CHS FREE FOOTBALL BROADCAST
Tonight, Chester High School will host our multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
CHS Football Store Open
Last day to order is 10/26/2025
Pick up at the school on Friday October 31st
https://shopsilkworm.com/chesterhsfootball
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 6-7 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you, and Go Jackets!
Last day to order is 10/26/2025
Pick up at the school on Friday October 31st
https://shopsilkworm.com/chesterhsfootball
Chester wins Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Championship with 42-18 win at Red Bud (2 of 2)
Jackets finish conference season undefeated at 5-0 and improve to 7-1 overall; likely secure playoff bid
BY JIM BEERS
The YellowJackets completed 13-of-18 passes (72%) for 181 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Peters completed 12-of-16 for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns and Anthony Keeton completed 1-of- 2 passes for 4 yards. Red Bud completed 18-of-30 passes (60%) for 268 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Chester rushed 30 times for a total of 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ethan Colvis led the Jackets with 12 runs for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. Other key contributors included Alex Blechle (3-for-33 yards), Zane Eggemeyer (4-for-24 yards), Tray Peters (2-for-8 yards), and Danny Worley (3-for-7 yards). Red Bud ran 28 times for a total of 68 yards and 1 touchdown.
The YellowJackets had 13 receptions for a total of 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. CHS was led by TaShawn Palacio who had 6 receptions for 81 yards and 1 touchdown. Trey McCartney had 3 receptions for 51 yards. Zane Eggemeyer had 2 receptions for 33 yards and 1 touchdown. Alex Blechle had 1 reception for 12 yards and Caleb Coffey had 1 reception for 4 yards. The Musketeers had 18 receptions for 268 yards and 1 touchdown.
Chester had a good night on defense with 31 solo tackles, 34 tackle assists, 1 quarterback sack and 2 tackles for a loss (TFL). Morgan Miers led Chester with 3 solos, 2 assists, 1 quarterback sack, and 1 tackle for a loss. Ethen Colvis had 5 solos, and 2 assists. Derrius Shoemate had 4 solos, and 1 assist. Rhett Creason had 3 solos and 1 assist.
Other defensive contributors included Zane Eggemeyer (2 solos & 2 assists), Avery Wittenborn (2 solos & 3 assists), Donnie Sabo (1 solo & 2 assists), Kanon Jany, Trey McCartney, Caleb Coffey, and Danny Worley who each recorded 1 solo and 1 assist apiece. Isaac Sims had 1 solo tackle and 1 tackle for a loss. Brayden Juenger (4), Ryker Hoffman (4), Landen Conder (3), each had tackle assists. Rhett Creason, Karim Landers, Paxton Beam, and Reagan Sims each recorded 1 assist apiece.
Jaden Ramirez had a huge interception. Alex Blechle had a huge punt return for 58 yards which resulted in one of Chester’s six touchdowns. Karin Landeros was perfect for the evening kicking 6-of-6 extra points. He also had seven kickoffs for a total of 373 yards.
With the win, Chester improved to an overall record of 7-1, and finished the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division undefeated with a perfect record of 5-0 to with the outright title.
The YellowJackets will host non-conference Nashville this Friday October 24 on Senior Night at Chester High School’s W. O. Smith Field. It will be the regular-season closer. Next week the Jackets will begin post-season action in the 2025 IHSA Class 2A State Football Championships. Times and dates will be announced Saturday October 25 in the official IHSA Selection Show.
