Freshman Boys Basketball
The Hornets split again when they faced Breese Mater Dei on Thursday, 12/4/25. The A Team won with a score of 52 - 43, and the B team lost by a bucket with a score of 34 - 32.
Witten Piasecki
Grady Meinert
Quentin Faulkner
Graedon Kottmeyer
Photo Credit: Social Media
The freshman boys didn't get to face Central on 12/1/25 due to inclement weather so their first game was at home on the hardwood against the Mt. Vernon Rams on Tuesday, 12/2/25. The Hornets won the A game 56 - 41 and lost the B game 23 - 14.
Kash Hart
Brantley Kozuszek
Jace Hunter
Cole Feltman
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
12/4 --Mater Dei -- HOME
12/8 -- Carbondale -- AWAY
12/10 -- Centralia -- HOME
Photo Credit: Social Media
In a four game sweep, the Hornettes captured the Thanksgiving Tournament Championship title for the third year in a row. The Hornettes easily dominated Centralia, Sacred Heart Griffin, and Wesclin to face the Freeburg Midgets coached by former NCHS teacher Bethany McQuiston. The Midgets tried to hang with the Hornettes, but it wasn't long before the Hornettes secured their lead and won with a final score of 55 - 27.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
12/2 -- Anna Jonesboro -- AWAY
12/6 -- SWIC Shout-out - Principia, MO -- AWAY
12/9 -- West Frankfort -- HOME
12/13 -- Holiday Hoopla Classic - Paducah, KY -- AWAY
Reflections collected by Jordyn Guinzy, '28
Reflections collected by Brynn Stiegman, '26
Reflections collected by Brynn Stiegman, '26
Reflections collected by Ethan Malone, '26
The freshman squad starts the season 3 - 1 with wins against Murphysboro and Freeburg in the NCHS Assembly Hall and a win against Mater Dei in the second game of the Father McGivney Freshman Tournament. They fell to the Central Cougars 46 - 18 in the first game of the tournament. The remainder of the tournament was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Photo Credit: Social Media
Reflections collected by Lily Emge, '26
The Varsity Hornettes are approaching the post-season with some good wins behind them. They participated in the Monster Mash Tournament on Saturday, 10/18/25, in Freeburg and racked up win after win after win defeating Waterloo Gibault, Herrin, and Waterloo. They faced Freeburg in the Gold Bracket Championship and lost 20 - 25 and 19 - 25. On Tuesday, 10/21/25, they traveled to Murphysboro and came home with the W in three sets, losing the first one in a close match of 24 - 26 but winning the second two with 25 - 16 and 25 - 17. The Hornettes are 27 - 13 for the season.
Congratulations to senior Emma Behrmann and freshman Emery Schoenberg for making the All-Tournament Team at Freeburg's Monster Mash Tournament.
Photo Credit: Social Media
The freshman football team's perfect season ended on Thursday, 10/16/25 with a blowout win against DuQuoin when the Hornets put up 46 points to the Indians' 7. With this win, the freshman team returns to a tradition at Nashville High School freshmen ending with a perfect undefeated 7 - 0 season.
Quentin Faulkner scores a touchdown.
Well, it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes
It's fighting back them butterflies
It's call it in the air, alright, yes sir, we want the ball
And it's knocking heads and talking trash
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall
You mess with one man you got us all
The boys of fall.
~ Kenny Chesney
The sophomore football team's season ended on a tough loss to DuQuoin with a score of DQ 38 and Nashville 36. The sophomores (and freshmen who are pulled up) end the season with an even record of 4 - 4.
Quarterback Kash Hart completes a pass to Brenton Bultman by switching hands much like Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola did in their game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, 10/17/25.
