Heart of Central Illinois Conference

Figured it wouldn't hurt to get some more info out there to get the juices flowing for the 2026 season. So here are my previews on the Heart of Central Illinois for 2026. The conference will go back to two divisions in 2026 (Large and Small) after Fisher left for the Lincoln Prairie. Fieldcrest will only have a JV squad this fall. I have write-ups on all teams except Tri-Valley which will be done Monday 8/17

Clinton Maroons
Clinton, IL

Enrollment:
482

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Ron Bass

2025 Results:
0-9 Overall

Returning Starters:
3 on Offense, 5 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Cole Thomas QB/DB So
Cash Tanner RB/LB Jr
Luke Baker TE/LB Sr
Liam Hooker WR/LB So
Micah Wheeler OL/DL Sr
Bryce Miller OL/DL So
Kye Hayes OL/DL Sr
Baze Stapleton DB So

Underclassmen to Watch:
Owen Miller WR/DB Fr
Gavin Friesland LB Fr

2026 Outlook:
After being on the cusp of playoff contention in 2023 & 2024 things went south for Clinton in 2025 as the Maroons went winless. Clinton brings back 3 on offense and 5 on defense headed into 2026, but its going to be a youth movement for the Maroons as a majority of the team are freshmen and sophomores. Coach Bass knows it won't be easy on Friday nights with tough Heart of Central Illinois opponents week in and week out, but thinks they have some real talent and if they stick with it the Clinton program will be in a very good place in a year or two. Coach Bass says the goal is to improve each week and let the results on the scoreboard take care of itself. Even with all the young faces taking the field Clinton in 2026, Coach Bass says three wins and a playoff spot is not out of the question.

Ridgeview-Lexington Mustangs
Colfax, IL

Enrollment:
324
Coop between Ridgeview and Lexington

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Matt Barnes

2025 Results:
7-3 Overall, Lost 2A 1st Rd to Newman Central Catholic 43-8

Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 5 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Camden McCue OL/LB Sr
Dalton Porter OL/DL Sr
Micah Wiltz QB/LB Sr
Ayden Weber RB/LB Sr
Dominic Brown OL/DL Sr
Cater Ludwig FB/TE/LB Jr
Liam McCardle OL/DL Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Tyson Hari RB/DB So
Holden Ketelsen RB/LB/DB So
Matthew Denham RB/LB So

2026 Outlook:
A big step forward was taken for Ridgeview-Lexington in their 3rd season under Head Coach Matt Barnes. After consecutive 2-7 seasons in 2023 & 2024, the Mustangs went 7-3 overall and made the Class 2A playoffs. The team will bring back a very solid core from that playoff team, with 6 starters back on offense and 5 starters back on defense, plus are adding in a group of underclassmen that are ready to take the next step and contribute to the varsity squad. Coach Barnes says the focus will be on getting better every single day and emphasizing the process over results. Look for another solid season from the Mustangs as a second straight postseason berth is definitely in the cards this fall.

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Falcons
Gibson City, IL

Enrollment:
273

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Small

Head Coach:
Seeff Grauer

2025 Results:
8-3 Overall, Lost 1A 2nd Rd to Lena-Winslow 43-14

Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 3 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Tucker Mueller QB/CB Sr
Reed Tompkins WR/DB Sr
Tristan Wooton WR/CB Sr
Carson Sexton OG/DE Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Kollin Nash OL/DL So

2026 Outlook:
2025 saw the Falcons capture the HOCI Medium Conference Championship, compile an 8-3 record, and made the 2nd round of the 1A playoffs. Changes are abound this fall in Gibson City. First off, a new head coach is in charge as Seeff Grauer take over after the departure of Chad Augspurger left for Mattoon. A large amount of starters need to be replaced with just 4 starters returning on offense and 3 back on defense. This years Falcons will be young, but Coach Grauer says they have great senior leadership. Keep an eye on QB Mueller and his dual threat ability as well as OL Sexton who has the ability to play at the college level. The new setup in the Heart of Central Illinois will see GCMS move to the small division alongside Heyworth, LeRoy, Deer Creek-Mackinaw, Tremont, and Tuscola which is an extremely tough group of teams. There may be some growing pains early with the younger players getting acclimated but look for the Falcons to be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2026.

