, the Bulldogs were then called for a 15-yard block-in-the-back to halt the Sparta advancement. On the fourth play of the possession, Chester’s defensive back Derrius Shoemate intercepted a Dariontez Monroe pass to end the possession.
Chester’s next possession appeared to be off to a fantastic stat as quarterback Tray Peters (6 yards) and Alex Blechle (3 yards) combined for a 9-yard effort. Facing 3-and-1, Ethan Colvis crossed the goal line for what was thought to be a Chester touchdown at the 4:07 mark.
The celebration was short-lived, however, as the touchdown was called back for a CHS block-in-the-back penalty. That resulted in a 5-yard penalty. Facing 4-and-7, a Tray Peters pass was short and CHS turned the ball over on downs. (3:21).
The final Sparta possession of the 3rd quarter was a “mixed-bag” of plays. Chester’s Ethan Colvis stopped a Gavin Watson run on play No. 1. Chester was called for a face mask penalty on play No. 2. To end a potential Sparta drive, Chester’s Zane Eggemeyer and a massive Chester defensive “swarm” stopped the Bulldog advancement and the Dogs turned the ball over on downs. Chester still led, 21-0.
Each team had three possessions in the 4th quarter. Chester had a great start to kick off the quarter on a good run by Alex Blechle for a first down. Then, back-to-back false start penalties, an incomplete pass, and a broken pass play in the end zone caused Chester to turn the ball over on downs (9:54).
Sparta’s possession resulted in some good potential after a Chester penalty gave the Bulldogs a first down. However, two incomplete passes, and a mad scramble that ended with a huge Ethan Colvis tackle, forced a 4-and-long ending with a Bulldog punt.
Things got “testy” on Chester’s next possession as frustration on both sides of the ball mounted. A nice TaShawn Palacio pass reception that gained 8-yards was spoiled after Chester was called for holding. Then Sparta was called for a personal foul. Flags were flying all over the field and referees had to stop the game to sort out the mess.
The situation ended up with two personal fouls being assessed to Chester and another assessed to Sparta. With 4:43 left on the clock, TaShawn Palacio carried what was thought to be a Chester touchdown pass into the end zone. That was called back due to another reported holding penalty on Chester (4:21).
On the next play, Palacio scored again, this time on a 71-yard touchdown pass. Chester extended its lead to 27-0. (4:06). Then, there was a 15-yard penalty called on Chester that resulted in that distance to be added to the Karim Landeros extra point attempt. The kick failed.
Sparta had one last possession. The Jacket defense held the Bulldogs to 4-and-10 with 2:21 remaining in the game. Sparta went for it and attempted a big pass play which was intercepted by Chester defender Donnie Sabo. The Jackets took a knee on back-to-back plays to run the clock out to end the game with Chester winning in a shut-out, 27-0.
Head Coach Billy Belton said, “Our defense played great! Sparta has some talented athletes. It’s hard to stop them. Our defense did a great job vs the run. The Bulldogs had -16 yards rushing. Our boys were flying around and playing very hard to accomplish that task.”
“Coach Danny Roth has done a great job with the defense. We created several turnovers. Derrius Shoemate had a huge interception at a crucial time in the game. The D-Line had three sacks. Morgan Miers played extremely well. The last two weeks he has been amazing. He is so disruptive and he never quits. He goes 100 miles per hour on every snap for all four quarters. Kanon Jany has also played amazingly at linebacker all season. Overall the defense has played great!”
Offensively the O-Line did a great job. We rushed for 270 yards vs a really good Bulldog defensive line. Ethan Colvis had another big night. He runs really hard and he is hard to bring down. This is his fourth game in-a-row with 100 yards rushing.”
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
To end the first half, both teams experienced a series of very odd circumstances resulting in several time outs, inadvertent whistles, turnovers on downs, and several YellowJacket incomplete passes. The half ended with CHS ahead, 21-0.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Chester received the opening kickoff to begin the second half. The Jackets did achieve two first downs on nine plays, but were held to turn the ball over on downs at the 8:00 mark.
