This past football season was a huge disappointment to the players, fans, and coaches. This year the cardinals finished their season with a record of 2-7. The players came into camp this year very excited and ready to hit. Plains started off the season with a hard hitting game against Staunton. The game was back and forth, but Plains eventually fell short and lost by a touchdown. The following week Plains faced Auburn. For the first half of the game the cardinals had the biggest lead against Auburn that any other team had all season. The lead wasn’t enough though as Auburn rallied in the 4th quarter putting them up by one point. The final seconds of the game consisted of one of the most heartbreaking moments of the season with a field goal that only missed by inches concluding another loss for Plains football. The Cardinals then lost their next two games against Athens and Williamsville; both games were lost by only a touchdown. The following week the cards got their first win against a tough Riverton team. The game went back and forth all night until the cardinals got the lead and ran out the rest of the clock. Plains’ playoffs hopes were ended in the next week after a loss against Sangamon Valley. The frustrations of the players were shown in the homecoming game when Abe Bruce and Kyle Weller both got ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. Plains won the following week to get their second win of the season against a 0-9 Petersburg Porta. The season ended with the final game of the season against Nokomis. The cardinals lost once again finishing their season 2-7. Weeks after the season was over Coach Oller announced his resignation along with Coach Sanchez and Coach Debarr. Plains football will be going into the next season with a new coaching staff and hopefully, a lot of enthusiasm for better results of Pleasant Plains Football.
Jake McNamara
-The Cardinal
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sophomore Stuns at State
Sophomore Daniel Plunkett was the only Pleasant Plains High School cross country runner to advance to the State finals in Peoria on Saturday, November 5th.
Plunkett was ranked 25th going into the race. Daniel set off at a brisk pace on a chilly morning as he raced through the mile marker in four minutes and fifty-six seconds. During the second mile, Daniel forged ahead and joined the lead pack, blending into a sea of jerseys. The pack of runners sped into the North Loop, which put them out of sight from most spectators.
A matter of minutes later, the lead pack surged around a tree and back onto the main course, as they chased the lead runner from Monticello. Plunkett was in 22nd place as he ran through the 2-mile marker in a personal best of ten minutes and eleven seconds. He made one final loop of Peoria’s Detweiller Park, in pursuit of his first state medal. Finishing uphill, Plunkett maintained 23rd place to the finish line. “I went through two miles in a personal record, and just tried to sprint the last mile. It was the worst mile of my life,” said Plunkett.
Daniel, who was overjoyed by his finish, didn’t even return to the campsite to retrieve his warm-up clothes. An hour later, Daniel Plunkett strode across the stage and received his medal. He was one of three sophomore medalists. “My goal was to get a medal this year, and I did that. Next year we have a team goal of making it to state, and doing really well,” Daniel said after getting his medal.
Coach Ruggless was proud of everybody’s performances this season. She is looking forward to next year when the high school team will receive two more great additions, David Plunkett (Daniel’s brother), and Tyler Johnson, the reigning IESA State Champion.
George Wayda
-The Cardinal
Plunkett was ranked 25th going into the race. Daniel set off at a brisk pace on a chilly morning as he raced through the mile marker in four minutes and fifty-six seconds. During the second mile, Daniel forged ahead and joined the lead pack, blending into a sea of jerseys. The pack of runners sped into the North Loop, which put them out of sight from most spectators.
A matter of minutes later, the lead pack surged around a tree and back onto the main course, as they chased the lead runner from Monticello. Plunkett was in 22nd place as he ran through the 2-mile marker in a personal best of ten minutes and eleven seconds. He made one final loop of Peoria’s Detweiller Park, in pursuit of his first state medal. Finishing uphill, Plunkett maintained 23rd place to the finish line. “I went through two miles in a personal record, and just tried to sprint the last mile. It was the worst mile of my life,” said Plunkett.