Tuscola Warriors
Tuscola, IL

Enrollment:
286

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Small

Head Coach:
Andy Romine

2025 Results:
7-3 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Nokomis 28-19

Returning Starters:
8 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Tanner Block SLOT
Jon Pettry QB
Evan Vearil WR
Brayden Weaver OL
Tytus Hornaday RB
Myles McKinnie RB
Kale Wilcox TE/DE

Underclassmen to Watch:
Cale Wallace C/DE
Austin Bennett TE/OLB
Jaysyn Bailey DL
Tyler Pierce LB

2026 Outlook:
After a solid regular season in 2025 the year ended on a sour note as the Warriors were upset in round 1 of the Class 1A playoffs by Nokomis, which marked a second straight first round exit. Entering his 12th season in charge is Coach Andrew Romine and he believe this Tuscola group will be formidable as has what it takes to get back to traditional Warriors football and playing deep into November. The bring back 8 starters on offense (including a 3 year starter at QB in Pettry and a OL garnering D1 offers in Weaver) with 6 back on defense. Coach Romine says the kids have had a great summer and the work has paid off. Tuscola should be in the mix for the small division championship of the Heart of Central Illinois (which is loaded) and be a tough out come playoff time.

El Paso-Gridley Titans
El Paso, IL

Enrollment:
365

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Tanner Benedict

2025 Results:
12-1 Overall, Lost 2A Semifinals to Wilmington 41-0

Returning Starters:
10 on Offense, 9 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Owen Adams QB
Aaden Adams RB
Jayvion Maxon WR
Luke Offermann OL
Griffin Hale DL
Harlin Toillion DL
Braden Gibson OLB
Cha’von Maxon DB

2026 Outlook:
Since taking over back in 2021 Head Coach Tanner Benedict has had the Titans in the playoffs each and every season. Each year El Paso-Gridley has slowly been improving and 2025 was the breakout season! Last fall was the best season in El Paso-Gridley history as the team went 12-1 overall with their lone loss being in the 2A semifinals to Wilmington. 2026 could be even better for the program as they return almost everyone with 10 back on offense and 9 back on defense. Coach Benedict says this year the team needs to remember that last year was last year and they’ll need to go out and execute and earn it on the field. The Titans will have a ton of experience on the offensive and defensive lines and will look to utilize their team speed to the best it can. This has the making to be an incredible season for El Paso-Gridley and I think we could see them playing Thanksgiving weekend in 2026.

LeRoy Panthers
LeRoy, IL

Enrollment:
228

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Small

Head Coach:
BJ Zeleznik

2025 Results:
4-5 Overall

Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 5 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Brett Helfrich QB/LB Sr
Isaac Holoch LT Sr
Rilen Kisner RG Jr
Brock Hubble TE Jr
Chase Cooley WB Jr
Cole Wood WR/DB Jr
Kyle Benter LB
Jimmy Chaon LB Sr
EJ Chaon Sr

2026 Outlook:
The Panthers just missed out on the playoffs in 2025 going 4-5. Coach Zeleznik, entering his 24th year as Head Coach, mentions how they were in close games pretty much every week last season, but fell just short in all five losses, which were to playoff teams. LeRoy should be improved headed into 2026 bringing back multiple starters (6 on offense, 5 on defense). Coach Zeleznik emphasized that the Panthers need to finish games this fall as the close calls were what kept them from the post season in 2025. The goals in LeRoy are to win the conference title and play deep into November, which if things come together could be possible. The new Heart of Central Illinois Small Division will be difficult but don't overlook LeRoy.

Heyworth Hornets
Heyworth, IL

Enrollment:
256

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois

Head Coach:
Scott Godfrey

2025 Results:
8-3 Overall, Lost 1A 2nd Rd to Stockton 26-3

Returning Starters:
8 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Jarrod Fulcher OL/DL Sr
Braydon Laesch RB/DB Sr
Nate Godfrey QB/WR/LB So
Caleb Troha QB/WR/DB Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Cohen McCleave OL/DL Fr

2026 Outlook:
In their 2nd season under Coach Scott Godfrey the Hornets took a massive step forward improving from 3-6 in 2024 to 8-3 in 2025 with a Class 1A playoff appearance. 2026 looks to have the potential to be even better for Heyworth as they bring back 8 starters on offense and 6 on defense, two of those being some of the best the conference has to offer in OL Jarrod Fulcher and RB Braydon Laesch. Coach Godfrey says that they will have a lot of experience at all levels on offense and defense this fall. The expectation for the Hornets headed into 2026 is battling for the Heart of Central Illinois championship and a long playoff run.

Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals
Warrensburg, IL

Enrollment:
319

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
DT Thornton

2025 Results:
4-5 Overall

Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 4 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Brennon Bonds WR/DB Sr
Tyler Hendrix WR/DB Jr
Joey Dominick WR/DB Sr
Jordan Branson RB/DB Sr
Kaleb Jackson-Baker OL/DL Sr
Logan Benscoter LB Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Levi Cope OT/DT So
KJ Stine RB/LB So
Alex Pond OG/LB So
Jaxson Bray QB/OLB So

2026 Outlook:
After just missing out on the playoffs in 2025, the Cardinals enter 2026 with optimism and new leadership. Former Head Coach Aaron Fricke departed and in comes DT Thornton to take over the Warrensburg-Latham program. Coach Thornton is excited to see what the Cardinals can do this fall and believes they’ve put in some great work. The skill positions on offense should be solid, especially at WR, but the Cards will have some holes to fill with only 4 starters back. Defensively they also return 4 starters but have some talented younger kids ready to step in. Coach Thornton says the kids are locked in and ready to compete and he sees the 2026 season as an opportunity to keep building. Look for Warrensburg-Latham to be back in the playoffs this fall.

Shelbyville Rams
Shelbyville, IL

Enrollment:
335

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Bill Duckett

2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 2A 2nd Rd to Westville 49-6

Returning Starters:
7 on Offense, 8 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Jaden Meister RB/DB Sr
Will Stirrett OL/LB Sr
Rylan Murphy WR/LB Sr
Hayden Mudgette OL/DL Jr
Malakai Warren WR/DB Jr
Owen Beyers QB/DB Sr
Jayce Davis RB/LB So
Wade Reid WR/DB Sr
Jacob Meister OL/DL Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Kit Ulmer QB/DB Fr
Eli Kuhlman OL/DL

2026 Outlook:
Coach Bill Duckett and his Shelbyville Rams made their 5th consecutive playoff appearance in 2025 but we knocked out of the 2A playoffs after a loss to Westville. The good news for Shelbyville is they bring back an experienced group with 7 back on offense and 8 on defense. Some kids will be playing new positions and young players will be given prominent roles in 2026, but Coach Duckett believes this group has what it takes to be a contender in the Heart of Central Illinois in 2026. Look for a 6th consecutive playoff appearance for Shelbyville this fall.

Eureka Hornets
Eureka, IL

Enrollment:
507

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Jason Bachman

2025 Results:
3-6 Overall

Returning Starters:
7 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Lincoln Knapp QB Sr
Owen Cahill WR/DB Sr
Brock Leman OL/DL Sr
Logan Wettstein OL/LB Sr
Fisher Gladson RB/LB Sr
Chris Bunting WR/DB Sr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Ashton Helberg OL/DL Jr
Peyton Henderson OL/DL Jr
Tyler Billings OL/DL Jr
Finn Hoffman RB Jr

2026 Outlook:
Coach Bachman will enter Year 14th with the Hornets in 2026 with high expectations after missing out on the playoffs last fall. The reason for that optimism is that Eureka brings back 7 starters on offense and defense this fall and they will build on that varsity experience this fall. Look for big contributions from Knapp (QB), Hoffman & Gladson (RBs), Bunting & Cahill (WRs), plus some very solid offensive lineman (Leman, Wettstein, Hellberg, Henderson, and Billing). Look for the defensive side of the ball to be improved as well as both of the kids mentioned on offense will play both ways and have many varsity snaps under their belts. The Heart of Central Illinois Large division will be tough but look for Eureka to be back in the playoffs in 2026.

Central A&M-Okaw Valley Raiders
Moweaqua, IL

Enrollment:
339
Coop between Central A&M and Okaw Valley

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Large

Head Coach:
Trevor Higgins

2025 Results:
3-6 Overall

Returning Starters:
11 on Offense, 10 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Ace Spinner WR/DB Sr
Rhett Mclain QB/WR/DB Jr
Aiden Sites WR/DB Jr
Kadyn Higgins WR/DB Sr
Emett Stenger QB/OLB Sr
Victor Ravelo WR/DB Sr
Kwame Calhoun RB/DL Sr
Jhett Smith RB/LB Sr
Max Taylor OL/LB Sr
Colin Reed OL/DL Sr
Parker O’Dell OL/DL Sr
Chaz Bruandmeier OL/LB Sr
Stetson Reedy OL/DL Jr

