For the sixth consecutive year, the Knights football team makes it to the playoffs. This led to a first round win against Mather High School with  a score of 42-0.

The landslide win brought the team to an overall season record of 8-3 thus far.

“Preparing for playoffs, we are trying to be as focused as possible in order to eliminate mistakes by game time,” said junior quarterback Austin Martineau. “Football is so special because you only have nine games to prove what you’re all about, and you make a bond with your relationships like no other.”

Not only do Coach Baker’s practices introduce success for the boys in game type situations, but the school spirit shown on Friday nights drive the team to make their community proud to bleed black and gold.

“The environment of “Friday Night Lights” is crucial. All the hype before the game, especially when running out of the tunnel and going up to the superfans, that feeling is indescribable and there’s nothing like it,” said junior middle linebacker Zach Carter.

All aspects of the team are involved and extremely excited to, once again, have the opportunity to play schools all over the state of Illinois. The competition is heavy. The determination to bring pride back to the school is high, and the nerves are buzzing. But the adrenaline keeps the players going for the State title.

“Despite my season ending injury, I am trying to stay engaged and a part of the team to show my support to my other fellow teammates,” said junior wide receiver Nick Lovitsch. “We are simply preparing for playoffs by staying disciplined, composed, and working hard no matter the circumstance.”

Next year, Baker has big plans to make the boys get physically stronger to then have that power transpire onto the turf, helping win more games.

“Looking back on this season, weight room will be one of the top notch priorities in becoming a better team as a whole. We as a team need to get bigger, faster, and stronger,” Baker said.

The Knights move forward to round two on their home turf this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. against Belvidere North High School.