“Finish strong” is the message being delivered to Charleston High School football players from head coach Brian Halsey as they prepare for their final game of the season on the road against Salem Community High School.
Charleston (3-5, 0-5) was eliminated from playoff contention last week against Taylorville, marking the team’s fifth straight loss. Another loss against Salem (1-7, 1-4 in Cahokia conference) would be the first time the Trojans lost six straight games since 2018, when they lost every game of the season.
“A W (win) would be huge simply to take the sting off,” Halsey said. “[It would be nice to] play some good football and end [the season] on a high note and carry a little bit of momentum into the offseason.”
Halsey said the highlight of the season has been working with the players and turning them into men. He hopes to do that after the season as well, as he fits together the next freshman class, and tries to convince current students to join the team
A win against Salem would help Halsey and the program convince more people to join as the Trojans rebuild the roster and culture.
“We got to get some of our athletes in our school to stop being one-sport athletes,” Halsey said. “I’ve got to get down to the junior high and try to salvage an eighth-grade class that had their season cancelled this year due to a lack of numbers.”
Salem is a former member of the Apollo Conference that left in 2016. Charleston has played the Salem Wildcats every season since 2001 except for 2017, 2018 and 2020. The Trojans lead the all-time series 11-9 and could win their third straight game over Salem.
“To me this ballgame is huge,” Halsey said. “I know a lot of people are looking at it like, ‘Hey you’re not playoff eligible, your season’s done,’ but my job never ends, it’s year-round.”
Charleston has found a few bright spots this season, despite not living up to its expectations and making the playoffs like last year’s team. Sophomore running back Treylin Couch has emerged as an explosive runner for Charleston, leading the team in yards per carry with 12.4. He ranks second in total rushing yards (396) on the team behind senior running back Ben Coffey (445) and is four yards ahead of senior fullback Marcellx Boling (392).
The passing game hasn’t been as effective as the ground game this season.
Senior quarterback Luke Bonnstetter has completed 63-of-113 passes for 758 yards. That number is down from the 988 passing yards he had at this point last year. After eight games last season, Bonnstetter had completed 77 of his 146 pass attempts.
Halsey said he stressed the importance of limiting penalties, turnovers and other mistakes, saying that’s the main reason why Charleston is out of the playoff race.
“I’ve really emphasized that this week, just showing [the players] what they’re capable of,” Halsey said.
Charleston will make the 85-mile trip to Salem on Friday. Kickoff for the last game of the season is set for 7 p.m.
Gabe Newman can be reached at 581-2812 or at ghnewman@eiu.edu.
