FOOTBALL

Journal Star small-school all-area football team

Staff Writer

Journal Star

DREW BARTH

FIELDCREST

6-3, 195/JUNIOR/QUARTERBACK

Emerged as a true leader for an otherwise senior-led team that reached the Class 2A semifinals. The first-team all-Heart of Illinois Conference selection threw for an area-best 2,548 yards and 31 TDs with seven interceptions. He also rushed for 393 yards and 14 more scores. Had 308 yards passing in a 46-33 loss to eventual 2A state champ Eastland/Pearl City in the semis.

COLLEGE PLANS: Play football; go into coaching

ATHLETIC HONORS: 1st team all HOIC 2013 and 2014

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: SportsCenter

FAVORITE SONG: “The Champ” by Nelly

FAVORITE FOOD: Spaghetti

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Portillo’s

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Kobe Bryant

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Jesse Fulwiley, Momence

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Change things

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Get a good luck text from my girlfriend

PRE-GAME MEAL: Chicken and Rice

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: You’re with your brothers all summer

BEST MOMENT: Momence game on 4th and 22

NICKNAME: Droopy

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Playing Sports

PART-TIME JOB: Reichman Sales and Service Inc.

DREAM JOB: NFL

SUPERSTITIONS: Have to listen to the same song and get a good luck text from my girlfriend

BIGGEST FEAR: Spiders

ROLE MODEL: My uncle Kurt Barth

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Sports

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I seem loud but I am usually quiet

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He’s quiet

QUOTE: “I couldn’t be more proud of the guys, everyone contributed in some way. I love the seniors, and wish them good luck.”

GRANT JOCHUMS

FIELDCREST

5-10, 190/SENIOR/RUNNING BACK

Two-time all-area selection led the JS-area with 1,922 yards rushing and 28 TDs. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and also caught 13 passes for 202 yards and two more scores for a 12-1 team that reached the 2A semifinals. Named first-team all-state by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and special mention by Champaign News Gazette.

COLLEGE PLANS: Football

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: South Park

FAVORITE SONG: “Very Super Famous” by Jon Lajoie

FAVORITE FOOD: Wings

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Golf

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Rajon Rondo

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: LeAnthony Reasnover, Momence

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Be better than Obama

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Take a shower and listen to music

PRE-GAME MEAL: grilled cheese

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: its fun

BEST MOMENT: Going to the 2A Semifinals

NICKNAME: Rondo

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Golf

PART-TIME JOB: Work for City of Minonk

SUPERSTITIONS: Take a shower before games

BIGGEST FEAR: Getting hurt

ROLE MODEL: Jack Jochums (aka Silver Fox), Jay Jochums

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Rajon Rondo, LeVeon Bell, Adrian Peterson

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Football

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I like golf

QUOTE: “It was a great season and we made history.”

LAYNE WYATT

ELWMOOD/BRIMFIELD

5-8, 165/SENIOR/RUNNING BACK

The two-time all-area pick was a nightmare for opposing defenses, as both a running (1,581 yards, 19 TDs, 9.8 yards per carry) and receiving (18 catches, 288 yards, 4 TDs) threat. Ran for 219 yards and caught a TD pass in the Trojans’ first-round state playoff loss to Monticello. Unanimous all-Prairieland Blue pick was also named all-state by Illinois High School Football Coaches Association.

COLLEGE PLANS: Play football in college

FAVORITE MOVIE: 22 Jump Street

FAVORITE TV SHOW: SportsCenter

FAVORITE SONG: “Blood Brothers” by Luke Bryan

FAVORITE FOOD: Bacon cheeseburger

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: J.J. Watt

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Zach Glisan, Abingdon-Avon

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Go to coach Butler’s house for chicken strips

PRE-GAME MEAL: Chicken strips

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It’s a team effort and very competitive

BEST MOMENT: Shutting out Mercer County

NICKNAME: L-Dub

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Fishing

DREAM JOB: Owning my own business

SUPERSTITIONS: East chicken strips before every game

BIGGEST FEAR: Sharks

ROLE MODEL: Grandparents, parents

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Walter Payton, Kevin Hart, Bo Jackson

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: Almost didn’t play football freshman year

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He was in a frat

QUOTE: “It was great with some of my best friends. I wish it would have ended differently.”

