Going to share my NUIC team previews. We know that Class 1A runs through this conference come playoff time. So here is what I have for you all.
Northwest Upstate Illini Conference
- Thread starter Patrick Devitt
- Start date
Lena-Winslow Panthers
Lena, IL
Enrollment:
233
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Ric Arand
2025 Results:
13-1 Overall, Won 1A State Championship over Brown County 58-13
Returning Starters:
3 on Offense, 3 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Merrick Mahon RB/LB
Gannon Dunker OL/DL
Preston Schultz OL/DL
Mason Kempel OL/DL
2026 Outlook:
They may not have won the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference title in 2025, but they ultimately won the war. After failing to Stockton in the regular season the Panthers avenged that loss in the 1A Semifinals en route to a 58-13 win over Brown County in the 1A title game. The state title was the 7th in school history, all of which have come under legendary head coach Ric Arand. Coach Arand has turned the Panthers into one of the most recognizable and dominant public school programs in Illinois. When you talk small school football, Lena-Winslow is usually mentioned first. Heading into his 30th season as Lena-Winslow head coach the Panthers will have many holes to fill, but this is not a program that rebuilds they reload. Lena-Winslow will be strong on both the offensive and defensive lines, which will be key as their young skill players develop. The Panthers will be shooting for making a 7th consecutive state championship game appearance in 2026 and until someone proves otherwise its very hard not to believe we won't see Lena-Winslow playing on Thanksgiving weekend this fall.
Lena, IL
Enrollment:
233
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Ric Arand
2025 Results:
13-1 Overall, Won 1A State Championship over Brown County 58-13
Returning Starters:
3 on Offense, 3 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Merrick Mahon RB/LB
Gannon Dunker OL/DL
Preston Schultz OL/DL
Mason Kempel OL/DL
2026 Outlook:
They may not have won the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference title in 2025, but they ultimately won the war. After failing to Stockton in the regular season the Panthers avenged that loss in the 1A Semifinals en route to a 58-13 win over Brown County in the 1A title game. The state title was the 7th in school history, all of which have come under legendary head coach Ric Arand. Coach Arand has turned the Panthers into one of the most recognizable and dominant public school programs in Illinois. When you talk small school football, Lena-Winslow is usually mentioned first. Heading into his 30th season as Lena-Winslow head coach the Panthers will have many holes to fill, but this is not a program that rebuilds they reload. Lena-Winslow will be strong on both the offensive and defensive lines, which will be key as their young skill players develop. The Panthers will be shooting for making a 7th consecutive state championship game appearance in 2026 and until someone proves otherwise its very hard not to believe we won't see Lena-Winslow playing on Thanksgiving weekend this fall.
Stockton Blackhawks
Stockton, IL
Enrollment:
165
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Sean Downey
2025 Results:
12-1 Overall, Lost 1A Semifinal to Lena-Winslow 30-16
Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 7 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Carter Blair RB/DB
Morgan Haas WR/TE/DB
Walker Olson QB/DB
Aiden Larson OL/LB
Weston Haas OL/DL
Mason Henderson OL/DL
Wyatt Record DB/RB
Cooper Raab FB/LB
Asher Acevedo OL/DL
Gage Hazelwood OL/DL
Lucas Brenner OL/LB;
2026 Outlook:
The 2025 Stockton Blackhawks put together the best season for the program since their runner-up finish back in 2012. The Blackhawks, winners of the NUIC title last fall, fell short of their championship aspirations after bowing out to Lena-Winslow in the 1A Semifinals. Gone are some great players such as Jack Mensendike, Eli Larson, and Mark Detwiler, but Coach Downey says they have a great core returning with some talented newcomers that will be added to the mix. A team strength should be the offensive and defesenive lines, which will be needed against the stiff NUIC opponents they'll face this season. The 2026 group is hungry after falling short of their state championship goal in 2025, but with the talent they have coming back and how Coach Downey has the program going I see no reason to think another great season isn't on the horizon this fall.