PHOTO 1 Ethan Colvis
Chester's Ethan Colvis (25), a 6'1", 195 Lb., senior Running Back and Defensive Linebacker had a great night at Red Bud with two touchdowns and key defensive plays. He scored the first touchdown of the game in the first quarter on a 23-yard run to give Chester a 7-0 lead. He then scored again in the 3rd quarter on an 8-yard run to extend the YellowJacket lead to 35-3. For the night Colvis ran 12 times for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense he led in solo tackles with 5 and added a pair of assists to cap-off a great game. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 Zane Eggemeyer
Junior Zane Eggemeyer (7), a 5'9", 145 Lb. junior Wide Receiver and Defensive Back had a great game in the win against Red Bud had two touchdowns and a good night on the defensive side of the ball. Eggemeyer scored his first touchdown to close the first quarter on a 20-yard run. That was Chester's third touchdown of the game and gave the YellowJackets a 21-0 lead after one quarter of play. He also scored the Jacket final touchdown of the game with a 23-yard touchdown pass reception from CHS quarterback Tray Peters. In the game, he had two pass receptions for a total of 33 yards and 1 TD, and he ran 4 times for 24 yards and 1 TD. That second score gave the YellowJackets a 42-11 lead to close the 3rd quarter. On defense Eggemeyer recorded 2 solo tackles and 2 tackle assists. Jim Beers Photo
Chester wins Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division Championship with 42-18 win at Red Bud (1 of 2)
Jackets finish conference season undefeated at 5-0 and improve to 7-1 overall; likely secure playoff bid
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester YellowJacket Football Team traveled to Randolph County rival, Red Bud, Friday October 17 to battle for the outright championship of the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. A loss would have likely resulted in having to share the title with Dupo, however, the YellowJackets took care of business and dominated the Musketeers throughout the game and secured the conference outright title by beating Red Bud, 42-18.
In the process, Chester finished the conference season with an undefeated record of 5-0, and improved to 7-1 overall. The win also very likely secured Chester a playoff bid in the 2025 IHSA Class 2A State Championships. When and where the Jackets will play remains to be seen, however, a win over Nashville at home this week would very possibly result in a first round home playoff game.
CHS Head Coach Billy Belton said, “I am so proud of the boys! They have worked so hard this season. To win the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division title two years in-a-row, in back-to-back years is very special. Tonight was a great team win. Everyone contributed!”
“Special Teams played great. Alex Blechle had a great punt return for a touchdown. Kickoff coverage was really good. Coach Colvis has done a great job with the Special Teams group.”
Belton continued, “On offense, Ethan Colvis and the offensive line had a big night. Colvis rushed for more than 100-yards for the 7th time this season. Zain Eggemeyer had a big night with two touchdowns. Trey McCartney and TaShawn Palacio had big night catching the ball. It was just a great night for the Offensive Unit.”
“On defense, Morgan Miers had another great night with a sack and a big tackle for a loss. I really like how the defense was flying around and playing very physically. Jaden Ramirez also had a nice interception late in the game. I’m so proud of the boys! What a great win it was at Red Bud to end the 2025 conference portion of the season!”
In the win, the Jackets established their dominance early with a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. During that statement, Ethan Colvis scored on a 23-yard run and Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and CHS led, 7-0. Alex Blechle scored next with an impressive 58-yard punt return for Chester’s second touchdown. Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and the Jackets extended their lead to 14-0.
To close out the first quarters scoring Zane Eggemeyer had a 26-yard touchdown. Karim Landeros kicked the extra-point and Chester established a 21-point lead to end the opening quarter.
The Musketeers managed to score three points on a 40-yard field goal by Brayden Koester to kick off the second quarter. Chester led, 21-3. The YellowJackets answered with a 2-yard pass from quarterback Tray Peters to wide receiver TaShawn Palacio for Chester’s fourth touchdown of the game. Karim Landeros remained perfect for the game by kicking the extra-point to extend the YellowJackets lead to 25 points, 28-3.
Before the first half ended, Chester scored its 5th touchdown of the game on an 8-yard run by Ethan Colvis, his second of the game. Karim Landeros kicked his 5th extra-point of the game and the Jackets took a 32-point lead, 35-3, into the locker room at halftime.
In the third quarter both teams would score one touchdown apiece. Red Bud struck first with an 8-yard run, complete with a two-point conversion. That 8-point play narrowed the Chester lead to 24 points, 35-11.
The YellowJackets answered with a 23-yard passing touchdown from Tray Peters to Zane Eggemeyer, his second of the game. Karin Landeros remained perfect kicking his 6th extra-point. CHS led by 31 points, 42-11, at the end of the 3rd quarter.
