Commentary |
Could tackle football become a thing of the past? Flag football gaining popularity


by Josh Woods
Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University


One hundred years into the future, what if millions of people gathered every February, not to watch the Super Bowl, but to instead watch the annual world flag football championship?

Once a casual activity played at family reunions, the competitive sport of flag football is “soaring,” “exploding” and “skyrocketing in popularity nationwide,” according to mainstream news outlets.

The number of kids playing flag football has risen dramatically over the past nine years.
Photo: Joshua Choate/Pixabay

There’s some data behind the breathless headlines: According to the NFL’s official flag football program, since 2015 the number of kids ages 6 to 12 who play flag football has risen by 38%, to more than 1.5 million.

In my recent book, “Emerging Sports as Social Movements,” I explore nontraditional sports like flag football and disc golf. One of my key findings is that splashy headlines about trendy sports rarely capture a sport’s true reach and staying power.

For every sport like pickleball that gains widespread, sustained popularity, there are several – adventure racing, paintball and wakeboarding – that remain firmly ensconced in their niche.

In the case of flag football, there are a handful of recent trends that truly do point to a promising future. But there are also some red flags that could end up hampering its growth.

A fun, fast, safer alternative

Though its rules are similar to tackle football, flag football is currently gaining attention for what makes it different.

It’s considered a no-contact sport. A “tackle” involves snatching one of two flags that hang from the hips of the ball carrier. While players face injury risks, they sustain far fewer head impacts than athletes who play tackle football.

With the public’s concerns about brain injuries on the rise, many parents are opting for flag football instead of tackle for their kids.

Obscurity is a powerful barrier to emerging sports. But getting noticed may not be a problem for flag football.

The International Olympic Committee announced in October 2023 that flag football would be headed to the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028. It’s not clear yet if active NFL players can compete, but if they are eligible – and if the U.S. assembles a “Dream Team” like the Olympic men’s basketball team of 1992 that included superstars Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson – flag football could get on the radar of millions of casual sports fans in 2028.

The Olympic version of flag football is fast-paced

Games are shorter than a typical game of tackle football. Five players compete on 50-yard fields with 10-yard end zones for two 20-minute halves. This format made its first big appearance in the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, where the U.S. men won gold and the women took home silver.

The NFL cultivates the grassroots

Although it may come as a surprise, the NFL is embracing flag football and taking its growth seriously.

In 2021, the NFL and Nike committed US$5 million in equipment to support high school flag football teams across the nation. The NFL’s official flag football program operates more than 1,600 local leagues and receives sponsorships from top brands like Visa, Gatorade and Subway.

Most NFL teams are currently supporting the grassroots of flag football with summer camps, clinics and regional tournaments.

During last year’s Super Bowl, an estimated 115 million viewers watched a flag football TV commercial featuring Mexican quarterback Diana Flores bobbing and spinning to evade NFL players and celebrities as they attempted to take her flag.

On Feb. 4, 2024, the Pro Bowl – the NFL’s annual all-star game – sidelined tackle football for the second year in a row. In its place was a 7-on-7 flag football game that aired on ESPN and ABC and streamed on ESPN+.

Prior to that game, on Feb. 2-3, the league also hosted the International NFL Flag Championships as part of the Pro Bowl Games, featuring young athletes from 12 countries.

By the numbers

Flag football may be having a moment, but the question remains: Is the sport actually experiencing a meaningful surge in participation that could extend into the future?

According to figures collected annually by the National Federation of High Schools, 21,980 students played high school flag football in 2023. To put this number in context, however, tackle football attracted 47 times more students – roughly 1 million players – the same year. Track and field, basketball and soccer have roughly 1 million participants apiece.

Interest in flag football seems to be concentrated in a few regions, with roughly 80% of high school players living in just three states: Florida, Georgia and New York.

Though high school participation in flag football has increased steadily since 2007, almost all the growth comes from the girls’ side.

A nationwide sports participation survey finds that the number of casual players of flag football is up, but core participation is down. The study defines “casual players” as those who play fewer than 50 times per year, whereas “core players” participate 50 or more times each year.

