Chester Community School District 139

CGS Staff Member of the Month for October See attached graphics.

Chester High School honors fall Senior Athletes, Band and Dance (2 of 2) CHS had a total of 43 senior students involved in sports, band and dance BY JIM BEERS BAND Senior and members included Max Blechle, son of Chris and Valerie Blechle; Nick Coffey, son of Ryan and Barb Coffey, and Melissa Knowles; Josh Copple, son of Elizabeth Copple; Nico DeGuzman, child of Marlen and Robert Todd; Toby Geris, child of Ms. Kathryn and grandparents Doris and Gary Sauerhage; Mira Krieg, daughter of Jeff and Krista Krieg; Jaden Lopez, son of Mario and Alicia Perez; and Tia Martinez, sister of Sonya Torres and Selena Martinez. Other senior band members included Emma Murphy, daughter of Amanda Butler; Ary Shipley, child of Melissa and Michelle Crawford and Kenny and Carla Shipley; Whitney Sulser, daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser; Summer Valleroy, daughter of Danny and Dani Valleroy; Florentino Rafael, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rafael; Lincon Schroeder, son of Jenni and Cole Schroeder; and Will Welge, son of Tom and Tracy Welge. DANCE TEAM The CHS Dance Team featured five seniors, including Mira Krieg, daughter of Jeff and Krista Krieg; Tia Martinez, sister of Sonya Torres and Selena Martinez; Emma Murphy, daughter of Amanda Butler; Whitney Sulser, daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser; and Summer Valleroy, daughter of Danny and Dani Valleroy. Each band and dance team member received orange and black balloons, a flower, and other special gifts presented by their fellow members. VOLLEYBALL CHS featured three senior volleyball players prior to the CHS vs Marissa volleyball match Tuesday October 22. Senior players recognized and honored included Gianna Eggemeyer, daughter of Brian and Carrie Eggemeyer; Olivia Earl, daughter of Craig Earl and Jill Earl; and Elaina Lutman, daughter of Dave and Carrie Lutman. The girls received orange and black balloons, flowers, and gifts from their teammates. To top off the evening, the Varsity Lady Jackets defeated the Marissa Lady Meteors on “Senior Night”. PHOTO 1 Senior Football Players Senior Football players are honored at 2024 "Senior Night" activities Friday October 18. Seniors include Zain Al-Jassim; Gene Bicket, Cayden Brunkhorst, Lannin Caron, Justin Hayman, Jack Heffernan, Kolton Jany, Nate Maes, Brenden Malley, Devante Palacio, Florentine Rafael, Lincon Schroeder, and Alex Williamson. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Cheerleading CHS senior cheerleaders and parents were recognized at "Senior Night" 2024 Friday October 18. Pictured are Peyton Cole, Kourtney House, and Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 Cross Country Cross Country senior runners were recognized and honored Friday October 18 during fall sport "Senior Night" ceremonies. Pictured with parents are Ivanovich and Will Welge. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 4 GOLF Senior members of the 2024 CHS Golf Team were recognized and honored at the 2024 Fall Sports Night at CHS. Senior golfers included Rylie Conley, Max Blechle, Evan Dunning, and Noah Homan. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 5 Band and Dance Team Band and Dance Team members were honored and recognized at halftime of the CHS vs Red Bud football game at W.O. Smith Field at CHS. Band Members included Max Blechle, Nick Coffey, Josh Coffey, Nico DeGuzman, Toby Geris, Mira Krieg, Jaden Lopez, Tia Martinez, Emma Murphy, Ary Shipley, Whitney Sulser, Sumer Valleroy, Will Welge, Florentino Rafael, and Lincon Schroeder. Dance Team members included Mira Krieg, Tia Martinez, Emma Murphy, Whitney Sulser, and Summer Valleroy. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 6 VOLLEYBALL CHS senior Volleyball players were honored prior to the CHS vs Marissa volleyball match Tuesday October 22. Pictured are Gianna Eggemeyer (11), Olivia Earl (9), Had Coach Colleen Runge, and Elaina Lutman (2). Carrie Eggemeyer Photo

