Illinois
First three Illinois girls to earn college scholarships in flag football visit Chicago Bears at Halas Hall
![First three Illinois girls to earn college scholarships in flag football visit Chicago Bears at Halas Hall](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox32chicago.com/www.fox32chicago.com/content/uploads/2023/07/1280/720/Chicago-Bears-Flag-Football.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Courtesy Jacob Funk / Chicago Bears
LAKE FOREST, Illinois – Three students who are the first in Illinois to accept college scholarships for flag football visited Halas Hall on Saturday.
The Chicago Bears said Emma Jazmin Valenzuela, Karla Martinez Rodriguez, and Saniya Shotwell observed the team practice session, met with Bears GM Ryan Poles and President Kevin Warren, and talked with quarterback Justin Fields.
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Valenzuela, a graduate of Morton East High School in Cicero, will attend Bryant and Stratton College in Wisconsin. Rodriguez graduated from Solorio High School in the Gage Park neighborhood and is headed to Cottey College in Missouri. Shotwell, an Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate, is committed to Pratt Community College in Kansas.
There will be over 60 CPS girls flag football teams and more than 100 teams statewide this upcoming fall, the Bears said.
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Illinois
Two years after mass shooting, July Fourth parade returns to Highland Park, Illinois
![Two years after mass shooting, July Fourth parade returns to Highland Park, Illinois](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/04/2ddb2f87-5570-4f28-b01d-4fb6383f07df/thumbnail/1200x630/0bf471896b4c8279c4b1d84c735954ac/59f477bf55e9b092e8cb8570095f5f56-0-1720134713784.png?v=57e8061b2038d609da26e467de5ddfb8)
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Illinois
2025 ATH Jershaun Newton commits to Illinois
![2025 ATH Jershaun Newton commits to Illinois](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cti3LqEe1JUm_D6MCU7yC5Jn6nA=/0x0:3000x1571/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25518277/usa_today_19551750.jpg)
In the early hours of a day that was no-doubt packed with Fourth of July festivities, Bret Bielema and his staff found another cause for celebration. They picked up a commitment from a face that may look familiar to some Illini fans.
On Thursday, Jershaun Newton, a 2025 3-star athlete according to 247 Sports, announced on his X that he had committed to Illinois.
He also held offers from Florida State, Indiana and Miami (Fla.), among others Power Five schools.
Newton was a dual-threat QB for Clearwater Central Catholic in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his senior season, he passed for 2,084 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns.
On defense, he also played outside linebacker.
He’s the 13th pickup of the 2025 recruiting class, which is currently ranked 53rd in the nation according to 247 Sports.
Newton is the youngest brother of former Illinois DL Jer’Zhan Newton, who was drafted in April to the Washington Commanders.
The former fan favorite took to X to declare that he was “Jer’Proud” of his little brother.
Illinois
Illinois Schedule Preview, Sept. 28: Protecting The Ball is Key Against Penn Sate
![Illinois Schedule Preview, Sept. 28: Protecting The Ball is Key Against Penn Sate](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/illini_now/01j1x6d5f3tvdj98qqtm.jpg)
The Illinois Fighting Illini look to turn up the heat when they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on Sept. 28 in Happy Valley.
They are in search of redemption after a 30-13 loss last year. They hold a 6-21 record against the Nittany Lions.
A major takeaway from last year’s game was five turnovers by the Fighting Illini. Quarterback Luke Altmyer finished with four interceptions and then running back Josh McCray fumbled the ball.
Though Penn State’s offense struggled for much of the game, they were able to take advantage of those turnovers.
The one bright spot for the Fighting Illini was their defense. They held Penn State’s rushing attack to 4.1 yards per carry. Freshman quarterback Drew Allar was 16 of 33 passing with no touchdowns.
However, five turnovers is difficult to overcome.
The key going into this year is protecting the ball. This will help tire out the Penn State defense, keep their own defense well rested, and hold onto to field position.
The latter of which can enable the Fighting Illini defense turn the tide around. They could not only hold the rush attack at bay, they could potentially force turnovers in enemy territory.
Thus creating more opportunities for the Altmyer-led offense to score within range.
The old adage of “the team with the least amount of turnovers wins” must apply.
Zachary Draves is a contributor to IlliniNow. He can be reached at zdraves1013@gmail.com and on Instagram at @zdraves0633.
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Twitter: @IlliniNowOnSI
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