Football Preview: Normal University Pioneers vs. Springfield Southeast Spartans
Normal University is 6-1 against Springfield Southeast since October of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Normal University Pioneers will host the Springfield Southeast Spartans at 7:00 p.m. The timing is sure in Normal University's favor as the squad sits on nine straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while Springfield Southeast has been banged up by eight consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
Normal University is headed into the matchup after thoroughly thrashing Decatur Eisenhower: they outscored them in every quarter. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that Normal University blew Decatur Eisenhower out of the water with a 40-12 final score. The result was nothing new for the Pioneers, who have now won five contests by 20 points or more so far this season.
Normal University's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Rhett Lynch led the charge by rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown on only 15 carries, while also catching a touchdown. The dominant performance gave Lynch a new career-high in rushing yards. Alek Weiland was another key signal caller, throwing for 234 yards and five touchdowns.
Normal University didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off five passes before the game was over. Chenzo Cottone led the group effort, picking up two of those interceptions all by himself. Austin Kruger is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in the last three games he's played dating back to last season. Cole Matejka was another major factor on D, picking up three sacks and making six total tackles (4.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Springfield Southeast came into Saturday's game having lost six straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They blew past Lanphier 56-0 at home on Saturday. The Spartans' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Normal University has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches, which provided a nice bump to their 5-2 record this season. As for Springfield Southeast, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-6.
Normal University strolled past Springfield Southeast when the teams last played back in September of 2023 by a score of 42-26. Will Normal University repeat their success, or does Springfield Southeast have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
