When the North Central Cardinals run onto the Woodforest Bank Stadium field Friday night, three former standouts for the Effingham Hearts will be among that group.
Terrence Hill, Griffin Paige and Drew Vasquez will be suited up and ready to help the Cardinals as they battle the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl for the NCAA Division III championship.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. Friday in Shenandoah, Texas, on the campus of the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
A fourth Effingham player, Braden Hasty, is also part of the squad, but did not make the trip. He is still recovering from a broken hand, sustained in the third week of the 2019 season.
Both teams will enter the contest with 13-1 records. The Warhawks are the No. 1 team in D-III, while the Cardinals are ranked second.
The banquet for the Effingham football team and cheerleaders is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19.
It will be in the high school’s Hearts Rock Café and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Sportsbackers will provide the meal for all athletes, team managers and cheerleaders. Meals for family members in attendance will cost $7 per meal.
By Steve Raymond
ET Sports Report
Oh, so very close.
The Effingham Hearts staged a remarkable second half comeback and were on the brink of a potential game-winning field goal that would have sent them to DeKalb and a chance to play for the Class 4A state championship.
But anyone that follows sports knows how quickly things can change. And late Saturday afternoon was a perfect example of that, as the possible “thrill of victory” turned into the “agony of defeat” in what seemed like the blink of an eye.
The Hearts scored two touchdowns in the second half and put together what appeared to be the winning drive, moving the ball to the Murphysboro six yard line with less than a minute to play. Effingham needed just one more snap to probably set up a field goal attempt on the final play of the game.
But, unfortunately, the Hearts fumbled the ensuing snap and the Red Devils recovered with only 34 seconds to play, which then forced overtime.
In the extra period, Effingham got a 23-yard field from Ivan Angel on its possession, but Murphysboro responded. On the second play, quarterback Jamarr McZeke lofted a pass into the end zone. It was deflected and bobbled, but finally secured by Jake Hoppenstedt that gave the Red Devils the 20-17 victory and the chance to play Richmond-Burton for the 4A title next Friday night.
The Apollo All-Conference Football Team selections were announced today, with Effingham placing 11 players on the first and second team.
The Hearts had eight players named to the first team and three to the second team.
Named to the first team offense were Nathan Shackelford, quarterback; Jett Gillum, fullback; Tristin Duncan, wide receiver; and Justin Baker, strong guard.
Selected to the first team defense were Austin Herboth, defensive end; Mason Hasty, inside linebacker; Jacob Stoneburner, inside linebacker; and Parker Wolfe, corner.
Second team picks for Effingham were Ethan Huss, strong tackle; Chase Woomer, running back; and Alex Baughman, defensive tackle.
Here are the other players selected:
Steve Raymond
ET Sport Report
Hey Effingham football fans!!!
Are we having fun yet???
I know I am.
I can’t wait for Saturday.
To me, this week has seemed to move slowly and I’m sure it’s because of my excitement level about Saturday’s game. And I doubt I’m alone.
The weather forecast isn’t the greatest. So what?
The Murphysboro Red Devils are supposed to be a very good team. That’s okay. We’re in the semifinals folks. At this level, the teams should be outstanding.
Why do you think the Hearts are in the Final Four and just one victory away from playing for the Class 4A state championship?
It’s because they are a very good football team, too.
How exciting is this?
The buzz around town answers that question.
Page 21 of 26
