Illinois

Offense piles up yards, points in Illinois State’s Spring Showcase scrimmage

Published

2 years ago

April 13, 2024

Offense piles up yards, points in Illinois State’s Spring Showcase scrimmage

NORMAL – The list of Illinois State offensive players sitting out Saturday’s Spring Showcase for various reasons was long and distinguished.

Yet despite the absence of tailback Mason King, receivers Daniel Sobkowicz, Xavier Loyd and Jalen Carr and offensive lineman Hunter Zambrano among others, the Redbird offense showed plenty of punch.

“We’ve just got good players,” said ISU coach Brock Spack after the Red defeated the White 33-21 in the intrasquad scrimmage. “They made plays everywhere.”

Wide receiver Rylan Crawford (15) leaps to catch a touchdown pass during Saturday’s Spring Showcase scrimmage at Hancock Stadium.

CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH

Competing for the starting quarterback spot for the Aug. 31 season opener at Iowa, Tommy Rittenhouse and Jake Rubley both fared well.

Rittenhouse completed 16 of 24 passes for 133 yards and a TD, while Rubley was 15 of 22 for 166 yards and three TDs. Neither threw an interception.

“We had a blast. We had a lot of fun playing the game we love,” Rittenhouse said. “We’re just deep at all positions on offense. Guys just stepped up and knew what they had to do and had fun doing it.

“It’s been a great competition (with Rubley). It’s been great building off each other and learning from each other. It creates good chemistry throughout the whole offense being able to build off each other.”

Rittenhouse and Rubley both saw time with the first and second team offenses.

“We’re a little light with injuries,” said Rubley. “With what we dealt with, I think our offense had a great spring. It’s a lot of fun just being out here and playing ball.”

“Our quarterbacks are really good,” Spack said. “Our quarterbacks played well all spring. I’m very happy with them.”

Seth Glatz 1 041324.JPG — Running back Seth Glatz (21) finds open space during Saturday’s Spring Showcase scrimmage at Hancock Stadium.
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CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH

Western Illinois transfer Seth Glatz wrapped up his head-turning spring with 122 rushing yards on 12 carries.

“It was a good time being able to get out in front of fans and being able to feel the energy,” said Glatz. “I feel like I played pretty solid. I was able to showcase the offensive line pretty well and just get out there and run. Our offense looked really good. We seemed to be clicking really well.”

Josh Robinson rushed for 28 yards on 15 carries and Wenkers Wright 25 yards on six tries.

“Seth Glatz has good a really good job here,” Spack said. “Wenkers ran well and Josh Robinson ran well.”

King, who led ISU in rushing last season as Mason Blakemore, dressed in full pads despite sitting out the entire spring while rehabbing a shoulder injury.

“I tried,” King said of his unsuccessful attempt to get on the field.

Eddie Kasper topped all receivers with 10 catches for 58 yards. Tommy Donovan reeled in three receptions for 98 yards, Rylan Crawford four for 35, Braden Contreras four for 44, Scotty Presson Jr. four for 58 and Javon Charles two for 55.

Tommy Donovan 1 041324.JPG — Receiver Tommy Donovan (12) reels in a pass during Saturday’s Spring Showcase scrimmage at Hancock Stadium.

CLAY JACKSON, THE PANTAGRAPH

Donovan and third string quarterback Jimmy Makuh teamed up on a 60-yard scoring toss. Charles turned in spectacular catch on a 28-yard pass from Rittenhouse, reaching over a defender to secure the ball.

Linebacker Tye Niekamp led the defense with nine tackles and two sacks. Christian Kirenga and Keondre Jackson had six stops each and Jamarcus Smith five.

“We didn’t do a lot defensively. We kept it pretty vanilla,” Spack said. “We wanted to see some young guys play. We put some young guys in some adverse situations to see how they would respond.”

Spack wasn’t overly concerned about the defense’s statistical performance.

“We’ve been playing pretty well defensively,” said the ISU coach. “We’re deeper up front. We’ll be just fine.”

Linebacker LaVoise-Deontae McCoy believes it is “very obvious we ‘ve made progress. Each player is getting experience they may not have had or had to learn on the fly last year. Each year we learn a little bit more and get a little better.”

Linebacker Amir Abudullah expects the ISU defense to be better in critical situations in 2024.

“This year is going to be really good for the defense,” he said. “I feel like we’re going to do a better job finishing out plays this year. Last year it was a bit of a problem getting off the field on third down. This year I’m confident that’s going to change.”

Punter candidate Hayden Futch unleashed a 66-yard punt, while returning starter Ian Wagner had a 52-yard boot.

Wagner had the distance on a 52-yard field goal attempt but was wide right.

Lineman commits

ISU has received a commitment from interior offensive lineman Andrew Johnson.

The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Johnson is a native of Glen Ellyn and attended Glenbard West. Johnson was a second team all-Lone Star Conference player last season at Division II Texas-Permian Basin.

Photos: Illinois State football Spring Showcase

Jake Rubley 1 041324.JPG

Jake Rubley 2 041324.JPG

Jake Rubley 3 041324.JPG

Josh Robinson 1 041324.JPG

Josh Robinson 2 041324.JPG

Rylan Crawford 1 041324.JPG

Seth Glatz 1 041324.JPG

Tommy Donovan 1 041324.JPG

Tommy Rittenhouse 1 041324.JPG

Wenkers Wright 1 041324.JPG

Ben Wallace 1 041324.JPG

Follow Randy Reinhardt on Twitter: @Pg_Reinhardt

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Illinois

Stojaković leads Illinois to statement win over No. 11 Texas Tech

Published

5 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Press Room

Stojaković leads Illinois to statement win over No. 11 Texas Tech

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois narrowly passed its first major test of the season Tuesday night, outlasting No. 11 Texas Tech in a back-and-forth battle at State Farm Center that marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Tuesday night’s matchup at State Farm Center in Champaign marked the Illini’s first true test of the 2025-26 season, coming off two comfortable wins versus Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. Illinois leaned on sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković and veteran guard Kylan Boswell to gain control of the game in the dying minutes while Orange Krush’s energy helped seal a defining November win.

