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 got a brand new squad,” LeRoy head football coach BJ Zeleznik said. “There’s not a lot of depth and there’s not a lot of experience in that depth. So, you know, it’s 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.

“This bond of teammates has just been outstanding,” LeRoy senior offensive/defensive lineman Matthew Carlson said. “Before practice we all hangout, talk. After practices we all hangout. It’s a very tight community that we have in LeRoy especially.”

The Panthers schedule doesn’t ease up in week three. They meet a Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley team which is 2-0 and, like LeRoy, made a playoff run last fall before losing to eventual 1A state runner-up Lena-Winslow.

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

Friday night’s meeting, which is the WCIA Friday Football Fever Spotlight Game of the Week, will feature two teams with rich history, winning traditions and passionate fan bases.

“If you’re looking for a game to go to… you’re going to see some of the better small school football in downstate Illinois,” Zeleznik said. “It’s going to be a lot of energy, physical football and I think everything people are looking for.”

WCIA will have pregame coverage from Gibson City at 5 and 6 p.m. before highlights from the LeRoy/GCMS game and several others around the area on Friday Football Fever at 10 p.m.