Stockton, IL
Enrollment:
165
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Sean Downey
2025 Results:
12-1 Overall, Lost 1A Semifinal to Lena-Winslow 30-16
Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 7 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Carter Blair RB/DB
Morgan Haas WR/TE/DB
Walker Olson QB/DB
Aiden Larson OL/LB
Weston Haas OL/DL
Mason Henderson OL/DL
Wyatt Record DB/RB
Cooper Raab FB/LB
Asher Acevedo OL/DL
Gage Hazelwood OL/DL
Lucas Brenner OL/LB;
2026 Outlook:
The 2025 Stockton Blackhawks put together the best season for the program since their runner-up finish back in 2012. The Blackhawks, winners of the NUIC title last fall, fell short of their championship aspirations after bowing out to Lena-Winslow in the 1A Semifinals. Gone are some great players such as Jack Mensendike, Eli Larson, and Mark Detwiler, but Coach Downey says they have a great core returning with some talented newcomers that will be added to the mix. A team strength should be the offensive and defesenive lines, which will be needed against the stiff NUIC opponents they'll face this season. The 2026 group is hungry after falling short of their state championship goal in 2025, but with the talent they have coming back and how Coach Downey has the program going I see no reason to think another great season isn't on the horizon this fall.
Forreston Cardinals
Forreston, IL
Enrollment:
225
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Keynon Janicke
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Lena-Winslow 48-22
Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 10 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Connor Politsch QB/DB Jr (585 rush yds, 6 TDs, 250 rec yds, 3 TDs, 1 pass TD)
Jonathan Milnes RB/DB Sr (476 rush yds, 1 TD)
Eli Ferris RB/LB Sr (152 rush yds, 4 TDs, 44 tkl, 2 sacks)
Mickey Probst RB/DB Sr (64 tkl, 2 INT)
Liam Sstterstrom FB/LB Jr (67 tkl)
Underclassmen to Watch:
Maddox Busker OL/DL
2026 Outlook:
After a down year in 2024, Coach Janicke had his Cardinals back into the playoffs in 2025. Forreston did suffer a first round exit at the hands of eventual state champ Lena-Winslow. However, there is optimism that the Cardinals are primed for an even better season in 2026 as they have many pieces returning with 6 back on offense and 10 back on defense! Each week in the NUIC is a battle, but with the experience the Cardinals have back, plus their size and speed, they feel they can compete with the top of the conference. One point of emphasis is tackling better and finishing drives. Year 6 under Coach Janicke looks like it will be a good one up in Forreston.
Forreston, IL
Enrollment:
225
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Keynon Janicke
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Lena-Winslow 48-22
Returning Starters:
6 on Offense, 10 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Connor Politsch QB/DB Jr (585 rush yds, 6 TDs, 250 rec yds, 3 TDs, 1 pass TD)
Jonathan Milnes RB/DB Sr (476 rush yds, 1 TD)
Eli Ferris RB/LB Sr (152 rush yds, 4 TDs, 44 tkl, 2 sacks)
Mickey Probst RB/DB Sr (64 tkl, 2 INT)
Liam Sstterstrom FB/LB Jr (67 tkl)
Underclassmen to Watch:
Maddox Busker OL/DL
2026 Outlook:
After a down year in 2024, Coach Janicke had his Cardinals back into the playoffs in 2025. Forreston did suffer a first round exit at the hands of eventual state champ Lena-Winslow. However, there is optimism that the Cardinals are primed for an even better season in 2026 as they have many pieces returning with 6 back on offense and 10 back on defense! Each week in the NUIC is a battle, but with the experience the Cardinals have back, plus their size and speed, they feel they can compete with the top of the conference. One point of emphasis is tackling better and finishing drives. Year 6 under Coach Janicke looks like it will be a good one up in Forreston.
