Seneca Football Secures Week 2 Game Against Sangamon Valley

UPDATE: The Seneca Fighting Irish football team has just announced a crucial addition to their 2023 schedule, securing a Week 2 matchup against Sangamon Valley High School. This urgent development comes after Lisle confirmed it would only be competing at the junior varsity level, leaving a void in Seneca’s lineup.

Head coach Terry Maxwell revealed the news on Monday, emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive schedule despite previous challenges with opponent forfeits over the past three seasons. “We had talked with [Sangamon Valley] earlier this summer about this being an option after they lost their Week 2 opponent,” Maxwell stated.

Sangamon Valley, located in Niantic, just 12 miles west of Decatur, faced a similar predicament when their scheduled opponent, Cerro Gordo, decided to co-op with Arcola due to low player numbers. This left both teams searching for solutions as the 2023 football season approaches.

The Storm, who finished last season with a record of 6-4 and earned a spot in the Class 2A playoffs, represent a formidable challenge for Seneca, who ended 2022 with a strong 9-2 record and their third consecutive playoff appearance.

Maxwell acknowledged the importance of this matchup, stating, “We are excited to be able to fill the opening we had. [Sangamon Valley] should be a very solid opponent and a good matchup for us.” This game adds depth to an already competitive nonconference schedule for the Fighting Irish, which includes upcoming contests at Clinton and Genoa-Kingston.

In recent years, Seneca has had to navigate similar scheduling issues. In 2021, they lost a game against Watseka but managed to secure a last-minute game with Clinton. The previous season saw challenges with lost games against Watseka and Walther Christian, making this new addition all the more vital for maintaining momentum and team spirit.

As the season approaches, fans are urged to keep an eye on this developing story. The matchup against Sangamon Valley not only fills a gap in Seneca’s schedule but also promises to deliver an exciting and competitive game for both teams. Expect further updates as the season unfolds.