Football Game Preview: Illinois Valley Cougars vs. Bonanza Antlers

For the first time this season, Illinois Valley will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will be playing at home against the Bonanza Antlers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Illinois Valley has given up an average of 37.5 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Illinois Valley is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight games on Friday. They were dealt a 46-7 defeat at the hands of Bandon.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bonanza). They blew past Tulelake 64-36 on Friday. The Antlers have beaten the Honkers the last five times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Honkers has come to flipping the script.

Bonanza's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Illinois Valley, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 1-3.

Illinois Valley took their victory against Bonanza in their previous matchup back in September of 2024 by a conclusive 38-14 score. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Antlers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.