Matt Daniels
@mdaniels_NG
Followers
4K
Following
218
Media
485
Statuses
25K
Husband, father and sports editor at The News-Gazette
Champaign, Illinois
Joined August 2012
Christmas came early today. Meet Sullivan Henry Maberry Daniels. Future LB or OL/DL, weighing 10 lbs, 8 oz., 21 inches long
24
3
154
Final stop by the Monticello defense on 2-point conversion attempt
3
12
96
4) Whitman said he expects Champaign to put in a bid for the IHSA basketball state tournaments. “We intend to go after it aggressively,” Whitman said.
4
10
89
Going to roll out first of roughly 40 stories spotlighting every #Illini senior that had their season cut short in Wednesday's @news_gazette. First up: Travis Piotrowski from @IlliniWrestling. Here's a column explaining the concept
2
17
91
Met Jim Cotter a decade ago. Naturally, covering a football game. He was always easy to talk to. Whether it was about the #Illini. Or high school sports. Or his family. Or my family. You always felt better after talking to him. The local sports scene lost a good one today.
0
3
75
Final play of the game that didn’t end up counting. Hail Mary TD pass negated because of an illegal man downfield penalty on Unity
10
6
60
Illinois lifts Lovie into the air, Marching Illini chant bowl game. Unreal finish as Illinois stuns Michigan State 37-34.
2
6
54
FiNAL: Unity 28, Mt. Carmel 21. Matt Brown and Unity defense came alive in the fourth quarter and the Rockets are heading to DeKalb next Friday to play for Class 3A state championship.
2
10
52
Shoddy video work by me but here is game-winning kick by Charlie Schmitz
2
12
53
Unity (9-3) will play at Monticello (10-2) at 2 p.m. next Saturday in a Class 3A state semifinal game. Unity beat the Sages 42-28 in Week 9 in Illini Prairie Conference game, but this one will have a little bit more riding on it. Like an appearance in the state championship game.
1
5
48
Monticello 21, Unity 20 on 4-yard TD pass from Young to Foran with 13 seconds left
2
11
44
Many thanks to @news_gazette readers for helping us become a top 10 sports section recognized again this year by @APSE_sportmedia. Also, kudos to the talented efforts of @srrichey, @clikasNG, @BobAsmussen, @JoeVozzelli, @Tatelines, @adzilis and others for making this a reality.
4
9
42
FINAL: Unity 28, Williamsville 7 . Rockets improve to 12-0 and advance to Class 3A state semifinals.
0
7
42
FINAL: M-S 5, Chatham 4. Truax lays down suicide squeeze, Yergler slides home with winning run. Bulldogs win first sectional title in program history.
2
7
36
St. Joseph-Ogden (10-0) will play at Unity (7-3) at 2 p.m. next Saturday in a Class 3A second-round playoff game at Hicks Field in Tolono. Should be a good one. And a good crowd.
1
7
36
Celebration from this afternoon in the moments after Unity beat Mt. Carmel 28-21 to advance to Class 3A state championship game
0
3
35
Unity girls cross-country team enters Hicks Field with its Class 1A state runner-up trophy the Rockets earned earlier today in Peoria
0
6
32
FINAL: SJO 38, BCC 19. Spartans improve to 6-0 and clinch playoff berth
0
6
32
Need a TD near the end zone? Tanner Siems is the guy for @SJOFootball. Need a big block? Tanner Siems is the guy for the Spartans. Need an onside kick recovery? Tanner Siems is . well, you get the point. My latest story on the undefeated Spartans.
0
10
32
FINAL: SJO 58, Unity 50. Spartans win first regional title since 2018.
0
5
30
.@SJOSoftball defeats Maroa-Forsyth 6-2 to win program’s fourth straight sectional title and 12th overall. Spartans (32-3) play at 11 a.m. on Monday in Athens Super-Sectional.
0
9
29
FINAL: Unity 14, Prairie Central 0. Rockets are bound for another state semifinal appearance.
