Illinois State’s performance in the 2025 FCS National Championship highlighted the growing role of in-game video replay. Coaches used sideline iPads to review plays in real time and make immediate adjustments.
by Tunch Akkaya CEO & Founder of GameStrat
Photo courtesy GameStrat
Top programs are constantly searching for ways to shorten the feedback loop between mistakes and corrections. In-game video
does exactly that.
In today’s college football landscape, the smallest details often separate a win from a loss. For top programs competing deep into the postseason, preparation no longer stops when kickoff begins. It continues, play by play, on the sideline.
That reality was on full display during the 2025 FCS National Championship, where the Illinois State Redbirds and the Montana State Bobcats showcased how in-game video replay has become a competitive advantage for the sport’s top programs.
Seeing the game differently
On modern sidelines, coaches can now review every play almost instantly on iPads after the whistle. Instead of relying solely on memory, quick conversations with players, or what they were expecting from film study, staff can watch all the plays back, instantly after they happen, and make necessary adjustments before the next play/drive. This gives coaches the ability to:
identify breakdowns in assignments or technique,
confirm coverage or protection mistakes,
and show players clear visual examples of what needs to be corrected.
For athletes, seeing themselves on video in real time helps turn abstract coaching points into immediate, practical adjustments. For coaches, it provides confirmation of what’s going on, so they can use that to make more informed decisions.
A new tool for the college game
Photo courtesy GameStrat
Illinois State using GameStrat on the sidelines to make adjustments during the 2026 FCSNational Championship.
While sideline replay systems have been widely used in high school football for more than a decade, the technology only became formally available for college football programs in 2024.
The impact of this technology was made evident in Illinois State’s performance in the 2025 FCS National Championship. Montana State led 21–7 at halftime and extended the advantage to 28–14 in the third quarter, but the Redbirds used in-game video review to identify breakdowns and make immediate adjustments.
Illinois State responded with a strong second-half surge, tightening execution and cleaning up mistakes that had hurt them earlier in the game. The Redbirds fought all the way back to tie the game at the end of regulation, forcing overtime in what became one of the most competitive championship games in recent FCS history.
Ultimately, Illinois State fell just short in a thrilling overtime finish, losing 35–34 to Montana State. But the comeback itself highlighted how modern sideline technology supports faster learning, sharper adjustments, and better decision-making under pressure.
Resilience that defined an entire postseason
The championship performance was consistent with how Illinois State reached the title game in the first place.
The Redbirds became the only team in FCS history to win four straight road games during a single postseason on the way to the national championship. Their playoff run included a landmark victory over the North Dakota State Bison, the tournament’s No. 1 seed and one of the most successful programs in the history of the subdivision – winners of 10 of the past 14 FCS national titles, including the previous season.
That stretch of road showcased a team capable of adapting quickly to hostile environments, different situations, and the ability to make precise in-game adjustments in the biggest moments. Real-time video feedback, coupled with a great coaching staff that knows how to adjust, is a big reason for the Redbirds success in 2025.
Why top programs are embracing in-game video
College football has always been built on preparation, film study, and detailed game planning. What has changed is when that film becomes available.
Instead of waiting until halftime or the next day’s review session, coaches and players can now learn directly from the previous drive. For high-level teams, that speed matters.
As the college game continues to evolve, in-game video is quickly becoming a standard part of how elite programs think, teach, and adjust in real time. For Illinois State, the 2026 championship offered a clear example of how today’s sidelines are shaping today’s gam,e where seeing and adjusting faster than your opponent can be just as valuable as any play call.
About the author ~
Tunch Akkaya is the CEO & Founder of GameStrat, a leading provider of real-time sideline replay technology for football teams. With a background in Software Engineering and experience playing football throughout university, Tunch combines technical expertise with firsthand knowledge of the game.
While protective equipment and rule changes have made strides in safety, injuries are an ever-present risk for novice to veteran football players.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
by Casey Cartwright Contributing Writer
Football, a sport celebrated for its intensity and athleticism, demands immense physical exertion from its participants. Players push their bodies to the absolute limit during games and practices. This high-impact nature makes football a source of great spectacle and, unfortunately, a source of frequent injuries.
