Rivalry football brought plenty of energy to Taylorville on Friday night as the Tornadoes hosted Effingham, coming away with a 28-7 victory behind a strong offensive performance and a defense that consistently made big plays.
Taylorville wasted little time getting on the board.
With 9:04 remaining in the first quarter, Isaac Repscher delivered a dime to Wyatt Younker, who broke free for a 92-yard touchdown pass to put the Tornadoes in front.
Taylorville added another score late in the half. With 1:47 remaining, Repscher led the Tornadoes down the field before finishing the drive himself, powering into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run.
Effingham answered just over a minute later when a pass was tipped by Taylorville’s Maddex Havera on defense and landed in the hands of Effingham’s Jenner Pals, who took it in for a touchdown.
Taylorville carried a 14-7 lead into halftime.
The Tornadoes came out firing again in the third quarter.
With 5:38 left in the quarter, Repscher connected with Younker once again, this time for a 48-yard touchdown, extending Taylorville’s lead to 21-7.
Just over two minutes later, Repscher found Maddex Havera for a 21-yard touchdown pass, giving the Tornadoes a 28-7 advantage with 3:09 remaining in the third.
The remainder of the night became a physical, chippy rivalry battle, with penalties piling up on both sides as the intensity continued to rise.
Taylorville’s defense continued to make plays when it mattered. Maddyx Owens and Maddex Havera each recorded an interception, while Connor Hunsley was a force throughout the night, helping the Tornadoes repeatedly shut down Effingham’s offense.
For his dominant defensive performance, Connor Hunsley was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game.
Taylorville’s offense was led by Repscher, who accounted for four touchdowns, while Younker delivered two explosive touchdown catches.
The Tornadoes now turn their attention to Mattoon next weekend as they continue their season. 3-2 overall.
