LEROY, Ill. (WCIA) – LeRoy football was one win shy of playing in the 1A state title game in 2024.

However, the Panthers graduated 18 seniors after that season. 17 of those guys were starters.

“We’ve got a new team,” said BJ Zeleznik, head football coach for LeRoy. “There’s not much depth, and the experience within that depth is limited. So, we’re dealing with some growing pains.”

The Panthers, after losing just one game all of 2024, are 0-2 on the young 2025 season with losses to Ridgeview/Lexington and Tri-Valley.

Despite the less than ideal start, the team remains confident in its ability – and is staying together.

“The camaraderie among teammates has been extraordinary,” remarked Matthew Carlson, a senior offensive/defensive lineman for LeRoy. “We hang out before practice, have conversations. After practices, we still spend time together. LeRoy truly has a very close-knit community.”

In week three, the schedule remains challenging for the Panthers. They’ll face a Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley squad that is currently 2-0 and, similar to LeRoy, competed in the playoffs last fall before falling to the eventual 1A state runner-up Lena-Winslow.

“They really, for a 1A school, have all the pieces,” Zeleznik said.

Friday night’s game, chosen as the WCIA Friday Football Fever Spotlight Game of the Week, will showcase two teams with storied histories, traditions of winning, and dedicated fan bases.

“If you’re searching for a game to attend, you’re likely to witness some of the finest small school football in downstate Illinois,” Zeleznik stated. “Expect plenty of energy, physical football, and essentially everything fans desire.”

WCIA will provide pregame coverage from Gibson City at 5 and 6 p.m., followed by highlights from the LeRoy/GCMS game and several other matchups in the area during Friday Football Fever at 10 p.m.