As the weather turns to fall, Friday Night Lights are coming to a close for the Varsity Football Hornets. On Friday, 10/10/25, they hosted the Pinckneyville Panthers for NCHS Senior Night and put up an impressive 55 points, winning the game 55 - 7. A week later, the Hornets faced off at DuQuoin against the dominant Indians. The Hornets trailed early, but closed the score to 21 - 18 in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Hornets couldn't hold off DuQuoin's fourth quarter touchdown and lost 28 - 18. The Hornets are 5 - 3 for the season and have secured their playoff spot.
HERE THEY COME!!!!
The Hornets travel to Chester on Friday, 10/24/25, for their last regular season game.
Photo Credit: Social Media and Ryan Zeigler
After competing in her third IHSA State Golf series on October 10 - 11, 2025, senior Brynn Stiegman shared, " I am so happy that I got to play the last possible day of golf my senior season. I worked so hard and spent countless hours at the golf course practicing to make it back up to the state tournament. The result may have not been what I was hoping for, but nonetheless I am proud of myself for everything I have accomplished through the years at NCHS. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me through the years. Most importantly, I had a lot of fun up in Decatur during the state tournament and finished with many memories I will never forget. I am glad I got to represent NCHS one last time on the golf course.
Photo Credit: Social Media
Hornette Golfer -- State Qualifier--
On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Hornette golfers participated in the Sectional Match in Jacksonville. While the Hornette golf team's dream of advancing as a team was not achieved, senior Brynn Stiegman's dream of getting to state for the third time in her high school career came true when she qualified as an individual. Brynn shot a +7 (79), and plays at the State Tournament on October 10 - 11 at Red Tail Run in Decatur. NCHS wishes you the best of luck and congratulations the entire Hornette team on a successful season.
Coach Doug Kell and Brynn Stiegman
A good golfer has the determination to win and the patience to wait for the breaks.
~ Gary Player
Photo Credit: Social Media
Both teams traveled to Chester on Thursday, 10/2/25. The girls did not compete as a team; however, the top finisher for the Hornettes was Briley Fletcher who finished 25th overall with a time of 24:50. Other top Hornette runners were Janessa Taft (59), Jacie Ellis (68), and Taylor Whipple (69).
The boys placed 7th with a score of 151. The top Hornet finisher was Ayden Fox who finished 15th overall with a time of 18:45. Other top Hornet runners were Leland Bathon (37), Cole Feltman (39), Wade Zgonina (48), and Matthew Gollaher (66).
On Saturday, 10/4/25, the teams competed in Wesclin. The girls team placed 8th with a score of 213. The top Hornette finisher was Adi Wilson who finished 12th overall with a time of 20:20 (11). Other top Hornette runners were Briley Fletcher (29), Jessica Malone(49), Ahna Coleman (59), and Janessa Taft (65).
The boys team placed 13th with a score of 299. Ayden Fox was the top finisher for the Hornets in 27th place overall with a time of 17:51 (21). Other top Hornet runners were Wade Zgonina (56), Leland Bathon (65), Cole Feltman (72), and Matthew Gollaher (85).
Photo Credit: Social Media
The Hornets fell to the Benton Rangers on Friday, 10/3/25. The Hornets started the game strongly leading the Rangers 21 - 7 at one point in the game. Unfortunately, though, the Hornets were only able to put up 3 more points to the Rangers' 27 points. The final score was Rangers 34 - Hornets 24. The Hornets are 4 - 2 and host the Pinckneyville Panthers on Senior Night, October 10, 2025.
Senior Byron Johnson goes for the legs.
Sophomore Cole Stiegman with the attempted pass
Junior Carson Seaton powers through for a touchdown.
COME OUT TO THE GAME ON FRIDAY, 10/10/25, TO HONOR THE SENIORS.
PRIOR TO THE GAME, THE UCC CHURCH IS HOSTING THEIR ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF SO PLAN TO ATTEND THAT AS WELL.
Photo Credit: Social Media // Video Credit: NCHS Football Fan
The freshmen football team is steamrolling the competition. They traveled to Benton on Thursday, 10/2/25, and beat them with a score of 44 - 6.
