The Rivermen Exceed Expectations
Durand was a football town. Just take a look back at their history as they made the playoffs 15 times in the first 26 seasons of its existence. Take a drive through Durand and you always saw Bulldogs signs lining the streets. Stop into Pacemaker and you could never miss the Bulldog jerseys hanging against the back wall. While the Bulldogs didn't have a lot of playoff success, they did have a few nice playoff runs. In 1982, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual state runn
Round 1: Du-Pec vs Harlan
Durand - In just their 3rd season of the co-op between Durand and Pecatonica, the Du-Pec Rivermen found some more success this year as they improved upon their 3-6 record from a year ago, and turned that into a 6-3 record and a playoff bid. With that, they were also the recipient of the 7 seed in the Class 3A playoffs in the North bracket, giving the Rivermen a home playoff game. It was the first time since 2000 that Durand has hosted a playoff game, and Pecatonica's last hom
Week 9: Le-Win vs Du-Pec
Pecatonica - In late October you begin to feel that cool, crisp weather come in, and on a very still night under the lights the excitement of an NUIC North showdown between the Panthers and the Rivermen was about to get underway. Le-Win entered the game ranked #1 in state, and heavily favored over the Rivermen. Du-Pec was not going to back down as they wanted to show what type of mettle they have. It wouldn't take long for this game to look out of control early on. Forcing th
Week 5: Du-Pec vs Galena
Durand - For the second week in a row, the Rivermen would host a homecoming game, and find themselves in a slug fest. Du-Pec was in search of their 4th win of the season, and second in a row, while Galena was trying to hold onto their playoff lives. The Rivermen would strike quick, as Hunter Hoffman found Gabe Howard for a 58 yard touchdown connection just a 1:32 into the game. The Tyler Kormoczy kick was good, and the Rivermen were up 7-0. On the ensuing kick return, Galena'
Week 4: Du-Pec vs Orangeville
Pecatonica - In a first time meeting between the Du-Pec Rivermen and Orangeville Broncos, both teams would enter the game at 2-1, but only one could walk away victorious. With Pecatonica celebrating homecoming, the Rivermen were looking to send a packed house home happy. To start the game, Du-Pec would quickly force Orangeville to go 3 and out, but the Broncos would return the favor. On the Rivermen's first play from scrimmage, Trenton Taylor would get the handoff, and the ba