Underclassmen to Watch:
Owyn Bowman RB/LB Jr
Hunter Poppenhouse OL/DL So
Draven Richards OL/LB Jr
Cameron Taylor FB/C Jr
Logan Sarver WR/CB Jr
Jett Evans QB Fr

2026 Outlook:
The Raiders will be welcoming home one of their own as alum Trevor Higgins has been named their head football coach heading into 2026. A very young Raiders team went 3-6 last season. The good news headed into 2026 is that they'll return 21 of the 22 starting spots, which is a ton of valuable experience that the young Raiders can build upon moving forward. Central A&M-Okaw Valley will move to the larger division of the Heart of Central Illinois Conference this fall which will be tough, as will getting the kids up to speed on the new offensive and defensive systems being installed. Coach Higgins has good feelings about his team headed into 2026 and with all the kids they bring back believes they'll surprise some people.

Tremont Turks
Tremont, IL

Enrollment:
285

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Small

Head Coach:
Joe Hageman

2025 Results:
2-7 Overall

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Eli Bohm RB/LB Sr
Troy Keever RB/LB Sr
Jack McAllister WR/DB Sr
Levi Horton OL/DL Sr
Aaron Dawson OL/DL Sr
Lucas Love RB/DL Sr
Jake Williams RB/LB Jr
Owen Weiss RB/LB Jr
Lander Hoerr RB/LB Jr
Jordan Hageman OL/DL

Underclassmen to Watch:
Draven Geltz RB/LB So

2026 Outlook:
Been a bit of a tough go for the Turks the past few seasons, but Coach Joe Hageman got Tremont back into the win column in 2025 breaking a 20 game losing streak! Coach Hageman says the kids have had a great summer and have worked hard at getting bigger, faster, and stronger as they know Heart of Central Illinois play will be difficult each and every week. Tremont brings back a good number of starters on offense and defense which makes me believe they'll be much improved in year 2 under Coach Hageman.

Deer Creek-Mackinaw Chiefs
Mackinaw, IL

Enrollment:
296

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois Small

Head Coach:
Cody Myers

2025 Results:
7-4 Overall, Lost 1A 2nd Rd to Annawan-Wethersfield 33-26

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 6 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Zack Day QB Sr (677 Pass YDs, 65% Comp, 472 Rush YDs)
Wyatt Otto OL/LB Sr
Joey Humphries OL/DL Sr
Denton Neeley WR/DB

Underclassmen to Watch:
Kyle Holmgren
Wyatt Day
Corey Boyd

2026 Outlook:
Tradition, tradition, and more tradition runs deep within this program! The communities have supported the Chiefs with unwavering support for the last 40 years! However, lets get to the present for the Dee-Mack Chiefs of today. Senior Quarterback Zack Day is the guy for Coach Myers, but its not just a one man show as the Chiefs bring back talent on offense and defense. These Chiefs are hungry and want to make their community proud by putting together a long playoff run in 2026. I see no reason why a 4th straight playoff appearances isn't on the horizon.

Tri-Valley Vikings
Downs, IL

Enrollment:
355

Conference:
Heart of Central Illinois

Head Coach:
Josh Roop

2025 Results:
9-3 Overall, Lost 2A Quaterfinals to Wilmington 49-7

Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 7 on Defense

Players to Watch:
Preston Johnson RB Jr
Kyle Reeser OL/DL Sr
Kix Yacklich FB/LB Sr
Owen McLean QB/S Jr
Evan Cruzan RB/LB Sr
Koen Rebenzski CB/K Sr

2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Josh Roop will enter year 20 coming off a 9-3 season and a Class 2A Quaterfinals appearance. 2025 was the 5th consecutive season of at least 9 wins as the Vikings have become one of the best programs the Heart of Central Illinois has to offer. Looking for a 6th consecutive playoff berth this fall the team returns 5 starters on offense and 6 on defense. Leading the way will be all stater Owen McLean who will take over as QB this fall. Mix in some talented RBs, FBs, and a few all conference offensive lineman and the Vikings should look good on offense in 2026. Defensively expect much of the same with tough, hardworking kids led by Cruzan and Yacklich, plus the all stater McLean lurking in the secondary. This looks like a group that can contend for the Heart of Central Illinois Large Conference title and another trip to the playoffs is more likely on the horizon.