Daniel, who was overjoyed by his finish, didn’t even return to the campsite to retrieve his warm-up clothes. An hour later, Daniel Plunkett strode across the stage and received his medal. He was one of three sophomore medalists. “My goal was to get a medal this year, and I did that. Next year we have a team goal of making it to state, and doing really well,” Daniel said after getting his medal.
Coach Ruggless was proud of everybody’s performances this season. She is looking forward to next year when the high school team will receive two more great additions, David Plunkett (Daniel’s brother), and Tyler Johnson, the reigning IESA State Champion.
George Wayda
-The Cardinal
Be Prepared for Winter Driving Conditions
As the weather gets colder and starts to change, make sure you know what to do in certain weather situations.
As the months of November and December creep around the corner, some things you need to watch for are animals, especially deer. When coming in contact with deer, make sure you don’t slam on your breaks because the front end of your car then will start to slant down, giving the deer an easier chance to hit the windshield. Also do not flash your brights because this puts the deer in a state of confusion.
As the weather starts to vary between being icy, snowy, rainy, and foggy, know how to avoid common accidents when driving. When you are stuck in fog, make sure to have your lights on, but not your high beams. The most common reason for accidents during rainy weather is hydroplaning. To avoid hydroplaning, make sure your speed is appropriate for the weather conditions, and never overcorrect your mistakes. This winter is said to be extremely snowy and icy. When driving in the snow, know that there is always ice on the ground layer. In the winter, there tends to be less traction, so when coming to a stop, avoid losing control and getting stuck.
Q: What do you do if you car does not start in the cold weather?
A: Make sure car is winterized before the winter comes. Make sure your heater works. Some things to put in your car in case of an emergency would be blankets, shovels, and an ice scraper.
Q: What do you do if you start to slide on ice?
A: Well, ease of the accelerator and turn the tires toward the direction of the skid. You may also want to know that if you are going over an overpass or bridge, it can still be slick due to the fact that they thaw slower than the roads will.
Q: Do you have any tips for driving safer?
A: Yes I do; slow down, increase following distance, and always be a defensive driver.
Some other safe driving tips to use this winter are to manage your time wisely. Plan out how long you will need to get to your destination based on the weather conditions. Also remember to watch your speed, especially when the weather begins to change, to ensure you are not in harm and you are not putting anyone else’s life at risk. Above all, just be a defensive driver and always alert!
Courtney Brewer and Sarah Bandy
-The Cardinal
As the months of November and December creep around the corner, some things you need to watch for are animals, especially deer. When coming in contact with deer, make sure you don’t slam on your breaks because the front end of your car then will start to slant down, giving the deer an easier chance to hit the windshield. Also do not flash your brights because this puts the deer in a state of confusion.
As the weather starts to vary between being icy, snowy, rainy, and foggy, know how to avoid common accidents when driving. When you are stuck in fog, make sure to have your lights on, but not your high beams. The most common reason for accidents during rainy weather is hydroplaning. To avoid hydroplaning, make sure your speed is appropriate for the weather conditions, and never overcorrect your mistakes. This winter is said to be extremely snowy and icy. When driving in the snow, know that there is always ice on the ground layer. In the winter, there tends to be less traction, so when coming to a stop, avoid losing control and getting stuck.
Q: What do you do if you car does not start in the cold weather?
A: Make sure car is winterized before the winter comes. Make sure your heater works. Some things to put in your car in case of an emergency would be blankets, shovels, and an ice scraper.
Q: What do you do if you start to slide on ice?
A: Well, ease of the accelerator and turn the tires toward the direction of the skid. You may also want to know that if you are going over an overpass or bridge, it can still be slick due to the fact that they thaw slower than the roads will.
Q: Do you have any tips for driving safer?
A: Yes I do; slow down, increase following distance, and always be a defensive driver.
Some other safe driving tips to use this winter are to manage your time wisely. Plan out how long you will need to get to your destination based on the weather conditions. Also remember to watch your speed, especially when the weather begins to change, to ensure you are not in harm and you are not putting anyone else’s life at risk. Above all, just be a defensive driver and always alert!