In the final quarter Red Bud scored the only touchdown on a four-yard pass and extra-point kick. The touchdown was Red Bud’s second. It was the Musketeers’ first extra-point kick. Added to the field goal and 8-point touchdown and 2-point conversion, Red Bud finished the game with 18 points, 24 points less the YellowJackets. Chester won, 42-18.
In the win the YellowJackets ran 54 plays vs Red Bud’s 64. CHS recorded a total of 382 yards (181 passing and 201 rushing) and RBHS recorded 336 yards (268 passing and 68 rushing). Regarding 3nd down efficiency, Chester was 64% (4-for-6) and Red Bud was 43% (6-for-14). The YellowJackets did not turn the ball over even once, while Red Bud turned the ball over once on an interception. Chester was called for nine penalties for 88 yards. Red Bud was only called for 5 penalties for 38 yards.
CHS is hosting a blood drive in Juergen's Gym on Thursday, November 6th. To donate blood, sign up on the American Red Cross' website: RedCrossBlood.org. We hope to see you there!
CHS: PBIS JACKET SHOUT-OUTS WEEKS 4-5
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 4-5 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you, and Go Jackets!
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our inaugural three weeks of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs for September. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you, and Go Jackets!
Not pictured
Ashlyn Via
Brayden Tucker
Bentley Valleroy
We are pleased to recognize our September PBIS Students of the Month. These students have been acknowledged by our faculty for exemplifying this month's character trait: Respect. Our school community is committed to fostering positive character traits that contribute to a constructive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued support. Go Jackets!
Not pictured: Elmer Santos
CECC, CGS & CHS FALL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent Teacher Conferences for October 21st and 23rd can now be scheduled by contacting your child's school during office hours.
Tuesday, October 21, 3:00-7:00pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Thursday, October 23, 3:00-6:30pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Call Chester High School at (618) 826-2302 or email crystaltindall@chester139.com.
Call Chester Grade School at (618) 826-2354 or email danielleconway@chester139.com.
Call Chester Early Childhood Center at (618) 822-0829 or email rebeccahanna@chester139.com
REMINDER: There is not school, Friday October 24th
CECC, CGS & CHS FALL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent Teacher Conferences for October 21st and 23rd can now be scheduled by contacting your child's school during office hours.
Tuesday, October 21, 3:00-7:00pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Thursday, October 23, 3:00-6:30pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Call Chester High School at (618) 826-2302 or email crystaltindall@chester139.com.
Call Chester Grade School at (618) 826-2354 or email danielleconway@chester139.com.
Call Chester Early Childhood Center at (618) 822-0829 or email rebeccahanna@chester139.com
REMINDER: There is not school, Friday October 24th
CHS FAFSA NIGHT (STUDENT SERVICES )
Join us on October 21, from 5-7, we will use the FAFSA IDs to fill out the FAFSA form with the help of an ISAC (Illinois Student Assistance Commission) representative. Both events will be held in Sharp Media Center.
Features more than 30 units including 2 bands, 10 class reunions, 4 class floats, Homecoming Candidates, Color Guard, Police, and Fire vehicles
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School Homecoming Parade was one of the best in years. Many factors contributed to the success of the event including great organization and management, wonderful weather, numerous class reunions, excited student organizations, and support from community groups.
The weather cooperated wonderfully with dry conditions, moderate temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70’s, a slight breeze and sunny skies.
Organizers and managers of the parade were Student Council Sponsors, Erin Conley and Amy Miller. They had a lot of assistance from student council members.
This year there were numerous class reunions and most participated in the parade, including the classes of 1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2020.
The VFW Color Guard led the parade with flags and rifle and the Chester Fire Department and Police Department maintained the safety of both parade participants and spectators. The police and fire units were especially enjoyed by the younger parade watchers.
Candy was plentiful as most parade units gently tossed tasty treats to spectators throughout the parade.
CHS Band Director, Steve Colonel, marched his last CHS Homecoming Parade with the Chester High School Band as he will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Marching YellowJackets sounded good and entertained throughout the 1.5-mile event. Adrianne Kern had the CHS Dance Team looking good too, as they performed along the parade route in front of the band.
Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band Director, also marched her final CHS Homecoming Parade as she is likewise retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The grade school band sounded good and did a great job of entertaining throughout the long parade route. The CGS Cheerleaders led the band and looked sharp as they did routines to the music.
Retiring Homecoming Queen Elaina Lutman graced the crowd in the parade. Her retiring King, Kolton Jany, was unable to appear due to the fact that he plays college football at Illinois College, and he had to compete last weekend. 2024 Homecoming King Runner-Up, Max Blechle, stepped-in and covered for Jany during the Homecoming festivities.
All five of the King and Queen Candidates were also in the parade including junior Candidates Aubrey Colvis and Zane Eggemeyer and Aleah Eggemeyer and Karim Landeros, and senior Candidates Maggie Caby and Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis and Brayden Juenger, and Camryn Wolff and Tray Peters.
Student organizations represented in the parade included CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Dance Team, Varsity Football, JV Football, Freshman Football, CHS Golf, and CHS Volleyball Team. Finally, all four classes entered class floats into the parade including the CHS Freshman Class of 2029, the Sophomore Class of 2028, the Junior Class of 2027, and the Senior Class of 2026.
Bringing up the end of the parade each year are the Little Stinger Cheerleaders and the Little Stingers Football players. Chester Police cars followed the parade to ensure that all went well to close the parade.
Hats off to CHS for one of the best Homecoming Parades in recent years and to everyone who helped make it such a huge success!
Photo 31: CHS Class of 1980 Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 32: CHS Class of 1985 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 33: CHS Class of 1995 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 35: CHS Class of 2005 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 36: CHS Class of 2015 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 37: CHS Class of 2020 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 38: THE END!
Features more than 30 units including 2 bands, 10 class reunions, 4 class floats, Homecoming Candidates, Color Guard, Police, and Fire vehicles
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School Homecoming Parade was one of the best in years. Many factors contributed to the success of the event including great organization and management, wonderful weather, numerous class reunions, excited student organizations, and support from community groups.
The weather cooperated wonderfully with dry conditions, moderate temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70’s, a slight breeze and sunny skies.
Organizers and managers of the parade were Student Council Sponsors, Erin Conley and Amy Miller. They had a lot of assistance from student council members.
This year there were numerous class reunions and most participated in the parade, including the classes of 1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2020.
The VFW Color Guard led the parade with flags and rifle and the Chester Fire Department and Police Department maintained the safety of both parade participants and spectators. The police and fire units were especially enjoyed by the younger parade watchers.
Candy was plentiful as most parade units gently tossed tasty treats to spectators throughout the parade.
CHS Band Director, Steve Colonel, marched his last CHS Homecoming Parade with the Chester High School Band as he will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Marching YellowJackets sounded good and entertained throughout the 1.5-mile event. Adrianne Kern had the CHS Dance Team looking good too, as they performed along the parade route in front of the band.
Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band Director, also marched her final CHS Homecoming Parade as she is likewise retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The grade school band sounded good and did a great job of entertaining throughout the long parade route. The CGS Cheerleaders led the band and looked sharp as they did routines to the music.
Retiring Homecoming Queen Elaina Lutman graced the crowd in the parade. Her retiring King, Kolton Jany, was unable to appear due to the fact that he plays college football at Illinois College, and he had to compete last weekend. 2024 Homecoming King Runner-Up, Max Blechle, stepped-in and covered for Jany during the Homecoming festivities.
All five of the King and Queen Candidates were also in the parade including junior Candidates Aubrey Colvis and Zane Eggemeyer and Aleah Eggemeyer and Karim Landeros, and senior Candidates Maggie Caby and Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis and Brayden Juenger, and Camryn Wolff and Tray Peters.
Student organizations represented in the parade included CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Dance Team, Varsity Football, JV Football, Freshman Football, CHS Golf, and CHS Volleyball Team. Finally, all four classes entered class floats into the parade including the CHS Freshman Class of 2029, the Sophomore Class of 2028, the Junior Class of 2027, and the Senior Class of 2026.