The constant collisions, rapid direction changes, and explosive movements create a perfect storm for physical harm. From minor sprains to major structural damage, the risks are an inherent part of the game.
An awareness of the common injuries football players suffer from can help everyone involved, from coaches to staff, with prevention and treatment. It allows for better preparation, smarter play, and more effective recovery protocols when issues arise. This knowledge forms the foundation for a safer and more sustainable approach to a beloved sport.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are among the most frequent injuries that football athletes experience on the field. They happen when a player's foot rolls, twists, or turns in an awkward manner. This action can stretch or even tear the tough ligaments that help stabilize the ankle joint.
These injuries often result from sudden stops, cuts, or landing incorrectly after a jump. A player might step on another's foot or land on an uneven surface, causing the sprain. Proper taping or bracing can provide some support and possibly lower the risk of this injury.
Hamstring Strains
A hamstring strain occurs when a player overstretches or tears one of the hamstring muscles. These muscles run along the back of the thigh from the hip to the knee. This injury is quite common for players who need explosive speed and power for their position.
Sprints, jumps, or sudden accelerations can place excessive stress on these important muscle groups. A strain can range from a mild pull to a complete rupture of the muscle tissue. Warm-ups and flexibility exercises can help prepare the muscles for the demands of the game.
Concussions
Concussions represent a serious traumatic brain injury that affects brain function for a short time. They result from a forceful blow to the head or an impact that shakes the head. Helmets reduce skull fracture risk but do not completely prevent concussions from happening.
Symptoms include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and sometimes a loss of consciousness after the impact. Immediate removal from play and a thorough medical evaluation are necessary for player safety. Recovery protocols require rest and a gradual return to activity to protect brain health.
Strokes
Concussions can increase the risk of strokes due to the damage they inflict on blood vessels and the brain. The brain may experience swelling or disruptions in normal blood flow, which can lead to the formation of blood clots or hemorrhages. These complications greatly raise the likelihood of a stroke, particularly with repeated trauma or insufficient recovery time between injuries.
Learning the connection between concussions and strokes highlights the critical importance of proper diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of head injuries to prevent long-term neurological consequences. Understanding the key aspects of stroke recovery will ensure the best possible outcome for the individual.
Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL Tears)
An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear is a devastating injury for any football player. The ACL is a key ligament inside the knee that provides stability during rotational movements. This injury often requires surgery and a long rehabilitation period for the athlete to return.
These tears typically happen without contact during a sudden change of direction or a sharp pivot. An athlete might also suffer an ACL tear from landing awkwardly from a significant jump. Strength programs that focus on the lower body can help build support around the knee.
Quadriceps Strain
The quadriceps are a large group of muscles located at the front of the thigh. A quadriceps strain, or a pulled quad, is a tear in these important muscles. This injury often occurs during explosive movements like kicking, jumping, or sprinting down the field.
Players may feel a sudden, sharp pain in the front of their thigh upon injury. The severity can vary from a small tear to a complete rupture of the muscle. Adequate warm-up routines and proper conditioning help lower the risk of such a strain.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, a vital link for movement. An Achilles tendon injury can range from inflammation, known as tendonitis, to a full rupture. These injuries can sideline a player for an extensive amount of time, sometimes an entire season.
A rupture often feels like a kick to the back of the leg, with sharp pain. It usually happens with a sudden push-off motion, a common action in football plays. Proper stretching and avoiding overexertion are key preventive measures for athletes to take.
Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation happens when the top of the arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. Football players, especially quarterbacks and linemen, face this risk from falls or direct hits. This type of injury causes severe pain and makes the shoulder joint completely immobile.
Immediate medical attention is necessary to put the bone back into its proper place. Rehabilitation focuses on the restoration of strength and stability to the shoulder joint. Exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff muscles can help prevent future dislocation events.
Wrist and Hand Fractures
Fractures to the wrist and hand are some of the most common injuries football players suffer from due to the nature of the sport. Players use their hands for blocking, tackling, and catching, which exposes them to high impacts. A fall onto an outstretched hand is a frequent cause of a wrist fracture.
