Coal City Courant

CC matmen win all but one forfeit

Published by admin on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 4:30pm

The wrestling Coalers forfeited one weight class last week, the only points they allowed against two opponents as they racked up two more dual wins to stay undefeated at 14-0.

The conference victories were over Streator, 77-0, and Manteno, 68-6, as Coal City finished with eight double winners. They included Brody Widlowski (113), Trace Wilson (126),Mataeo Blessing (145/152), Jack Poyner (170/160), Derek Carlson (160/170), Andrew Feisley (195), Drake Dearth (220) and Michael Gonzalez (285).

Lady Coalers achieve new milestone for Coach Schmitt

Published by admin on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 4:28pm

Coach Brad Schmitt and the Lady Coalers celebrated his 300th victory Thursday after defeating Streator at home 53-21.

Schmitt started the season needing only eight wins to achieve the milestone and the Lady Coalers have responded exceptionally well with an 8-2 record so far.

If Coal City stays on track they could match Schmitt’s best season, in 2013-14 when they went 26-2.
Of the 539 victories Coal City High School has earned over 45 years, 300 have been by Schmitt who has a winning 300-226 overall record.

JV Lady Coalers open with a win

Published by admin on Tue, 11/29/2022 - 8:52am

The F/S Lady Coalers basketball team opened its season Monday night with a 44-20 victory over Peotone.
“After having four weeks of practice, it was nice to finally play a game. The girls did a lot of good things, and several girls contributed,” coach Brad Boresi commented.
Emma Rodriguez led Coal City with 10 points while Jori Tucker contributed 9 points.

JV Warriors rout Pontiac

Published by admin on Tue, 11/29/2022 - 8:50am

The 7th grade Warriors boys basketball team got a big win over Pontiac Monday night by a score of 34-20.
Coal City came out of the game with a tenacious defense, holding Pontiac to zero points in the first quarter.
Then, the Warriors took a half-time lead of 18-10 into the locker room with a halfcourt buzzer beater from Hayden Kennell.

Long trek to Carterville awaits Coalers

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:05pm

With their placement in the South bracket of Class 4A, the Coal City football team (7-3) will make the four-and-a-half hour hike to face the top seed in the South, Carterville (10-0) Saturday at 1 p.m.

They defeated Geneseo 36-7 in the opening round. "Fantastic team. They are very athletic and have some good size. It's a long trip, but this group is very impressive as far as their resiliency and the way they prep," said Coaler coach Francis Loughran.

"We're down to the Sweet 16 now and every team you play is going to be good at this point."

Coalers use familiar recipe in playoff opening win

Published by admin on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 4:03pm

In the playoffs, if you can run the ball and play good defense, you have a good chance to move on.

In Saturday's home playoff opener against East Alton (Wood River), the Coal City football team did just that, rushing for 151 yards and forcing three turnovers in a 22-6 win.

"We're lucky that we were able to survive this week against a good playoff team," said head coach Francis Loughran.

"It’s nice for us to be at home. The support from the community is fantastic."

The Coalers advance to face top-seeded Carterville on the road.

Surpises were few during first week of playoffs

Published by admin on Mon, 10/31/2022 - 1:17pm

And then there were 16. That’s how many teams are left in each of the eight classes of the IHSA football playoffs as winning teams move on to the second round.
Wilmington (2A), Reed-Custer (3A) and Coal City (4A) all advance to the second round after winning on Saturday. The Wildcats (9-1) will host Tri-Valley Downs (8-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Reed-Custer (10-0) will play saturday at 5 p.m. against visiting Pecatonica - Du-Pec Coop (8-2) while the Coalers (7-3) have a four-hour drive to Carterville (10-0) near Marion, IL for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday.

Tickets for playoff game can be bought in advance

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 4:18pm

Coaler football fans who want to save $1 and avoid any lines at the gate might consider buying tickets for Saturday’s first round Class 4A playoff game online. Per the IHSA, fans who use GoFan: https://gofan.co/app/events/750350?schoolId=IL15444, will pay $5 per ticket while those waiting at the gate will pay $6. Gates will open at 1 p.m. with the kickoff between Coal City (#8 seed, 6-3 record) and East Alton Wood River (#9 seed, 6-3) at 2 p.m. No passes will be allowed and it’s general admission with no reserved seating.

Coalers excited to host playoff opener

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 4:18pm

After securing their all-important sixth win to close out the season, the eighth-seeded Coal City football team's reward is a home playoff game against ninth-seeded Wood River (East Alton) to open the Class 4A playoffs Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Oilers faced five playoff teams during the season and went 2-3 in those games. They also went just 2-2 on the road and will be making the three-and-a-half hour trek to Coaler Country.
“We've already exchanged films and they are a run-heavy team. They are going to look to establish the run early and often,” said coach Francis Loughran.

Lady Coalers capture ICE championship

Published by admin on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 4:16pm

The Varsity Lady Coalers beat Lisle in two quick sets, 25-3, 25-16, to claim the Illinois Central Eight conference championship with a 13-1 league record and 23-7 overall.
“The Lady Coalers have worked so hard to earn 1st in conference,” praised coach Pam McMurtrey. “Now it’s on to regionals and hopefully another championship run.”
Coal City, the top seed in the Seneca Regional, held its first regional match last night against either Peotone. If they won, they will return to Seneca on Thursday at 6 p.m. for the regional title.