Bringing up the end of the parade each year are the Little Stinger Cheerleaders and the Little Stingers Football players. Chester Police cars followed the parade to ensure that all went well to close the parade.
Hats off to CHS for one of the best Homecoming Parades in recent years and to everyone who helped make it such a huge success!
Photo 21: 2025 Junior King and Queen Candidates Karim Landeros and Aleah Eggemeyer Jim Beers Photo
Photo 23: Chester High School Lady Jacket Volleyball Team Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 24: Chester High School Golf Teams Jim Beers Photo
Photo 25: CHS Student Council Co-Sponsor Erin Conley was Co-Coordinator of the 2025 Homecoming Parade with fellow Co-Student Council Sponsor Amy Miller. Shown here Conley is checking out the flow of the parade on the CHS Golf Cart. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 26: Little Stinger Cheerleaders Jim Beers Photo
Photo 27: Little Stinger Football players Jim Beers Photo
Photo 28: City of Chester Police Officers lead and take up the back of the 2025 CHS Homecoming Parade to provide safety to parade participants. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 29: CHS Class of 1964 Jim Beers Photo
Photo 30: CHS Class of 1965 Jim Beers Photo
Features more than 30 units including 2 bands, 10 class reunions, 4 class floats, Homecoming Candidates, Color Guard, Police, and Fire vehicles
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School Homecoming Parade was one of the best in years. Many factors contributed to the success of the event including great organization and management, wonderful weather, numerous class reunions, excited student organizations, and support from community groups.
The weather cooperated wonderfully with dry conditions, moderate temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70’s, a slight breeze and sunny skies.
Organizers and managers of the parade were Student Council Sponsors, Erin Conley and Amy Miller. They had a lot of assistance from student council members.
This year there were numerous class reunions and most participated in the parade, including the classes of 1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2020.
The VFW Color Guard led the parade with flags and rifle and the Chester Fire Department and Police Department maintained the safety of both parade participants and spectators. The police and fire units were especially enjoyed by the younger parade watchers.
Candy was plentiful as most parade units gently tossed tasty treats to spectators throughout the parade.
CHS Band Director, Steve Colonel, marched his last CHS Homecoming Parade with the Chester High School Band as he will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Marching YellowJackets sounded good and entertained throughout the 1.5-mile event. Adrianne Kern had the CHS Dance Team looking good too, as they performed along the parade route in front of the band.
Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band Director, also marched her final CHS Homecoming Parade as she is likewise retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The grade school band sounded good and did a great job of entertaining throughout the long parade route. The CGS Cheerleaders led the band and looked sharp as they did routines to the music.
Retiring Homecoming Queen Elaina Lutman graced the crowd in the parade. Her retiring King, Kolton Jany, was unable to appear due to the fact that he plays college football at Illinois College, and he had to compete last weekend. 2024 Homecoming King Runner-Up, Max Blechle, stepped-in and covered for Jany during the Homecoming festivities.
All five of the King and Queen Candidates were also in the parade including junior Candidates Aubrey Colvis and Zane Eggemeyer and Aleah Eggemeyer and Karim Landeros, and senior Candidates Maggie Caby and Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis and Brayden Juenger, and Camryn Wolff and Tray Peters.
Student organizations represented in the parade included CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Dance Team, Varsity Football, JV Football, Freshman Football, CHS Golf, and CHS Volleyball Team. Finally, all four classes entered class floats into the parade including the CHS Freshman Class of 2029, the Sophomore Class of 2028, the Junior Class of 2027, and the Senior Class of 2026.
Bringing up the end of the parade each year are the Little Stinger Cheerleaders and the Little Stingers Football players. Chester Police cars followed the parade to ensure that all went well to close the parade.
Hats off to CHS for one of the best Homecoming Parades in recent years and to everyone who helped make it such a huge success!
