Hearts Head to Macomb; Other Week 5 Matchups

Last season, it was Macomb that made the long bus trip.

This season, it's Effingham's turn.

The Hearts look for their third straight win as they make the 3-1/2 hour journey to western Illinois to take on a Bomber team that is showing signs of life after several seasons of subpar play. Kickoff at Macomb is 7:00 p.m. Hear the action on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.

Macomb is 2-2 this season after finishing 1-8 last season in Tony Westen's first year as head coach. That season included a 40-0 shutout at the hands of Effingham on Military Appreciation Night at Klosterman Field. The Bombers lost to Lincoln 20-13 in their opener then beat Canton 32-28 in their home opener. They then downed Farmer City Blue Ridge 34-6 before heading back on the road and losing to Mt. Zion 55-0 last week. 

For what it's worth, that means Effingham this season has already defeated the two teams that defeated Macomb. Keep in mind, though, that Macomb has won both of its home games this season.

Macomb has sophomore quarterback V.J. Lane at the helm. Lane can throw the ball, with John Ogle, Evis Campbell and Luke Silberer working to catch the ball. Bryan Farkas has had success carrying the ball for the Bombers.

Effingham started its season 0-2 with a close loss to Breese Mater Dei and a loss to Taylorville that was closer than the final score indicates for much of the contest. The Hearts have since posted a win over Mt. Zion at home and beat Lincoln last week after making another lengthy road trip.

This is non-conference action. Macomb is in the West Central Conference, which only has three teams. The Bombers are yet to play either of their conference opponents. The Hearts are 2-1 in Apollo Conference play.

Next week, the Hearts wrap up their three-game road trip at Mahomet-Seymour.

Here's a look at Week 5 action in the region:

(APOLLO CONFERENCE SCHOOLS IN CAPS)

EFFINGHAM _____ at Macomb _____

MT. ZION _____ at CHARLESTON _____

TAYLORVILLE _____ at LINCOLN _____

MAHOMET-SEYMOUR _____ at MATTOON _____

Breese Mater Dei _____ at Breese Central _____

Anna-Jonesboro _____ at Carterville _____

Red Hill _____ at Newton _____

Villa Grove-Heritage _____ at Cumberland _____

Staunton _____ at Pana _____

Piasa Southwestern _____ at Vandalia _____

Casey-Westfield _____ at Robinson _____

Lawrenceville _____ at Flora _____

Marshall _____ at Olney Richland County _____

Shelbyville _____ at Warrensburg-Latham _____

Trenton Wesclin _____ at Salem _____