Owen Povolish on the fumble recovery
Nashville's defense wouldn't allow even a pass as Tyse Behrmann swatted the ball down directly into the hands of Witten Piasecki who scored a touchdown.
Video Credit: NCHS Football Fan
At the IHSA Regional at The Acorns in Waterloo on Wednesday, 10/1/25, the Hornets qualified for Sectionals with a second place finish behind Red Bud. As a team the boys shot a 346. Senior Lucas Dunn led the team in fifth place shooting an 80 +8. Kolby Suedmeyer shot an 84, Miles Taylor an 86, and Maddox Ritzel a 96. The boys will travel to Effingham for Sectionals on Monday, 10/6/25.
Team members include Lucas Dunn, Miles Taylor, Zach Hemker, Maddox Ritzel, Kolby Suedmeyer, Dane McCleary, and Head Coach Alex Timmerman.
Photo Credit: Facebook
On Tuesday, 9/30/25, the Hornettes were crowned Regional Champions for the third year in a row. They shot a 339 to finish 18 strokes better than Steeleville and Trico. Senior Brynn Stiegman finished 2nd overall with a +2 (73). Arabella Alfeldt finished 7th shooting a +14 (85), Sadie Popejoy was 17th with a +19 (90), & Siena Popejoy was 19th with a +20 (91). Sectional Play will be on Monday, 10/6/25 at The Links in Jacksonville.
All smiles for Coach Kell and Brynn.
Row 1: Arabella Alfeldt, Brynn Stiegman, and Lily Emge; Row 2: Coach Doug Kell, Sadie Popejoy, Siena Popejoy, Aspen Fark, and Assistant Coach Rachael Kell
The Sophomore Hornets traveled to West Frankfort to battle the Redbirds on Monday, 9/29/25. The Hornets came out victorious in a high-scoring game 54 - 48. The Sophomores now have a winning record of 3 - 2.
Freshman Kash Hart runs the ball for a touchdown.
Sophomore defender Wyatt Lisk kept his eye on the ball and tackled the ball carrier.
Video Credit: NCHS Football Fan
Homecoming Football Victory
The Southern Illinoisan shared that "Nashville Hornets head football coach Steven Kozuszek wanted to get off to a good start against as undefeated West Frankfort team" in Nashville's Homecoming game on September 26, 2025, and the Hornets honored coach's wish beating the Redbirds 41 - 6.
Sophomore quarterback Cole Stiegman on the throw.
Junior running back Carson Seaton with the touchdown and the twin celebration with Carter Seaton at the end.
Photo Credit: Southern Illinoisan // Video Credit: NCHS Football Fan
The Cross Country team traveled to Pinckneyville on Thursday, 9/25/25. The girls team placed 4th with a score of 90. The top finisher for the Hornettes was Adi Wilson who finished 8th overall with a time of 22:41. Other top Hornette runners were Briley Fletcher (11), Kinley Povolish (16), Jacie Ellis (23), and Taylor Whipple (32). The boys team placed 4th with a score of 120. The top finisher for the Hornets was Ayden Fox who finished 8th overall with a time of 18:52. Other top Hornet runners were Wade Zgonina (23), Cole Feltman (26), Leland Bathon (28), and Peyton McConnell (35).
Adi Wilson
Ayden Fox
Cross country running is a dance with your limits. Each race is a new opportunity to test what you can achieve.
Photo Credit: Social Media
The freshmen team holds onto their no-season loss record and is now 4 - 0 after their 38 - 22 win over Sparta on Thursday, 9/18/25.
James Schomaker with the interception
Owen Povolish (above) and Quentin Faulkner (below) with the tackles.
Kash Hart finds Witten Piasecki wide open for the touchdown.
The sophomore team moves to 2 - 2 for the season after their 16 - 15 win against the AJ Wildcats on Monday, 9/22/25.
Grady Varel and Wyatt Lisk team up for the tackle.
Kash Hart evades the defense and advances the ball for a big gain.