BILLY MOLINE

FIELDCREST

6-2, 210/SENIOR/WIDE RECEIVER

Favorite target for all-area QB Drew Barth, catching 53 passes for 983 yards and 16 TDs in historic run to the 2A semifinals for the Knights. The unanimous all-Heart of Illinois selection caught seven passes for 184 yards and three TDs in a loss to eventual 2A state champ Eastland/Pearl City.

SCHOOLS THAT RECRUITED YOU: DII/DIII Interest

COLLEGE PLANS: Attend college, study physical therapy

ATHLETIC HONORS: Unanimous First Team HOIC selection; WJBC Player of the Week; News 25 Player of the Week

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Blue Mountain State

FAVORITE SONG: Till I Collapse by Eminem

FAVORITE FOOD: Orange Chicken

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Panda Express

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Golf

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Michael Jordan

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Sleep, Pray

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It’s a team effort

BEST MOMENT: Winning the first playoff game in school history and then two more

NICKNAME: Billy Moe

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: golf, xbox, hanging out with friends

DREAM JOB: NFL

SUPERSTITIONS: Standing next to Jordan Henkel and Ryan Barth in the huddle after every practice

ROLE MODEL: Dad, Grandpa

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO?: Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Will Ferrell

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: TV

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: Size 15 shoe

QUOTE: “It’s not the will to win but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.” Paul “Bear” Bryant

THORIN HICKS

STARK COUNTY

6-3, 185/SENIOR/WIDE RECEIVER

Unanimous Lincoln Trail Conference receiver for a team that reached the state quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Led the Rebels with 35 catches for 682 yards (19.5 yards per catch) and 11 TDs. Named first team LTC at linebacker also. Earned academic all-conference and all-state honors.

SCHOOLS RECRUITING YOU: Eureka, Monmouth

FAVORITE MOVIE: Step Brothers

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Breaking Bad

FAVORITE SONG: “0 to 100” by Drake

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Randy Moss

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Tyson Nylin, Mercer County

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Eliminate national debt

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Be left alone concentrate

PRE-GAME MEAL: Hamburgers and cookies

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It takes leadership and teamwork to succeed. There is no feeling like winning a game with your brothers on the field.

BEST MOMENT: Beating Princeville to win LTC championship

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Sports, video games, hanging out with friends

DREAM JOB: Athletic trainer

SUPERSTITIONS: wore same socks every game since sophomore year. Handshake with Blake Ryan

BIGGEST FEAR: Losing

ROLE MODEL: My grandpa

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Robert Oppenheimer

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: sports, family and friends

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I used to play the piano

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He played college QB and still shreds out defense with the scout offense

QUOTE: “Great season, but it ended too early.”

PARKER NEUHALFEN

BUREAU VALLEY

6-2, 175/SENIOR/WIDE RECEIVER

All-state selection by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association after catching 37 passes for 976 yards (26.4 yards per catch) and 12 TDs. Ran for 393 more yards (7.9 per attempt) and two more scores. He also averaged 21.3 yards per kickoff return, highlighted by an 84-yard TD. Plans to study pre-dentistry at SIU-Edwardsville.

ACADEMIC HONORS: Honor Roll, Academic All-Conference

ATHLETIC HONORS: 1st team all-state football, 1st team All conference WR/DB and return specialist

FAVORITE MOVIE: Fury

FAVORITE TV SHOW: True Detective

FAVORITE SONG: “The Good Stuff” by Kenny Chesney

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Panda Express

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Steph Curry

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Jacob Barnes, Sterling Newman

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: have no idea what to do

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Talk to teammates

PRE-GAME MEAL: Whatever my mom makes

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: All of the people you get to hangout with

BEST MOMENT: Getting recognized at the 2A state championship game

NICKNAME: Lloyd

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Sports, Video Games, guitar

PART-TIME JOB: Public worker at Sheffield

DREAM JOB: Orthodontist

SUPERSTITIONS: Wearing the same socks for games

BIGGEST FEAR: Snakes

ROLE MODEL: Mom

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Jimmy Fallon, Chris Farley, Justin Timberlake

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Phone

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I can kind of play guitar

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He played semi-pro football in Peoria

QUOTE: “Wish it could have ended differently, but would never trade the experience for anything.”

