CENTRAL ILLINOIS — The football partnership between Arcola, Cerro Gordo, and Bement high schools is officially coming to an end after just one season. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) board of directors sanctioned the separation during their meeting on Monday, December 8.

According to an IHSA statement, the three schools are planning to field their own football teams by the 2026 season.

Brandon Willard, the Athletic Director for Cerro Gordo/Bement, confirmed to WCIA that the Cerro Gordo/Bement team will part ways with Arcola. He also noted that Cerro Gordo/Bement intends to revive its independent football cooperative.

“We appreciate having had the opportunity to unite for a year to offer football to our student-athletes,” expressed Willard.

“We are grateful we were able to come together for 1 year to provide football for our student athletes,” Willard said.

Arcola, Cerro Gordo, and Bement formed a co-op for the 2025 season after low participation threatened all three schools’ varsity seasons.

The Purple Riders finished the 2025 season with a 1-7 record.