The small bones in the hands and fingers are also vulnerable to breaks from hits. Protective gear like gloves can offer some padding, but cannot eliminate the fracture risk. Treatment depends on the bone and the severity, sometimes needing casts or surgical intervention.
Groin Pulls
A groin pull is a strain of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh. These muscles are essential for movements that bring the legs together and for stabilization. Sudden changes in direction or quick side-to-side movements can cause this painful injury.
The pain is usually felt in the inner thigh area and can be quite sharp. Rest and ice are the initial treatments, followed by gentle stretching and strengthening. A thorough warm-up is an effective way to prepare the muscles for intense activity.
Football remains a physically taxing sport, and injuries are an unfortunate reality of the game. The list of common ailments, from ankle sprains to severe ligament tears, is extensive. Each injury presents a unique challenge for the player, demanding specific treatment and a dedicated recovery process.
While protective equipment and rule changes have made strides in safety, the fundamental risks persist. The path back to the field is often long and requires discipline, patience, and expert medical care. The goal for every team should be to minimize these risks through smart training, better equipment, and a deep respect for the physical toll the game takes on its athletes.
Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
TAGS: Concussion can increase stroke risk later in life, the dreaded ACL tear is season-ending injury, football injuries happen frequently to athletes, Common football injuries for high school students athletes
Nearly all the athletes in this week's #TBT are getting close to 40. Here's a look back 20 years ago at some of the SJO athletes to play the game.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Spartan receiver Ryan Barnes doesn't break stride to haul in a pass from quarterback Billy Gallo twenty years, three months and 29 days ago when St. Joseph-Ogden played Rushville-Industry in October of the 2005 season. St. Joseph-Ogden won the regular season home football game 17-13 on Oct. 15, 2005.
Playing an independent schedule, the Spartans suffered two losses in a challenging 12-game campaign in the fall of 2005. SJO posted five wins over teams with winning records that year, including Lafayette Central Catholic (6-3), Quincy Notre Dame (8-3), Breese Mater Dei (6-4), Rushville-Industry (8-3) and Marshall (8-3).
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Both of the Spartans’ losses, including the season-ending contest, came at the hands of rival Unity, with both games decided by two points or fewer. The Rockets ended SJO’s season in a double-overtime thriller, 21-20.
Here are moments and memories from Oct. 15, 2005 in this week's #Throwback Thursday gallery.
TAGS SJO linebacker Nick Royal, Running back Jake Parke, quarterback Billy Gallo, SJO head coach Dick Duval, Ryan Barns makes a catch for St. Joseph-Ogden, St. Joseph-Ogden football history
Championship-level football programs are built long before kickoff. The offseason allows athletes to improve strength, agility, football IQ, and team chemistry. Cross-training and recovery help prevent burnout and injury. When fall arrives, prepared players are ready to perform under the lights.
by Casey Cartwright Contributing Writer
The Friday night lights throughout Champaign County may be dim for now, but the work done in the shadows of winter and spring determines who shines next fall. For high school athletes, the offseason is not merely a break from competition; it is the most critical period for development.
This quiet period offers a unique window to rebuild the body, sharpen the mind, and correct the bad habits that creep in during the exhausting grind of the regular season. Below, we outline some of the areas of focus this offseason for football players and coaches looking to enter next year at another level.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Hudson DeHart and Elias Krall provided reliable blocks that allowed the Rockets to march through the playoffs into the Class 3A state championship game. Elite level high school football players develop more explosive power by training in the offseason.
1. Strength and Conditioning
The modern game requires more than just brute force; it demands a blend of explosive power and endurance. Players must prioritize a comprehensive strength program that targets the entire body rather than just the "mirror muscles" like biceps and chest. A lineman needs the lower-body torque to hold a block, while a linebacker requires the core stability to shed one.
A proper conditioning program involves compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and power cleans. These exercises mimic the explosive actions on the field. Consistency is key here. A player cannot expect to dominate the fourth quarter in October if they are skipping leg days in March.
2. Position-Specific Skill Drills
General athleticism gets you on the field, but technical skill keeps you there. The offseason provides the time to break down position-specific mechanics that coaches simply cannot address during the busy schedule of game week. Quarterbacks should refine their footwork and release points, while wide receivers must perfect their route running and hand placement.