0
6
27
Illinois lands 10th commit in 2017 class with Miami Central WR Carmoni Green committing to #Illini today.
0
6
27
A dramatic ending saw the @SagesFootball defense stand tall, deny Benton a game-winning two-point conversion to earn a 27-26 OT win and set up a Class 3A state semifinal showdown with nearby rival Unity next Saturday. 'It was insane. We just stuffed it.'.
0
7
29
.@SJOBaseball beats Paris 5-1 to win Class 2A sectional title. Spartans (33-2) advance to play Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at 4 p.m. Monday in super-sectional at Millikin University in Decatur.
0
2
28
FYI new Illinois offensive line coach Luke Butkus here at Illinois pro day, wearing Illinois pullover.
1
4
27
Unity recognizes Scott Hamilton before the game. He’s retiring as AD at the end of the school year, but hasn’t made a decision yet on if he’ll coach the Rockets’ football team next season
0
3
28
From about 15 minutes ago . FINAL: Monticello 33, PBL 0. Sages clinch a playoff berth for the 15th straight year with their sixth straight win. Outstanding defensive effort as Monticello did not allow a first down, while PBL lost its starting QB and backup QB early
0
3
27
Four #Illini defensive players earn All-Big Ten honors: DE Carroll Phillips, DE Dawuane Smoot, LB Hardy Nickerson and LB Tre Watson.
0
11
25
Lucas Kresin with walkoff single, scoring courtesy runner Michael Ludwig to give @TuscolaAD baseball a 1-0 win against SJ-O and a sectional championship in an exceptional game by both teams.
0
2
26
FINAL: @IlliniVBall is back in the Sweet 16 after a 25-22, 26-28, 25-17, 25-18 win against Louisville. The #Illini (30-3) will face Marquette (28-6) next weekend at Huff Hall in a regional semifinal match.
0
4
24
SJ-O celebration after its dramatic 24-21 win against Unity
0
4
27
An undefeated season doesn't just happen. Coaching matters, too. How this @SJOFootball staff has evolved through the years and has the Spartans dreaming big in November. 'We had a vision for what we wanted this to be.' .
0
6
26
FINAL: Unity 35, SJO 7. Rockets (8-3) will host Nashville next weekend in Class 3A state quarterfinal game. Likely a 2 pm kickoff on Saturday.
0
12
25
Burnett sets down Monticello in order to throw a three-hit complete game as @SJOBaseball wins 3-1 to earn the program’s seventh straight Class 2A regional title.
0
5
25
Every week this season, I'm going behind the scenes with @SJOFootball. First up: a look at their starting quarterback Kodey McKinney and why he's prepared his whole life for this moment. 'Now, it's here.'.
0
7
25
Malik Turner is ok. Went to Carle Foundation Hospital, but was back in Memorial Stadium locker room by the time today's game ended.
0
2
24
Brad Underwood stopped by The Esquire to talk recruiting, the dancing prowess of Giorgi Bezhanishvili, his affinity for Patrick Mahomes, why he’s OK with two shoving matches so far in practice and more about the #Illini.
PODCAST: Monday Night SportsTalk 10-01-18 @CoachUnderwood @IlliniMBB #Illini @stevekelly7 @mdaniels_ng @BobAsmussen @srrichey.
2
5
21
Big night in a little more than a month for @EIU_Panthers with Sean Payton, Tony Romo, Mike Shanahan and Jimmy Garoppolo all returning to their alma mater in Charleston.
2
7
22
Colin is the goods, the real deal, whatever other positive adjective you want to throw his way. Going to miss him and his work immensely. Thanks for all the effort and talent you brought to C-U, @clikasNG.
Since I just publicly announced it on @wdws1400, I am wrapping up my time with The News-Gazette this week. Exploring some opportunities outside of journalism that will make use of my skills and passions. Really going to miss the preps beat. It's been a ton of fun since 2017.
1
0
23
Illinois 14, Nebraska 13. FINAL. Welcome to the Bill Cubit Era folks.