Chester High School honors fall Senior Athletes, Band and Dance (1 of 2) CHS had a total of 43 senior students involved in sports, band and dance BY JIM BEERS With fall sports coming to an end, Chester High School held 2024 “Senior Night” ceremonies the past week to honor and recognize those seniors who have dedicated the past four years to CHS in sports and related activities. The biggest ceremony took place Friday October 18 at the Chester vs Red Bud football game. During a pre-game ceremony Football, Cheer, Cross Country and Golf were honored. At halftime of the game Marching YellowJackets and Dance Team members were honored. On Tuesday October 22 the Chester High School Volleyball Team honored three senior Volleyball seniors just prior to the CHS vs Marissa match at Chester High School’s Colbert Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. CHS Coaches, Administration and Staff made the following announcement as players and parents were organizing in the north end zone. “We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our 2024 senior athletes. The following group of students have dedicated themselves to academics and athletics throughout their high school careers. The Chester School District would like to thank and honor them for their loyalty and dedication to our athletic program over the past four years.” FOOTBALL The 2024 Football YellowJackets featured 13 senior players. During the pre-game ceremony players and parents were featured on W.O. Smith Field in front of a packed stadium. The following players and parents honored: Zain Al-Jassim, son of Michele Prange and Samir Al-Jassim; Gene Bicket, son of Steve and Trish Bicket; Cayden Brunkhorst, son of Soleil and Brian Brunkhorst; Lannin Caron, son of Chase and Sarah Caron; Justin Hayman, son of Kevin Hayman and Jennifer Ward; Jack Heffernan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Joanie Heffernan; and Kolton Jany, son of Pete and Trisha Jany. Other senior football players included Nate Maes, son of Lea Fraembs, James Maes and Brandy Maes; Brenden Malley, son of Ty and Nikki Malley; Devante Palacio, son of Megan Fricke and Bobby Palacio; Florentino Rafael, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rafael; Lincon Schroeder, son of Jenni and Cole Schroeder; and Alex Williamson, son of Jeremy and Heather Williamson. CHEERLEADING The 2024 Cheerleading squad enjoyed three senior cheerleaders, including Peyton Cole, daughter of Dennis Cole, Christina Maue, and Alan Rannow; Kourtney House, daughter of Amanda and Ryan House; and Elaina Lutman, daughter of Dave and Carrie Lutman. CROSS COUNTRY The 2024 YellowJacket Cross Country Team had two senior runners, Ivanovich Duran, son of Mrs. Medrano; and Will Welge, son of Tom and Tracy Welge. GOLF The Chester Golf Team boasted four seniors this season, one member of the Lady Jacket’s Team and three members of the YellowJacket Boys’ Team. The sole Lady Jacket was Rylie Conley, daughter of Erin Conley and Erica Eggemeyer. YellowJacket boys included Max Blechle, son of Chris and Valerie Blechle; Evan Dunning, son of Jim and Rhonda Dunning; and Noah Homan, son of Tori Cochran and Jeremy and Ashley Homan. The above 22 mentioned senior athletes were honored during the pre-game ceremony. Each athlete and his or her parents met on the field and were recognized as Jacket Country applauded their efforts and dedication. Each athlete received orange and black balloons as well as a flower and other gifts as presented by members of their teams. At halftime of the CHS vs Red Bud game, the Class of 2025 senior Band Members and members of the 2024-25 CHS Dance Team were honored prior to the Marching YellowJacket halftime show. The band had 15 members recognized, and the Dance Team had five members recognized. Three band members also played in the band, and two YellowJacket football players were members of the band. Two dance team members only danced on the dance team.

Next week at CGS.....❣️🎗️❣️

The CGS Student Council invites our 7th and 8th graders to "somethin’ strange in the neighborhood" this Friday, October 25th! Be ready to get your BOOgie on at the 7th/8th Grade Halloween Dance! 👻🎃

CGS & CHS: MILITARY SERVICE APPRECIATION SUBMISSION FORM https://forms.gle/zsoTdxNtbrfot7mPA Please submit photo to highschool.office@chester139.com SUBMISSIONS WILL BE USED FOR MILITARY APPRECIATION GAME, SATURDAY, 10/26/24

CHS FALL SPORTS SENIOR NIGHT, CHESTER VS. RED BUD VIDEO: https://youtu.be/xnaUh5ca1is

