08/25/2025
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - The 2025 edition of Black Diamond Conference will see some major changes that happened in the past few months.

Red Hill became a member of the league in football only, which keeps the conference as 10 teams and a balanced closed conference.

The Salukis replace Vienna/Goreville, which struggled to field a varsity football team in the past few seasons and the membership needed a program to step in to fill the void.

Red Hill has been an independent for the past few seasons in football after leaving the Little Illini Conference.

Other changes are in head coaching positions as Christopher/Zeigler-Royalton, Carmi-White County, Sesser-Valier/Waltonville and Johnston City will all have new head coaches this fall.

CZR will have southern Illinois coaching legend Mike Rude taking over a program that didn't notch a victory last season (0-9) and the rebuilding of a program is nothing new to this mentor, who has had stops at seven different schools and has 260-wins in his long career.

Carmi-White County said so long to head coach Kurt Simon who stepped down after a successful 28-year run with the Bulldogs' program.

Former assistant coach Clinton Wolff, who spent the previous 19-seasons at CWC, takes the reigns of a program who have qualified for the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.

The best run of the past few seasons in this league was put together by Johnston City and head coach Todd Thomas.

A 53-19 mark included a pair of 2A playoff semifinal appearances.

Thomas stepped away from the helm and his replacement Marshall Mummert is familiar with the program, having prepped at the school in his playing days and as an assistant at JC since 2015.

The Indians went 11-2 last season, losing a semifinal game at home to Maroa-Forsyth.

Another of the head coaches stepping up from being an assistant is Nick Wingo, who takes over at SVW.

Wingo was an assistant under both coaches' Mike Rude and John Shadowens the previous six seasons and will take over at his alma mater (2003 graduate) this year.

Fairfield, and mentor Justin Townsend, made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance last fall. If you discount the 6-0 covid19 season, the Mules streak of postseason's is 11.

Despite some turmoil last fall, the Mules finished 6-4 after dropping their 3A playoff opener.

Head coach Russ Gerlach will lead Edwards County into the season with some kids returning to hopefully improve on last season's 2-7 mark.

The Lions haven't made a playoff appearance since 2018.

Flora also went 6-4 last season, nabbing a playoff berth with three-straight wins to close the regular season before dropping their opener in 2A.

Coach Brian Tackitt and the Wolves' program are still in search of their first ever football playoff win.

Coach Joe Clark and his Eldorado Eagles fell a game shy of qualifying for the postseason, ending up 4-5.b

The program has a five-season playoff drought but that could change in 2025.

After a 2-2 beginning in 2024, Hamilton County dropped four-consecutive games and ended up 3-6 overall.

Coach Rhet Vaughan is optimistic heading into 2025 with some veterans returning.

Red Hill will need to step forward and show they belong in the new league as its early schedule will be difficult with road contests at both Fairfield and SVW along with a home start with Hamilton County.

With a closed conference in the BDC, there is no where to hide from week to week.

Flora head coach Brian Tackitt is searching for that ultimate goal everyone has; success in the postseason.

The Wolves have never won a IHSA playoff game in their history but this coach keeps the program on the right track.

Flora has made 14 playoff tournaments in its history but they're 0-14.

Perhaps Coach Tackitt, forever the optimist, can put together a good run and get that first playoff win.

The best news is that there is a ton of talented kids returning with a wealth of varsity experience.

Three-year starter, 6-foot senior Parker Helm, is back at the helm of the offense at quarterback.

He is within range of becoming the all-time passing leader for the program.

Five-eleven junior running back Kormik Massie went over 800-yards on the ground last fall for the Wolves as a sophomore.

The offensive line will be a key component of the Flora success factor in 2024.

Four returning starters will be important with three-year starter Andrew Hartman coming back for his senior year.

Hartman and 6-1 senior Payton Scroggins are both three-year starters.

Another three-year starter on the line is 6-3 senior Andrew Shelby.

Coach Tackitt will also have a returning starter in 6-2 junior Connor Brooks who started at tackle last year.

Dulaney Bullard, a 6-1 senior, is a tight end/defensive lineman who also brings in some experience.

Six-foot senior Tucker Childers is another of the returning linemen and the linebacker corps looks strong with Hartman, Massie and 5-10 senior Logan Keach.