0
10
23
Head on out to the Esquire on Monday for 'Monday Night SportsTalk,' on @wdws1400 from 5-6 p.m. We might have a dance-off, too. Because @IlliniMBB standout Giorgi Bezhanishvili is our guest
1
11
21
Big plays led @SJOFootball to a 48-0 win against West Frankfort in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs on Saturday. Up next for SJ-O? A second-round showdown at rival Unity next weekend. Let the hype begin. 'It’s awesome for high school football.'.
0
6
23
Unity girls’ cross-country arrives at Hicks Field after winning third straight Class 1A state title this morning in Peoria
0
4
23
Highlights of #Illini beating Nebraska led SportsCenter. Because starting 4-0 and beating an AP Top 25 team on the road will do that. Follow @srrichey and @BobAsmussen for all the late-night coverage from Lincoln, Neb., after Illinois pulls off 31-24 OT win at Nebraska.
0
1
23
Unity 21, SJO 7 with 4:09 left in second quarter. Eisenmenger hits Hoggard on 10-yard TD pass, his third of the day
0
4
22
s/o to Doug Wallen from STM for help w/HS boys bball preseason coverage @STMSabernation
http://t.co/NVRAFvZW7E.
0
13
21
As a kid from Glen Carbon, always enjoyed seeing the former Edwardsville superintendent officiate a game the night of bad weather and wondering who would make the call if we had school the next day or have a snow day.
The start of Ed Hightower's career as a Big Ten referee got an assist from then @IlliniMBB coach Lou Henson. Our @srrichey caught up with Hightower ahead of this year's @RST_illinois Sapora Symposium dedicated to Henson's life. #Illini
3
3
22
Out in Monticello for Class 3A state quarterfinal game between the host Sages (9-2) and Benton (8-3). Kickoff is at 2 p.m. Winner gets either Nashville (10-1) or Unity (8-3) in the state semifinals next weekend
2
2
21
Great man. Great coach. Great father. He'll be missed.
Hall of Fame @SJOFootball coach Dick Duval died Thursday morning following an extended battle with cancer. The team's football field officially was named for him six days ago #NGMedia
0
0
21
Do you think Friday night kickoff against Kent State is a good idea for #Illini football? RT for yes, FAV for no.
5
6
21
1
9
20
Best photo @srrichey has ever taken.
It starts, of course, with @AyoDos_11's commitment. A notable decision in the moment and one that ultimately changed the @IlliniMBB program. #Illini
0
0
21
Four renderings that are on display right now at Memorial Stadium of future renovations
0
10
20
#Illini signee Michael Finke wears No. 42 for Centennial. Which is how many points he had in 68-58 win tonight at Kankakee.
1
18
21
A D-I recruit. A new starting center. Three senior leaders. Five different personalities. They all mesh together to make the offensive line hum for @SJOFootball. 'We’re out there to be with our guys, have fun, play physical, play fast and win games.' .
0
5
21
Stop by the Esquire tomorrow at 5 p.m. for N-G Sports Page radio show. New #Illini coach Brad Underwood and Josh Whitman will be there.
0
6
19
Epstein committed to Illinois back in August 2015 w/Tim Beckman at the helm and stayed committed throughout all the coaching changes.
0
2
20
A week ago today, this little lady (Sawyer Elizabeth Maberry Daniels) graced my wife and I with her presence http://t.co/H1xj2UkAzh.
8
0
20
Pumped for @clikasNG, @srrichey, @BobAsmussen, @Tatelines, @JoeVozzelli and others who have worked for The News-Gazette sports section in the past. The @ibcacoaches has recognized our sports section as one of three organizations of the year as part of its 2021 Hall of Fame Class.
1
2
20
Out here at Hancock Stadium in Normal for Class 3A state championship game between Monticello (11-2) and Montini (11-2) set for a 4 p.m. kick. Third quarter just ended of 2A state title game, with Chicago Christian leading Maroa-Forsyth 33-0
2
6
19
#Illini wrestler Isaiah Martinez wins second straight national title at 157 pounds with 6-5 win over Jason Nolf of Penn State.
