Two-minute drill: What to know about Prairie Central football in 2026

Aug. 14—The last season Andrew Quain coached Prairie Central, he led the Hawks to an undefeated season and outright Illini Prairie Conference title in 2022. He'll get the chance to lead the Hawks again when they play St. Joseph-Ogden in their season opener on Aug. 21 at Dick Duval Field in St. Joseph. Quain stepped aside following the 2022 season for health reasons, but he joined former Prairie Central coach Mike Goodwin's staff last season to help with the defensive line and special teams. Now, he is back leading the program he coached from 2019 to 2022 and replaces Goodwin on the sidelines this season. "It's great," said Collin Kilgus, a junior who is the Hawks' projected starting quarterback and who should see time as a defensive back, too. "When we were little, he was always the coach, and I've always wanted to play for him. I was the ball boy for the team from fourth grade to seventh grade, so I'd always get to interact with all the players. I'd sit there and think, 'Man, I really want to play on this field.'" He'll get the chance to do so at Lewis Field when Prairie Central hosts Pontiac on Aug. 28 in its home opener in Fairbury. Before the Hawks start the season, here are three other items to know: ➜ The offense ... should look similar. After operating a spread offense under Goodwin, the Hawks are turning back the clock with a run-based flexbone that Quain used to deliver an 11-1 record and a trip to the Class 3A state quarterfinals in 2022. Kilgus will move from a wide receiver role to under center, with senior Kinser Benjamin set to have a prominent role as the Hawks' fullback after playing an H-back role in the past. "I'm in a three-point stance now, but I love this offense," Benjamin said. "I was in eighth grade during Coach Quain's last year, so I was hoping I'd be able to play that fullback position. I'm super happy I can do that now." Other options in the backfield include senior Wyatt Ault, juniors AJ Basham and Spencer Ray and sophomore Kole Steidinger. Juniors Tatum Creek and Kyler Meiss will be the Hawks' likely top two wide receivers when Prairie Central does decide to throw the ball. "The style of play is really different, and it's been a challenge to get everybody to where we need to be," Quain said. "We don't run a lot of plays, but it has to be done at a certain level for it to be successful. To get to that level of precision that is needed, it takes time." ➜ Quain is back ... because his health is better and because he missed coaching. Prairie Central posted an impressive 32-8 record with Quain on the sidelines, reaching the 4A state quarterfinals in 2019 and advancing to the second round in 2021. The Hawks went 4-5 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Quain has thoracic outlet syndrome and has had multiple surgeries to deal with the condition that affects your neck, shoulders and arms. "My arms are feeling the best they've felt in 15 years, so health-wise, I'm doing well," Quain said. "I've always loved coaching. I never got out of coaching because I didn't like it or enjoy it in some way. I got out of it because it was something I needed to do personally." Quain, who played high school football at Chenoa before it closed in 2004 and became part of Prairie Central, said he didn't have any inkling to coach elsewhere. "There's something special about being the head football coach in a small town in Illinois," Quain said. "Doing it somewhere else, I feel, would be more of a job. Here, it is a passion." ➜ Adjusting to a new spot ... is a theme for several Prairie Central players this season. Like junior Reid Janssen, a former running back who will now see time on the offensive line. "He's playing really well," Quain said. Of course, Kilgus will have more responsibility making sure he is an effective runner and also efficient when it comes to carrying out the necessary handoffs with the Hawks' flexbone offense. "Collin is a really good leader," Quain said. "If Collin is calm and positive and has a good demeanor, the team has that belief. That's exactly what you want from a leader. We're really excited to see his potential grow over the next two years."