The share of Americans who play casually increased by 41% between 2016 and 2022. But core participation declined by 13% during this period.

For sustainable growth, nontraditional sports need to generate excitement among both core and casual players. Top-down investments and marketing strategies may attract new players, but grassroots organizing keeps them coming back.

Take pickleball. In recent years, the sport has generated plenty of cultural clout, with high-profile athletes like LeBron James investing in the professional circuit, and celebrity pickleball players making headlines. There has also been tremendous growth in pickleball’s social and physical infrastructure. For these reasons, both casual and core participation in pickleball more than doubled between 2016 and 2022.

Red sport, blue sport

In the end, the future of flag football may hinge on the public debate over tackle football’s safety. Over the past decade, several studies have found a link between repeated head impacts and the risk for serious brain injuries, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.

Photo: Ty Swartz/Pixabay
Yet recent efforts to make tackle football safer for young athletes have been met with fierce resistance from families, fans and organizers. In many regions of the U.S., tackle football is deeply ingrained in the culture, leading to strong opposition to any changes.

New rules to protect NFL players have seeped into mainstream politics. For instance, in 2019, former President Donald Trump dubbed the NFL’s concussion protocol “soft” and said that safety measures were “ruining the game.”

Meanwhile, Democratic state lawmakers in New York, Illinois and California have introduced bills to ban tackle football for kids under 12, often citing flag football as a suitable alternative. None of these bills, however, have passed.

Some research shows that Democrats are more likely to trust concussion science than Republicans. Democrats also pay more attention to news about concussions than Republicans.

As beliefs about the dangers of tackle football become polarized, the perceived benefits of flag football will likely follow suit. As I showed in a recent study of sport popularity in 207 areas of the U.S., flag football is more popular in regions that tend to vote Democratic, with tackle football more popular in Republican areas.

So in addition to going after the resources needed for sustainable growth – investment, organization, visibility, legitimacy – flag football’s advocates will also need to navigate a nation divided by politics.

The Conversation

Josh Woods, Professor of Sociology, West Virginia University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Dick Duval inducted into SJO Hall of Fame

SJO football coach Dick Duval
Dick Duval was one four individuals inducted into the St. Joseph-Ogden Athletic Hall of Fame at Friday's Homecoming game Bloominton Central Catholic. He is joined by Stan Harper, Kelly Duitsman Hunt and Keith Sjuts in the Class of 2021 inductees.

A well-deserved honor, Duval built a football dynasty that saw five IHSA football state championship games, six semi-finals playoff games, and the IHSA football quarter-finals 16 times. In addition to coaching and teaching math, Duval was also served as athletic director before his retirement.


Biography

Dick Duval attended Herscher High School. In high school, Dick was a member of National Honor Society. He was a three-sport athlete in basketball, baseball, and football. He was the Captain of both the baseball team and football team. He was also President of the Letterman Club.

Coach Duval graduated from Illinois State University in 1978 where he majored in Mathematics, with a minor in Physical Education. After college, he taught for three years at Herscher Grade School and coached grade school basketball and high school football. He then taught for seven years in the Kankakee School District, where he coached three sports at the high school level: football, basketball, and baseball. During this time, he was also the defensive backs coach at Olivet Nazarene University.

In 1988, Coach Duval took a position at St. Joseph-Ogden High School as a math teacher and was both the head football and baseball coach. Coach Duval coached baseball at SJO for 16 years, winning more than 200 games during a time when schools played a lot fewer regular season games. At SJO, Coach Duval was the head football coach for 28 years from 1988-2015 and in that time, never had a losing season. In 1989, his second year as head football coach, he took the Spartans to his first state championship game.