BRAD NOVAK

ELMWOOD/BRIMFIELD

6-7, 280/JUNIOR/OFFENSIVE LINE

Tough assignment for any opposing defensive lineman with his size. The all-Prairieland Blue Conference left tackle paved the way for an offense that averaged 350.3 yards rushing per game and won a fourth consecutive league title. Has received interest from the University of Illinois.

COLLEGE PLANS: Military academy

FAVORITE MOVIE: Princess Bride

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Burn Notice

FAVORITE SONG: “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Longhorn Steakhouse

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Volleyball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: J.J. Watt

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Cameron Passie, scout defense

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Let students eat more for school lunches

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Read

PRE-GAME MEAL: Jimmy Johns

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It takes eleven guys to pull together to accomplish one goal

BEST MOMENT: Starting varsity as a sophomore

NICKNAME: Big Novak

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Hunting, fishing, camping

PART-TIME JOB: Farm hand on horse ranch

DREAM JOB: SEAL team sniper

SUPERSTITIONS: Pre-game prayer

BIGGEST FEAR: The unknown

ROLE MODEL: My dad

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Chris Kyle, Robert O’Neill, Robert Jordan

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Books

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I enjoy performing in musicals

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He started the Easter Seals Blackout program

QUOTE: “In the end, it’s not about the outcome of the games but what you have accomplished on and off the field.”

ANDREW JORDAN

ELMWOOD/BRIMFIELD

6-3, 275/SENIOR/OFFENSIVE LINE

Came back from a knee injury that kept him from most of his junior senior to earn all-area and unanimous all-Prairieland Blue honors at right tackle. Helped the Trojans to a 7-3 record, a fifth consecutive playoff appearance and a fourth straight league title. A big reason E/B averaged 43.6 points and 476.2 yards in total offense per game.

COLLEGE PLANS: Go to school for diesel/automotive mechanics

ATHLETIC HONORS: Still holds school home run record in junior high

FAVORITE MOVIE: Remember the Titans

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Anything on the Outdoor Channel

FAVORITE SONG: “My Baby’s Gun’s N’ Roses” by Brantley Gilbert

FAVORITE FOOD: Cheeseburgers

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Archery

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Ray Lewis

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Kody Martinez, Farmington

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Fix the problems Obama created in this great country we live in

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Put in my head phones and get focused

PRE-GAME MEAL: Never eat before a game

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: You’re with your “family and brothers”

BEST MOMENT: Every time I threw the pads on

NICKNAME: Big Country

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Hunting, fishing, working on my truck

PART-TIME JOB: Jordan’s Service Center.

DREAM JOB: Be on a drag race or NASCAR team to do motor work and chassis work

SUPERSTITIONS: Never eat before a game and thought about my grandpa

BIGGEST FEAR: drowning or burning alive

ROLE MODEL: Chad Jordan (dad), David Jordan (grandpa)

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Brantley Gilbert, grandpa Dave and C.T. Fletcher

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Family and friends

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: Like to sing

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He doesn’t like to mow his yard. He calls me and my brother to do it

QUOTE: “I gave it all my senior year. I was out all last year besides the first two games of the season because of a major knee injury. We all played as one group, as one force that’s hard to reckon with. I I could go back, I would change only small few things but not a whole lot of it. My journey of playing and playing for E/B Trojan football’s over. Now it’s time for the kids below me to fill in a and carry on the legacy of Trojans football.”

BLAKE RYAN

STARK COUNTY

6-3, 260/SENIOR/OFFENSIVE LINE

Unanimous all-Lincoln Trail Conference pick for the unbeaten league champions. Helped the Rebels control the line of scrimmage in most games toward a No. 1 state ranking and averages of 367 yards and 38.5 points per game. Also earned academic all-conference and all-state honors.

COLLEGE PLANS: Get my doctorate in physical therapy

FAVORITE MOVIE: Inglorious Bastards

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Breaking Bad

FAVORITE SONG: “Hesher” by Wallpaper

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Longhorn Steakhouse

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: J.J. Watt

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Aidan Carr, Forreston

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Be the best president ever

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: go crazy in the lockerroom

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It teaches you how to be a team and work together. It is the only sport that you get to hit people as hard as you can. It is amazing.