Galena Pirates
Galena, IL
Enrollment:
262
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Kyle Knight
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Stockton 26-0
Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 5 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Colten McCartney QB/WR/DB Sr
Keinan Lyden RB/DE Sr
Dillon Belken OL/DL Sr
Jack Duggan OL/DL Sr
Jack Vincent TE/LB Jr
Eli Studtmann RB/LB Jr
Nolan Kaiser OL/DL So
Eli Schumacher RB/DB So
Underclassmen to Watch:
Kingston Sanders TE/DE Jr
Ian Scharpf QB/DE Jr
Jacob Loso OL/DL Jr
2026 Outlook:
Replacing a legend is never easy, but that is what Kyle Knight had to do in 2025 as he took over the program after the retirement of legendary head coach Ed Freed. Knight guided the Pirates to a 5-5 record and a playoff appearance, but a lot of those pieces (including Roman Romer) will be gone headed into 2026. The Pirates will have program depth for 2026, but they will be young! Galena will need their youth to develop quickly in order for them to be ready for NUIC Conference play. The talent is there for the Pirates and depending on how quickly they can get adjusted to Varsity game speed will determine how good they can be. Galena in the playoffs will always be a tough out! On a more positive note, the Pirates will have home games again in 2026 as renovations on Chuck Korte Field have been completed!
Galena, IL
Enrollment:
262
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Kyle Knight
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 1A 1st Rd to Stockton 26-0
Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 5 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Colten McCartney QB/WR/DB Sr
Keinan Lyden RB/DE Sr
Dillon Belken OL/DL Sr
Jack Duggan OL/DL Sr
Jack Vincent TE/LB Jr
Eli Studtmann RB/LB Jr
Nolan Kaiser OL/DL So
Eli Schumacher RB/DB So
Underclassmen to Watch:
Kingston Sanders TE/DE Jr
Ian Scharpf QB/DE Jr
Jacob Loso OL/DL Jr
2026 Outlook:
Replacing a legend is never easy, but that is what Kyle Knight had to do in 2025 as he took over the program after the retirement of legendary head coach Ed Freed. Knight guided the Pirates to a 5-5 record and a playoff appearance, but a lot of those pieces (including Roman Romer) will be gone headed into 2026. The Pirates will have program depth for 2026, but they will be young! Galena will need their youth to develop quickly in order for them to be ready for NUIC Conference play. The talent is there for the Pirates and depending on how quickly they can get adjusted to Varsity game speed will determine how good they can be. Galena in the playoffs will always be a tough out! On a more positive note, the Pirates will have home games again in 2026 as renovations on Chuck Korte Field have been completed!
Eastland-Pearl City Wildcatz
Lanark, IL
Enrollment:
312
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Jared McNutt
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 2A 1st Rd to Farmington 10-8
Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 4 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Deakan Hofmaster QB Jr
Sawyer Williams RB/DB Sr
Bryson Voegelie WR/DB Sr
Clayton Downs OL/LB Sr
Brogan Keltner DT Jr
Underclassmen to Watch:
Keegan Love OL/DL So
Eli Baker RB/LB Jr
Desmond Moore OL Jr
Andrew Holder WR/DB So
2026 Outlook:
Coach Jared McNutt and his Wildcatz surivived NUIC play and made the 2A playoffs where they lost in an absolute classic to Farmington 10-8. A bit of rebuilding will need to be done as EPC only returns 4 starters on offense and defense, but the returning players are all going to make a major impact for the Wildcatz this fall. Expect big seasons from QB Deakan Hofmaster and RB Sawyer Williams. As long as EPC stays healthy this fall they will be a tough out no matter whom they'll face in the postseason. Getting through the NUIC gauntlet will be no easy task, but they'll be better prepared come November.
