‘Incredible’: Camp Point Central football team captures first state championship in school history

The Camp Point Central football team's captains hoist the Class 1A state championship trophy following their 14-0 victory over Lena-Winslow on Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football players viewed Friday’s appearance in the Class 1A state championship game as a business trip. It was more of a historic journey. “Incredible,” senior quarterback Nick Moore called it. Unforgettable, too. Behind arguably one of the most impressive defensive performances in program history and the continued postseason…

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Beyond the Boxscore: Defensive stand, Moore’s punts, Thompson’s catches play pivotal roles in Central’s state championship

Camp Point Central fullback Elijah Genenbacher dives for the end zone to finish an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter Friday in the Class 1A state championship game against Lena-Winslow at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — At times, they seem like just another play. Other times, they define a championship. Friday at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, the Camp Point Central football team made a number of plays that would be easy to overlook on a stat sheet but proved to be pivotal moments in the 14-0 victory…

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Photo gallery: Camp Point Central wins Class 1A state championship by beating Lena-Winslow

Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon, right, embraces senior quarterback Nick Moore after Central beat Lena-Winslow 14-0 in the Class 1A state championship game Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team brought the first state championship trophy in school history back to Adams County on Friday. Central used a stone-solid defense and two Elijah Genenbacher touchdown runs to beat three-time defending Class 1A state champion Lena-Winslow 14-0 at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium. Photographer Mike Pritchard roamed…

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State champs: Dominant defensive effort carries Camp Point Central football team to Class 1A title

The Camp Point Central football team celebrates after winning the Class 1A state championship with a 14-0 victory over Lena-Winslow on Friday at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium. | Photo courtesy IHSA

NORMAL, Ill. — A historic season deserved a historic ending. The Camp Point Central football team delivered in the most historic way. By shutting out three-time defending state champion Lena-Winslow with a 14-0 victory Friday in the Class 1A state championship game at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, Central not only capped a 14-0 season…

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Bulldogged effort in Class 1A state title tilt by Central, but momentum, mojo never shift in its direction

Camp Point Central senior lineman Cole Pracht carries the Class 1A second-place trophy in the direction of the Central crowd following a 30-8 loss to Lena-Winslow on Friday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Every comeback starts at a tipping point, the moment where momentum and mojo shift dramatically. Everything lined up for a Lena-Winslow punt to be just that. Having forced the defending Class 1A state champion to punt from its own 23-yard line with 7 minutes, 53 seconds remaining in the third quarter Friday…

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Schuckman: Memories become unforgettable, and Central football team’s legacy is equally undeniable

Flanked by Isaac Genenbacher, left, and Ross Riley, right, Central lineman Cole Pracht carries the Class 1A state runner-up trophy off the field Friday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — As they worked their way past the long line of Decatur St. Teresa faithful waiting to enter Memorial Stadium, a group of Camp Point Central football fans were abruptly stopped by some curious Bulldogs fans. “Did you get it done?” one asked. The disappointment echoed in the tone of the response. “It…

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Photo gallery: Central football team finishes as Class 1A state runner-up

Central senior Ross Riley reacts to a play during Friday's Class 1A state championship game against Lena-Winslow at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Central football team’s magical postseason run ended Friday with a 30-8 loss to top-ranked Lena-Winslow in the Class 1A state championship game at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium. Central finished its season with a 13-1 record and the single-season program record for victories. Here is a gallery of images from…

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