Dick Duval and players talk to the media after the Spartans' 2013 state title game against Stillman Valley. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Before his career was over, SJO went to the playoffs 25 consecutive years, and made it to the IHSA football state championship game five times, the IHSA football semi-finals six times, and the IHSA football quarter-finals 16 times. His final record was 251 wins and 75 losses. During his career at SJO, Coach Duval earned a position as an assistant coach in the 1990 and 1998 Illinois football All-Star games. He was awarded the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week on October 9th, 2000. On April 5th, 2008, Coach Duval was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame where he was recognized for his ability to inspire his athletes to the highest in discipline and spirit.

Sara Ulbrich Greenstein, a member of the SJO Hall of Fame class of 2014 recently cited Dick Duval as one of her five influences that helped her become a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company.

After retiring from teaching and coaching, Dick Duval was the main scorekeeper for the SJO boys basketball team. He also was scorekeeper and announcer for many of the basketball tournaments hosted by SJO.

Surrounded by family members Lynda Duval holds a plaque with a photo of her late husband Dick who was inducted into the St. Joseph-Ogden Hall of Fame. Standing with Lynda are her daughter Bobbi and husband Cory Busboom and son, Kiel and his wife Katie, and three grandchildren. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

On August 20, 2021, the SJO football field was dedicated to Coach Duval and is now the Dick Duval Field.

Coach Duval fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer, but passed away on August 26, 2021.

Dick is survived by his wife, Lynda, daughters Bobbi and Toni, son Kiel, their spouses and his four grandchildren.



* Biography provided courtesy of St. Joseph-Ogden High School
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IHSA members expand football playoffs, schedule changes approved for 2026 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.

Unity's Crewe Eckstein is tackled by three Byron defenders

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.”

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LeRoy edges Heyworth in grit-fueled rivalry

In a classic Heart of Illinois matchup, Le Roy narrowly defeated Heyworth 14-12. The game featured punishing line play, clock control and relentless inside runs.
Stephon Williams carries the football for the Heyworth Hornets
Photo: Alan Look Photography

LeRoy running back Stephon Williams takes the ball up the gut in old-fashion power football in his team's home game against Heyworth. The Panthers prevailed with a 14-12 conference victory on Friday.
by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine


LE ROY - For nearly a decade, the Le Roy Panthers have held a firm grip on their rivalry with the Heyworth Hornets, a series defined less by flashy plays and more by the relentless grind of Midwestern football. Each meeting between these Heart of Illinois foes has been a collision of tradition, pride and punishing ground attacks that echo the region’s roots.

On Oct. 10, 2025, that legacy continued in a bruising 14-12 slugfest that felt more like trench warfare than a modern football game. From the opening whistle, both teams leaned into their identities - no frills, no finesse, just a steady diet of inside runs, clock control and defensive resolve. The turf bore the scars of a night spent hammering the line of scrimmage as backs churned through contact and linemen battled for inches.

Heyworth football players carries the ball in their game against LeRoy
Photo: Alan Look Photography

One of 42 game photos from the Hornets' road football game against the Panthers. See the exclusive photo gallery from the game from photographer Alan Look in the here.

Heyworth, hungry to break a long losing streak against Le Roy, brought an edge that kept the Panthers from ever pulling away. But Le Roy, true to form, matched every blow with one of its own, grinding out drives that chewed up time and wore down resistance. The final score, 14-12, wasn’t just a number. It was a testament to the kind of football that defines this rivalry - hard-earned, deeply felt and rooted in history.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard told a familiar story. Le Roy had once again found a way - not through flash, but through force. Not through air, but through earth.

TAGS: Le Roy Panthers vs Heyworth Hornets 2025, Heart of Illinois high school football, Friday night football Illinois, Le Roy Panthers football rivalry, Heyworth Hornets close game, Midwestern run-heavy football, Illinois high school football scores, traditional football rivalry, Le Roy Panthers home game, Heyworth Hornets 2025 season

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The work no one sees: Nine areas football players should focus on this offseason

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.