Lanark, IL
Enrollment:
312
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Jared McNutt
2025 Results:
5-5 Overall, Lost 2A 1st Rd to Farmington 10-8
Returning Starters:
4 on Offense, 4 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Deakan Hofmaster QB Jr
Sawyer Williams RB/DB Sr
Bryson Voegelie WR/DB Sr
Clayton Downs OL/LB Sr
Brogan Keltner DT Jr
Underclassmen to Watch:
Keegan Love OL/DL So
Eli Baker RB/LB Jr
Desmond Moore OL Jr
Andrew Holder WR/DB So
2026 Outlook:
Coach Jared McNutt and his Wildcatz surivived NUIC play and made the 2A playoffs where they lost in an absolute classic to Farmington 10-8. A bit of rebuilding will need to be done as EPC only returns 4 starters on offense and defense, but the returning players are all going to make a major impact for the Wildcatz this fall. Expect big seasons from QB Deakan Hofmaster and RB Sawyer Williams. As long as EPC stays healthy this fall they will be a tough out no matter whom they'll face in the postseason. Getting through the NUIC gauntlet will be no easy task, but they'll be better prepared come November.
Fulton Steamers
Fulton, IL
Enrollment:
270
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Patrick Lower
2025 Results:
2-7 Overall
Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 6 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Wyatt Connor RB/DB So
Jack Holmbo OL/DL Jr
Teague Bray RB/DB Jr
Blaze Damhoff RB/DB Jr
Ben Huisenga TE/LB Sr
Jaxson Heald OL/DL So
Colton Pessman OL/DL So
Mason Stretton WR/DB Jr
Easton Spooner QB/LB Jr
Mason Bray WR/DB Sr
Evan Folk WR/DB Sr
Wiley Blasdell OL/DL Sr
Underclassmen to Watch:
Brantley Easley RB/DB Fr
2026 Outlook:
A down year for the Steamers in 2025 has the program optimistic that 2026 will be much improved. Entering his 20th season as the head coach in Fulton, Patrick Lower has 5 starters back on offense and 6 back on defense. Coach Lower states that they played a lot of young guys in 2025 and hopes the experience back will benefit them. Coach Lower notes how tough the NUIC is and wants his team to be ready to compete week in and week out. Fulton will be better in 2026 with all the pieces they return, and after missing out on the playoffs in 2024 & 2025, the Steamers should be postseason bound this fall.
Fulton, IL
Enrollment:
270
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Patrick Lower
2025 Results:
2-7 Overall
Returning Starters:
5 on Offense, 6 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Wyatt Connor RB/DB So
Jack Holmbo OL/DL Jr
Teague Bray RB/DB Jr
Blaze Damhoff RB/DB Jr
Ben Huisenga TE/LB Sr
Jaxson Heald OL/DL So
Colton Pessman OL/DL So
Mason Stretton WR/DB Jr
Easton Spooner QB/LB Jr
Mason Bray WR/DB Sr
Evan Folk WR/DB Sr
Wiley Blasdell OL/DL Sr
Underclassmen to Watch:
Brantley Easley RB/DB Fr
2026 Outlook:
A down year for the Steamers in 2025 has the program optimistic that 2026 will be much improved. Entering his 20th season as the head coach in Fulton, Patrick Lower has 5 starters back on offense and 6 back on defense. Coach Lower states that they played a lot of young guys in 2025 and hopes the experience back will benefit them. Coach Lower notes how tough the NUIC is and wants his team to be ready to compete week in and week out. Fulton will be better in 2026 with all the pieces they return, and after missing out on the playoffs in 2024 & 2025, the Steamers should be postseason bound this fall.
Morrison Mustangs
Morrison, IL
Enrollment:
267
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Nathan Vandermyde
2025 Results:
2-7 Overall
Returning Starters:
3 on Offense, 2 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Josh McDearmon WR/DB Sr
Caleb Carroll OL/DL Sr
Noah Stout OL/DL Jr
Xavier Baldwin RB/LB Jr
Ethan Bush OL/LB Jr
Charles Prius QB/DB Jr
2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Nathan Vandermyde enters his 4th season at Morrison. Life hasn't been necessarily easy as the Mustangs are adjusting to being a member of the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference. 2025 was a tough season as the Mustangs lost star Rylan Alverado before the season (transferred to Newman Central Catholic) and finished the year 2-7. The Mustangs are looking to build a stronger foundation coming off the difficult season. Morrison returns 3 starters on offense and 2 on defense, with a talented trio of juniors in Baldwin, Bush, and Pruis all looking to be key contributors. Add those three in with the returning starters Carroll, McDearmon, and Stout to see a solid foundation is being built. Coach Vandermyde says this group is very fundamentally sound and that will be key against the tough NUIC opponents. A few keys for the Mustangs will be to stay healthy, play with more physicality on defense, and not get behind the chains on early downs. Look for Coach Vandermyde and the Mustangs to be back in playoff contention after two consecutive seasons.