Sparta was on a good start to begin its possession with good runs by junior Gavin Watson. Facing 3-and-1, the Bulldogs were then called for a 15-yard block-in-the-back to halt the Sparta advancement. On the fourth play of the possession, Chester’s defensive back Derrius Shoemate intercepted a Dariontez Monroe pass to end the possession.
Chester’s next possession appeared to be off to a fantastic stat as quarterback Tray Peters (6 yards) and Alex Blechle (3 yards) combined for a 9-yard effort. Facing 3-and-1, Ethan Colvis crossed the goal line for what was thought to be a Chester touchdown at the 4:07 mark.
The celebration was short-lived, however, as the touchdown was called back for a CHS block-in-the-back penalty. That resulted in a 5-yard penalty. Facing 4-and-7, a Tray Peters pass was short and CHS turned the ball over on downs. (3:21).
The final Sparta possession of the 3rd quarter was a “mixed-bag” of plays. Chester’s Ethan Colvis stopped a Gavin Watson run on play No. 1. Chester was called for a face mask penalty on play No. 2. To end a potential Sparta drive, Chester’s Zane Eggemeyer and a massive Chester defensive “swarm” stopped the Bulldog advancement and the Dogs turned the ball over on downs. Chester still led, 21-0.
Each team had three possessions in the 4th quarter. Chester had a great start to kick off the quarter on a good run by Alex Blechle for a first down. Then, back-to-back false start penalties, an incomplete pass, and a broken pass play in the end zone caused Chester to turn the ball over on downs (9:54).
Sparta’s possession resulted in some good potential after a Chester penalty gave the Bulldogs a first down. However, two incomplete passes, and a mad scramble that ended with a huge Ethan Colvis tackle, forced a 4-and-long ending with a Bulldog punt.
Things got “testy” on Chester’s next possession as frustration on both sides of the ball mounted. A nice TaShawn Palacio pass reception that gained 8-yards was spoiled after Chester was called for holding. Then Sparta was called for a personal foul. Flags were flying all over the field and referees had to stop the game to sort out the mess.
The situation ended up with two personal fouls being assessed to Chester and another assessed to Sparta. With 4:43 left on the clock, TaShawn Palacio carried what was thought to be a Chester touchdown pass into the end zone. That was called back due to another reported holding penalty on Chester (4:21).
On the next play, Palacio scored again, this time on a 71-yard touchdown pass. Chester extended its lead to 27-0. (4:06). Then, there was a 15-yard penalty called on Chester that resulted in that distance to be added to the Karim Landeros extra point attempt. The kick failed.
Sparta had one last possession. The Jacket defense held the Bulldogs to 4-and-10 with 2:21 remaining in the game. Sparta went for it and attempted a big pass play which was intercepted by Chester defender Donnie Sabo. The Jackets took a knee on back-to-back plays to run the clock out to end the game with Chester winning in a shut-out, 27-0.
Head Coach Billy Belton said, “Our defense played great! Sparta has some talented athletes. It’s hard to stop them. Our defense did a great job vs the run. The Bulldogs had -16 yards rushing. Our boys were flying around and playing very hard to accomplish that task.”
“Coach Danny Roth has done a great job with the defense. We created several turnovers. Derrius Shoemate had a huge interception at a crucial time in the game. The D-Line had three sacks. Morgan Miers played extremely well. The last two weeks he has been amazing. He is so disruptive and he never quits. He goes 100 miles per hour on every snap for all four quarters. Kanon Jany has also played amazingly at linebacker all season. Overall the defense has played great!”
Offensively the O-Line did a great job. We rushed for 270 yards vs a really good Bulldog defensive line. Ethan Colvis had another big night. He runs really hard and he is hard to bring down. This is his fourth game in-a-row with 100 yards rushing.”
