Hearts Down Robinson in Season Opener; Other High School Football 8-25

Following a scoreless first period, Effingham posted the first three scores of the game. The first points came on a 40-yard field goal by Maicol Sefton with 11:23 left in the quarter. The Hearts then staged a two-play 54-yard drive highlighted by a 13-yard touchdown run by Weldon Dunston and Sefton's extra point to make it 10-0. Effingham then completed a six-play 39-yard drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Gaige Gillum and the extra polnt and the Hearts led 17-0 at halftime.

Robinson got a 78-yard sideline run for a touchdown and then the extra point to make it 17-7 with 9:46 left in the third quarter.

Effingham bounced right back, though, to stage a 10-play, 76-yard drive capped by a two-yard touchdown pass to Colton Webb and the extra point to make it 24-7 with 3:21 left in the third, then staged a five-play, 47-yard drive capped by Dunston's one-yard touchdown run with 8:14 left in the game and the extra point to account for the final margin.

The Hearts outdid Robinson in total yardage 336 to 178, totaled 18 first downs to six for Robinson, and outrushed the Maroons 230 to 57. Robinson did have a narrow 121 to 106 passing yardage edge. 

Individually, Weldon Dunston rushed for 180 yards on 30 carries to lead the Hearts. Dunston scored twice. Gillum carried 11 times for 67 yards and a score. He was also six for 13 passing for 106 yards with one touchdown. 

Receiving, Andrew Lotz caught a 41 yard pass, Hunter Reed had two catches for 24 yards, Brodie Belcher caught a 23 yard pass, and Webb had the two yard touchdown catch.

Maicol Sefton had six kickoffs for 317 yards, and Jacob Weaver had three punts for 117 yards. Jacob Weaver had two kickoff returns for 30 yards, Wade Bushur had an interception, and Zach Donaldson had a punt return.

As far as tackles, here's the rundown: Zach Donaldson 7, Jacob Weaver 6, Camden Raddatz 4, Kaiden Koeberlein 5, Michael Love 5, Spencer Fox 6, Eli Middendorf 5, Kayden Mietzner 4, Charlie Ring 5, Wade Bushur 1. Maddox Burner 1.

The Hearts will play their home opener next Friday night at 7pm, hosting the Mt. Carmel Golden Aces. We will have the game on 979XFM. 

At Newton

Shelbyville opened with a 14-0 run in the first quarter and went on to down Newton by a 42-7 count Friday.

The Eagles didn't score until the final quarter. Max Meinhart handed off the ball at the four yard line to Byron Ashley who went in for the touchdown. Hayden Mulvey attempted the point after from the three and it was good.

The Rams had 21 first downs to 10 for Newton. Shelbyville gained 368 total yards while Newton had 182.

Wade Wickham had the largest gain rushing for the Eagles with 30 yards. Gus Bierman caught two passes for 52 yards and Payton Harris led the way with six receptions for 66 yards.

Meyer Tarr led in tackles with five solos and two assists. Gus Bierman had four solos and one assist. Evan Baltzell had one solo and six assists.

Effingham 31  Robinson  7 (Final)

Morton  20  Mahomet-Seymour  14  (Final)

Cumberland  44  Cerro Gordo-Bement  0 (Final)

Charleston  42  Herscher  13 (Final)

Casey-Westfield 26  Red Hill  0 (Final)

Triad  56  Mattoon  20 (Final)

Taylorville 41  Richland County 6  (Final)

Highland  35  Breese Central  14  (Final)

Mt Zion 21  Limestone 0 (postponed till 8-26 at 6pm due to lightning)