Chester beats Red Bud, 44-7, to remain undefeated at 8-0 (3 of 3) YellowJackets are Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division CHAMPIONS and Randolph County CHAMPIONS BY JIM BEERS Devante Palacio caught 1 pass for 56 yards and 1 TD. Brenden Malley caught 3 passes for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lannin Caron caught 1 pass for 36 yards. The Jackets ran for 156 yards two touchdowns. Kolton Jany led with 10 runs for 63 yards and 1 TD. Zain Al-Jassim ran 6 times for 26 yards and one touchdowns. Other rushers included Justin Hayman (1-for-19), Cayden Brunkhorst (1 for 18), Ethan Colvis (4 for 16), Devante Palacio (1 for 3), and Alex Blechle. The Jacket defense was tough against Red Bud. In the win, Chester recorded 18 solo tackles, 4323 tackle assists, 1 quarterback sack, and six tackles for a loss. Kolton Jany led with 3 solos, 1 assist, and 2 tackles for a loss (TFL). Ethan Colvis had 3 solos, and 2 assists. Tino Rafael recorded 2 solos and 4 assists. Devante Palacio had 1 solo and 3 assists. Lincon Schroeder recorded 1 solo and 4 assists. Nate Maes had 1 solo, 2 assists, and 1 TFL. Denis Vasquez had 1 solo, 2 assists, and 1 TFL. Gene Bicket recorded 1 solo, 1 assist, and 1 TFL. Morgan Miers recorded 1 solo, 1 assist, 1 sack, and 1 TFL. Devante Palacio also had two interceptions. Karim Landeros had a great game with four extra points and he kicked off the Red Buds 8 times for 376 yards. With the win the Jackets improved to an overall record of 8-0 to remain undefeated and they remained undefeated in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division at 4-0, to earn the title of Conference Champions. In addition Chester further earned the title of 2024 Randolph County Champions with wins over Red Bud and Sparta. Next up for Chester will be a non-conference game to end the regular season. The YellowJackets will host Waterloo Public Saturday October 26 at 12 noon at W.O. Smith Field. PHOTO 1 Alex Williamson Senior Alex Williamson, a 6'0:, 245 Lb. lineman, scored a touchdown against Red Bud on a especial hook-and-ladder play in which quarterback Zain Al-Jassim made a 8-yard pass the junior Tray Peters. Peters then immediately pivoted and flicked the ball to Williamson who took the ball and ran into the end zone for Chester's 6th and final touchdown. The score gave Chester a 41-0 lead over the Musketeers. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Devante Palacio CHS senior wide receiver Devante Palacio (9) scrambled for yardage in the YellowJacket's 44-7 win over Red Bud Friday October 18. It was Senior Night at CHS and Palacio scored Chester's second touchdown oi the game on a 56 yard touchdo0wn pass from his quarterback Zain Al-Jassim. The TD gave the YellowJackets a 14-0 lead at the 5:25 mark of the second quarter. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 3 Brenden Malley On Senior Night 2024 CHS senior, Brenden Malley shined for the YellowJackets scoring two touchdowns. The first was the first of the game at the 9:00 mark on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Zain Al-Jassim. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point and CHJS led, 7-0. The second came at the end of the second quarter with .58 remaining in the first half. Zain Al-Jassim found Malley once again for a 12-yard TD pass to give the Jackets a 21-0 lead at halftime. Malley also ran for 47 yards and had a solo tackle on defense. Jim Beers Photo

