Despite losing twenty-two seniors and introducing fourteen new starters, U-High’s varsity football team kicked off its season with a 71-22 win against Manual High School. The Pioneers’ season opener was held in Peoria on August 29th, where the team showed just how strong their chemistry is on the football field.
Junior Owen Kirby (20) steered the team to victory during his debut as the new quarterback. His teammates and fans cheered him on for his quick thinking and great passes. “I was a little nervous, but as we got going, my team had my back,” Kirby said. “My line blocked, and my receivers got open. I felt like later into the game, we started to come together and click.”
New starter, Junior Rhett Lynch (44), found himself in the endzone four times, leading the team in touchdowns. The hours of practice he put in over the summer earned him his spot on the field. “I was very happy with the outcome of the game, and I’m proud that all my teammates tried their hardest and kicked butt,” Lynch said.
Lynch’s impressive performance was recognized by his teammates, too. “Personally, I believe Rhett played amazingly. He was getting backed up by his O-line, he put his head down and went through anyone who was in his way,” Kirby shared.
Senior wide receiver Cade Cunningham (2) returned to the spotlight again this year with three touchdowns, celebrating the team’s success despite a slow start. “I feel good about the game. I think as a team, we came out flat, but at the end we all came together and played really well,” Cunningham said.
Once the first-game nerves wore off, the Pioneers came together as a team with unmatched energy, always celebrating every success, big or small.
The players are committed to making improvements day by day and looking forward to what the season holds. “The goals we have set are to hopefully win conference and make a push in the playoffs,” Cunningham said.
Tonight’s 7 p.m. intercity home game against Bloomington High School will be the second game between the Pioneers and Raiders since 1976. Join us at Hancock Stadium for the senior night. Show up, show out, and we will see U tonight!
