GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The last decade of Falcon football has seen many talented running backs lead the way.

Names like Mitch McNutt, Jared Trantina, and Aidan Laughery left their mark on this storied program. Now, it’s Jacob Chase’s turn to carry that torch.

“It’s really inspirational to see all those guys and the talent we’ve had before and to be the starting running back now, and for those guys to be the starting running back on the same field I play on, it’s really inspirational,” Chase said.

Chase had a front row seat for Laughery’s success in Gibson City, taking after the Illini junior’s ability to make game-changing plays.

“He’s always been fast, and so whenever I’ve seen him dominate on the football field, from youth to all the way now, it’s been his speed, and that’s what I’ve tried to work on the most,” Chase said.

The first-team all-conference tailback has already made a name for himself, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns last season, primed for another strong showing.

“Hard work for my entire career, and I’m proud of the work, and I’m hoping it pays off,” Chase said.

“We’ve tried to minimize his carries his first two games just to come in so we can keep him fresh as we get into the meat of the season, obviously, the number of carries will go up,” head coach Chad Augspurger said.

Player-led self-improvement has played a big part in the Falcons’ proficient rushing production.

“We didn’t have to get on them to be in the weight room or to put in the extra time or anything like that. They were always doing that on their own,” Augspurger said. “They’re very driven, they’re very goal-oriented.”

GCMS hoping Chase and the ground game continue to shine against Leroy in our Friday Football Fever Spotlight Game of the Week.