Photo 11: Chester High School Freshman Football Players Jim Beers Photo
Photo 12 HOCO Parade FRESHMEN Football players
Photo 13: CHS Senior Class of 2026 Float Jim Beers Photo
Photo 14: CHS Junior Class of 2027 Float Jim Beers Photo
Photo 15: CHS Sophomore Class of 2028 Float Jim Beers Photo
Photo 16: CHS Freshman Class of 2029 Float Jim Beers Photo
Photo 17: 2025 Senior Homecoming King and Queen Candidates Ethan Colvis and Maggie Caby Jim Beers Photo
Photo 18: 2025 Senior Homecoming King and Queen Candidates Brayden Juenger and Callie Davis Jim Beers Photo
Photo 19: 2025 Senior Homecoming King and Queen Candidates Tray Peters and Camryn Wolff Jim Beers Photo
Photo 20: 2025 Junior King and Queen Candidates Zane Eggemeyer and Aubrey Colvis Jim Beers Photo
Features more than 30 units including 2 bands, 10 class reunions, 4 class floats, Homecoming Candidates, Color Guard, Police, and Fire vehicles
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School Homecoming Parade was one of the best in years. Many factors contributed to the success of the event including great organization and management, wonderful weather, numerous class reunions, excited student organizations, and support from community groups.
The weather cooperated wonderfully with dry conditions, moderate temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70’s, a slight breeze and sunny skies.
Organizers and managers of the parade were Student Council Sponsors, Erin Conley and Amy Miller. They had a lot of assistance from student council members.
This year there were numerous class reunions and most participated in the parade, including the classes of 1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2020.
The VFW Color Guard led the parade with flags and rifle and the Chester Fire Department and Police Department maintained the safety of both parade participants and spectators. The police and fire units were especially enjoyed by the younger parade watchers.
Candy was plentiful as most parade units gently tossed tasty treats to spectators throughout the parade.
CHS Band Director, Steve Colonel, marched his last CHS Homecoming Parade with the Chester High School Band as he will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Marching YellowJackets sounded good and entertained throughout the 1.5-mile event. Adrianne Kern had the CHS Dance Team looking good too, as they performed along the parade route in front of the band.
Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band Director, also marched her final CHS Homecoming Parade as she is likewise retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The grade school band sounded good and did a great job of entertaining throughout the long parade route. The CGS Cheerleaders led the band and looked sharp as they did routines to the music.
Retiring Homecoming Queen Elaina Lutman graced the crowd in the parade. Her retiring King, Kolton Jany, was unable to appear due to the fact that he plays college football at Illinois College, and he had to compete last weekend. 2024 Homecoming King Runner-Up, Max Blechle, stepped-in and covered for Jany during the Homecoming festivities.
All five of the King and Queen Candidates were also in the parade including junior Candidates Aubrey Colvis and Zane Eggemeyer and Aleah Eggemeyer and Karim Landeros, and senior Candidates Maggie Caby and Ethan Colvis, Callie Davis and Brayden Juenger, and Camryn Wolff and Tray Peters.
Student organizations represented in the parade included CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Dance Team, Varsity Football, JV Football, Freshman Football, CHS Golf, and CHS Volleyball Team. Finally, all four classes entered class floats into the parade including the CHS Freshman Class of 2029, the Sophomore Class of 2028, the Junior Class of 2027, and the Senior Class of 2026.
Bringing up the end of the parade each year are the Little Stinger Cheerleaders and the Little Stingers Football players. Chester Police cars followed the parade to ensure that all went well to close the parade.
Hats off to CHS for one of the best Homecoming Parades in recent years and to everyone who helped make it such a huge success!
Photo 1: Chester VFW Color Guard
Photo 2: Chester Fire Department
Photo 3: Chester High School Band
Photo 4: Chester High School Dance Team
Photo 5: CHS Marching Yellowjackets Band Director, Steve Colonel, in his final CHS Homecoming Parade as he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year! Jim Beers Photo
Photo 6: Chester Grade School Marching Jr. Jackets Band Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 7: Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Marching Jr. Jackets Band Director, in her final CHS Homecoming Parade as she will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year! Jim Beers Photo
Photo 8: Chester Grade School Cheerleaders Jim Beers Photo
Photo 9: Chester High School Cheerleaders Jim Beers Photo
Photo 10: Chester High School Varsity Football Team Jim Beers Photo
The 2025 CHS Homecoming King and Queen are Trayton Peters and Callie Davis. The Queen was crowned at the 2025 Homecoming Football Game Friday October 10 vs Dupo, and the King was crowned Saturday October 11 at the 2025 Homecoming Dance. Both are seniors and active in most CHS activities. Photo provided by Steve Colonel, Yearbook Sponsor
Parent Teacher Conferences for October 21st and 23rd can now be scheduled by contacting your child's school during office hours.