Morrison, IL
Enrollment:
267
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Nathan Vandermyde
2025 Results:
2-7 Overall
Returning Starters:
3 on Offense, 2 on Defense
Players to Watch:
Josh McDearmon WR/DB Sr
Caleb Carroll OL/DL Sr
Noah Stout OL/DL Jr
Xavier Baldwin RB/LB Jr
Ethan Bush OL/LB Jr
Charles Prius QB/DB Jr
2026 Outlook:
Head Coach Nathan Vandermyde enters his 4th season at Morrison. Life hasn't been necessarily easy as the Mustangs are adjusting to being a member of the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference. 2025 was a tough season as the Mustangs lost star Rylan Alverado before the season (transferred to Newman Central Catholic) and finished the year 2-7. The Mustangs are looking to build a stronger foundation coming off the difficult season. Morrison returns 3 starters on offense and 2 on defense, with a talented trio of juniors in Baldwin, Bush, and Pruis all looking to be key contributors. Add those three in with the returning starters Carroll, McDearmon, and Stout to see a solid foundation is being built. Coach Vandermyde says this group is very fundamentally sound and that will be key against the tough NUIC opponents. A few keys for the Mustangs will be to stay healthy, play with more physicality on defense, and not get behind the chains on early downs. Look for Coach Vandermyde and the Mustangs to be back in playoff contention after two consecutive seasons.
Dakota Indians
Dakota, IL
Enrollment:
215
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Eric Didesch
2025 Results:
1-8 Overall
Returning Starters:
Unavailable
Players to Watch:
Zeke Wales RB/LB Jr
Caiden Jones Jr
2026 Outlook:
Its been a tough couple of seasons for the Dakota Indians after their 1A Quaterfinals run in 2022. Coach Didesch returns for his 4th season in charge of the Indians and is looking to continue to build depth within the program while also rebuilding them on the football field. Last fall Dakota did break a 15 game losing streak beating Rockford Lutheran in Week 7. Getting back in the win column will be huge moving forward for a team that will be very young again in 2026. Look for Zeke Wales to have another great season at running the ball, while teaming with Caiden Jones to make up the core of the Indian defense. Dont get me wrong, its going to be difficult going to battle weekly in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference for Dakota this fall, but they open up with a winnable game at home versus Clinton to kick off 2026. Here's to hoping that Coach Didesch can turn around the Indians and get them back to being a postseason contender sooner rather than later.
Dakota, IL
Enrollment:
215
Conference:
Northwest Upstate Illini
Head Coach:
Eric Didesch
2025 Results:
1-8 Overall
Returning Starters:
Unavailable
Players to Watch:
Zeke Wales RB/LB Jr
Caiden Jones Jr
2026 Outlook:
Its been a tough couple of seasons for the Dakota Indians after their 1A Quaterfinals run in 2022. Coach Didesch returns for his 4th season in charge of the Indians and is looking to continue to build depth within the program while also rebuilding them on the football field. Last fall Dakota did break a 15 game losing streak beating Rockford Lutheran in Week 7. Getting back in the win column will be huge moving forward for a team that will be very young again in 2026. Look for Zeke Wales to have another great season at running the ball, while teaming with Caiden Jones to make up the core of the Indian defense. Dont get me wrong, its going to be difficult going to battle weekly in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference for Dakota this fall, but they open up with a winnable game at home versus Clinton to kick off 2026. Here's to hoping that Coach Didesch can turn around the Indians and get them back to being a postseason contender sooner rather than later.
