Dontaveon Thomas reaches for a pass. [Photo by Miguel Gamez with The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

***William Ly is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust

Last Saturday, the Kewanee Boilermakers traveled to Olney to face the Richland County Tigers for the first round of the IHSA state playoffs. After a close first quarter, the Tigers carried their lead to the end of the game with a final score of 41-14.

The game began with the Boilermakers on offense. After a couple of tough possessions, the Tigers were able to force a turnover. 

Ben Taylor looks for running room against the Richland County defense.  [Photo by Owen Laue with The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

On their first play, they were able to run past the Boilermaker defense and get the opening score. Olney attempted to kick the ball for the extra point, but it missed, and the Boilermakers trailed 6-0. 

The fired-up Boilermakers quickly responded. They handed the ball off to freshman Ace LaFollette, who ran the ball 60 yards to reach the end zone. The Boilermakers went for the extra point but could not follow through. 

Senior Colson Welgat gets off a punt.  [Photo by Griffin Hicks with The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

After the opening plays, the Boilermakers struggled to make it past the Tigers’ offense. The Tigers scored play after play, proving their position as the second-seed. 

The Boilermakers were able to get back one more touchdown in the fourth quarter on a pass from senior Colson Welgat to senior Alex Duarte. The Boilermakers went for two and completed it, but it was too late.

The Tigers took down the Boilermakers 41-14.

The Boilermakers end the 2024 season 5-5 with hopes to achieve more next year. But that’s not to say that this season was without victories. 

After a rough 1-3 start, the Boilermakers were able to win the next four out of five games to make the playoffs. 

Duarte was also able to have a historic record breaking season. 

Duarte’s records:

Most points scored in career: 250

Most points scored in a season: 146

Second-most career rushing yards: 2,587

Single season rushing yards: 1,455 

Career rushing touchdowns: 37

Single season rushing touchdowns: 21

Tied for most touchdowns in a single game: five against Orion Chargers

After the game, members of the Class of 2025 weighed in on what the season meant to them.

“The team had ups and downs, wins and losses, but we never failed to play with heart. I just want to say I’m privileged to be a part of the Kewanee Boilermaker daily we have starting from my freshmen year,” Duarte said.

Senior captain Ben Taylor shared similar praise about the Boilermakers who he played alongside during his high school career.

“These four years will be something I remember for the rest of my life, and I am so glad to have shared it with my teammates. Kewanee football is a huge part of the person I am today, and I want to thank everyone beginning from parents, teammates and coaches from the bottom of my heart,” Taylor said.