Prairie Central fighting to keep season alive in spotlight game

FAIRBURY, Ill. (WCIA) — Winning isn’t just something that’s hoped for at Prairie Central.

“You can’t want it, you’ve got to understand that you’ve got to go earn it, and I think our kids do that,” head coach Mike Goodwin said.

That mentality part of an eight year long playoff streak for the Hawks.

A mindset that’s been tested this season with multiple all-conference players going down with season-ending injuries.

“We’ve got to the next man up mentality like everybody else, piece it together as you go, and you just have confidence in the kids and have their teammates help them out,” Goodwin said.

Seniors like Will Skala and Aidan Elder fill key roles on this squad on both sides of the ball.

“I think it is cool. Not many people do that, but I mean, it is fun. It’s tiring, but it’s fun to always be on the field,” Skala said.

“I love it,” Elder said. “Being able to help on both sides of the ball is just an incredible feeling. Hearing my name every game, incredible feeling.”

This team knows they’ll need to find at least one win in their final two games of the season to be playoff eligible and keep their postseason streak alive.

“The motivation is just being able to continue that streak and leave our mark on this conference and just be able to come out here every day and play for a reason,” Elder said. “I love all these guys to death, I wouldn’t want any other teammates besides these guys, these guys are my brothers.”

The Hawks have a tall order against a Monticello team that beat them 28-13 last season.

“Monticello is Monticello,” Goodwin said. “One of the best coach teams we’re going to play, if not the best.” “We’ve got to be ready to go from the get go.”

Prairie Central hosts Monticello in our Friday Football Fever Spotlight Game of the Week on Friday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m.

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