0
8
19
Many thanks to Kiel Duval for opening up and sharing his story.
Last Friday's regional-championship victory wasn't just another win for @SJOBoysHoops coach Kiel Duval. As @mdaniels_NG writes, Duval still is carrying the memory of his late father to each of the Spartans' contests #NGMedia
0
0
19
Lovie Smith and Josh Whitman will join us at the Esquire in downtown Champaign for The N-G Sports Page tonight on @wdws1400.
1
10
20
FINAL: Mahomet-Seymour 35, Lincoln 33. Bulldogs pull the upset.
0
4
18
S/O to Cole Berry (@ColeBerry45) of @SJOBaseball for help w/N-G preseason coverage http://t.co/CfSUudr0DH.
0
6
18
Whitman: What is not on the table is some type of corporate name for our stadium. It will always be Memorial Stadium #Illini.
0
5
17
Lovie: Coach McGee has assured Coach Nickerson that as long as we can keep them under 39 points, we'll win a lot of games #Illini.
0
8
17
Trey Peters isn't letting a season-ending knee injury get him down. On Thursday, the @MSBulldogFTBL standout had a reason to be upbeat: the #Illini football team he's supported his whole life offered him a scholarship. 'He’s over the moon excited.'.
0
2
19
Danville wins Class 4A regional title, rallying to beat Bloomington 66-64 in thrilling finish at Centennial. Vikings (30-3) advance to United Township Sectional semifinal.
0
5
17
FINAL: Monticello 7, SJ-O 1. Sages win first sectional title since 2014
0
4
19
Crayton Burnett finishes off a one-hit shutout with 13 strikeouts as @SJOBaseball beats Shelbyville 7-0 to clinch a spot in Friday’s Class 2A sectional championship game.
0
3
19
2) Bobby Roundtree was moved to a rehab facility in Chicago last Wednesday. He’s expected to be there 3-6 months before returning to Champaign.
0
2
17
Pretty cool that former @SJOSoftball standout and three-time N-G Player of the Year Bailey Dowling will get another chance at the Women's College World Series this week with Alabama.
0
2
18
No football tonight in Monticello because of thunderstorms. Monticello will host St. Joseph-Ogden at noon on Saturday
0
6
18
Expect Jeff George Jr. to start his fourth straight game today and for WR Malik Turner to play after missing last Saturday with a concussion.
0
4
16
Mahomet-Seymour 33, Lincoln 32, 1:50 left in fourth quarter. Finn Randolph has been clutch for Bulldogs this quarter with four points and good defensive pressure. M-S ball coming out of timeout.
2
1
18
First #Illini commitment since mid-June. Had offers from Louisville, Maryland, Nebraska, among others
0
6
16
Nothing like having Saturday’s sports section almost done by 8:30 p.m., and then adapting on the fly. Big news for #Illini fans, though. Look for more reaction on Ayo Dosunmu’s decision in Sunday’s paper from best writer @srrichey, who picked a hell of a week to go on vacation.
Saturday's N-G sports cover features @mdaniels_NG on Ayo Dosunmu announcing he'll return for a third season with @IlliniMBB, plus @clikasNG continues our one big question series and also catches up with @carolinerkerr of @STMVolleyball1. #NGMedia. @APSE_sportmedia .@ngphotostaff
0
3
18
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman here at practice, along with a scout from the Seattle Seahawks.
0
4
18
s/o to STM's @torimccoy23, @lexi_n_i_knoit & @EELLIIZZAABETTH for help w/HS girls bball preseason coverage http://t.co/rrPB64LVk3.
0
12
16
Here's 1,281 words trying to capture what I watched this afternoon. Great game, great effort by both teams in front of a packed house. Either team could have won. High school football at its finest.
'What just happened?' A common refrain from those who were there after @SagesAthletics outlasted Unity 23-20 in a Class 3A state semifinal game that featured a Hail Mary pass. That was a touchdown. And then it wasn't. More via @mdaniels_NG on an epic game.
1
4
18