Wyatt Wertz scores a touchdown for St. Joseph-Ogden
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
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Illini Prairie Football
Week 1 Friday Night Forecast

Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Quarterback Dane Eisenmenger rolls out behind a solid wall of Unity blockers during their second-round playoff game against St. Joseph-Ogden. Eisenmenger, who was 9-for-14 passing, threw four TD passes to advance the Rockets past the Spartans last November. The senior announced his commitment on August 1 to continue is football career for the Mules of the University of Central Missouri.
URBANA - High school football season is here, and we’re kicking off something new for our readers — Friday Night Forecast. Each week, we’ll highlight the top Illini Prairie Conference matchups and invite you to put your football instincts to the test.

Less reliable than the weatherman, but twice as fun, join us in predicting the Illini Prairie Conference wins and upsets. May your predictions be slightly more accurate than a coin flip!

With the opening kickoff for the conference just two weeks away, we've opened up voting early to see who IPC fans think will start their 2025 campaign with the 'dub'.

Think you can spot the upsets before they happen? Ready to back your hometown team with more than just school spirit?

Submit your picks for the opening week forecast and see how your calls stack up against fellow Illini Prairie Conference football fans all season long. Drop back by OurSentinell.com Friday morning to see which teams are predicted to win as they work to qualify for this year's state football playoffs.

More stories ~
  • Unity shocks St. Joseph-Ogden with dominant defense, advances to quarterfinal round
  • A perfect season, SJO goes 9-0 into 2024 IHSA football playoffs
  • Opening statement, Spartans send message to conference opponents
  • St. Joseph-Ogden tumbles at Central Catholic, slideshow & recap

    • Illini Prairie Conference football predictions 2025, Friday Night Forecast high school football picks, Small-town Illinois high school football rivalries, Weekly high school football score predictions Illinois, Fan contest Illini Prairie Conference football games
    Published on

    Dick Duval, Illinois prep football coaching legend, dies after bout with cancer

    With his wife Lynda at his side, former St. Joseph-Ogden football head coach Dick Duval holds a plaque above his head during the official ceremony naming the school's football field in his honor last Friday. Duval, 64, died on Thursday. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

    Six days after attending a ceremony unveiling christening the St. Joseph-Ogden football field with his name, legendary Illinois high school football coach Dick Duval, 64, passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

    Duval, who was hired back in 1988 to coach football at the high school, would go on to build a respected Class 3A powerhouse football program. Before he arrived in St. Joseph, the 1974 graduate from Herscher was a teacher and assistant coach at Kankakee High School. When he retired 28 years later, the SJO Hall of Fame and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame honoree massed a career record of 251 wins and 75 losses.

    The Spartans, under his watch, never suffered sub-.500 season. After a 5-4 finish in his maiden season, Duval led the St. Joseph-Ogden to their first state football championship game in school history in 1989. As head coach, with the help of his dedicated staff of assistant coaches, he engineered a run of 25 consecutive Illinois High School Association playoff appearances and guided the Spartans to four other state title games in 1997, 1999, 2006, and 2013.

    Dick Duval and Principal Mike MacKinzie celebrate SJO win
    St. Joseph-Ogden principal Mike McKinzie and head football coach Dick Duval celebrate the Spartans' 22-21 Class 3A semifinal win over visiting Anna-Jonesboro. The victory punched SJO's ticket into the 2006 record-breaking championship game against Plano. (Photo: PhotoNews Media Archives)


    Wearing his signature bucket hat, Duval announces the names of his players during the annual SJO Kickoff in 2007.
    During the spring season for some 16 years, Duval, a well-liked math teacher by students, also served as head baseball coach where he accumulated 234 wins games, 165 losses along with three ties. He also did a stint as the athletic director and after his retirement from teaching could always be found at SJO athletic events running the scoreboard, stepping in as a game announcer, keeping stats, or supervising events when needed.

    In his final season as head coach, Duval's Spartans finish with a 12-1 record, the Okaw Valley Conference title and advanced one step short of a sixth championship game appearance in Class 3A thanks in part to an early season blizzard during the state semifinals at Unity.

    A remembrance and tribute ceremony for Duval is planned before tonight's football game between the Spartans and the visiting Monticello Sages at the field now bearing his name.

