🐾🏈 DOG HOUSE PREVIEW: TITANS, CHARGERS, AND SOME DUDES WORTH WATCHING
By Coach Chuck Banks
WEST HANCOCK AT ILLINI WEST
Oh Nelly. We have a rematch, a rivalry, and some young men who deserve a little attention beyond their own sidelines.
I’ve already put my prediction out there: West Hancock 29, Illini West 28.
But before we talk about this old coach picking a one-point game, let’s talk about the dudes playing it. Helping young athletes get seen is a big part of why we have the Dog House.
College coaches, there are names on both sides worth putting on your film list.
THE FIRST MEETING TELLS US WHERE TO START
Illini West won the first matchup 46–32. According to West Hancock’s game report, the Chargers rushed for 399 yards on 56 carries, averaging approximately 7.1 yards per attempt, with six rushing touchdowns.
That gives Coach Coy Dorothy and the Titans a clear challenge: find a way to slow that ground game.
It also tells us the Chargers’ offensive line deserves attention. Those rushing numbers represent work at the line of scrimmage, blocks sustained, and opportunities created.
GUNNAR DONALDSON — ILLINI WEST RB
Donaldson put together a serious performance in the first meeting: 29 carries, 239 yards, and three touchdowns.
That’s a name to circle.
For college coaches evaluating him, this matchup provides a specific game to pull up and study. Watch the decisions behind his blocks, how he finishes runs, and what happens when the defense gets a clean opportunity to tackle him.
West Hancock cannot afford another night like that from Donaldson.
TANNER STONGER — ILLINI WEST SENIOR FB/LB
Stonger added 71 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries against the Titans.
Donaldson’s production gets your attention, but Stonger’s contribution shows why defending this offense takes discipline across the front. West Hancock has to account for more than one ball carrier.
As a senior who also plays linebacker, Stonger gives evaluators a reason to watch both sides of his film.
CHASE HEATH — ILLINI WEST RB
Heath contributed 73 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in that first meeting.
Three runners. Three productive nights. Six rushing touchdowns between them.
For the Titans, the assignment is bigger than stopping one standout. Every defender has to handle his responsibility and finish the tackle.
LIAM MURPHY AND CALEB SCHREACKE — ILLINI WEST
Murphy added 16 rushing yards and completed one of three passes for 20 yards, with Schreacke making that reception.
The Chargers did most of their damage on the ground, but West Hancock still has to respect the passing game. A defense committing bodies to the run cannot lose track of a receiver behind it.
Illini West figures above are from the first West Hancock meeting, not full-season totals.
NOW, COLLEGE COACHES—MEET SOME TITANS
West Hancock’s supplied season report gives us plenty to discuss on this sideline, too.
HUNTER FROMAN — SENIOR WR/DB
Froman’s receiving line jumps off the page:
77 receptions.
1,020 yards.
12 receiving touchdowns.
He also has 151 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, along with 57 tackles.
That is production in several parts of the game. For evaluators, there is a substantial body of work to examine—not just one highlight catch.
Watch his routes, his work when the ball goes elsewhere, and his defensive snaps. Give the whole player a look.
CHANDLER DADANT — SENIOR RB/LB
Dadant has 1,057 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 208 carries, averaging 5.08 yards per carry.
Then turn the film over: 104 tackles, including five tackles for loss.
A thousand-yard rusher with more than a hundred tackles deserves a conversation.
In this matchup, his work matters in both directions. West Hancock needs productive possessions on offense and sound tackling against a Chargers team that ran effectively in the first meeting.
WADE GOODING — SENIOR QB
Gooding’s reported passing totals stand at 129 completions on 232 attempts for 1,703 yards and 19 touchdowns, with nine interceptions.
For West Hancock to win this one, I think his decision-making will be central. Find the available throw, protect possessions, and turn scoring opportunities into points.
College coaches can study his timing, placement, and response when the first option is covered. The numbers give you a starting point; the film tells you more.
BENTON BOLEY — SOPHOMORE WR/DB
Boley has 28 catches for 462 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 16.5 yards per reception, plus 31 tackles.
There is a younger player worth keeping on the radar.
With Froman drawing attention, Boley’s involvement could be important. West Hancock needs to make Illini West defend its receiving options across the field.
ADAM PENA AND BRAYDEN HALL — WORK UP FRONT
Senior Adam Pena, listed at offensive line and linebacker, has 76 tackles, including 48 solo stops.
Junior Brayden Hall, listed on both lines, has 25 tackles and six tackles for loss.
We’re going to keep making room for these guys in our coverage. The blocks, pursuit, and plays that disrupt a possession deserve recognition right alongside touchdowns.
WHAT DECIDES THE REMATCH?
My first question is whether West Hancock can reduce Illini West’s rushing production. The Titans need sound fits, fewer missed tackles, and more difficult third downs.
My second is whether West Hancock can finish drives while protecting the football. Against an offense capable of sustaining possessions, empty trips become expensive.
For Illini West, I would expect the challenge to be straightforward: make the Titans prove they can stop the ground game, while staying disciplined against Gooding and his receiving options.
Those are my matchup expectations—not promises about how Friday unfolds.
COACH BANKS’ PICK: WEST HANCOCK 29, ILLINI WEST 28
I’m sticking with it.
I think the Titans find enough defensive improvement and enough offense to give themselves a chance late. Then somebody makes the play that decides it.
And if that means a touchdown followed by a two-point decision? Somebody remind this old coach to breathe.
Whatever the scoreboard says, there are young men on both teams whose work deserves to be seen.
College coaches: pull up the film. Local fans: learn the names. Players: make the most of your opportunity.
That’s what the Dog House is here for. 🐾🏈
#DogHouseFootball #CCA #WestHancockTitans #IlliniWestChargers #IllinoisHighSchoolFootball #RecruitingSpotlight #StudentAthletes #FridayNightLights #TitansByOne