Jackets shut out Bulldogs, 27-0; improve to 3-1, overall and 1-0 in the Cahokia Conference (1 of 3)
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester YellowJacket Football Team traveled to Sparta Friday September 19 to face the Bulldogs. It was the first Cahokia Conference game of the 2025 season.
In a game that was plagued with a scoreboard that didn’t work, a 30-minute lightening delay, four touchdowns that were called back (3 for Chester and 1 for Sparta), numerous penalties, and lots of unexplainable calls, the YellowJackets still managed to shut out the Bulldogs, 27-0. With the win, Chester improved to 3-1 overall and started the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division at 1-0.
Sparta won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball to begin the game. On the Bulldog’s first possession, Chester’s defense stood firm and held the Dogs to 4-and-out and Sparta turned the ball over to CHS on downs.
On Chester’s first play from scrimmage, Ethan Colvis, Chester’s top rusher, was stopped dead in his tracks. That only made him mad, and on the second play from scrimmage, Colvis scored Chester’s first touchdown on a 22-yard run at the 9:18 mark. The extra point kick failed. Chester led, 6-0.
On Sparta’s second possession, the Chester Orange Crush defense held the Bulldogs again to three and long, forcing a Sparta punt. Chester’s Alex Blechle returned the punt 45 yard line. Chester took over 1st and ten at the 45 yard line with 7:14 to play in the first quarter.
Chester’s Ethan Colvis ran for a first down on the first play from scrimmage. Four plays later quarterback Tray Peters threw to Trey McCartney for a second first down. The ball was first and goal with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter.
The next three plays resulted in a false start penalty by CHS, a holding penalty by CHS, and a quarterback sack by Sparta. Tray Peters found Trey McCartney on the next play for a 16-yard touchdown pass. On the 2-point conversion attempt, the Jackets were called for a block in the back and had to replay the attempt from five yards further back. On the next attempt, Alex Blechle found TaShawn Palacio for the 2-point conversion. Chester extended its lead to 14-0 with 3:36 left in the first quarter.
CHS defended the Dawgs on their first two plays. Chester’s Morgan Miers made a huge stop on the second play. On the third play, SHS quarterback, Dariontez Monroe ran for a first down. Chester’s Donnie Sabo made the stop. As the first quarter ended, Sparta faced 3-and 12 and the YellowJackets enjoyed a 14-0 lead.
Sparta continued with the ball to start the 2nd quarter. Facing 4-and-2, the Bulldogs decided to go for it. Quarterback Monroe ran for a first down. The Jacket defense then went to work and with excellent defensive plays by Kanon Jany, TaShawn Palacio, Ethan Colvis, and Donnie Sabo CHS held the Dawgs and forced a turnover on downs at the 8:44 mark.
Sparta then returned the favor and held the Jackets to four and out two minutes later (6:44). The routine continued as Chester forced a Bulldog punt after four plays (4th and long at the 5:05 mark). Then, with little warning, the referees called a lightening delay after seeing a flash in the distance. The break lasted 30-minutes. Both teams had to retire to their locker rooms.
Play resumed after 30-minutes with Chester beginning the next possession with 5:05 left to play in the first half. On the first play from scrimmage. The Bulldogs mounted a huge blind-side quarterback sack resulting in a 10-yard loss. CHS faced 2-and-20 from the 29 yard line.
Coach Billy Belton then mounted three first downs beginning with a huge breakaway run by Ethan Colvis that took the ball to the 45 yard line. Colvis repeated with a second successful run a minute later. Alex Blechle and Colvis then teamed-up for yet a third first down with the ball on the 25 yard line. Colvis then unlashed another huge run taking the ball to the eight yard line at the 2:50 mark in the 3rd quarter.
Facing 1st and goal, Blechle took charge and ran the ball into the end zone for Chester’s third touchdown with 2:16 on the clock. Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and the YellowJackets extended their lead to 21-0.