    Duval receives a postgame congratulations from a grandchild after the Spartans' 2015 game against Monticello. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
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    St. Joseph-Ogden 2025 football schedule set

    IHSA releases 2025 football schedules; SJO eyes another strong season with key games at home. See the Spartans' complete schedule below.

    St. Joseph-Ogden's Wyatt Wertz runs the football against Unity
    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

    After taking a handoff from Kodey McKinney, St. Joseph-Ogden's Wyatt Wertz runs the football against Unity during their Class 3A second-round playoff game in 2024.

    ST. JOSEPH - The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) released the 2025 Illinois high school football schedules today for the upcoming fall season. This year's playoff pairings will be broadcast on Saturday, October 25. All eight classes will return to Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University in Normal. The Class 1A-4A title games will be played on November 28, and the Class 5A-8A games will follow a day later on November 29.

    St. Joseph-Ogden is poised to repeat their undefeated 2024 Illini Prairie Conference run, opening their season on the road at Prairie Central behind senior signal caller Kodey McKinney, who scored once and threw four touchdown passes in last year's 49-20 victory in Week 3.

    The Spartans play their first home game on September 5 against Paxton-Buckley-Loda. SJO rolled off two touchdowns in the first three quarters of last October's season finale. Returning senior Wyatt Wertz rushed for 152 yards, scoring three of the team's six touchdowns.

    Two home games St. Joseph-Ogden football fans won't want to miss are against Unity and last year's Class 3A runner-up, Monticello.

    The Rockets will travel to Dick Duval Field for the first time since 1994 under a new head coach, former assistant Tony Reetz. With 21 years of experience under the legendary Scott Hamilton, the stage is set for the storied rivalry between the two programs after the Spartans claimed bragging rights in a 24-21 nail-biter in Week 2. The two teams met again for a second-round playoff game, with Unity prevailing 35-7.

    Monticello has a bone to pick with SJO, who ran up a 20-0 lead in the first quarter of last year's conference opener, leading to a 40-28 loss on their newly renovated field. The Sages, who will be without last year's seniors Ike Young and Carter Foran, won't be pushovers with possibly 14 battle-tested seniors who saw action in last year's state championship game against Montini.

    In addition to the road opener against the Hawks, St. Joseph-Ogden will play four additional away contests, traveling to Chillicothe to face IVC, Rantoul, Bloomington, and for a program-first meeting against the Seneca Irish.

    2025 St. Joseph-Ogden Football Schedule

    • Aug 29 - 7:00 A Prairie Central
    • Sep 05 - 7:00 H Paxton-Buckley-Loda
    • Sep 12 - 7:00 A Illinois Valley Central
    • Sep 19 - 7:00 H Unity
    • Sep 26 - 7:00 A Rantoul
    • Oct 03 - 7:00 H Monticello
    • Oct 10 - 7:00 A Bloomington Central Catholic
    • Oct 17 - 7:00 A Seneca
    • Oct 24 - 7:00 H Pontiac
    2025 SJO Football Schedule
    Click image to download the 2024 schedule


    More SJO Football Stories ~
  • Photo Gallery: Spartans beat Rockets
  • Opening statement, Spartans send message to conference opponents
  • Spartans win game 7th game on the road
  • Unity shocks St. Joseph-Ogden with dominant defense
  • Sentinel St. Joseph-Ogden Sports Coverage
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    Big Twelve Football
    Week 1 Friday Night Forecast

    URBANA - As area teams compete for a spot in the 2025 IHSA football playoffs, we invite you each week to put your football instincts to the test with our new Friday Night Forecast. Join us in predicting Big Twelve wins and upsets.

    With the conference kickoff set for Thursday, Aug. 28, we’ve opened voting early to get the ball rolling and see which Central Illinois teams you believe will start the season with a win.

    Submit your picks for the opening week forecast below and see how your calls stack up against fellow Big Twelve fans each Friday morning throughout all nine weeks of the regular season.