Courtney Brewer and Sarah Bandy
-The Cardinal
Clayville’s Haunted House and Hayride
Clayville haunted house and hayrack ride were quite surprising this year. When people first glance at the town of Clayville, they notice nothing less than an old, run down town. This town was purchased by Pleasant Plains earlier last year. It is a common wonder of how these buildings are even still standing. However, looks can be deceiving, especially when referring to this haunted town.
The haunted house and hayrack ride had a lot to offer at such a low price of eight dollars. The entire event from start to finish lasted close to an hour. Before the hayrack ride people were seated around a warm fire to wait for the upcoming events. The town was filled with frightening clowns, jokers, bearded women, and even creepy children. The hayrack ride did not fail to frighten everyone on the ride, even those near the back. The ride took us through trails and monsters would jump on the back of the trailer. They even said things to the victims of the ride. After all the spooking, the hayrack ride led into the haunted house. There was about a twenty minute wait for the haunted house, but it was well worth it. As the characters rushed us into the haunted house, they proceeded to tell a story on the upcoming experience of the haunted house. Throughout the house people were jumping out of corners and screaming due to fright of unexpected visitors. The haunted house continued to get scarier as we moved along. The basement was flooded with darkness. We had no idea where we were headed at this point. We got through the tricky maze of the house eventually.
Overall, Clayville’s haunted house turned out better than expected. It was a very unique and frightening Halloween experience. This haunted house would be recommended to anyone interested in having a scary Halloween experience. It is a cheap way to enjoy a good time with a little bit of fright.
Ben Buckles and Megan Hergenrother
-The Cardinal
The haunted house and hayrack ride had a lot to offer at such a low price of eight dollars. The entire event from start to finish lasted close to an hour. Before the hayrack ride people were seated around a warm fire to wait for the upcoming events. The town was filled with frightening clowns, jokers, bearded women, and even creepy children. The hayrack ride did not fail to frighten everyone on the ride, even those near the back. The ride took us through trails and monsters would jump on the back of the trailer. They even said things to the victims of the ride. After all the spooking, the hayrack ride led into the haunted house. There was about a twenty minute wait for the haunted house, but it was well worth it. As the characters rushed us into the haunted house, they proceeded to tell a story on the upcoming experience of the haunted house. Throughout the house people were jumping out of corners and screaming due to fright of unexpected visitors. The haunted house continued to get scarier as we moved along. The basement was flooded with darkness. We had no idea where we were headed at this point. We got through the tricky maze of the house eventually.
Overall, Clayville’s haunted house turned out better than expected. It was a very unique and frightening Halloween experience. This haunted house would be recommended to anyone interested in having a scary Halloween experience. It is a cheap way to enjoy a good time with a little bit of fright.
Ben Buckles and Megan Hergenrother
-The Cardinal
2011-2012 Basketball Preview
This season the Pleasant Plains basketball team has big expectations. With four returning starters, the team looks set in all positions with experience to follow. The official start of the 2011-2012 season was on November 7th, which is when practices began. The first game will be help on November 21st in the Crimson Classic shootout in Jacksonville. The team hopes to overcome the loss of five seniors and believes that this year’s senior class can step up and lead the team in the right direction. Returning starter and leading scorer, Braxton Lanier, will lead with experience from previous years. Most of the players on the team continued to participate in basketball activities over the course of the summer. Players competed in many tournaments, including one held at SWIC (Southwestern Illinois College) which is one of the best JUCO’s in the nation. The schedule this year is very similar to last year. They are still continuing to compete in the Macomb Holiday Tournament and the County Tournament, where the team hopes to repeat in the championship, but there is no Plains Invite because the team will be competing in the Sports Radio 1450 Shootout. The team is very deep with a lot of talented players that can step up and fulfill their role. Last year the team had a 19-11 record, the season ended with a heartbreaking loss in triple overtime against Pittsfield in the Regional Championship. However, this year their goal is to go further than that. The boys are expected to be one of the top teams in the Sangamo Conference, as well as the state of Illinois. The team is excited and ready for the season to come around so they can begin what is hoped to be a special season of basketball for the Pleasant Plains Cardinals.
