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  Illini West Coming Off Final Four Appearance

  The Illini West Chargers made short work of their opposition in 2009. The average margin of victory for last year's juggernaut was a hair under 40 points. The offense racked up an average of 52.3 points/game, while the defense allowed 12.7 points/game. Illini West outscored their opponents 681-165.

  As football fans at the small-school level well know, Illini West reloads each year. The Chargers did lose quarterback Michael Lafferty (46-78, 1,312, 23 TD, INT), and all-state running back Stefan Flynn (106-696, 16 TD). Flynn missed some time during his senior season with an injury.

  Of the team's 3,757 yards, Illini West brings back nearly 2,500 of those yards. Leading rusher Ser Whittaker (6'0" 170 Sr.) had 59 carries for 1,042 yards and 17 touchdowns. Other running backs that return will be; Kyle Huss (5'8" 175 Sr.) who carried the ball for 563 yards on 66 carries, and 8 touchdowns. Drake Schmudlach (6'0" 190 Sr.) rushed for 641 yards on 46 carries and 10 touchdowns. Zane Schmudlach (6'1" 175 Sr.) should take over duties at quarterback. He threw just five passes last season, all incomplete. Cody Carson (5'11" 175 Sr.) should also see some carries in the backfield, along with Dylan Van Fleet (6'0" 190 Sr.).

  Among offensive lineman that were lost to graduation include; Travis Hobby, Andy Boyer, Carl Hartweg, Bryan Fox, Tim Yex, and Brogan Smith. Lineman that could step up and fill in those spots on the O-line are; Brian Lafferty (5'10" 195 Sr.), Travis Cox (5'11" 195 Sr.), Jack Carlisle (6'0" 175 Sr.), Brandon Gehle (5'11" 170 Sr.), Jacob Jacoby (5'10" 195 Sr.), Rob Hutson (6'3" 240 Sr.), Mason Beals (5'11" 190 Sr.), Steven Miller (5'8" 185 Sr.), Kyle Palmer (6'2" 230 Sr.), and Ethan Lillard (6'0" 200 Sr.).

  Defensively, the Chargers will lose their top five tacklers from a year ago. Dylan Van Fleet finished with 32 tackles and an interception in the secondary. Colin Beals (6'4" 175) had 24 tackles. Jack Carlisle finished with 34 tackles at linebacker.

  Jim Unruh has coached at Illini West (and formerly Carthage) for 24 seasons. His overall coaching record is (242-45). In those 24 seasons, his teams have qualified for the playoffs 23 times. Unruh guided the Carthage Blueboys to Class 1A state championships in (1995, 1998, 1999, & 2000), and Illini West to a Class 3A state title in 2008. His teams took 2nd place in (1988, 2002, 2003, & 2004).

  Illini West High School was formed prior to the 2007-08 school year, combining the former Carthage, LaHarpe, and Dallas City schools. The high school is located in Carthage.

  The Chargers play their home games at Fuzz Berges Field.