Defensive backs must work on their backpedal and hip fluidity to stick to receivers like glue. Linemen on both sides of the ball should focus on hand fighting and leverage. By isolating these specific skills without the pressure of an opponent, players can build muscle memory.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden receiver Caden Wedig starts an early celebration as teammate Wyatt Wertz punches his way into the end zone for a touchdown during the Spartans home football playoff game last fall.
3. Mastering Change-of-Direction Speed
Straight-line speed is impressive on a track, but football is a game of angles, cuts, and sudden stops. Being fast in the 40-yard dash matters less than how quickly a player can decelerate, change direction, and accelerate again. This agility is what allows a running back to find a hole or a linebacker to fill one.
Improving football athletes’ change-of-direction speed requires an understanding of biomechanics and key muscles. Change-of-direction speed comes from lower body muscle groups, like glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Understanding how to strengthen and train these muscle groups will help athletes explode on the field and make devastating cuts.
4. Film Study
The physical game is only half the battle. The mental aspect separates good players from great ones. The offseason is the perfect time to become a student of the game. Players should review their own game tape from the previous season with a critical eye. They need to identify what they did well, but more importantly, where they failed.
Beyond self-evaluation, watching college and NFL film allows players to see high-level concepts in action. A safety can learn how to disguise coverage by watching college and professional tape with a focus on their position. Understanding the "why" behind a play slows the game down mentally, allowing the player to play faster physically.
5. Nutrition and Recovery
Another area of focus for football players this offseason is fueling and recovering their bodies correctly to develop better and faster. The offseason is the time to establish healthy eating habits that fuel performance. This means prioritizing lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and hydration while limiting processed sugars and fast food.
Equally important is recovery. Muscles grow during rest, not during the workout. Sleep is the most potent performance-enhancing tool available. Players need to aim for eight to ten hours of sleep to allow their bodies to repair tissues and recharge the central nervous system.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Spartans' Jameson Ennis celebrates after making a big play in St. Joseph-Ogden's playoff game against Vandalia. Time and time again, mental toughness and focus help players make those big plays that change the course of a game.
6. Mental Preparation
Football is a chaotic sport that demands intense focus amidst distraction. Developing mental toughness is just as important as building physical strength. Players should practice visualization techniques, imagining themselves making the big play or executing their assignment perfectly under pressure.
This mental rehearsal builds confidence. When a kicker visualizes the ball going through the uprights hundreds of times, the actual kick feels familiar. Strategies like deep breathing and goal setting help athletes manage anxiety and maintain composure. A player who can keep a cool head when the game is on the line becomes a natural leader for their team.
7. Cross-Training Activities
Specialization is a growing trend, but playing multiple sports creates a more well-rounded athlete. Football players benefit immensely from participating in track, wrestling, basketball, or baseball. In wrestling, players can learn leverage and toughness, while in basketball, athletes can enhance their footwork and conditioning.
Cross-training prevents overuse injuries by working different muscle groups and giving the body a break from repetitive football movements. It also combats mental burnout. Competing in a different arena keeps the competitive juices flowing while developing athletic traits that translate directly back to the gridiron.
8. Injury Prevention
The best ability is availability. An offseason program must include "prehab" exercises that strengthen vulnerable areas like ankles, knees, and shoulders. This includes flexibility work and mobility drills that improve range of motion.
Yoga or dynamic stretching routines should become a staple. Strengthening the small stabilizer muscles around major joints protects them from the violent impacts of the game. A proactive approach to injury prevention means that the hard work put in during the winter doesn't go to waste due to a preventable injury in the fall.
9. Team Bonding
Championship teams are rarely just a collection of talent; they are a cohesive unit that plays for one another. The offseason is the time to forge these bonds. This happens in the weight room when teammates push each other through a final set, but it also happens outside the gym.
Organizing team dinners, volunteer work within the community, or simply hanging out builds trust. When players care about each other, they hold each other accountable. This chemistry is the glue that holds a team together during the inevitable adversity of a long season.