    More stories ~
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  • Illini Prairie Football Week 1 Friday Night Forecast
  • St. Joseph-Ogden tumbles at Central Catholic, slideshow & recap
  • Unity nearly pulls off underdog victory over Althoff

    • Big12 Conference football predictions 2025, Friday Night Forecast high school football picks, Illinois high school sports, Weekly high school football score predictions Illinois, Big12 Conference fan football contest
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    Playing it safe, the most common injuries football players suffer from

    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
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    IHSA to start football district format in 2021

    Earlier this week, 324 members of the Illinois High School Association voted "yes" for Proposal 23 granting the IHSA the authority to implement a football scheduling system for regular-season varsity games. Three hundred and seven members voted against the measure and 69 school representatives entered "no opinion" on the measure. 118 schools abstained from the vote.

    The new system will eliminate the instability caused by conference members moving to softer alignments to get the five wins needed to make the playoffs. It also will address the hush-hush practice of opponent ducking and conference blacklisting.

    All of this means starting in the fall of 2021 (or perhaps sooner) coaches will know which of the eight playoff classification their program will compete before the start of their 9-week regular season.
    Cole Berry makes a catch for a SJO touchdown
    Spartan's Cole Berry makes a catch in the end zone for his team in the first half against Erie-Prophetstown. The Spartans won 48-34 in their Class 3A first-round playoff game on November 1, 2014. Under the new district format starting 2021, SJO will have to finish in the top four to advance to the postseason. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

    Varsity teams from each class will be placed into groups of eight- or nine-teams districts by the IHSA, based on enrollment and geographical location, to play a round-robin schedule set each year by the association. The districts will be set for two years.

    Each member school can play the team(s) of their choice on open dates which would be non-district games and do not count toward qualifying for the playoffs. The IHSA didn't announce which weeks on the schedule would be used for non-district games but those will likely occur at the beginning of the season.

    The top 4 teams from each of the 8 districts will qualify for the playoffs based on their record.

    "I was surprised it passed," said former St. Joseph-Ogden head football coach and athletic director Dick Duval. In 2009 and 2014 similar proposals were put up for vote and was not ratified. "I thought there was no way it would pass."

    Justin Franzen, the current AD at SJO, had a feeling the members schools would finally vote in favor of districting.

    "It started gaining steam a month or two ago. I thought the vote would be close."

    Franzen thinks that the programs St. Joseph-Ogden will face under the district system on the gridiron won't vary much. Monticello, possibly Unity, and Bloomington Central Catholic, because of the success factor, would likely remain on the schedule.

    "I think we are in the waiting game right now," said Franzen. "It is hard to speculate where we would play. It will be interesting."

    Spartan head football coach Shawn Skinner sees a several positives as well as problems with the change coming to varsity football in Illinois.

    "I'm looking forward to the potential it brings," he said. "(Having) one or two games to play to prepare for the "real" has the potential to be interesting."

    Since schedules for other sports revolved around football conference alliances, the shift to football districts may encourage athletic directors and coaches to play teams closer teams closer to home.

    "I like it. I think it will be good for us," added Duval, who actively volunteers his time to assist with the school's athletic program. Overall, he believes the move will cut overall travel budgets over time. "It will be better for all the sports. We can play local schools again."

    For the next two years St. Joseph-Ogden's official IHSA enrollment is 467.5. Until the association announces geographical boundaries and enrollment breaks for each classification, it is a guessing game on who will share the same district with SJO.

    Here's a list of possible schools the Spartans could square off against 2021 under the new scheduling format with similar enrollments with 50 more or less in close proximity to SJO.

    Riverton (413.5) 1.5 hr drive
    Pleasant Plains (421.5) 2 hours
    Vandalia (426) 2 hour
    Farmington (429) 2 hour
    Beardstown (434) 2.5 hour drive
    Robinson (453) 2 hour
    Newton (458.5) 1.5 hr drive
    Wilmington (465.5) 2 hour
    Williamsville (467) 1.5 hr drive
    Paxton-Buckley-Loda (472) 37 min
    Reed-Custer (474) 1.5 hr drive
    Mt. Carmel (488.5) 2.5 hour
    Monticello (511) 36 min
    Peotone (511.5) 1.5 hr drive
    Monmouth-Roseville (522.5) 2.5 hours

    Moving to a district format is not without its challenges and uncertainties.