Chester beats Red Bud, 44-7, to remain undefeated at 8-0 (2 of 3) YellowJackets are Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division CHAMPIONS and Randolph County CHAMPIONS BY JIM BEERS Red Bud had the ball for just three plays on their next possession when Chester’s Devante Palacio got his second interception of the game with under 4 minutes left in the half. Chester took over on Red Bud’s 35-yard line. Zain Al-Jassim ran for a first down on a quarterback keeper and Kolton Jany ran for six yards. Al-Jassim recorded another 1st down on another quarterback keeper taking the ball to the Red Bud 14-yard line. With only .58 on the clock, Zain Al-Jassim found Brenden Malley for a 12-yard touchdown pass and Karim Landeros kicked his third extra-point. Chester extended its lead to 21-0 to end the first half. Chester had the opening kickoff to start the second half. It took the Jackets just four plays to score their 4 th touchdown when Zain Al-Jassim score on a quarterback keeper from 8-yards out. Karim Landeros set up as if to kick the extra point, but instead the Jackets attempted a 2-point conversion which failed extra-point and Chester led, 27-0 at the 10:26 mark. To set that TD up Kolton Jany ran twice for 13 yards and Lannin Caron caught a huge 17-yard pass from Al-Jassim. It took only a minute and thirty second to score. On Red Bud’s next possession Chester’s defense created all kinds of terror for the Musketeers as the Jackets threw the Musketeers for a 5-yard loss to start the possession. Red Bud then committed back-to-back false starts and threw an incomplete pass. Facing 2-and 20, Chester’s Jack Heffernan and Gene Bicket broke up the next pass play. Red Bud was then called for targeting for a 15-yard penalty. Chester took the ball with 7:13 to play in the 3rd quarter. Three plays later, Kolton Jany scored Chester’s 5thn touchdown on a 12-yard run. Karim Landeros remained perfect on the night with his 4th extra-point. The YellowJackets led, 34-0, with 6:47 left in the period. The Jacket defense created havoc for the Musketeers on their next possession as Tino Rafael broke up a Landon Ruebusch pass and then sacked the quarterback on the next play. Kolton Jany made a key tackle for a 5-yard loss on the third play, and the Musketeers were called for delay of game. CHS forced a Red Bud punt. The Jackets responded with a four-play possession that resulted in a touchdown. On the first play from scrimmage, Ethan Colvis ran for 8-yards. On the second play, Cayden Brunkhorst ran for the first down. On the third play, Justin Hayman ran for 19-yards putting Chester on the Red Bud 8 yard line. On the fourth play, Zain Al-Jassim connected with Tray Peters for a pass. Peters, in-turn, pivoted and immediately flicked the ball to Chester lineman, Alex Williamson, who ran for an 8-yard Chester touchdown. It was Chester’s 6 th TD. Karim Landeros kicked his 5th extra-point of the game. The YellowJackets further extended their lead to, 41-0, with 3:25 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Chester kicked off to Red Bud at the 3:25 mark and CHS linebacker, Lincon Schroeder made the stop on the Musketeer return. On the first play from scrimmage, Red Bud’s Brayden Koester, a sophomore wide receiver, ran for a monumental 72-yard touchdown. Senior Gavin Baldwin kicked the extra-point and the Musketeers were on the scoreboard. CHS led, 41-7, to end the 3rd quarter. The entire 4th quarter was played with a continuous clock. Chester had the ball to start the period. Coach Billy Belton substituted heavily throughout the last period. Red Bud held the Jackets on their first three plays. On the final play of the possession, the Jackets face a 4-and-13 situation. Instead of punting, Belton decoded to have Karim Landeros attempt a 35-yard field goal. Landeros drained it and added three more points to the YellowJacket total to lead, 44-7. On Red Bud’s final possession, Chester’s Gene Bicket and Morgan Miers gave the Red Bud offense fits and forced a turnover on downs. CHS ran the clock out to win the contest, 44-7. In the win, Chester ran 48 plays vs Red Bud’s 42. CHS recorded 427 yards (271 passing and 156 running) and Red Bud recorded 165 yards (47 passing and 118 rushing). Chester did not commit any turnover. Red Bud had two turnovers, both interceptions. The Jackets committed seven penalties for 92 yards. Red Bud committed seven penalties for 66 yards. Chester’s Zain Al-Jassim passed 12 times connecting on 11 of those (92 %). He had 25b yards and 3 touchdowns. Devante Palacio had 1 pass and completed it for 6 yards. Red Bud’s Landon Ruebusch threw 15 times completing 7 (46%). He was intercepted twice. Chester caught 12 passes for a total of 268 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kolton Jany received 4 passes for 75 yards. Tray Peters caught 3 passes for 57 yards and 1 Touchdown.

Chester beats Red Bud, 44-7, to remain undefeated at 8-0 (1 of 3) YellowJackets are Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division CHAMPIONS and Randolph County CHAMPIONS BY JIM BEERS The Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team hosted the Red Bud Musketeers Friday night October 18 in a contest which would decide several things. First of all, a win would give Chester an undefeated record in both the Cahokia Conference and overall. Secondly, a win would give the Jackets a Randolph County Championship. Thirdly, a win would give the YellowJackets the 2024 Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Championship. Well, the YellowJackets handed the Musketeers a decisive 44-7 defeat, making all of the above propositions come true! First of all, Chester ended the 2024 Cahokia Conference with an undefeated, 4-0 record with wins over Sparta (48-2), Wesclin (20-0), Carlyle (41-0), and Red Bud (44-7). Add to the conference record of 4-0, Chester also had undefeated games against the four non-conference games against DuQuoin (35-27), Pinckneyville (56-6), Freeburg (31-14), and Dupo (48-14) for their overall undefeated record of 8-0. Chester defeated the other two teams that reside in Randolph County including Sparta (48-2) and Red Bud (44-7) to earn the title of Randolph County Champion. Finally, and most impressive, the YellowJackets Jackets swept the competition in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division with wins over Sparta (48-2), Wesclin (20-0), Carlyle (41-0), and Red Bud (44-7) to earn the title of conference champions. That fact alone is fantastic, however, the YellowJackets have won the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division title championship 3-of-the last-4 years! The win over Red Bud was even more sweet due to the fact that last year at Red Bud, in the final conference game, the Musketeers “eked-“out a slim win, over the Jackets, 14-7, in a close and heated game to take the conference title for the Musketeers. A week later, Red Bud and Chester were pitted against each other again, this time in a first-round 2023 IHSA Division 2A State Playoff game at Red Bud, in which most of the game was played in a down-pouring rain with high winds and temperatures dropping to the coldest in the fall. Both teams struggled throughout the game with wet, slick conditions until the final seconds of the game when Red Bud managed to score 7-0, to win the game and advance to Round 2. The Musketeers were soundly defeated the next week in Round 2. It aw “Senior Night” at W.O. Smith Field and prior to the game YellowJacket Country honored 13 senior players including Zain Al-Jassim, Gene Bicket, Cayden Brunkhorst, Lannin Caron, Justin Hayman, Jack Heffernan, Kolton Jany, Nate Maes, Brenden Malley, Devante Palacio, Florentino Rafael, Lincon Schroeder, and Alex Williamson. All 13 have led and paced the YellowJacket team to the current 8-0 record and the huge win over Red Bud! Friday night the Jackets orchestrated a 44-7 victory over the Musketeers by the tune of six touchdowns and a field goal. The Chester offense was unleashed right away behind the quarterbacking of senior Zain Al-Jassim and the stingy YellowJacket defense. Red Bud took the opening kickoff but was held to four plays and a turnover on downs at the 10:32 mark to start the game. The Jackets began on their own 38 yard line and scored after two first downs and eight plays on 6-yard touchdown from Zain Al-Jassim to Brenden Malley, both seniors. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point and Chester led, 7-0 at the 7:12 mark. The Jacket defense held the Musketeers on their next possession which started with 7:12 remaining in the first quarter and ended with 2:16 left in the period. CHS took over 1st and ten on the Red Bud 20 yard line. On the second play from scrimmage, Ethan Colvis scored on YellowJacket touchdown, but the score was called back due to a YellowJacket penalty. CHS now faced 2-and-20 with less than a minute to play. Kolton Jany ran for six yards and CHS faced 3-and-14 with .28 left on the clock. Al-Jassim threw an incomplete pass and as the 1st quarter buzzer sounded, the Jackets faced 4 th and 14, with a 7-0 lead to end the 1st quarter. Chester had the ball to start the second quarter, but were forced to punt. Red Bud started the period at 11:50 and lost 3 yards on the first play from scrimmage. Landon Ruebusch threw a good 15-yard on the next play but Chester’s Nate Maes broke up the next two plays and Chester’s Devante Palacio recorded his second interception of the game to halt the Musketeer drive and end the possession. Chester took just eight plays to score again at the 5:11 mark on a 56-yards touchdown pass from Al-Jassim to Devante Palacio. During that 8-play possession, Kolton Jany recorded three back-to-back-to-back first downs on passes and runs. Tray Peters threw a good pass, Ethan Colvis ran for six yards, and Al-Jassim capped of the drive with his TD. Karin Landeros kicked his second extra-point and CHS led, 14-0.