After an underwhelming debut against Florida Gulf Coast, sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković heavily contributed to Illinois’ offensive efficiency, boosting them to a 13-point halftime lead after shooting 5-for-5 from the field in the first half. After finding driving lanes in the paint to keep Illinois ahead late in the second half, Stojaković finished with 23 points on 11-for-16 shooting and sealed the win with a decisive block in the last minute of his breakout game for the Illini.

“You’ve got a couple guards that are physical and downhill, and then you’ve got guys who can shoot it and create some space,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. “Andrej is a tremendous value, he was much better tonight. The other night, he was a little sped up. I don’t think we played as fast tonight.”

On top of Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland referring to Boswell’s defensive presence as a “stump”, he was the engine for Illinois today finishing with 22 points and a few clutch free throws that helped him narrowly reach the 1,000 point career milestone on a night to remember.

Although the Illini were without forward Tomislav Ivišić, his twin brother Zvonimir and Big Ten Freshman of the Week David Mirkovic stepped up in the paint to fill the hole that Tomislav left. Big Z finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as Mirkovic tallied 11 points and four rebounds.

International guard Mihailo Petrovic also remained sidelined after being listed as questionable in what would’ve been his Illinois debut.

The gritty matchup gave Illini fans their first look at how they would stack up against a ranked opponent, showing just how far they have come since last season’s tournament run by defeating one of the best programs in the nation.

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Illinois

Are Illinois schools closed on Veterans Day? Here’s a list of what’s open and closed

Published

1 day ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

Are Illinois schools closed on Veterans Day? Here’s a list of what’s open and closed

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Veterans Day holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th, honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans.

The holiday began as Armistice Day in 1918, a celebration at the end of World War I, and evolved into a way to honor all U.S. veterans and those currently serving in the military.

It was made an official federal holiday in 1938.

Government workers are given a day off work on Veterans Day, although this year, many of them are not at work due to the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.

Are Illinois schools open on Veterans Day?

The Illinois State Board of Education says Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday” but “school activities are permitted.”

Rockford Public Schools have November 11th off to observe Veterans Day. Other schools in the surrounding area are also off.

Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed in observance of Veterans Day, but UPS and FedEx will remain operational for the holiday.

Are banks open on Veterans Day?

Most banks across the country are closed for Veterans Day, although the U.S. stock markets are open for trading.

Is the DMV open on Veterans Day?

All Secretary of State’s offices will be closed on Veterans Day, in observance of the holiday.

These restaurants are offering deals on Veterans Day

Applebee’s – Free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military.
Buffalo Wild Wings – 10 free boneless wings + fries for veterans and active-duty military.
Chili’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
Chipotle – Buy one entrée, get one free (4–8 p.m.) for military community.
Cracker Barrel – Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans.
Denny’s – Free Original Grand Slam® (5 a.m.–noon) for veterans and active-duty military.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Free pulled pork sandwich for veterans and active-duty military.
Golden Corral – Free meal during Military Appreciation Night (4 p.m.–close).
IHOP – Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans.
Little Caesars – Free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) for veterans.
Mission BBQ – Free sandwich on Veterans Day.
Olive Garden – Free entrée from special menu (includes soup/salad + breadsticks) for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
Outback Steakhouse – Free three-course “Aussie” meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 10 & Nov 11 with valid military ID (dine-in).
Red Lobster – Free “Veterans Shrimp & Chips” entrée for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in).
Scooter’s Coffee – Free medium drink for veterans/active duty with valid ID on Nov 11 (mobile order not available).
Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses on Nov 11 (café & drive-thru only).
Texas Roadhouse – Free meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 at participating restaurants.

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Illinois

Several Chicago-area schools announce closures ahead of expected snow. Here’s a list

Published

3 days ago

November 9, 2025

Press Room

Several Chicago-area schools announce closures ahead of expected snow. Here’s a list

Editor’s Note: Our latest weather story on the winter storm can be found here.

Several schools across the Chicago area have announced closures, delays or switches to e-learning ahead of a winter storm beginning late Sunday night.

More than half a dozen schools announced closures, or moves to e-learning protocols, ahead of the anticipated snowfall, according to the Emergency Closing Center.

Below is the latest list of schools that have announced closures, early dismissals or switches to e-learning for classes on Monday.

Dist #125 (Atwood Heights)	Alsip	Delayed 1 Hour
Dist #128 (Palos Heights)	Palos Heights	Delayed 2 Hours
Horizon Science Academy Southwest	Chicago	Closed Tomorrow No Evening Activities
River Forest School Corporation (Madison St)	River Forest	Closed Tomorrow E-learning
Dist #1 (Momence Community Unit)	Momence	E-learning
Crown Point Community School Corp	Crown Point	Delayed 2 Hours
Lake Station Community Schools	Lake Station	Closed Tomorrow E-learning

The announcements come as a winter storm warning was set to take effect for Cook, Kankakee and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.

Dangerous to impossible travel conditions due to lake effect snow were expected, the National Weather Service stated. Snowfall rates could exceed three inches per hour, and total snow accumulations in excess of 12 inches were possible, meteorologists said.

Track an updated list of school closings across the Chicago area here.

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