Tuesday, October 21, 3:00-7:00pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Thursday, October 23, 3:00-6:30pm, with dinner break 5:00-5:30pm
Call Chester High School at (618) 826-2302 or email crystaltindall@chester139.com.
Call Chester Grade School at (618) 826-2354 or email danielleconway@chester139.com.
Call Chester Early Childhood Center at (618) 822-0829 or email rebeccahanna@chester139.com
TaShawn Palacio breaks school receiving touchdown record with 11th touchdown pass reception; McCartney scores two touchdowns
BY JIM BEERS
Head Coach Billy Belton said, “I am so proud of the boys and how hard they played! They kept fighting and fighting all night long. We knew Dupo was a really good team. They played hard all night. We just kept making plays. Everyone stepped up. It was a great team win!”
“Tray Peters had a great night with 3 passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. Plus, he made the game-winning play at the end when he knocked the ball away on Dupo’s 2-point conversion attempt. What a great game!”
Belton continued, “Trey McCartney had a great game too. He got the game started with a fantastic TD catch in the end zone. He also finished the game with the game-winning touchdown. He has played amazing all year long at tight end and defensive end.”
“Ethan Colvis had over 100 yards rushing (118) and played great on defense. TaShawn Palacio had a huge night with 10 catches for 153 yards and one touchdown. That TD broke the school receiving touchdown record, setting a new one at 11 receiving touchdowns. Alex Blechle ran the ball hard and had one passing touchdown. It was just a great team win!”
Coach Belton added, “On defense, Morgan Miers had a good night. Derrius Shoemate had a good game with another big interception. Tray Peters had the two interceptions. What a great win. With that win we clinched a playoff spot and have a chance to win the conference championship next Friday at Red Bud. I’m so proud of the boys!”
Chester improved to an overall record of 6-1 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record of 4-0. Next Friday October 17 the YellowJackets will travel to Red Bud to close out the 2025 conference season. The following week, Chester returns to W.O. Smith Field at CHS Friday October 24 to host Nashville on Senior Night.
PHOTO 4 Jackets take the field
The Chester High School YellowJackets take the field Friday October 10 when CHS hosted undefeated Dupo for Homecoming 2025. Chester held on to win, 38-37 in a game that went right up to the 1.4 second mark of the 4th quarter before the final outcome was decided. A Tray Peters deflected 2-point conversion pass kept the Tigers from stealing the one-point win from the YellowJackets. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Sportsmanship line
The Chester High School YellowJackets and the Dupo Tigers line up and meet on the 50-yard line immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 CHS Homecoming game Friday October 10. The game was close and hard-fought by both teams with Chester holding on to win by 1-point, 38-37. The traditional post-game show of sportsmanship is quite a spectacle especially after such a competitive game that went down to the wire with just 1.4 seconds on the clock. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3 Coin Toss
Chester YellowJacket players and Dupo Tiger players meet mid-field for the traditional coin toss prior to the start of the CHS Homecoming game Friday October 10. Chester Captains were Tray Peters (16), Brayden Juenger (53), Jakob Stueve (75), and Ethan Colvis (25). Dupo Captains included Deegan Prater (17), Luke Ellis (25), Cole Hearty (58), and Ethan Nelson (8). They were joined by Billy Belton, Chester Head Coach and the Dupo Head Coach, Zach Klaustermeier. Referees included James Hennessey, Paul Womack, Dennis Armstrong, Jr., Josh Dunderdale, and Jonathan "Tyler" Cain. Dupo Kicked off to start the game and Chester received. Jim Beers Photo
