Football Game Preview: Gillespie Miners vs. Southwestern Piasa Birds + How To Watch

Gillespie is 2-8 against Southwestern since September of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Miners will host the Piasa Birds at 7:00 p.m. Gillespie has given up an average of 40.8 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

On Friday, Gillespie had to suffer through a 56-6 loss at the hands of Vandalia. While losing is never fun, the Miners can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois football rankings (they are ranked 465th, while the Vandals are ranked 205th).

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Southwestern, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They came out on top against Litchfield/Mt. Olive by a score of 28-17 on Friday.

Southwestern's win came from a few key players Gillespie will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Blake Rimbey, who rushed for 43 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 42 receiving yards and one TD. Jerion Holoman helped out on the ground, rushing for 103 yards.

Southwestern's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Gillespie, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 1-4.

Things could have been worse for Gillespie, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 21-7 loss to Southwestern in their previous matchup back in August of 2024. Will the Miners have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.