Free Press Advocate

Wildcats, Coalers know playoff opponents

Published by admin on Sun, 10/22/2017 - 2:28pm

Wilmington will host and Coal City will travel during the first round of the ISHA football playoffs.

Wildcats slip by the Coalers

Published by admin on Sat, 10/21/2017 - 1:20pm

Coal City was trailing Wilmington Friday night 28-24 with about four minutes to left when they put together a drive deep into Wildcat territory.

Coaler quarterback Payton Hutchings dropped back to pass on a third-and-13 play when he spotted Blake Harseim racing Wilmington defender Jacob Rodawold for the end zone. Hutchings threw, Harseim and Rodawold went up in the air for a catch and they both came down with the ball. What happened next had coaches and fans on both sides of the field confused by what the referee called.

Wildcat-Coaler rivalry to be renewed

Published by admin on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 6:45pm

    The final week of the regular season is here, and Wildcat football fans will be in for a treat as Wilmington faces another I-8 powerhouse, Coal City.
    It’s sure to be a good one as the Wildcats and Coalers both seek a final win before heading into post season.
    “It’s good on good,” said Wilmington coach Jeff Reents. “Our kids know their kids, and they have a great program going. We are looking forward to a really good game.”
    Wilmington (7-1) is riding a six-game win streak as they travel to Coal City for the Coalers’ senior night.

Lady ‘Cats hold Volley for Cure, prepare for Regional action

Published by admin on Tue, 10/17/2017 - 6:39pm

    The Wilmington varsity volleyball team traveled to Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School this past weekend to compete in the 32nd annual Moldenhauer Classic.
    The Lady Wildcats finished 2-2 in the tournament, as they picked up wins over Bishop McNamara and Urbana, while losing to Centennial and Moline.
    In the Bishop Mac game, Wilmington relished a two-game win, 26-24, 25-15, to start the day.
    The Lady Wildcats followed that up with their two losses, falling to Centennial and Moline in two and three games, respectively.

Wildcats wrap up the Indians

Published by admin on Sat, 10/14/2017 - 10:57am

WILMINGTON LINEMAN Jesse Cox puts a stop on a Sandwich ball carrier Friday when the Wildcats defeated the visiting Indians 47-14. Matteo Lombardi scored three touchdowns while Conner Dempsay ran in two to improve the Wildcats to 7-1 overall. Wilmington had nearly 400 yards of offense while holding Sandwich to 204 yards in what turned out to be an easy victory. The Wildcats travel to Coal City Friday. Photo by Eric Fisher

Former Wildcat standout takes up martial arts

Published by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 6:11pm

    While football and wrestling are both physically demanding sports, one Wilmington native has taken it a step further by fighting in the octagon.
    Nick Hawkins, a name that rings clear with Wildcat fans, has taken up mixed martial arts. And it may be his sport of choice even after earning a state championship in high school football in 2014 and winning two thirds and a second place state wrestling medal.

Wildcats will host Sandwich for senior night

Published by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 6:09pm

    There’s no place like home, especially for the Wildcats where they come charging out of the woods as part of the pregame. They’ll make that appearance Friday when Wilmington hosts Sandwich during senior night.
    With the Wildcats finishing the I-8 Small Division this past week with an undefeated record, they’ll carry their momentum into these final two weeks before heading into playoffs.

Going once, going twice, going four times

Published by admin on Sat, 10/07/2017 - 11:12am

MATTEO LOMBARDI races for the end zone while being chased by Comets Friday night during one of his four touchdowns scored to help defeat Reed-Custer 54-21. The Wildcats never trailed as they racked up 515 yards of total offense while Reed-Custer gained a respectable 347 yards. But the difference came down to fumbles on a slippery field as the Comets turned the ball over five times to Wilmington. The victory impoves Wilmington to 6-1 while the Comets lose any chance to make the playoffs with a 2-5 record. Wilmington will host Sandwich Friday while Reed-Custer travels to Plano.

Woodall, Long heading to Sectional

Published by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 7:27pm

    The Wilmington golf team headed to Nettle Creek Golf Course in Seneca  Tuesday night to compete in the Regional with 12 other teams, including Reed-Custer, Seneca  and Streator.
    The Wildcats wound up taking fifth as a team with a score total of 371.
    Tyler Long, who shot an 89, and Ryan Woodall (90), both qualified for Sectional, as they placed eighth and ninth as individuals.
    Only the top 10 individuals after the team placements were accepted for Sectional.

Wildcats to defend ACE Trophy, finish I-8 Small play undefeated

Published by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 7:25pm

    Wilmington won the I-8 Small conference title Friday but they aren’t done yet. Next up is winning the ACE trophy which they’ll play for Friday when they travel to Braidwood.
    Reed-Custer has more than the ACE trophy to play for as making the playoffs hangs in the balance. Of course, Comet coach Mark Wolf would like to hoist the Ace Trophy for the first time in his three seasons with the Comets, something that the Wildcats have claimed for nine years straight.