Braxton Lanier and Taylor Staff
-The Cardinal
Braxton Lanier and Taylor Staff
-The Cardinal
2011 Soccer Run
The Pleasant Plains boys’ soccer team had another great season this year, making it all the way to the Regional finals where they came up short in a great game against Quincy Notre Dame, which ended in a 1-0 loss. The final record for this year’s season was sixteen wins, four losses, and three ties. We interviewed two of the three captains, Andrew Hamerlinck and Tyler Cameron, along with both Coach Bryan and Coach O’Connor.
The Cardinals began the season’s first three games by scoring 4 or more goals against Litchfield, Carlinville, and Lincoln. “The seniors did a great job of leading the rest of the team, bringing experience and competitiveness to raise the bar for the rest of the players,” said Coach Bryan. Approaching the middle, and hardest part, of the season, the team focused mainly on formation and strategy. Unfortunately, the Cardinals hit a rough patch between Springfield High, Jacksonville High, and Rochester. “We started out strong and competitive, but we had a little lull where we couldn’t finish,” said Coach O’Connor, “we put our whole game together towards tournament time.” The Cardinals defeated Williamsville 5-0 and then went on to face Quincy Notre Dame in the Regional Championship game. Both coaches found the game against Quincy Notre Dame to be the high point of the season. “We played all 80 minutes with the never die mentality,” said O’Connor.
Both Andrew Hamerlinck and Tyler Cameron, senior captains for the Cardinals, felt that the season went better than expected. Tyler Cameron, a defender, was able to score two goals for the Cardinals this year. “Tying Williamsville then beating them 4-1 the next time we played them was one of my favorite memories from the season,” said Cameron. Andrew Hamerlinck, who plays goalie, had five shutouts this season and one assist at goal. The Regional Championship game against QND was his favorite season memory. “Even though we lost to the team, who then went on to win state, we played hard and I’m proud of that,” said Hamerlinck. Although both captains plan on continuing their soccer careers in college, they are undecided as to where they would like to play.
Over all, it was another good season with a final record of 16-4-3. Although the team is graduating 9 of 11 starters, we are excited to see what next year’s season will bring.
Sebastian Power and Chris O’Connor
-The Cardinal
The Cardinals began the season’s first three games by scoring 4 or more goals against Litchfield, Carlinville, and Lincoln. “The seniors did a great job of leading the rest of the team, bringing experience and competitiveness to raise the bar for the rest of the players,” said Coach Bryan. Approaching the middle, and hardest part, of the season, the team focused mainly on formation and strategy. Unfortunately, the Cardinals hit a rough patch between Springfield High, Jacksonville High, and Rochester. “We started out strong and competitive, but we had a little lull where we couldn’t finish,” said Coach O’Connor, “we put our whole game together towards tournament time.” The Cardinals defeated Williamsville 5-0 and then went on to face Quincy Notre Dame in the Regional Championship game. Both coaches found the game against Quincy Notre Dame to be the high point of the season. “We played all 80 minutes with the never die mentality,” said O’Connor.
Both Andrew Hamerlinck and Tyler Cameron, senior captains for the Cardinals, felt that the season went better than expected. Tyler Cameron, a defender, was able to score two goals for the Cardinals this year. “Tying Williamsville then beating them 4-1 the next time we played them was one of my favorite memories from the season,” said Cameron. Andrew Hamerlinck, who plays goalie, had five shutouts this season and one assist at goal. The Regional Championship game against QND was his favorite season memory. “Even though we lost to the team, who then went on to win state, we played hard and I’m proud of that,” said Hamerlinck. Although both captains plan on continuing their soccer careers in college, they are undecided as to where they would like to play.
Over all, it was another good season with a final record of 16-4-3. Although the team is graduating 9 of 11 starters, we are excited to see what next year’s season will bring.
Sebastian Power and Chris O’Connor
-The Cardinal
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