By Fred Kroner
St. Joseph-Ogden’s football winning streak came to an end after five games on Friday (Oct. 22) in a 27-0 loss at Paxton-Buckley-Loda, but the winning streak was enough to catapult the Spartans into the playoffs.
SJ-O (5-4) is one of 32 teams in contention in Class 3A.
SJ-O will travel to downstate Mount Carmel (9-0) for a 2:30 p.m. game on Saturday (Oct. 30).
Facing an unbeaten opponent, which was ranked eighth in last week’s state poll, is “part of going 5-4,” SJ-O coach Shawn Skinner said.
In the school’s elaborate playoff history, there has never been a game against Mount Carmel.
“It’s nice to play someone we haven’t played before,” Skinner said. “That’s what the playoffs are about.
“You have an opportunity to restart your season.”
PBL was dominant in the regular-season finale, limiting the Spartans to 60 yards of total offense.
Evan Ingram completed 10 of 27 passes for 68 yards. Griffin Roesch had four catches for 26 yards.
Keaton Nolan had one reception for six yards and also rushed for a team-high 18 yards.
“In the middle of the game, it seemed like we were in quicksand,” Skinner said. “We couldn’t get any traction.
“I liked our preparation during the week, but we weren’t able to flip any kind of switch.
“Sometimes in sports, it’s just not your night, and it was not our night in any aspect. We’re excited to have another opportunity to turn the page and go.”
