Knocking off helmets and impressing refs: 12 Peoria-area players share football memories

Reminiscing on Week 2 came with plenty of highs and some lows.

This is the third of a multi-part series in which the Journal Star talks with high school football coaches and players about topics ranging from memorable moments to toughest players they've faced to their favorite pre-game meal and program traditions.

As we head into Week 3, here is what some of the Peoria-area large-school players had to say about their most memorable moment. Look for the program traditions ahead of Week 4.

Shutting up a rival, playing in the mud: 12 small-school players share fond football memories

Incredible plays

• "Running a kid over. The ref was jumping up and down with excitement." — Korbin Woerly, Canton

• "Last year in the East Peoria game on the kickoff, I ran the whole field to get a huge tackle and force a fumble recovery putting (the ball) near the end zone." — Connor Pilgrim, Limestone

• "Open field tackle sophomore year against Pekin. Huge crowd and tackling someone like Scotty Jordan in that huge of a game is an amazing feeling." — Noah Losey, Morton

• "I had a game-sealing interception against Morton last year, and I think it was the most memorable because it led to us entering the playoffs on a good note." — Brayson Barth, Washington

• "My 75-yard touchdown in (JFL) squirts because it was my first touchdown ever in pads." — Mason Hawkins, Richwoods

• "It has to be the game versus Richwoods when I knocked that linebacker's helmet off." — Namolos Thompson, Manual

All the stories in one place: Ultimate guide to Peoria-area high school football for 2023

Great victories

• "(My) favorite moment was beating Normal Community because it was for our 11th win and it was such a good game. It was also on my birthday." — Jace Hackman, Pekin

• "Beating Limestone at home last year. The whole town and school was there to watch us win back-to-back games and celebrating with them was amazing." — Andrew Kaufmann, East Peoria

• "Our first playoff game against Jacksonville. We set the school record for most points scored at 68. The overall energy and morale of the game lead us to the win. During the game, our team looked the best it ever had." — Kendrick Schaffrin, Metamora

Team bonding

• "Getting to play with good, long-time buddies and enjoying time with them." — Gabe Munoz, Dunlap

• "Going to team camp because it's a fun time and a lot of memories." — Gary Rutherford, Peoria High

6 games, 6 memories: High school football returns to the baseball field at Dozer Park

Unique venues

• "Playing at Dozer Park for the first time against Richwoods. The adrenaline rush and all the hype around the game was unmatched." — Philip Rupiper, Peoria Notre Dame

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA football: More Peoria-area players share top memories