BEST MOMENT: Going 9-0 in the regular season and being the first team to go 11-0

NICKNAME: Big Fella

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Any sport, video games, helping people

PART-TIME JOB: Ref JFL games

DREAM JOB: Have my own physical therapy business

SUPERSTITIONS: I sit in the same chair before very game, in front of the same locker. I wear the same pair of socks for every game. Thorin Hicks and I do our handshake before every game.

BIGGEST FEAR: Not succeeding in life

ROLE MODEL: My dad

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Hitler, Stephen Hawking, Michael Jordan

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Steak and my friends and family

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I couldn’t talk until I was four years old

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He grew up on a farm

QUOTE: “We had a great season and lost to a great Forreston team. I would have loved to go farther in the playoffs, but I am glad we played as well as we did all year. I love my team.”

COLE WIEGAND

DEER CREEK-MACKINAW

5-11, 190/SENIOR/OFFENSIVE LINE

An all-Heart of Illinois selection for a Dee-Mack team that returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years. A weight room junkie that owns a 350-pound bench press, the two-way standout lineman helped the Chiefs average 333.2 yards rushing in the regular season before a first-round playoff loss to eventual 2A semifinalist Fieldcrest. Also had 13 tackles for loss, four sacks and one caused fumble on defense.

COLLEGE PLANS: Illinois Central College; Business Administration

ACADEMIC HONORS: Honor Roll; Academic All-State (3.8 GPA)

ATHLETIC HONORS: First Team All-Conference Guard; Second Team All-Conference Defensive End

FAVORITE MOVIE: Lawless

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Breaking Bad

FAVORITE SONG: “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Alexander’s Steakhouse

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Ping-Pong

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Walter Payton

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Zack Earing: All-State Lineman from Flanagan

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Sit down and focus while listening to music

PRE-GAME MEAL: Light sandwich

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: Anyone can excel if they put their heart into it.

BEST MOMENT: Making the playoffs

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Hunting; trap shooting; fishing; camping

PART-TIME JOB: Helping on the family farm, working at tea room/ Rocke Bros. Masonry Inc. (summer)

ROLE MODEL: My Dad

QUOTE: “I’m proud of how hard everyone worked and how much we achieved when all odds were against us.”

COLTON EVANS

FARMINGTON

6-3, 220/SENIOR/OFFENSIVE LINE

Top offensive lineman for a Farmington team that averaged 38.2 points and 395.5 total yards per game. The first-team all-Prairieland Blue pick helped the Farmers win four of their last five games to finish 5-4. Defensively, he had four tackles for losses totalling 32 yards.

COLLEGE PLANS: I hope to attend a four-year college and earn a degree in computer science

ACADEMIC HONORS: National Honors society, Illinois State Scholar, Academic all-state

FAVORITE MOVIE: Star Wars I-VI

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Walking Dead

FAVORITE SONG: “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner

FAVORITE FOOD: Gnocchi

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: The Warehouse

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Track and Field

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Brian Oldfield

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Brad Novak, Elmwood/Brimfield

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD: work to get the United States of America to the best economical state it has ever been in.

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Sit in front of my locker and relax

PRE-GAME MEAL: Spaghetti

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: Even with natural talent, you must work hard every day to be a winner

BEST MOMENT: Beating Elmwood/Brifmield two times my junior year

NICKNAME: Lumberjack

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Playing music in my bands, learning new things, playing board games

PART-TIME JOB: Lifeguard and maintenance worker

DREAM JOB: The C.E.O of a big online corporation

BIGGEST FEAR: Heights

ROLE MODEL: My father

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: My grandparents and my grandfather on my mother’s side

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Peanut butter pie

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I play seven instruments

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He is also a great track coach

QUOTE: “This season had its highs and lows, but was by far the most fun out of the four years I have played in high school. This is the season my friends and I will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Defense

TRISTUN REEVES

EL PASO-GRIDLEY

5-11, 245/SENIOR/DEFENSIVE LINE

Unanimous all-Heart of Illinois selection at nose guard for a team that finished 8-1 in the regular season and held opponents to just 13.6 points per game. Also earned all-state honors for his defense by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association after leading the Titans in tackles (78, 40 solos), sacks (eight), and fumble recoveries (three). He also had nine tackles for losses and two blocked point after kicks.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Jurassic Park

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Walking Dead

FAVORITE SONG: Home Sweet Home - Motley Crüe

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Pizza Ranch

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Wrestling

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Jared Allen

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Make better school lunches

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Listen to music and drive around

PRE-GAME MEAL: Pizza and chocolate milk

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: I get to hit people legally

BEST MOMENT: 3 sacks in one game

NICKNAME: Reevesy

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Eating

DREAM JOB: Own my own business

BIGGEST FEAR: Spiders

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, ?

