Belleville West wants to celebrate more than 100th anniversary of program

By Norm Sanders

August 24, 2016 5:28 PM

An intriguing mix of talent, experience and skill should keep pushing Belleville West toward better days in the Southwestern Conference. The Maroons are also celebrating their 100th anniversary season dating back to Belleville Township High School’s 0-4-2 mark in 1916.

“It’s just so special,” said Belleville West coach Cameron Pettus, whose program will celebrate the 100th anniversary with an Alumni Day Oct. 1 against Belleville East. “It’s the tradition and the fact we’ve been able to play this great game at this high school for 100 years. It’s a special thing to be part of this.”

The Maroons were 5-5 last season and have made four straight trips to the playoffs.

“We just want to continue to make that push in our conference, which we feel is the greatest conference in the state of Illinois — and then get to the playoffs,” Pettus said.

A rough early schedule that includes 2013 Class 6A state champ Batavia and Lincoln-Way East, which has won eight or more games for the past 12 seasons, presents a definite challenge along with the SWC. Those teams combined for 18 wins last season.

Offense

Among the bright spots on offense are the return of senior quarterback Logan Betz (105-of-204 passing for 1,475 yards and 10 touchdowns with 11 interceptions), running back Paris Johnson and receivers Jack Lanxon and Jamar Edwards.

It’s the tradition and the fact we’ve been able to play this great game at this high school for 100 years. It’s a special thing to be part of this.

Cameron Pettus

Belleville West head coach

Johnson went down with a knee injury in the 2015 season opener and that led to the Maroons using five players at running back. Nick Foster was the top rusher with 458 yards.

“It was early and it was just heartbreaking for for him because he is such a talent,” Pettus said of Johnson. “We’re real excited; he’s had a real good summer and looks great. We’re excited about what he can do this year.

“He’s really done a nice job this summer getting back to playing shape. I think it’s just getting comfortable and feeling good cutting on that knee and making sure that mentally he’s good to go.”

Lanxon won’t be coming off the field much for the Maroons and Pettus hinted he could see time behind center as part of a “Wildcat” package. Lanxon was a first-team All-Area pick at defensive back last season with 28 tackles and four interceptions.

“We moved Jack everywhere this summer getting him touches,” Pettus said. “He’s an unbelievable talent and we’ve got to make sure we utilize him in all aspects of the game.”