In the secondary, Coach Tackitt mentioned returning starter Gage Dugan, a 6-3 senior who is also a wide out on offense.

The top five defenders in total tackles, return.

“There are big expectations in Flora this year. We welcome them with a veteran team who has worked hard the past four years,” said Coach Tackitt. “We have turned the program into one that has been more consistent with qualifying for the playoffs. We need to take the next step and get our programs first playoff win. This group has that goal for the upcoming season. We have a great group of freshmen coming in, so we feel like the time is right to turn the program into one that expects to win in the postseason and not just get there. If we can control our opponents run game we have a good change to be in each game we play this year.”

New head coach Marshall Mummert will take over a Johnston City program that has been on quite a successful run.

After being a top assistant for Coach Todd Thomas, Mummert gets the keys to the “Cadillac” heading into 2025.

Some important kids are missing from the 11-2 2024 club.

Running back/linebacker Evan Sanders, defender Isaac Maxwell, running back Nolan Causey and tight end Blake Peters are in college playing sports this season.

All were a significant part of the Black Diamond Conference champs last year.

But some good ones return, including senior quarterback Kaden Koenig who ran the potent offense for the Indians and helped anchor the defense from a linebacker spot.

Senior running back and defender Jace Weaver returns as does running back/linebacker junior Marcus Leitzen.

Other important players are running back/defensive back senior Trey Johnson, tight end senior Wyatt Henderson and senior offensive/defensive linemen Landon Moore and Logan Moore.

Coach Mummert added the names junior Haden Burton (running back/linebacker) and junior Wyatt Kerley (tight end/defensive lineman) to the list of important returning players as the Tribe looks to defend their league championship.

The Indians will have a deep roster, something that tends to happen when a program has had a run of success.

“Our team is a family. We really don’t worry about stats or individual accolades. The most important stat is WINS,” said Coach Mummert. “Weaver has seen time as a varsity running back for us since his freshman year. I would expect his name to pop up a lot for us. Koenig was our QB last year and did a great job running our offense and is returning. Henderson is a blocking first, then receiving threat at the tight end position and well as Johnson at running back/wide receiver. Logan Moore is a dominant lineman on both sides of the ball. Leitzen is a junior and has started for us defensively since his freshman year. He is linebacker and running back and like those others mentioned, a leader on our team. Burton is also a junior and started at inside linebacker last year. He did a great job last year and we expect nothing different.”

After a 7-0 start last fall, Sesser-Valier/Waltonville ran into a tough rival Johnston City, which resulted in a 50-30 defeat.

But the Red Devils were also shocked in the final week, losing to Flora 22-16 to end up 7-2 in the Diamond.

A first round playoff win over Red Hill was followed by a narrow 14-6 loss at Hardin Calhoun which ended the 8-3 campaign.

It also ended the run of coaching success for co-head coaches Mike Rude and John Shadowens, who departed.

Coach Nick Wingo inherits a winning program, having produced eight-straight playoff berths.

There are some missing pieces from last fall to replace.

Hayden McMurray and Caeden Hicks graduated and headed to McKendree University to continue to play football.

Kyler Willmore was a starter and he is now playing basketball at Brescia University.

Others missing from the squad are Jaxon Borta, Cash Acosta and Tristen Gordon.

All were important to yet another playoff berth and winning season.

The returning players include 6-foot senior quarterback Trace Payne.

Senior running backs Jace Erwin and Liam McMurray also return as well as senior wide receiver/safety Kyan Short.

Senior tight end/linebacker Tony Kistner also returns.

Senior Amiri Rose is also a major part of the Red Devils.

“I’m really excited for my first season as head coach. We’ve got a great group of players, and our focus is on working hard, supporting each other, and staying healthy. If we take care of our bodies and keep that team-first mindset, I believe we can have a great year.” said Coach Wingo.

Fairfield, despite some internal issues we won't go into, made yet another playoff appearance a season ago.

Justin Townsend, the long-time head coach of the Mules, rallied the herd into a 6-3 regular season mark for the 17th postseason with Townsend in charge.

At one point the Mules had a 37-game conference winning streak that ended in 2021 and this season Fairfield will have 12 seniors that look to continue the winning tradition.