CGS MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY HEADED TO STATE: SATURDAY 10/19/24 ROMAN DITCH KOLIN MARTINEZ BRENNA HAMMEL CONGRATULATIONS!!!

CHS INTERACT CLUB FOOD DRIVE: Food Drive Collection at Friday's Football Game Bring donations to the table next to the home concession stand. Thank You

CHS: CHS Poem of the Month! Congratulations Aaliyah Berbuegler and Jason Sibley for winning the Spooky Poetry competition. The next Writers' Circle competition theme is "gratitude." Students to see Miss Hodge or Nico DeGuzman for information on the November poetry competition.

Chester wins 48-14 at Dupo to remain undefeated Record now stands at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division (2 of 2) BY JIM BEERS When asked what his thoughts were regarding the win, CHS Head Coach Billy Belton said, “Kolton Jany had a great game on both sides of the ball. He caused a fumble early in the game. Dupo was going to score and he knocked the ball out of the running back’s hand and it went into the end zone for a touchback. We then went down and scored. Kolton has been making plays for us on both sides of the ball.” “Our offensive line played extremely well. We rushed for 300 yards and we had two backs go for over 100 yards. Coaches Riggio, Roth, and Mueller have done a great job with the line and running backs!” “Zain had another big day. Three TD’s, two passing and one running. He started the day off with a big bang. On the first play from scrimmage Al-Jassim threw a touchdown pass to Devante Palacio. Brenden Malley has also been playing really well on the offensive side of the ball. He is a great weapon!” “Overall I am so proud of the way the boys played. The defense held Dupo’s boys in check. They only rushed for 21 yards. Our defensive backs played really well as we asked them to play man-to-man. Cayden Brunkhorst had another interception. This was his fourth of the season. He has been playing on defense and special teams.” When asked about this week’s match up with Red Bud, Belton said, “We have a great opportunity this week to play for another conference championship. Red Bud is always fun. They have a great team and are coached well. We are going to have a great week of practice and I now the boys will be extremely fired up for this one!” Chester hosts Red Bud Friday October 18 at 7:00 p.m. at W.O. Smith Field at CHS. The YellowJackets have a fantastic opportunity to win the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Championship with a win over Red Bud. W.O. Smith Field promises to be a wonderful atmosphere! This will also be CHS Senior Night” for all fall sports. Ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. prior to the football pre-game show. Each fall sport will be recognized during the ceremony with YellowJacket Marching Band and Dance Team being honored at halftime. Chester's Justin Hayman had a big night against Dupo Friday October 11 when the YellowJackets traveled to Tiger Country to challenge Dupo. Hayman, a 5'10", 215 pound wide receiver and defensive back, had back-to-back touchdowns in the first quarter to give Chester a 21-0 lead after one quarter of play. Both of Hayman's touchdowns were 5-yard bursts across the finish line with YellowJacket kicker, Karin Landeros, a 5'9", 165 Lb. sophomore, kicking the extra-points. Jim Beers Photo

