Stockton Blackhawks

When you think of football schools in a historical context, one team that comes to mind are the Stockton Blackhawks. Stockton ranks 30th in all-time wins in IHSA history with 615. That number is the best number among NUIC teams, and the most wins of any team in the immediate area.

The Blackhawks haven't made the playoffs since 2019, which is their longest drought since a 3 season hiatus from 2008-2010. However, this team is looking to put Stockton back in their seat at the table of the NUIC.

A new coaching staff gives Stockton their 5th head coach since legendary coach John O'Boyle left the sideline after the 1997 season. Sean Downey will take over the reigns at Stockton. Downey has been on staff for 2 seasons, and he brings with him former EPC head coach Randy Asche. At EPC, the duo won 4 conference titles, a Class 2A state title in 2014, and reached the playoffs 10 times in 11 seasons.

In order for Stockton to rise back to the top in the NUIC, coach Downey wants his team to get better each week and compete in every game. He expects the Blackhawks to play a better brand of football, and needs them to pick up the physicality in their game play if they want to play with the big guys in the conference.

One of the guys leading the way is senior Michael Haas. He has blown up the weight room numbers, and is very eager to get on the field to show that Stockton Football is coming back. He will return on the line on both sides of the ball. Wes Logemann is another returning lineman that Stockton will rely on in their multi-set formations. You can also expect to see sophomore Jeremiah Luke on the line this season.

The Blackhawks will look to go in multi-sets, from wishbone to 5-wide, a staple we seen play out with this coaching staff in their tenure at EPC. Senior Colby Tucker will be the guy guiding the offense, as he moves to QB this year. Returning in the backfield will be fellow seniors Tanner Gile and Karl Hubb. The duo have rushed for 894 yards in their career with 9 TD's, and will need huge improvements on that performance for Stockton to see success. You can also expect to see Carson McPeek getting reps in the backfield.

At the TE and WR position the Blackhawks will have Will Westaby and Brady Haas moving to those spots. They will be utilized as both blocking TE's and receivers, depending on the play set they need to use against opposing defenses. The additional speed will help stretch the field for the Blackhawks and keep the defense honest. Another player to watch in this position is Jacob Harbach.

Stockton is coming off a 3-6 season, which many around the program feel they underperformed to the talent they had. Coach Downey is very pleased with the group of seniors they have, and couldn't be happier with the buy-in the boys have had to the new system. He feels his coaching staff has done a great job with the weight program, implementing new strength and conditioning programs. The results they have seen this summer have been tremendous. He is looking forward to see how the results in the off-season transition to game nights.

Coach Downey feels that Lena-Winslow will be the team to beat in conference until someone can get past them. He also expects Forreston and Du-Pec to be in the mix at the top of the conference. As every year, expect to see the NUIC as one of the best conferences in the state for small school football.

Playoff History 44-31

1974 0-1

1975 3-1 Class 2A State Runner-Up

1976 0-1

1977 3-1 Class 2A State Runner-Up

1978 4-0 Class 2A State Champion

1979 1-1

1982 0-1

1983 0-1

1984 1-1

1985 0-1

1986 0-1

1987 3-1

1988 0-1

1990 1-1

1991 5-0 Class 1A State Champion

1992 0-1

1993 2-1

1994 3-1

2002 1-1

2003 1-1

2004 4-1 Class 1A State Runner-Up

2005 0-1

2006 2-1

2007 0-1

2011 1-1

2012 4-1 Class 1A State Runner-Up

2013 2-1

2014 0-1

2015 1-1

2016 0-1

2017 1-1

2018 0-1

2019 1-1