Senior quarterback Jude Carter returns for Fairfield to run the show.

Running backs Nick Munoz and Logan Tullis also are back.

Add Keegan Downen (33 carries, 257-yards) another senior running back, to the list of offensive weapons.

Kaleb McGill, Will Lewis and Lane Robson were mentioned by Coach Townsend as tight ends that will provide better blocking in the run heavy offense.

Robson (11 catches, 190-yards) was the top receiver for the Mules in 2024.

The line play looks to be an asset for the Mules with some size up front.

Center Hayden Felowitz will be surrounded by guards Aiden Cates and Brock Hoke along with tackles Jayden Wilson and Ryan Vaughan.

Michael Barner, a junior running back, should see significant PT on the offense along with junior Austin Grieve.

Barner rushed 46 times for 556-yards and five touchdowns.

Both are offensive threats for Fairfield.

Add junior linebacker Aiden King on the impact list for the Mules who are looking for yet another Black Diamond Conference title, and the first since before covid19.

Everyone will need to step up after losing senior Israel Sargent, an 1,126-yard rusher from a year ago.

“We return several key pieces from last year's team and we have a good mix of size and speed. We must be more physical up front and play more consistent in order to have another successful year,” said Coach Townsend, who is 144-91 in his 24-seasons in charge of the Train Yard.

Last season started well be ended poorly for the Foxes, as they fell to 3-6 and out of playoff contention.

Hamilton County hasn't tasted postseason action since 2019 and the program has only seven total playoff berths, all but one ending with first round losses.

Quarterback Andrew Webb and tight end Kaleb Carson departed the program but a bunch of experienced players return to the fold.

Braxton Miller, a senior running back, had a bunch of all-purpose yards last year.

The QB duties will be handled by sophomore Dallas Benbrook this fall.

According to Coach Vaughan Benbrook has been very good at the lower levels in the program and is ready to take on varsity snaps.

The others that return are junior Celso Ramirez, who made an impact on both sides of the ball playing running back and defensively.

The Foxes have several players who could see action in the backfield.

Kyle Williams is a junior who played a lot as a freshman but missed part of last year with the injury bug.

Running back Blaine Eck is a senior who is also a varsity veteran.

Jace Cross is part of the offensive line and is a linebacker for the Foxes.

Cameron Milligan is a senior defensive back for Hamilton County who returns with experience.

All of the ones mentioned are two-way players and fill spots on defense.

“These seniors were freshmen the first year I took on the role of head coach. In many ways, we have grown up together in this football program. They know their role, and they understand our system. The leadership from this class will be a huge factor in the outcome of our season,” said Coach Vaughan.

With six key seniors departing last spring, the Carmi-White County Bulldogs will have a bit of a new look this fall.

New head coach Clinton Wolff takes over for retired Kurt Simon and inherits a franchise that has 16 overall playoff appearances, all under Coach Simon in his 28-years.

Madden Anderson, a 6-foot senior, is the signal caller for CWC.

Joining him in the backfield are 5-6 junior running back Jazz Duckworth and 5-11 sophomore Cooper Hill.

Another of the options in the backfield is Dakota Brown, a 5-7 sophomore along with 5-11 sophomore Kyzen Edwards and 5-9 sophomore Cole Evans.

Three of the starting linemen also return; 5-8 senior Nolan Aud, 6-foot senior Michael Miller and 6-4 senior Dakota Southerd.

Another key player; 6-1 junior Javan Agan will play on both sides of the ball.

Pretty much everyone wearing Maroon and White play both offense and defense.

“We will be a young team who will rely on our senior leadership and a strong sophomore group who we hope can make an immediate impact at the varsity level this fall,” said Coach Wolff.

The Lions picked up one win on the field, an 18-7 conquest of Christopher/Zeigler-Royalton, and a forfeited win over Vienna/Goreville to end up 2-7 a year ago.

A narrow 22-20 loss to Eldorado early and a 35-22 loss to Flora were the closest of the defeats.

Edwards County played most of the season with kids hurt but the numbers coming out for the team will help.

Seven key starters graduated from the squad and they were important.

Offensive linemen Jaron Weaver and JW Simms-Reisner along with tight end Jake Wiseman were starters on both sides.

Two running backs; Drew Seibert and Nick Yokel, graduated as well.