Chester wins 48-14 at Dupo to remain undefeated Record now stands at 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division (1 of 2) BY JIM BEERS The Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team continues to fly high and maintain its undefeated season with a non-conference win at Dupo. The Jackets defeated the Tigers, 48-14, on the road Friday October 11 to keep up the momentum that has been the buzz of the area as of late. The Jackets wasted no time getting started and scored three touchdowns in the opening quarter. Zain Al-Jassim hit Devante Palacio for a 65-yard touchdown pass right away on the first play from scrimmage and Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point as Chester led, 7-0. Justin Hayman ran 5-yards for Chester’s second touchdown and Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point. Chester led, 14-0. To close out the first quarter Justin Hayman ran for his second 5-yard touchdown of the night and Karim Landeros kicked his third extra-point of the night to boost Chester’s score to 21-0. In the second quarter, Brenden Malley caught a 6-yard pass from CHS quarterback Zain Al-Jassim and took it in for Chester’s fourth touchdown and Karim Landeros kicked his fourth extra-point to give the YellowJackets a 28-0 halftime lead. Following the halftime break, Chester quarterback, Zain Al-Jassim, scored a fifth YellowJacket touchdown on a 5-yard quarterback keeper. Karim Landeros remained perfect in kicking his fifth extra-point of the game and the Jacket Express extended its lead to 35 points, 35-0. Before the third quarter buzzer sounded, Dupo scored a touchdown on a 9-yard pass to give the Tigers their first points of the game. Their extra-point attempted was good and they trailed, 35-7, after three quarters of play. The YellowJackets were not done yet, however, as they added a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter to top off a decisive game! Kolton Jany scored on a 2-yard run across the goal line for Chester’s sixth touchdown. Karin Landeros add his 6th extra-point giving him an unblemished kicking record in the win. The Jackets extended their lead to 42-7 to start the 4th period. The Jackets were not done yet, however, as Ethan Clovis crossed the goal line for the 7th time in the game on a 17-yard touchdown. CHS attempted a two-point conversion but failed. CHS led, 48-7. To close out the game, Dupo scored one more time on a 10-yard run and made their extra-point kick for their second touchdown of the evening. The extra-point kick was good and as the final horn sounded, Chester won, 48-14. In the win, the YellowJackets ran 66 plays vs 44 for Dupo. Chester accumulated 439 yards (139 passing and 300 rushing) and Dupo accumulated 189 yards (168 passing and 21 rushing). The Jackets recorded 20 first downs and the Tigers had 10 first downs. CHS was 3-of-4 on 4th downs (75%) and DHS was 0-1 on 4th downs (0%). On 3rd downs, the Jackets were 5-of-11 (45%) while the Tigers were 3-for-8 (38%). Chester did not turn the ball over in the win. Dupo had four turnovers (2 fumbles and 2 interceptions). Chester was called for 9 penalties for 32 yards while Dupo was called for 6 penalties for 76 yards. Chester quarterback, Zain Al-Jassim connected for 11-of-14 passes for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dupo connected for 9-of-21 passes, 168 yards and 1 TD. Chester intercepted two of the Tiger passes. Devante Palacio led the Jackets in receiving with three receptions for 92 yards and 1 TD. Brenden Malley caught three passes for 31 yards and 1 TD. Kolton Jany had two receptions for 10 yards and Justin Hayman recorded two catches for 5 yards. Finally, Tray Peters had one reception for one yard. All total, CHS recorded 139 passing yards. The YellowJackets had a great night on the ground racking up a total of 300 rushing yards. Leading swarm was Kolton Jany who had 111 yards on 16 carries. He added a touchdown to cap-off a great night. Other CHS contributors included Tray Peters (9 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD); Ethan Colvis (6 carries for 45 yards and 1 TD); Zain Al-Jassim (5 carries, 14 yards and 1 TD); Devante Palacio (1 carry for 14 yards); Justin Hayman (3 carries for 11 yards and 1 TD); Alex Blechle and (1-for-4); Kanon Jany (1-for-1). The Jacket defense played well holding the Tigers to just 189 yards total (168 passing and only 21 yards running). The Swarm also allowed just two touchdowns. For the night Chester’s defensive unit recorded 26 solo tackles, 16 tackle assists, 1 tackle for a loss, but no quarterback sacks.