    "I think that it doesn't really address many of the issues the IHSA and football have," said Skinner, who is not sure the new format will have significant effect on SJO's path into the playoffs since enrollment for the school is relatively stable at this point. "I'm not impressed that we have no idea who is in our district, and my understanding is that we won't know until December of 2020 what our 7 or 8 district games will be."

    The new scheduling system threaten traditional rivalries around the state. Unity, for example, may not be on the Spartans regular season schedule under the new system due to their increase in enrollment, which is now at 550. The Rockets could possibly move up to the 4A classification and see more travel if the school district continues to grow. A St. Joe-Unity game would be a non-district contest with no baring on whether either team makes the playoffs or not.

    Other factors could also influence a district make up from year to year. School's may elect to drop football altogether, form or dissolve co-ops or make the switch to the growing 8-man football association not governed by the IHSA. Those changes could make district alignments just as unstable as the conference system.

    "We also have no solution in place for if cooperatives disband or merge," Skinner said. "We also have no recourse for teams leaving to play 8 man football."


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    Urbana hosts Richwoods, Belleville East in Girls Flag Football Action

    IHSA girls flag football enters its second season. Urbana takes on Richwoods and Belleville East tonight at home.


    Urbana flag football player Zaniyah Ward

    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

    URBANA - Urbana’s Zaniyah Ward runs the football during the Tigers’ home game against Champaign Central on Sept. 3. Looking for their first win of the season, the Urbana girls flag football team hosts a doubleheader this afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m. against the Richwoods Knights (3-1). In the nightcap, scheduled for 6 p.m., the Tigers will face the Belleville East Lancers (3-1). This is the second year of the IHSA-sanctioned high school sport in Illinois. As part of the triangular format, the Knights and Lancers will meet at 5:15 p.m.

    More Urbana Tigers sports news


    TAGGED: Urbana girls flag football 2025, Urbana High School sports schedule, IHSA girls flag football Illinois, Richwoods Knights vs Urbana, Belleville East vs Urbana flag football
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    Are sports stadiums safe? What you need to know

    By Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News
    and Andy Miller

    Photo by: Matthew Henry
    The college football season is kicking into high gear, the National Football League season starts Sept. 9, and the baseball pennant races are heating up. For the first time since 2019, nearly all stadiums will be fully open to fans.

    In the so-called Before Times, sitting shoulder to shoulder inside a stadium with tens of thousands of boisterous spectators — after a few hours of pregame tailgating — was a highlight of many fans' autumn. But with covid-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths soaring from the delta variant, many fans are wondering if that is a wise idea.

    KHN talked to seven health experts to get their takes.

    1. Is it safe to go to a packed stadium even if you are vaccinated?

    Six out of the seven public health experts that KHN spoke to from big football states were adamant in their response: No way. Not now.

    "I am a die-hard sports fan," said Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. "But I would not go to these events right now."

    Salemi said that with covid cases at their highest level since late January — with the seven-day average case count rising to just over 149,000 as of Monday — and hospitals filling up around the country, there is too much risk even for people who have been fully vaccinated against covid.

    While outdoor events are less likely to lead to infection because the air circulation is greater, sitting within just a few feet of 10 or 20 screaming fans watching football, baseball, soccer or an auto race at a stadium reduces that safety margin, he said.

    Vaccines greatly lower your risk of being hospitalized or dying from covid, but the dominance of the more transmissible delta variant is leading to increasing numbers of breakthrough infections, some of which do cause uncomfortable symptoms. Getting infected also increases the likelihood of passing the infection to unvaccinated people, who could become seriously ill.

    Even some vaccinated fans — especially those who are older and frail or people with chronic medical conditions — should also realize they face higher risk from an infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not specifically have guidance about sporting events, but it recommends that anyone attending large gatherings in areas with high numbers of covid cases should "consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact" with others who are not fully vaccinated.