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Pizza

QUOTE: “Great year”

DAKOTA THOMAS

LEWISTOWN

6-2, 210/SENIOR/DEFENSIVE LINE

A force both offensively and defensively for the Indians. Opposing coaches had to game plan around this first-team all-Prairieland Black selection on both sides of the ball. Had seven tackles for loss, totalling 27 yards and one fumble recovery. Named honorable mention all-state.

COLLEGE PLANS: going into an apprenticeship in pipe welding and fitting

FAVORITE MOVIE: Remember the Titans

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Walking Dead

FAVORITE FOOD: pizza

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Texas Roadhouse

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Track & Field

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Clay Matthews

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Trevor Drennan of South Fulton

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: sit in the equipment room and talk with my coaches.

PRE-GAME MEAL: spaghetti

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: of the ability to hit and tackle.

BEST MOMENT: The last drive against our homecoming game against North Fulton this past season. Duncan Evans threw a long pass to Brian Kruzan with under a minute to go for the win.

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: hunting, trapping, and fishing

PART-TIME JOB: maintenance at Prairie View Care Center in Lewistown

Dream job: professional hunter

ROLE MODEL: Clay Matthews

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Vince Lombardi, Abraham Lincoln, & Brett Favre

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: my cell phone

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He absolutely hates pickles!

QUOTE: “Winning the stone axe vs. Havana, winning our homecoming game, and winning on senior night are great memories that I will never forget.”

JARED RIENTS

FIELDCREST

6-5, 290/SENIOR/DEFENSIVE LINE

Committed to Illinois State before the season and during the season showed the Missouri Valley Football Conference champs why it wants the two-time all-stater. Arguably the best lineman ever at Fieldcrest, which he helped lead to a 12-1 season and a berth in the 2A semifinals. As an all-HOI offensive lineman, paced the Knights to averages of 45 points and 413 total yards per game. Defensively, had 65 tackles (12½ tackles for losses, 6½ sacks,) for a team that allowed only 8.9 points per game before a 46-33 loss to eventual state champ Eastland Pearl City.

COLLEGE PLANS: Illinois State, Agriculture Business Major

ACADEMIC HONORS: Honor Roll

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Criminal Minds

FAVORITE SONG: “Amarillo Sky” by Jason Aldean

FAVORITE FOOD: All of it

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Earl Campbell

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Max Ruestman, El-Paso Gridley

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Be with the guys

PRE-GAME MEAL: Subway

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: Of the guys you play with and the bond you have

BEST MOMENT: last two minutes of the Momence game

Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, Golfing

PART-TIME JOB: Construction

BIGGEST FEAR: Ocean

ROLE MODEL: Dad, Grandpa

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Johnny Cash, the Russian from Rocky, Drew Barth

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: the guys on the team

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: Coach Freeman is a legal midget

QUOTE: “Great memories.”

BLAKE HENNENFENT

KNOXVILLE

6-0, 205/JUNIOR/DEFENSIVE LINE

Unanimous all-Prairieland Blue pick as a defensive end for a Blue Bullets team that reached the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six years. A member of the high honor roll and academic all-state. Named Knoxville’s defensive MVP. Had team-high 79 tackles (29 solos) and one interception.

COLLEGE PLANS: Go to Black Hawk East and livestock judge then transfer to Western Illinois University or to the University of Illinois and livestock judge.