34th Annual Chester (2 of 2) Invitational Cross Country Meet Vanessa Teel of Pinckneyville wins Girls’ overall title (19:41.4) and Landen Roman of Pinckneyville takes Boys’ overall title (15:56.7) BY JIM BEERS Landen Roman was the winner of the Boys’ Varsity Division with his time of 15:56.7 and his race pace of 5:19 per mile. There were 37 runners in the Varsity event. There were 11 schools represented including Pinckneyville, Bluford-Webber, Okawville, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Gibault Catholic High School of Waterloo, Columbia, Red Bud, Freeburg, DuQuoin, Okawville, Trico, and Chester. Chester’s four runners competed in the Varsity Division. Ivan Hobbs, a senior, finished 26th out of 37 in the Varsity Division and 48th out of 76 runners overall. His time was 20:46.8. Race pace was 6:56 per mile. Victor Fuentes, a sophomore, finished 30th out of 37 runners in the Varsity Division and 62nd out of 76 runners overall. His time was 22:01.3. His race pace was 7:21 per mile. Ivanovich Duran, senior, was the YellowJackets’ 3rd finisher in the Varsity Division. He finished 32nd out of 37 runners and turned in a time of 24:45.2. His overall finish was 68th out of 76 runners overall. Chester’s 4th finisher was Will Welge, a senior. Welge finished 70th out of 76 runners overall and had a time of 24:52.9. His Varsity finish was 33rd out of 37 runners with a race pace of 8:18 per mile. The Freshman-Sophomore Division was won by Caiden Cook of DuQuoin. He is a sophomore and won with a time of 16:20.2 and a race pace of 5:27. There were 39 runners in this division with times ranging from 16:20.2 to 30:24.8. PHOTO 1 Ivan Hobbs Chester's No.1 runner was senior Ivan Hobbs. He finished 26th out of 37 runners in the Varsity Division and 48th out of 76 runners overall. His time was 20:46:8 and his average time per mile was 6:56. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 2 Victor Fuentes Victor Fuentes, a sophomore, was Chester's second finisher. His time was 22:01.3. He finished 30th out of 37 runners in the Varsity Division and 62nd out of 76 runners overall. His average time per mile was 7:21. Jim Beers Photo Photo 3 Boys Start Race Official Paul Stallman fires the gun to start the 2024 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was the 34th Annual event. There were 76 runners in the Boys' Race. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 4 Ivanovich Duran Ivanovich Duran, a senior CHS cross country runner, was the YellowJacket's 3rd finisher with his time of 24:45.2. His overall finish was 32nd out of 37 runners in the Varsity Division. He was 68th out of 76 competitors overall. His time time per mile was 8:16 per mile. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 5 Will Welge Will Welge, a Chester High School senior Cross Country runner, finished 4th in the YellowJacket lineup. His overall finish was 70th out of 76 runners and his Varsity finish was 33rd out of 37 runners. Welge posted a time of 24:52.2 and his time per mile was 8:18. Jim Beers Photo PHOTO 6 Girl's Start This was the start of the Girls' Race at the 2024 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. Race Official, Paul Stallman fired the gun to begin the day with the Girls' 3.0-Mile event. Jim Beers Photo