Video Credit: NCHS Football Fan
The Hornet golfers matched up against Mater Dei on Monday, 9/22/25, and feel just short 165 - 151. According to our NCHS Athletics Facebook page, senior Maddox Ritzel led the way with a 39. Lucas Dunn shot a 41, Miles Taylor a 42, and Zach Hemker a 43.
At their home quad match on Thursday, 9/18/25, the Hornets were victorious with a 164 over Waltonville, Greenville, & Christ Our Rock. Lucas Dunn led the way with a +2 (38) while Kolby Suedmeyer shot a 39, Miles Taylor a 43, and Maddox Ritzel a 44.
At the Lady Rocket Invitational in Okawville on Saturday, 9/20/25, the Hornette golfers finished 4th as a team shooting a 343. Arabella Alfeldt shot a +8 (78). Brynn Stiegman shot an 83, and Sadie Popejoy and Lily Emge shot 91s.
Senior Arabella Alfeldt took home the 5th place medal at the Okawville Invitational shooting her personal best of 78 at the 18 hole tournament that had 92 girls.
The Hornettes competed and placed third as a team in the Lancer Invitational 2025 at Yorktown on Thursday, 9/18/25. Senior Brynn Stiegman tied for third place.
At the SIRR Conference Match at Hickory Ridge on Tuesday, 9/23/25, the Hornettes once again captured the Conference Championship with a score of 359. Brynn Stiegman shot at +5 (77). Arabella Alfeldt was 2nd at +19 (91), Sadie Popejoy was 6th at +21 (93), and Siena Popejoy was 10th at +26 (98).
Senior Brynn Stiegman became the Individual Conference Champion on the SIRR Mississippi side for fourth year in a row. She is the second Nashville Hornette to accomplish this following Shawn Rennegarbe.
Photo Credit: Social Media
NCHS Cross Country hosted their annual NIT on Monday, 9/22/25 at the Washington County State Lake. The girls placed 4th with a score of 107. The top finisher for the Hornettes was Adi Wilson who finished 12th overall with a time of 22:14. Other top Hornette runners were Briley Fletcher (14), Kinley Povolish (16), Jessi Malone (33), and Janessa Taft (35). The Hornet boys placed 7th with a score of 167. The top Hornet finisher was Ayden Fox who finished 19th overall with a time of 19:23. Other top Hornet runners were Cole Feltman (29), Wade Zgonina (32), Leland Bathon (37), and Peyton McConnell (54). Cross Country travels to Lake Sallateeska on Thursday in Pinckneyville's meet.
Freshmen Lee Bathon (above) and Cole Feltman (below)
And they're off...
Junior Ayden Fox (above) and senior Jessi Malone (below)
Photo Credit: Social Media
Hornette Golf Team Heats Up
Senior Brynn Stiegman
Just as the temperatures are heating up outside again so are the Hornettes as they gear up for an exceptionally busy week with four matches from Monday - Friday. And, boy, did they start the week off right when they won their Quad Match at Hickory Ridge in Carbondale on Monday, 9/15/25. The Hornettes as a team shot a 187. Senior Brynn Stiegman led the team winning first while shooting a 36. Senior Arabella Alfeldt earned 5th with a score of 49 while sophomore Siena Popejoy and senior Lily Emge followed close behind in 6th with scores of 51. Freshmen Sadie Popejoy earned 9th with a 53 and Aspen Fark earned 21 with a score of 65.
Success in golf depends less on strength of body and more on strength of mind and character.
~ Golfer Arnold Palmer
Photo Credit: Social Media
It was a back and forth battle for the Varsity Hornets against the Wesclin Warriors at the home opener on Friday, 9/12/25, but the Hornets emerged victorious with a final score of 62 - 41. The game began with a Hornet interception by Palmer Renken, and the Hornets never let up.
Video excitement courtesy of Khloe Robinett
...and here come the Hornets...