Colvis, McCartney, Blechle, and Palacio score Touchdowns; Blechle runs for 2-point conversion and Landeros kicks 1 extra point
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester YellowJacket Football Team traveled to Sparta Friday September 19 to face the Bulldogs. It was the first Cahokia Conference game of the 2025 season.
In a game that was plagued with a scoreboard that didn’t work, a 30-minute lightening delay, four touchdowns that were called back (3 for Chester and 1 for Sparta), numerous penalties, and lots of unexplainable calls, the YellowJackets still managed to shut out the Bulldogs, 27-0. With the win, Chester improved to 3-1 overall and started the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division at 1-0.
Sparta won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball to begin the game. On the Bulldog’s first possession, Chester’s defense stood firm and held the Dogs to 4-and-out and Sparta turned the ball over to CHS on downs.
On Chester’s first play from scrimmage, Ethan Colvis, Chester’s top rusher, was stopped dead in his tracks. That only made him mad, and on the second play from scrimmage, Colvis scored Chester’s first touchdown on a 22-yard run at the 9:18 mark. The extra point kick failed. Chester led, 6-0.
On Sparta’s second possession, the Chester Orange Crush defense held the Bulldogs again to three and long, forcing a Sparta punt. Chester’s Alex Blechle returned the punt 45 yard line. Chester took over 1st and ten at the 45 yard line with 7:14 to play in the first quarter.
Chester’s Ethan Colvis ran for a first down on the first play from scrimmage. Four plays later quarterback Tray Peters threw to Trey McCartney for a second first down. The ball was first and goal with 5:15 remaining in the first quarter.
The next three plays resulted in a false start penalty by CHS, a holding penalty by CHS, and a quarterback sack by Sparta. Tray Peters found Trey McCartney on the next play for a 16-yard touchdown pass. On the 2-point conversion attempt, the Jackets were called for a block in the back and had to replay the attempt from five yards further back. On the next attempt, Alex Blechle found TaShawn Palacio for the 2-point conversion. Chester extended its lead to 14-0 with 3:36 left in the first quarter.
CHS defended the Dawgs on their first two plays. Chester’s Morgan Miers made a huge stop on the second play. On the third play, SHS quarterback, Dariontez Monroe ran for a first down. Chester’s Donnie Sabo made the stop. As the first quarter ended, Sparta faced 3-and 12 and the YellowJackets enjoyed a 14-0 lead.
Sparta continued with the ball to start the 2nd quarter. Facing 4-and-2, the Bulldogs decided to go for it. Quarterback Monroe ran for a first down. The Jacket defense then went to work and with excellent defensive plays by Kanon Jany, TaShawn Palacio, Ethan Colvis, and Donnie Sabo CHS held the Dawgs and forced a turnover on downs at the 8:44 mark.
Sparta then returned the favor and held the Jackets to four and out two minutes later (6:44). The routine continued as Chester forced a Bulldog punt after four plays (4th and long at the 5:05 mark). Then, with little warning, the referees called a lightening delay after seeing a flash in the distance. The break lasted 30-minutes. Both teams had to retire to their locker rooms.
Play resumed after 30-minutes with Chester beginning the next possession with 5:05 left to play in the first half. On the first play from scrimmage. The Bulldogs mounted a huge blind-side quarterback sack resulting in a 10-yard loss. CHS faced 2-and-20 from the 29 yard line.
Coach Billy Belton then mounted three first downs beginning with a huge breakaway run by Ethan Colvis that took the ball to the 45 yard line. Colvis repeated with a second successful run a minute later. Alex Blechle and Colvis then teamed-up for yet a third first down with the ball on the 25 yard line. Colvis then unlashed another huge run taking the ball to the eight yard line at the 2:50 mark in the 3rd quarter.
Facing 1st and goal, Blechle took charge and ran the ball into the end zone for Chester’s third touchdown with 2:16 on the clock. Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and the YellowJackets extended their lead to 21-0.