Top wide out Justin Davis also snatched a diploma.

Jax Duncan, a 6-1 senior, returns as quarterback after missing part of the season last year.

Others expected to start are senior wide receiver Jackson Hensley, senior running back Blake Landingham, senior lineman Caden Hart and senior lineman Brandon Edgin.

Senior wide out Wyatt Greathouse also is in the offensive mix and all of the returners are two-way players.

Added to the list in the backfield are junior Brodie Dardeen and junior Dylan Prather.

Junior tight end Cody Greathouse and sophomore lineman Clive Gerlach are also expected to start.

Coach Gerlach also has playing time available for junior running back/linebacker Josiah Shepherd, junior defensive back Quinten Pike, senior lineman Brayden Samford and senior lineman Daylan Hayley.

Senior defensive back Adien McDowell also returns.

“We have had the best numbers at our summer stuff since I've been the head coach. The kids have put in a lot of work and we feel they have a good grasp of our systems already. We also are deeper than in the past. We have back ups that aren't a drop off. We should be able to rotate players to keep them fresher, and even play with different personnel groupings,” said Coach Gerlach.

Eldorado came up with some wins last season but failed to make it to the postseason for the fifth-consecutive season.

Heading into Week #7 at 3-3, the Eagles needed two wins in three games to secure a spot.

Unfortunately they dropped decisions to Sesser-Valier/Waltonville and Carmi-White County before closing out with a triumph over CZR to finish 4-5 for head coach Joe Clark.

The Eagles lost three key linemen to graduation (Owen Clark, Oliver Burtis and Ryne Cox) but much of last season's squad returns.

Eldorado will lean on their returning experienced upperclassmen this fall.

Six-two senior quarterback Ethan Chamberlain will get the nod to begin the season for the Eagles.

The offensive line for Eldorado looks to be a huge plus with key returning starters.

Five-ten senior Evan Butler is back along with 6-foot senior Wyatt Kueber and 5-10 senior Blaze Seagraves in the trenches.

Six-one senior running back Maddex Rash is back as is senior Kaiden Henson and 6-3 senior Jordan Jones as the offense looks for continued improvement.

Coach Clark added that his defensive unit should also be strong with defensive back 6-2 senior Drayson Grathler returning.

Matt Grisham, a 6-2 senior end, and 5-7 junior running back Jayston Robinson are suiting up along with Nolan Rilying, a sophomore lineman, senior lineman Colt Roberts and senior lineman Wyatt Kueber.

“This is a good senior group. I hope to coach them well, for us to stay healthy and hopefully put our program back in the playoffs. But it starts Week #1 at CZR,” said Coach Clark. “We know they will be hungry and ready to compete.”

The CZR Bearcats will begin the 2025 season searching for a victory, a result that hasn't happened in over two seasons of play.

You have to journey back to October 7, 2022 to find the Bearcats' last taste of victory; a 32-7 triumph over Edwards County.

CZR is 2-25 in the past three seasons with a 0-20 streak heading into the season opener at home against Eldorado.

Head coach Mike Rude takes over the program looking for a turnaround in fortune.

This veteran mentor has started and rebuilt programs before and there is some talent between the two schools that form this cooperative.

Five-eight senior quarterback Landon Sveda returns for the Bearcats.

He passed for 1,538 and six TD's, completing 116-of-214.

Tripp Fletcher, a 5-8 junior, was the top rusher, going for 395-yards.

Five-nine senior Landen Butler caught 43 of the passes from Sveda last fall to lead the club.

Gage Schlake, a 6-foot senior, is another returning starter at running back.

The returning linemen include seniors 6-1 Noah Wilson, 6-1 Brogan Mitchell and 6-4 Noah Casey.

Coach Rude added the names of some additional juniors that should be able to work their way into the lineup.

Six-one Parker Hoey, 6-2 Brody Richardson, and 5-8 juniors Jackson and John Gaddis along with 5-10 Memphis Pontius.

Coach Rude also mentioned 6-2 senior Nolan Brown, 6-foot junior Chris Montieth, and 5-10 junior Hunter Hammonds as potential contributors.

“This school has had two consecutive 0-9 seasons so the goal this year is to regain the respect of the other teams in the conference,” said Coach Rude.