The Friends of Hornet Football Program sponsored a White Out night to support two-and-a-half-year-old Stella Wernowsky, the daughter of Vince and Alexis Wernowsky of Nashville, Illinois, who is bravely battling a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer known as nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor).
Stella was diagnosed in May of 2025, and the family is valiantly battling this disease, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
The Friends of Hornet Football sends a huge thank you to anyone who contributed to this "fundraising effort to provide direct financial support to the Wernowsky family as they focus on what matters most: Stella’s recovery."
Stiegman's offensive line creates time for him to find an open receiver.
The Hornets (above and below) bring down the Warrior ball carriers.
Junior Zearon Johnson advances the ball.
Junior running back Carson Seaton brought down.
Photo Credit: Social Media
On Thursday, 9/11/25, th freshman Hornets defeated Harrisburg with a resounding score of 46 - 8. This win notched them their third win of the season. They look to beat Sparta in an away game on Thursday, 9/18/25.
Braylin Storey takes the ball downfield.
Witten Piasecki waits for the ball.
Photo Credit: Social Media
At the NIT on Thursday, 9/11/25, the Hornets finished 3rd behind Central (154) and Staunton (159) with a score of 166. Senior Lucas Dunn lead the way with a +1 37 and placed 4th. Just behind Dunn were seniors Miles Taylor with a 41, Maddox Ritzel with a 42, and Kolby Suedmeyer with a 46.
Success depends almost entirely on how effectively you learn to manage the game's two ultimate adversaries: the course and yourself.
~ Golfer Jack Nicklaus
Photo Credit: Social Media
On Thursday, 9/11/25, the NCHS Cross Country team traveled to West Frankfort. The girls team placed 7th with a score of 172. The top NCHS finisher was Briley Fletcher who finished 16th overall with a time of 24:01. Other top Hornette runners were Jessi Malone (27), Kinley Povolish (32), Jacie Ellis (46), and Taylor Whipple (51). The boys team earned 9th with a score of 215. The top Hornet runner was Wade Zgonina who finished 31st overall with a time of 19:48. Other top Hornet runners were Cole Feltman (34), Ayden Fox (35), Leland Bathon (41), and Peyton McConnell (74).
Freshman Briley Fletcher
Freshman Cole Feltman
Freshman Wade Zgonina
Hornette Senior Adi Wilson traveled to Peoria, Illinois on Saturday, 9/13/25 to compete in the First to the Finish Cross Country Invitational against 421 other runners. Adi's run was excellent with a time of 20:30, earning her 89th place.
Photo Credit: Social Media
Lots of volleyball...that's what the Hornette Varsity Volleyball team did this weekend while competing in a tough metro-east tournament. The Hornettes played both Friday, 9/5/25, and Saturday, 9/6/25, making it all the way to the Bronze Bracket Championship game. They finished the tournament with two wins and three losses. They beat Rock Island (25 - 19, 25 - 20) and Bloomington (25 - 12 and 25 - 16). They lost to Freeburg (20 - 25, 23 - 25), Lincoln Way West (28 - 26, 22 - 25, and 15 - 17), and Edwardsville.
The Hornettes host Woodlawn at home on Wednesday, 9/10/25.
The Hornets fall to 1 - 1 after a bittersweet loss to the Carterville Lions on Friday, 9/5/25. Backed by a tremendous defensive effort, the Hornets held the Lions to just 21 points while tallying 14 points at the close of the game.
Sophomore quarterback Cole Stiegman works to get every yard.
Junior Sam Blumhorst wraps up a Lion.
Senior Byron Johnson and freshman Brantley Kozuszek celebrate in the endzone.
Junior Hayden Kirchner takes a hand off from Stiegman.
Junior Gannon Turner fights for yardage with two Lions attempting to take him down.
Junior Owen Diedrich helps to bring down the Lion ball carrier.
Junior Palmer Renken makes the catch.
The HORNETS will host the Wesclin Warriors in their first home game of the season at Hornet Field on Friday, 9/12/25.
They hope to see you all in the stands and the endzone cheering them on.