    "A packed football stadium now is not a good idea," said Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, a professor of medicine and public health sciences at the University of Miami’s medical school. "When there’s a lot of shouting and yelling’’ without masks, “it means they’re spraying the virus."

    Football stadiums, which are generally among the largest sporting venues in this country, are typically packed with fans cheering and high-fiving, making it impossible to physically distance from people who may be unvaccinated. Equally difficult is remaining apart from the unvaccinated in crowded concourses and restrooms.

    Dr. Robert Siegel, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University, said that while the risk of dying or ending up in intensive care from covid after being vaccinated is "vanishingly small," he would prefer to even avoid a milder case so he doesn’t have to worry about long-term consequences of the disease. "It's not worth it to me, but if football is your life, you may have a different calculus," he said.

    2. What can I do to reduce my risk at the game?

    The first line of defense is being fully vaccinated.

    If unvaccinated, don't go to the game, all seven experts strongly recommended.

    Some colleges such as Louisiana State University are requiring fans to be vaccinated or to show a negative covid test to attend a game — and many players on teams are vaccinated to reduce their risk and stay in the game. But many stadiums will have no such restriction on fans.

    Wear a mask except when eating or drinking.

    Mask mandates vary by venue for both the NFL and college teams. Even if others around you are not wearing one, your mask will give you a level of protection from inhaling the virus. "It's best if all parties are wearing a mask, but wearing a mask is better than not wearing a mask," said Dr. Nasia Safdar, a specialist in infectious diseases at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

    Dr. Dale Bratzler, Oklahoma University's chief covid officer, said he would not tell vaccinated people to avoid going to football games. He does strongly advise, however, that fans consider double masking. He doesn’t plan to go to the OU games this fall, but it has nothing to do with covid. "It’s because of the traffic getting into and out of the stadium. I am fine watching at home on TV."

    If you want to protect others, consider taking a home covid test the day of the game. If the test results come back positive, or if you feel any symptoms, even a runny nose, mild headache, or cough, don’t go to a game, Safdar said.

    And the experts said to pay attention to the level of covid cases in any city to which you are traveling. The incidence could be high, and that should factor into your decision about attending a game.

    3. What about tailgating for hours with friends before the game?

    Most of the experts agreed tailgating with a few friends outdoors is a less risky part of the football game experience. But that’s only if you know the people you are eating and drinking with are vaccinated.

    "It's also that party atmosphere, where people are generally not in a position to wear a mask and you are standing close to people," Safdar said. "It’s still a risk."

    4. Millions of people have been attending baseball games, soccer games and other sports events all summer — without many outbreaks. Why worry now about football games?

    There have been rare reports of outbreaks from major league baseball stadiums, which often pack in 40,000 fans. But that could be changing, too, because the more highly transmissible delta variant has been widespread only since July. Also, the experts said, it’s difficult to track how many fans get sick because the incubation period can last a week or more. People may not connect their illness to the game, especially if they assume outdoor activities are safe.

    "Delta changed the entire equation of how we looked at the risk," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. "I do think there will be transmission in stadiums."

    Health experts point to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month that has been linked to more than 100 infections.

    5. Can I still get together with other vaccinated friends and family?

    Even with the delta variant raging, health experts say people who are fully immunized can safely meet without masks with those they know are fully vaccinated.

    "If you know with certainty that someone is vaccinated, you can safely get together for dinner and other activities," said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, a specialist in infectious diseases at Ohio Health, a large, multihospital system based in Columbus.

    And the risk of spread can be minimized at events such as an outdoor wedding if organizers include requirements for vaccinations, wearing masks and physical distancing for vulnerable attendees, experts say.


    Subscribe to KHN's free Morning Briefing.

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    Nine Spartans earn all-conference football recognition

    All-Conference, All-State lineman Cameron Wagner
    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.
    All-Conference, All-State lineman Cameron Wagner
    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

    2025 IPC All-Conference Football Team


    More SJO Sports Articles

    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
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