Football Recap: Charleston Takes a Loss

Charleston extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to ten on Friday, dropping them down to 0-4. They received a blow as they fell 51-35 to the Effingham Hearts. While losing is never fun, the Trojans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois football rankings (they are ranked 365th, while the Hearts are ranked 174th).

WYATT GORDON threw for 125 yards on six of 14 attempts. GRANT TAGGART was his top target, picking up 82 receiving yards. On the ground, TREYLIN COUCH rushed for 264 yards while picking up 12.0 yards per carry.

As for Effingham, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 3-1. Their offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Jaxon Bridges had an outrageously good game as he threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns while completing 72% of his passes. What's more, he racked up 148 passer rating, the most he's had since back in September of 2024. A healthy portion of Bridges' aerial production (85 yards to be exact) went to Brayden Tucker, who also brought in two receiving touchdowns.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Charleston will challenge rival Mattoon at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Effingham is set to square off against their familiar foe Taylorville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.