Maximizing Potential in the Offseason
The months between the final whistle of one season and the first kickoff of the next are where championships are won. For the football players of Champaign County, this is the time to separate themselves from the competition. By focusing on these areas—from the physical grind of the weight room to the mental discipline of film study—athletes maximize their potential. For athletes and coaches, the work put in when no one is watching is what makes the difference when the lights are brightest in the fall.
Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
TAGS: high school football offseason training Champaign County, football strength and conditioning offseason guide, high school football player development tips, offseason football workouts for teenagers, how to prepare for high school football season
From expanded football playoffs to board changes, IHSA schools approved sweeping by-law amendments with statewide impact. Officials say the expansion will improve scheduling and long-term stability and moves regular-season games up one week.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Structural changes to high school football in Illinois will benefit teams around the state. Quality programs can schedule games against top-tier opponents like Byron and Unity without the potential loss affecting playoff eligibility.
BLOOMINGTON - Friday nights in October are about to mean a little more to a lot more Illinois high school football teams next fall.
Illinois high school football will see its largest postseason field in state history beginning in 2026, after member schools approved a sweeping expansion of the IHSA football playoffs. The change reshapes not just who gets in, but how schools schedule, compete and stay invested long after the first losses of the season.
In a move away from a five-win season to qualify, the change means that teams with four or less wins during the season may become playoff eligible.
Schools voted this month to expand the playoffs from 32 teams per class to 48 teams per class, increasing the total number of qualifiers from 256 to 384 while keeping eight classes intact. The vote was part of the IHSA’s annual by-law referendum process, which concluded Dec. 15 and was independently certified the following morning.
IHSA officials say the move is aimed less at exclusivity and more at long-term stability across the sport.
“Too often throughout the years, football decisions have negatively impacted other sports at IHSA schools,” IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson said. “We are hopeful that this football playoff expansion will provide intended relief to our schools by stabilizing conference movement and eliminating the difficulty of scheduling football games that many of our schools face each year.”
Under the previous format, teams needed five wins to qualify, a threshold that drove schools to avoid strong nonconference opponents or scramble late to fill open dates. The expanded field is expected to reduce that pressure, encouraging more balanced scheduling and fewer late-season cancellations.
The change also keeps more teams mathematically alive deeper into the season, increasing the number of meaningful games in October and helping maintain student-athlete engagement even after early losses or injury setbacks.
Beginning in 2026, the football season will still start Aug. 10, but the first regular-season games will be played one week earlier, on Aug. 20, eliminating the traditional Week Zero scrimmage. The adjustment brings Illinois in line with neighboring states such as Indiana and Michigan, a move coaches say should ease cross-border scheduling challenges.
The expanded playoff field is expected to allow most teams with three or four wins in the nine-game regular season to qualify. Previously, all five-win teams and only some four-win teams advanced. Every team already qualifies for the postseason in other IHSA-sponsored sports.
While the expansion was approved unanimously by the membership, some coaches have raised concerns about competitive balance.
“I’m all for kids playing more football and getting more practices,” Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch told the Chicago Sun-Times. “But what about potential injury risk? There are some teams that have three wins that are not very good football teams.”
IHSA officials acknowledge the possibility of short-term growing pains, including first-round mismatches, but note that such issues already exist under the current format. They point instead to the developmental benefits of postseason participation, particularly for rebuilding and mid-tier programs that gain additional practices and exposure through playoff preparation.
Beyond football, schools also approved several governance and policy changes. The IHSA Board of Directors will expand from 11 to 15 elected members, adding four seats designated for superintendents or heads of school. Cooperative teams made up of 3,500 students or more will no longer be eligible for state series team awards, and the IHSA’s summer no-contact period will shift from early August to the week of the Fourth of July beginning this year.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
High school football fans will enjoy a longer season and give many schools an opportunity to host a state playoff game on their home field.
For many communities, the football expansion carries significance beyond the field. More playoff games mean increased gate revenue, additional school-hosted events and deeper community engagement during the fall.
“It may create some short-term complications for some schools, conferences, and coaches,” Anderson said, “but we remain optimistic it will create long-term stability in football and beyond.”