The THEME is WHITE-OUT.
Photo Credit: Whitecotton Photography and Social Media
Hornette Golfers Place Third
According to Nashville High School Athletics, the Hornette Golf team placed third with a score of 171 at the Lady Panther Invite on Friday, 9/5/25. Only Massac County (152) and Steeleville (167) scored better as a team. The Hornettes were led by freshman Sadie Popejoy who placed sixth with a score of 39. Senior Brynn Stiegman tied for eighth with a 40. Junior Siena Popejoy and senior Arabella Alfeldt each shot a 46.
The team plays again this Tuesday at the O’Fallon Tournament at Tamarack. Best of luck, ladies.
Sadie Popejoy and Brynn Stiegman
Photo Credit: Social Media
NCHS Cross Country traveled to Murphysboro on Wednesday, 9/3/25, for their season's second meet. The girls placed 9th with a score of 222. The top finisher for the Hornettes was Adi Wilson who finished 9th overall with a time of 21:15. Other top Hornette runners were Kinley Povolish (38), Briley Fletcher (42), Jessi Malone (47), and Jacie Ellis (86)
The boys placed 15th with a score of 364. The top finisher for the Hornets was Ayden Fox who finished 62nd overall with a time of 20:33. Other top Hornet runners were Leland Bathon (59), Cole Feltman (63), Wade Zgonina (83), and Peyton McConnell (102).
The team travels to Frankfort on Thursday, 9/11/25 for their next outing.
Adi Wilson
Ayden Fox
Briley Fletcher and Kinley Povolish
Girls team warming up
Lee Bathon
Ahna Coleman and Kinley Povolish
Cole Feltman
Photo Credit: Social Media
The season is starting strong for Volleyball. The Hornettes were a powerful force in the tournament with wins over Goreville, Benton, Herrin, and Pinckneyville. Their only loss came in their match against Massac County on Saturday, 8/30/25. As they move into the Edwardsville Tournament, their record stands at 7 - 2.
Congratulations to Summer Brinkmann and Emma Behrmann for being named to the All Tournament Team.
Photo Credit: Washington County News
The Hornet season opener at Carlyle was an intense match. The lead seesawed back and forth in a nail biter for the fans. Both teams generated big stats, but it was the Hornets who prevailed. Coming from behind in the fourth quarter, Big Blue bested the Indians 28-21.
Cole Stiegman runs for a first down in the 28-21 win over Carlyle.
Carson Seaton works to move the offense down the field against Carlyle.
2025 Home Schedule
Friday, September 12
Friday, September 19
Friday, September 26 (Homecoming)
Friday, October 10 (Senior Night)
Photo Credit: Washington County News
The unbearable heat in August tried to slow down the start of the golf season, but now that cooler temperatures have arrived, the golfers are on the course weekly and enjoying every moment.
Coed Golf Scramble -- August 26, 2025
Arabella Alfeldt, Sadie Popejoy, Siena Popejoy, Lily Tejada, Lily Emge, Brynn Stiegman, Lucas Dunn, Kolby Suedmeyer, Miles Taylor, Maddox Ritzel, Dane McCleary and
The Hornettes placed second as a team behind Breese Central and in front of Okawville in the NIT on August 21. Brynn Stiegman placed first individual scoring -3 (33). Photo includes Sadie Popejoy, Lily Emge, Brynn Stiegman, Arabella Alfeldt, Clara Kozuszek, and Siena Popejoy.
Lily Emge shot a 49 at the triangular match in Salem on 9/3/25. The Hornettes placed second just 3 strokes behind Salem’s 175. Brynn Stiegman led the way with a 42 while Siena Popejoy shot a 43 and Arabella Alfeldt totaled a 44.
The Hornet Golf Team placed fourth in the SIRR Boys Preseason Golf Tournament at AJ on August 16. Lucas Dunn was the top finisher for the Hornets placing 8th, shooting an 80.
Photo Credit: Social Media