NORMAL - Varsity football games in the Corn Belt Conference are played on Friday nights. The junior varsity goes on Monday nights. The difference might be only three days. University High School sophomore Will Brucker knows better than that.

"It's like night and day. It's unbelievably faster," said Brucker. "All the little things, you must be totally detailed in the varsity game."

U High, which only has six seniors on its roster, has thrown a bunch of sophomores into action on Friday nights. While the Pioneers take only a 2-4 record into tonight's game at Rantoul, the U High sophomores have held their own while facing the meat of their schedule early.

"We knew some of them would have to play," said U High coach Kurt Olson. "We knew our numbers would be low. We weren't sure if they would start, but they've become major contributors."

Eight sophomores have started for the Pioneers. Offensively, tackles Rich Shepherd and Dillon Sloneker, running backs Vince Chiodo and Caleb Katz, fullback Max Hayden and quarterback Jake Todino have been starters at least one game.

The sophomore defensive starters include Hayden, Brucker and Luke Harbers at linebacker and Chiodo and Deonte VanHook at cornerback. Harbers suffered a broken collarbone in the third game, while Sloneker suffered a foot injury in practice Wednesday and won't play tonight.

"We didn't think we would play a whole bunch," said Katz. "We thought we would play a little bit, but not like we do.

"Varsity is a lot faster. People are bigger and stronger. It's a big jump. It's a lot different."

Hayden thought the transition period was eased before practice began. The sophomores lifted weights in the summer with the upperclassmen and everyone seemed to bond together.

Yet, before the season opener against Olympia, Hayden admitted having a queasy stomach. That was strictly from nerves and not a lack of preparation.

"Our coaches try to make it pretty quick in practice, so pretty much by the first game we were up to speed and everything," said Hayden.

Brucker had an advantage over his classmates. He played on the varsity last year, so he realized what was coming.

"I knew the pace of the game a little better and adjusted a little easier than some of the other sophomores, but they're getting better," he said. "We'll have a pretty good team next year and when I'm a senior."

Senior quarterback Tyler Cook said the upperclassmen weren't worried about how the sophomores would respond.

"Last year when I was a junior I knew a lot of these guys. I knew the freshmen team had a lot of good players and a lot of potential," said Cook. "I knew coming in we would have a lot of youth, and I was comfortable putting them in.

"We threw them right in and they performed. Vince Chiodo scored two touchdowns the first game. They got their experience in a hurry and played well."

Cook beat out Todino for the starting job in the preseason. In the second game against Central Catholic, Cook suffered a mild concussion.

Todino started the next week against Rochester and played an outstanding game. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for 84 yards and another score.

"It worried me. He came in against Rochester and put on a show," said Cook. "He's a real quick kid and athletic and can really run the ball. I enjoyed watching him play that game."

Cook reclaimed the job when he returned the following week, but acknowledged Todino's presence.

"He pushed me. From the beginning there's been a lot of friendly competition," said Cook. "Jake has really helped me bring the best out of me. I appreciate it."

Cook led the Pioneers to a 31-0 victory last week against Sherrard, snapping a four-game losing streak. The Pioneers needed something good to happen, especially after narrow misses against Rochester and Pontiac.

"We knew we were a good football team, but the wins weren't showing up," said Brucker. "All the hard work we've done, it was tough. The win last week was good for the team and definitely a big confidence booster to help us for the rest of the season."

With 10 juniors joining the sophomores, next season could be U High's year. But the Pioneers remain focused on the present.

If U High wins its final three games, the Pioneers would qualify for the Class 5A playoffs.

"We're going to run the table," said Katz, sounding more like an exuberant sophomore instead of a varsity veteran.