Unity’s remarkable 12-2 season led to 13 All-IPC honorees, including eight First Team selections. The senior-heavy roster produced standout players on offense and defense.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Rockets' Dane Eisenmenger hands the ball off to running back Crewe Eckstein while lineman Coleson Miller opens a hole in the Byron defense during a play at the IHSA Class 3A Football Championships this weekend at Hancock Stadium. All three players earned recognition from conference coaches, making the Illini Prairie All-Conference First Team.
TOLONO - Thirteen members of the Unity Rockets football team have been named to the 2025 All-Illini Prairie Conference team, a fitting tribute to a senior class that led the program to a historic 12-2 season and a Class 3A state runner-up finish.
The Rockets' remarkable season, which culminated in what is being heralded as one of the best Class 3A championship games in decades, saw nearly half of the team's senior roster earn postseason recognition. This group of seniors concludes its tenure with an extraordinary record of 41 wins and 11 losses, having led the program to four quarterfinal appearances, three state semifinals, and this year's unforgettable title game.
Headlining the All-IPC selections are eight First Team honorees, all seniors. The First Team Offense is powered by record-setting all-state quarterback Dane Eisenmenger, dynamic running back Crewe Eckstein, tight end Tre Hoggard, and receivers Tyler Henry and Coleson Miller.
The First Team Defense features standout performers Coleton Langendorf on the defensive line, linebacker Keegan Germano, and defensive back Brayden Henry, underscoring the balanced strength of the Unity roster. Five additional Rockets earned Second Team and Honorable Mention accolades to round out the impressive list of thirteen selectees.
Unity All-Conference players
1st Team Offense
OL - Coleson Miller Sr
WR/TE - Tre Hoggard Sr
WR/TE - Tyler Henry Sr
RB - Crewe Eckstein Sr
QB - Dane Eisenmenger Sr
2nd Team Offense
OL - Hudson Dehart Jr
1st Team Defense
DL - Coleton Langendorf Sr
LB - Keegan Germano Jr
DB - Brayden Henry Sr
2nd Team Defense
DL - Dez Winfrey Sr
LB - Caden Hensch Sr
DB - Graydin Cler Sr
Honorable Mention Defense
DB - Adam Reedy Jr
PNTR - Dane Eisenmenger Sr
2025-26 Illini Prairie All-Conference Football
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Unity Rockets 2025 All-IPC football selections, Class 3A state runner-up high school football recap, Illini Prairie Conference First Team football honors, Unity Rockets senior class playoff legacy
St. Joseph-Ogden was well-represented on the 2025 All-IPC football teams with seven total honorees. First Team selections included Cameron Wagner, Lucas Smith and Kaden Wedig.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner performing blocking duties in the Spartans' home playoff game against Unity. The junior was named to a spot on the First Team in the Illini Prairie Conference end of the season recognition.
ST. JOSEPH - Following a postseason run that captured the attention of the area, the St. Joseph-Ogden football team has been rewarded with seven selections to the 2025 All-Illini Prairie Conference teams and two honorable mentions, the league announced this week.
The Spartans, who finished their season 8-5 after an exciting, high-scoring playoff battle with rival Unity, placed three players on the conference's First Team Offense. Junior standouts Cameron Wagner, an offensive lineman, and receiver Kaden Wedig were honored alongside senior kicker Lucas Smith for their standout seasons.
The accolades continued with three more Spartans securing spots on the Second Team Offense. Senior quarterback Kodey McKinney, who orchestrated the team's attack, was selected alongside his top targets and classmates: running back Wyatt Wertz and receiver Tim Blackburn-Kelley.
Defensive prowess was also recognized, with senior Brennan Oleynichak earning a Second Team nod as one of the conference's top four defensive linemen. Oleynichak demonstrated rare two-way value, also receiving an Honorable Mention for his work on the offensive line. He was joined on the defensive honor roll by senior linebacker Ryker Lockhart (Second Team) and classmate Logan Rosenthal (Honorable Mention, linebacker).
The seven honorees punctuate a successful season for the Spartans, who rallied to win three playoff games before their season ultimately ended in a shootout against the Unity Rockets.
