As we get prepared for the 2020 football season, we wanted to touch base with former NUIC players that have gone on to play at the college level to hear what their experiences are, what playing in the NUIC did to help them out for the college level, and what insight they would bestow upon younger guys looking to play at the collegiate level. Player Profile: Name: Brett Shutts High School: Galena Graduated: 2017 College: Coe College Position: Linebacker/Defensive Line Major: B

As we get prepared for the 2020 football season, we wanted to touch base with former NUIC players that have gone on to play at the college level to hear what their experiences are, what playing in the NUIC did to help them out for the college level, and what insight they would bestow upon younger guys looking to play at the collegiate level. Player Profile: Name: Ian Kuehl High School: Lena-Winslow Graduated: 2019 College: McKendree University Position: Offensive Line and Hea

DeKalb - For the 4th time in 10 seasons the Lena-Winslow Panthers have made the state championship game. Looking for their 4th title, they had to face a very tough Central A&M team returning to state for the first time since 2001. To start the game, Central A&M would pick up a 1st down on their first play with a pass from Connor Heaton to Jacob Paradee. After that, it was a series of 3 straight stops and a forced punt. Le-Win quickly responded with a run to Isaiah Bruce. A fi

Kewanee - Coming into the semifinals, the north bracket featured the #1 state ranked Lena-Winslow Panthers on the road at the #3 state ranked Annawan-Wethersfield Titans. Both teams would enter the game 12-0, but only one would leave with a trip to Huskie Stadium at NIU for the state title game on November 29th. Two different styles existed between the two teams, but two things were common - both scored 38 points plus per game while holding their opponents to under 10 points

Lena - The game had the story line. Young coach versus seasoned veteran. Undefeated conference champions squaring off with each other for the right to play in the semifinals. Two storied programs playing against each other for the 3rd time in 7 seasons in the playoffs. And just like that, the game was underway. Aquin received the ball to start the game, and quickly went 3 and out and were forced to punt with just 46 seconds off the clock. The Panthers would take over from the