ACADEMIC HONORS: Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 2A Academic All-State Team; High Honor Roll

FAVORITE MOVIE: Elf

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Jimmy Kimmel

FAVORITE SONG: “Dirt” by Florida Georgia Line

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken and Noodles with mashed potatoes

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Smokey Bones

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Baseball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: JJ Watt

BEST PLAYER I’VE FACED: Brendon Jostes; Farmington

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD: End all violence

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO: Listen to music

PRE-GAME MEAL: Spaghetti

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE: it takes all 11 people doing their job to be a successful team

BEST MOMENT: My diving interception against Elmwood/Brimfield

NICKNAME: Henny

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Livestock Judging, Showing Cattle; Hunting

PART-TIME JOB: Mowing and Farming

DREAM JOB: A rich farmer

SUPERSTITIONS: I had to sit by my friends Alec Lester or Alex Mallery before every game while getting ready.

BIGGEST FEAR: To get hurt and not be able to play.

ROLE MODEL: My grandfather, Mike Hennenfent, because he is a hard worker and takes the initiative to get things done that need to be done.

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO?: Abraham Lincoln, Pope Francis, and Carrie Underwood

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: McDonald’s Breakfast burritos and coke

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I placed 7th overall at the state livestock judging contest and get to judge at the National Western Stock show in Colorado in January.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He is a big teddy bear once you break his outer shell.

QUOTE: “We had a great season with being as young as we were and I am looking forward to returning 9 starters next year.”

LOGAN HOLLIS

STARK COUNTY

6-0, 185/SENIOR/LINEBACKER

Top all-around player on a team that finished the regular season 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. Key component of a defense that allowed just 12.8 points per game and held five opponents to a touchdown or less. Led Rebels with 84 tackles, including a season-high 13 against Mid-County. Also had 25 catches for 402 yards and five TDs receiving. The academic all-state and all-conference selection also had one interception and two fumble recoveries.

SCHOOLS THAT RECRUITED YOU: Monmouth, Augustana, Knox, St. Ambrose

COLLEGE PLANS: Play football at one of the schools listed above and study kinesiology

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Modern Family

FAVORITE SONG: “Sing For the Moment” by Eminem

FAVORITE FOOD: Homemade french fries

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Famous Dave’s

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Baseball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Odell Beckham, Jr.

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Robert DeVries, Forreston

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Help the poor

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Relax and get focused

PRE-GAME MEAL: Pizza or hamburgers

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: of the excitement every time you take the field and my teammates

BEST MOMENT: Beating Princeville to go 9-0 and win the LTC

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Basketball, baseball, play or watch football

PART-TIME JOB: Baby sit my younger cousins

DREAM JOB: Trainer for a professional football team

SUPERSTITIONS: Same pair of socks each game

BIGGEST FEAR: Spiders

ROLE MODEL: My dad

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Walter Payton, Abraham Lincoln, Isaac Newton

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: sports, my family, my friends

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I have four nephews and 4 nieces

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He played football at Culver-Stockton

QUOTE: “Had a great year and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

ZACH GLISAN

ABINGDON-AVON

6-3, 205/SENIOR/LINEBACKER

Earned both all-state and all-area honors for the second year in a row after another huge season leading the Tornadoes to the second round of the Class 1A playoffs. Unanimous all-Prairieland league pick on both sides, was best player on the field most nights. On defense, he had 72 tackles (46 solos), one interception, one sack, seven tackles for loss, five break-ups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one defensive TD. Passed for 1,452 yards and 18 TDs without an interception. He also rushed for 990 yards, averaging 12.7 yards per carry and 15 TD. Being recruited by Western Illinois and Northern Iowa, among others, as a linebacker.

COLLEGE PLANS: Attend a four-year college and play football

ACADEMIC HONORS: 3.789 GPA. All-State academic team

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises

FAVORITE TV SHOW: SportsCenter

FAVORITE SONG: “Tuesday” by Drake

FAVORITE FOOD: Chicken alfredo

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: LeBron James

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Austin Dutko, Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD: attend a lot of professional games

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Pray

PRE-GAME MEAL: peanut butter and jelly sandwich

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It is the ultimate team sport

BEST MOMENT: Undefeated regular season

NICKNAME: QB6

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Hanging out with friends, lifting

PART-TIME JOB: Maintenance worker at the school and mowing yards

DREAM JOB: General manager of an NFL team

SUPERSTITIONS: Wore the same padded compression undershirt every game

BIGGEST FEAR: Losing

ROLE MODEL: Peyton Manning

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Michael Jordan, Liam Neeson, LeBron James

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Friends and family

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I enjoy golfing

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He played college baseball

QUOTE: “WE had a great season that ended too soon, but we made a lot of great memories.”