34th Annual Chester (1 of 2) Invitational Cross Country Meet Vanessa Teel of Pinckneyville wins Girls’ overall title (19:41.4) and Landen Roman of Pinckneyville takes Boys’ overall title (15:56.7) BY JIM BEERS The 34th Annual Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet took place Thursday October 3 at the Randolph County Conservation Area. The event kicked off at 4:30 p.m. with the Girls’ Race and 5:15 p.m. for the Boys’ Race. Shelter 1 was the center of the staging area and the location where the race began and ended. The event featured a Varsity Race and a Freshman/Sophomore Race with Overall Results calculated for all competitors. It was a mild, sunny day with temperatures in the low 70’s. The 3.0-mile course was dry and had several places where there were minor obstacles such as various sorts of nuts and sticks underfoot. That is the nature of true cross country courses and races. Girls’ Race Overall there were a total of 55 runners that took off in the Girls’ Race as Race Official Paul Stallman fired the starting pistol. The Girls’ Race had runners from 10 different schools that were registered in either the Girls’ Varsity Division or the Girls’ Freshman-Sophomore Division. Overall results were also calculated. The overall winner of the Girls’ Race was Vanessa Teel of Pinckneyville. She is a senior and won among the 55 runners with her time of 19:41.7 and a pace of 6:34 per mile. The Chester course is known for being rather difficult in places. The 10 schools that were represented included Pinckneyville, Okawville, Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Columbia, Red Bud, Freeburg, Woodlawn, Marissa, Waterloo Gibault Catholic and Bluford-Webber. Times ranged from 19:41.4 by Pinckneyville’s Vanessa Teel (1st Place) to 41:20.6 by Okawville’s Paige Kolweier (55th ). The Girls’ Varsity Division included a total of 22 runners from seven schools including Pinckneyville, Okawville, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Columbia, Red Bud, Freeburg, and Waterloo Gibault Catholic. Vanessa Teel won the Varsity Division with her time of 19:41.4 and race pace of 6:34 per mile. Paige Kolweier of Okawville finished in 22nd Place with her time of 41:20.6. She turned in an overall race pace of 13:47 per mile. Chester had no entries in the Girls’ race, either division. The Freshman-Sophomore raced had a total of 33 runners from 8 different schools. Schools included were Okawville, Pinckneyville, Freeburg, Columbia, Woodlawn, Marissa, Red Bud, and Bluford-Webber. Katelyn Gogolek of Okawville won the Freshman-Sophomore Division. Her time was 22:17.6 with a race pace of 7:26 per mile. Teams had to have at least five (5) runners to qualify for a team score. There were five schools that qualified for a team score. Results from the “team” category included the 2024 winner, Pinckneyville, with a total team time of 1:50:11 and an average runner time of 23:02. The other four teams included Okawville (2nd, 1:52:52, 22:35); Freeburg (3rd, 1:59:28, 23:54); Columbia (4th, 2:02:39, 23:32); and Red Bud (5th, 2:12:01, 26:25). Boys’ Race The Boys’ Race had a total of 76 runners that came from 13 different schools. The Boys’ Race also featured both a Varsity and a Freshman-Sophomore Division. In addition, Overall Results were calculated. Competing schools included Pinckneyville, DuQuoin, Bluford-Webber, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, Gibault Catholic High School of Waterloo, Columbia, Freeburg, Trico, Chester, Okawville, Sparta, Marissa, and Red Bud. The overall winner of the Boys’ Race was Landen Roman of Pinckneyville. Roman’s time was 15:56.7 and he had a race pace of 5:19 per mile. Times ranged from Boman’s 15:56.7 to Gage Lang of Freeburg who recorded a time of 30:24.8. Out of the 13 schools, only seven schools qualified for a team score. Team standings included Pinckneyville who was the overall winner with a team total time of 1:25:20 and an average runner’s time of 17:04 per mile. Other finishers in the team standings included Bluford-Webber (2nd , 1:29:00, 17:48); Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School (3rd, 1:34:07, 18:50); Okawville (4th, 1:35:09, 19:02); Freeburg (5th, 1:36:07, 19:14); DuQuoin (6th, 1:38:38, 19:44); and Columbia (7th, 1:42:00, 20:24).

The following students have been recognized with as Chester Grade School "HIVE" award for demonstrating one of or more of the traits of "Respect", "Responsibility", "Safety" or "Empathy". Row 1: Benjamin Westbrook, Violet Smith, Charlie Carroll, Cayson McDonough, and Mia Phillips. Row 2: Mathew Holdman, Hunter Lloyd, Joseph Belton, Cora Doyle, Eloise Anderson, Zayne Houk. Row 3: Harper Cushman, Brooklyn Eggemeyer, Maelee McDonough, Yeimi Pascula Jimenez, Haley Sellers, Natalie Eggemeyer, Miguel Maldonado Hernandez, and Michael Martin. Row 4: Ella Newton, Brayden Brown, Ian Lazu-Colon, Emma Bogard, Jaylyn Jausel, Madeline Fuentes, and Suhaily Torres. Not Pictured: Jax Casten, Brady Cushman, Brianna Gonzalez, and Evelyn Galster. Each honoree received a certificate, a PBIS Point, and his or her name was announced over the school PA System. The "HIVE" Program is organized and coordinated by Kasey Crook, School Social Worker. Jim Beers Photo

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, October 17th is an early dismissal day with CHS dismissing at 1:26pm and CGS at 1:30pm. There is no school Friday, October 18th. Have a great evening!

CHS ORANGE & BLACK ATTACK SIGN-UP: CHS is now accepting students to sign-up for our new Orange & Black Attack group. Students will pay a once yearly membership fee of $25 and complete the required form at either of our fee drop off locations. With membership students will receive free admittance to all home athletic events hosted at CHS, excluding Regionals, Sectionals, Playoffs, Finals and any other IHSA restricted events. Students will also receive a group T-Shirt identifying them as part of the Orange & Black Attack as well as an insignia sticker placed on their student ID to be presented at the door to ticket takers entitling them to their free admittance. This is a great opportunity for students to show their school pride and receive the benefit of free entrance to home athletic events. Go Jackets!