Preps

Rockford Christian hires Glynn Jones as next coach

ROCKFORD — Rockford Christian is changing its head football coach. The Royals don’t expect to change their system or their winning attitude, however. And to maintain some consistency, former head coach Kirk Heidelberg will stay on as offensive coordinator for new head coach Glynn Jones.

'The Voice' has his final say

Bruce Beling strolls down the halls of Jefferson High School. Wearing a bright red sweatshirt with “J-HAWKS” in bold white spread from shoulder to shoulder, he’s hard to miss.

School’s been out for 15 minutes and students are scurrying to get home or to practice. Teachers are the furthest from their minds.

But Beling, a 55-year-old computer drafting teacher at Jefferson, can’t take more than three steps without being greeted by a student: “Hey, Beling!”, “Yo, Mr. B!”, “What’s up, Voice?”

All-state honors earned by 6 local players

Six area boys earned all-state honors by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and were recognized at the IHSA state football finals in Champaign Nov. 26-27.

Class 6A title: Boylan 48, Aurora Marmion Academy 19

CHAMPAIGN — It didn’t come easy at first. Tyreis Thomas ran like a bull and gained exactly 5 yards on a third-and-5 screen pass to open the game. Lamont Toney scrambled for 10 yards on third-and-10 on Boylan’s second touchdown drive as the Titans started 6-for-6 on third down.

Class 2A title: Sterling Newman 48. Maroa-Forsyth 7

A running game that was nearly impossible to contain, coupled with a tough defense, lifted Sterling Newman Central Catholic to a 48-7 win for the IHSA Class 2A title.

Class 1A title: Lena-Winslow 47, Tuscola 14

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. But the Lena-Winslow football team could care less.

Class 3A title: Carthage Illini West 22, Stillman Valley 20

All Stillman Valley wanted was seven measly yards. Just seven more yards, and then the Cardinals would try for a game-winning field goal.

Dakota's Lano resigns

Jerry Lano said he made the toughest call of his coaching career this week.

The 22-year head football coach for Dakota submitted his resignation Monday. Tuesday morning, he broke the news to his team.

Area trio storms into state football championships

Three local teams competed in state semifinal football action Saturday — Boylan (6A), Stillman Valley (3A) and Lena-Winslow (1A) — and all three won. It’s wonderful how well-represented the area will be in Champaign this weekend for the state football finals.

Lena-Winslow 22, Lewistown 7

Lena-Winslow 22, Lewistown 7: Quinn Haas scored on runs of 52, 24 and 39 yards to power the Panthers to the IHSA 1A championship game with a win over the Indians.