TRE MAXWELL

ABINGDON-AVON

5-10, 185/SENIOR/LINEBACKER

Another big threat on both sides of the ball for an A-Town team that won the Prairieland Black for the fourth year in a row and finished the regular season unbeaten. The unanimous all-Prairieland Black pick had a team-high 120 total tackles (79 solos), seven tackles for loss, three break-ups, one sack and two forced fumbles. Also rushed for 1,087 yards on 90 carries with 13 TDs.

COLLEGE PLANS: Monmouth, Beloit, Carthage, Central and Ripon

ACADEMIC HONORS: National Honor society president, High honors all four years, Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award, Illinois State Scholar

ATHLETIC HONORS: First-team all-Prairieland RB/LB, IHSA Class 1A academic all-state, honorable mention IHSFCA all-state.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Batman Forever

FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Arrow

FAVORITE SONG: “Cool Kids” by Echosmith

FAVORITE FOOD: Spaghetti

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: TGI Friday’s

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: David Beckham

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Brian Kurzan, Lewistown

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Listen to music

PRE-GAME MEAL: Subway meatball marinara

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It’s physical. I enjoy the hard hitting

BEST MOMENT: I suplexed a player from South Fulton

NICKNAME: Tre

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Reading

PART-TIME JOB: HyVee

DREAM JOB: Accountant

BIGGEST FEAR: drowning

ROLE MODEL: Scott Maxwell, my dad

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: My grandfather Richard “Duke” Graflund, Abraham Lincoln, Donald Trump

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: My dog Kooper

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I love to read

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He spends hours off the field researching on other teams

QUOTE: “We worked as hard as we could, but we didn’t get the end results we wanted. However, none of us will regret this season.”

MITCHELL JANSSEN

PRINCEVILLE

6-1, 195/SENIOR/LINEBACKER

Bradley baseball recruit showed he could play some football too as the leader on both sides of the ball for a Princeville team that reached the playoffs and finished 7-3. At middle linebacker, he had 85 tackles (31 solos) with four fumble recoveries, an interception and a safety. At quarterback, the honorable mention all-stater threw for 978 yards and 10 TDs. He was also 32-for-35 on extra points, made three of four field goals and averaged 33 yards per punt.

COLLEGE PLANS: Attend Bradley University get a 4 year degree then attend Flight School at ATP.

ACADEMIC HONORS: Honor Roll

ATHLETIC HONORS: Sophomore year (12-13) Honorable mention LTC baseball

Junior year (13-14): 1st team All Lincoln trail conference (LTC) linebacker, Honorable mention kicker, All conference basketball, First team all LTC, First team all state, Honorable mention all area.

SENIOR YEAR (14-15) 1st team all area linebacker, 1st team LTC, honorable mention all state. 2nd Team all LTC kicker. 2nd team all LTC punter. Honorable mention quarterback

FAVORITE MOVIE: National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Two and a Half Men

FAVORITE SONG: “Roller Coaster” by Luke Bryan

FAVORITE FOOD: Cheeseburgers or Pizza

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo wild wings or The Locker Room

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Baseball

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Tanner Matlick

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Listen to music really loud in the locker room with my teammates

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It is only around for 9 guaranteed weeks so you have to cherish every moment you play. It makes the sport special because there isn’t a lot of games, you also get to fly around and hit people without getting in trouble and there is always a bunch of people at the games, more than basketball and baseball. There’s no better feeling than playing underneath the Friday night lights

BEST MOMENT: Getting my pilots license or signing my National Letter of Intent for baseball

NICKNAME: Maverick

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Flying, Hunting

PART-TIME JOB: Assistant Mechanic at German-Bliss Equipment

DREAM JOB: Commercial Airline Pilot

SUPERSTITIONS: I always had to put eyeblack on before football games

BIGGEST FEAR: Disappointing people

ROLE MODEL: Family and friends

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I have my Pilot’s license and I fly all the time.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He likes long walks on the beach while listening to slow jazz

QUOTE: “‘One Town, One Team, One Family, One Goal.’ Princeville High School has a bunch of pride to be one of the only stand-alone schools we play. We are one school that doesn’t believe in co-op to win games.”

