Big Northern

Byron Tigers

2021 record: 14-0 Coach: Jeff Boyer Worth noting: After their perfect run to a 3A title last year, there are some holes to fill for the Tigers. A lot of offense production is gone, though Braden Smith returns for his third year starting at quarterback. Tyler Reed, a senior, started on both lines his sophomore year, but missed last year with an injury. Jake Kahn started on both lines last year. And while not a starter, Kye Aken ran for 363 yards and four touchdowns and returns this year. Jacob Ross started as a freshman last year and is also back at linebacker.

Dixon Dukes

2021 record: 6-4 Coach: Jared Shaner Worth noting: The Dukes bring back starters at quarterback (junior Tyler Shaner), running back (senior Rylan Ramsdell) and receiver (senior Jath St. Pier) this season, which will help lessen the blow of losing a strong senior class that included leading rusher Zavion Johnson and top receivers Mason Randick and Jacob Gusse. Shaner started for the first half of the season after incumbent starter Jacob Gaither broke his finger rught before the season opener, and ended up leading Dixon with 906 yards and 9 TDs on 73-for-115 passing, with only 3 INTs. Ramsdell was the Dukes’ second-leading rusher, finishing with 577 yards and 6 TDs on 82 rushes; Shaner was the third-leading rusher with 494 yards and 5 TDs on 84 carries. St. Pier was Dixon’s third-leading receiver with 20 catches for 312 yards and 3 TDs. The Dukes boast some size up front on offense, and always seem to find linebackers with a nose for the ball.

Conference Preview 2022 Big Northern

Genoa-Kingston Cogs

2021 record: 10-2 Coach: Cameron Davekos Worth noting: The Cogs have made six straight playoff appearances and haven’t lost more than two regular-season games since 2015. Last year the team reached the 4A quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. While there were some losses, including allstate linebacker Colin Nesler and fullback Chase Engel, the Cogs also have plenty back. Ethan Wilnau ran for 673 yards and had a knack for forcing turnovers at both linebacker and defensive back. Brody Engel had 86 tackles and four interceptions last year, and Nolan Perry played both linebacker and quarterback, notching 63 tackles and 14 for a loss.

North Boone Vikings

2021 record: 5-5 Coach: Ryan Kelley Worth noting: On a team with just four seniors, the performance of Chandler Alderman will be key. He’s a Division I athlete, committing to Middle Tennessee State next year to play baseball as a left-handed pitcher. Wide receiver/running back Chris Doetch will help replace the production of his brother Will from last year. The Vijings have six offensive and five defensive starters back.

Oregon Hawks

2021 record: 2-7 Coach: Broc Kundert Worth noting: The Hawks look to continue their recent rebuild under a new head coach in Kundert, a 2007 Freeport High School grad and Aquin head coach the past four years. He will look for more balance from the traditional run-heavy attack. The Hawks will look to use a committee approach to replace Daniel Dominguez, who ran for 953 yards and eight TDs on 182 carries last season. Look for senior Gabe Eckerd and junior Trevor Burkhart to handle a lot of that load. Seniors Evan Flaharty (6-foot-2, 285 pounds) and Jon Alaniz (6-0, 250) will anchor the line, while sophomore Josh Crandall (6-3, 190) will get a lot of snaps at end.

Rock Falls Rockets

2021 record: 1-8 Coach: Kevin Parker Worth noting: Parker is back on the sideline after missing the second half of last season following the death of his son, Brock, in a car accident. Brock, a senior on the team last year, was injured in the crash on Sept. 17, hours before the Rockets’ Week 4 game; he died a week later. Rock Falls loses its biggest weapon from a year ago in Booker Cross, a unanimous first-team all-BNC performer who finished with 881 rushing yards and 10 TDs; he also caught six passes for 121 yards and 2 TDs, and was a dangerous returner in addition to his 50 tackles and two interceptions on defense. Seniors Ryan McCord and Aidan Kobbeman will play roles as the top running backs and linebackers.

Rockford Lutheran Crusaders

2021 record: 4-5 Coach: Jeff Luedke Worth noting: Luedke is the fourth head coach for the Crusaders since coach Bruce Bazsali left the program after the 2016 season. Luedke was an assistant for Bazsali on a team that went 50-9 from 2012-2016 but hasn’t had a winning record since. The team is mostly sophomores and has spent the summer working through “a lot of issues,” according to Luedke, including trust, expectations, leadership, and terminology. Luedke said he’s been impressed with Jack Behmer at outside linebacker, and Kyng Hughes will operate at quarterback.

Rockford Christian Royal Lions

2021 record: 0-9 Coach: Terry Gulley Worth noting: The team had made three straight playoff appearances prior to the pandemic, but struggled in its first year back in the BNC last year. Junior Keon Leach returns after throwing for almost 1,000 yards.

Stillman Valley Cardinals

2021 record: 8-3 Coach: Mike Lalor Worth noting: The Cardinals have made three straight postseason berths, reaching the second round each time, and look to keep up that run this year after missing the playoffs from 2014-17 – and that drought came on the heels of a 3A title in 2013. Jory Spain, a 6-1, 205-pound running back is back to key the offense this year, and Kale Rauman is expected to start at quarterback for the second straight year.

Winnebago Indians

2021 record: 3-6 Coach: Mark Helm Worth noting: Helm said his team has some solid young players that were a part of that group that leaves him very optimistic about the program. Junior Logan Olson started as a sophomore and is back at running back and linebacker. Senior Alec Weavel returns at quarterback, and Andrew Penticoff and Will Speltz are both senior tight ends that make great targets for Weavel. Seniors Kendrick Meador and Braden Naill return on the offensive line.