2025-26 Illini Prairie All-Conference Football
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St. Joseph-Ogden football All-IPC selections 2025, Illini Prairie Conference high school football honors, SJO Spartans postseason recap and awards, Central Illinois high school football all-conference list
Unity and Byron delivered a championship matchup for the ages, breaking 10 records in a 56-50 Byron win. The Rockets’ passing attack and the Tigers’ rushing game rewrote IHSA history.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity's Dane Eisenmenger avoids a sack attempt from Byron's Zion Gautier during first quarter action in the Class 3A championship game at Hancock Stadium. The All-State quarterback passed for 541 yards against the Tigers.
NORMAL - Records didn’t just fall during Friday’s Class 3A state championship — they shattered in waves. Ten IHSA marks were rewritten in a game that roared from start to finish, delivering an offensive spectacle unlike anything the title stage had seen, before coming down to a single fourth-and-goal throw with 16 seconds left. Byron held its ground in the final moments, denying Unity at the goal line to close out a 56-50 thriller that instantly joins the list of all-time great championship finishes.
The teams combined for 106 points, breaking the previous title-game scoring record of 89 set in 2006 when St. Joseph-Ogden and Plano traded blows in another classic shootout. Their 1,211 total yards also set a new 3A championship standard, with Unity responsible for 652 of them — a new team record. Individually, the numbers were just as staggering. Byron running back Cade Considine ran for 371 yards, a new championship record, and finished with 430 all-purpose yards. Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger broke five marks of his own: 541 passing yards, seven touchdowns, 42 completions and 65 attempts. Tyler Henry set the new receptions record with 16 and added three scores.
Despite entering the week labeled the underdog, Unity kept swinging. The Rockets led 29-28 at halftime and went toe-to-toe with a Byron team making its third straight title-game appearance. The Tigers, who have reached the championship every other year since 2021, completed another perfect 14-0 season and extended their streak of title wins to three — 2021, 2023 and now 2025.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Virtually unstoppable, Byron's Caden Considine runs the ball for a Tiger first down.
Considine’s performance carried Byron throughout the night. “I think he saved his best for last,” head coach Jeff Boyer said. “He has been a great player here at Byron. Maybe one of the best who has ever played here. He’s a kid that wasn’t going to let us lose.”
While leaning on their dependable ground attack, Byron junior Andrew Talbert provided timely support through the air, completing four of five passes for 98 yards, though he did throw one interception.
Eisenmenger’s record-breaking night was fueled by his trio of reliable targets, each showing exceptional hands and speed. Tyler Henry led the Unity receiving corps with 16 catches for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Tre Hoggard added two scores and a game-high 189 yards on 12 receptions, while Mason O’Neill joined the 100-yard group with six catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Unity was held scoreless in the third quarter but made a furious charge late. Down 56-43 with 6:01 left, Eisenmenger tossed a six-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to six with 2:00 remaining. The Rockets then executed a perfect onside kick and recovered at the Byron 45, pushing the stadium into full suspense. Eisenmenger guided Unity to a first-and-goal, and two plays later the Rockets stood on the 13-yard line after a costly penalty.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Unity kick off team celebrates the recovery of an onside kick on the 49-yard line in the fourth quarter. With two minutes left to play, the Rockets had a minute and 46 seconds to at least tie the score or win the game outright, and came up short after 13 plays.
With the season down to one snap, Eisenmenger rolled right and fired toward the end zone. Considine, playing linebacker, read the play and broke up the pass, sealing the Tigers’ victory and leaving Unity inches short — just as St. Joseph-Ogden had been in its memorable 2006 duel.
“I never had a doubt that we would be with them right there to the end,” first-year Unity head coach Tony Reetz said. “These kids have given us no reason to believe that we were ever out of the game. These guys have battled all year long. They’ve been on the ropes before. We came out on top, obviously. There was just one game we came up one play short.”
Unity finishes its season 12-2, earning the school’s seventh runner-up trophy — and its first in the Reetz era following six under longtime coach Scott Hamilton. It was a game that pushed boundaries, rewrote history, and ended with the Rockets leaving everything they had on the field.
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IHSA 3A championship record game, Unity vs Byron 2025 football, Illinois high school football title history, high-scoring IHSA playoff games, Byron Tigers state championship
by Tunch Akkaya 
About the author ~