JOE CHARVAT

STARK COUNTY

5-8, 165/SENIOR/DEFENSIVE BACK

Two-year starter at DB was a unanimous Lincoln Trail Conference selection and all-state pick by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. Had 31 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery for one of the toughest defenses in the area. As a first-year QB taking over for an all-stater, he threw for 1,401 yards and 18 TDs and rushed for 742 yards and 15 more scores for a top ranked team that went 11-0 before losing to eventual state champ Forreston.

COLLEGE PLANS: go to a four year college and play football

FAVORITE MOVIE: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE TV SHOW: NCIS

FAVORITE SONG: “In Color” by Jamey Johnson

FAVORITE FOOD: Orange chicken

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Basketball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Peyton Manning

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Robert DeVries, Forreston

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: Quit giving all our money away

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: go to my house, eat and listen to music to get me pumped

PRE-GAME MEAL: Hamburgers and hot dogs

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: It’s what I love to do and is a big sport in the U.S. Football is life.

BEST MOMENT: Beating Princeville for the LTC title

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Sports and playing pick up games

DREAM JOB: Athletic trainer

SUPERSTITIONS: Sit in the same chair before every game, and putting Logan’s eye black on for him before the game.

BIGGEST FEAR: Not succeeding in life and not accomplishing my dreams

ROLE MODEL: Father

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OF DEAD, WHO?: Peyton Manning, Urban Meyer, Doug Flutie

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: Playing the game of football

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I like to play guitar

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He played QB in high school and college, also he is a very good 3-point shooter

QUOTE: “The season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but I am happy with how the whole team played and what we have accomplished this year. I couldn’t have asked to play with (a better) team.”

A.J. GAETA

HALL

5-10, 172/SENIOR/DEFENSIVE BACK

Defensive leader for a an 8-3 team that reached the second round of the playoffs for the second year in a row and gave eventual state champ Eastland/Pearl City its closest test of the postseason. The academic all-stater had 74 tackles (48 solos, seven for losses), one fumble recovery, five deflections and three interceptions. As a receiver, he caught 25 passes for 466 yards and 6 TDs.

SCHOOLS THAT RECRUITED YOU: _Millikin University, Eureka College, Benedictine University, Loras College, Wheaton College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Knox College, McKendree University

COLLEGE PLANS: Attend college and major in accounting or actuarial science, and minor in sports management. I would also like to play baseball or football.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Coach Carter

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Friday Night Lights

FAVORITE SONG: The Man by Aloe Blacc

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Buffalo Wild Wings

FAVORITE SPORT OTHER THAN FOOTBALL: Baseball

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Derrick Rose

BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER I’VE FACED: Eric Schaney from Eastland Pearl-City

IF I WERE PRESIDENT, I WOULD…: do anything it takes to improve the economy

BEFORE GAMES, I LIKE TO…: Listen to music and dance with the team

Pre-game meal: I don’t eat before games

FOOTBALL IS THE BEST GAME BECAUSE…: it gives you the chance to hit people as hard as you can without worrying about getting in trouble, and the teamwork it requires to be successful.

BEST MOMENT: Winning first home playoff game since 2006

NICKNAME: AJ

HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Sports, hanging with friends, exploring the outdoors

PART-TIME JOB: Don’t have one

DREAM JOB: Major League Baseball player

SUPERSTITIONS: I wear the same exact stuff for every game. I also put my socks, ankle braces, and spikes on my left foot then my right foot, layer by layer.

BIGGEST FEAR: Losing my mother

ROLE MODEL: Ricky, my brother

DINNER WITH 3 PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO?: Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Derek Jeter

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: My family and friends

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m a quiet person off of the field

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR COACH: He has a granddaughter and a grandson

QUOTE: This was my favorite team to be apart of and I’ll cherish every moment I had with those guys. “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose”

KYLE TOTTON

ELMWOOD/BRIMFIELD

6-0, 155/DEFENSIVE BACK

All-around standout for the four-time defending Prairieland Blue champs, who finished 7-3. Had 31 tackles (23 solos), averaged 22.4 yards per return on five interceptions and one pick-6. As a tight end, he caught 13 passes for 235 yards (18.1 yards per catch) and four TDs. Also averaged 22.4 yards per kickoff return and 24.3 per punt return, with two more scores.