Erie-Prophetstown football discusses historic start

The Erie-Prophetstown Panthers are roaring to begin the 2026 season.

"I think just coming together (was the key)," said Tyler Whitebread, Erie-Prophetstown's head coach. "We had a lot of new faces coming to varsity this year. I mean, we had some guys returning, but there were a lot of question marks and there was kind of like, 'Who is going to step up and become the guy?' Small town football is alive and well here in Erie-Prophetstown."

It hasn't been just one person. It's been a team effort for the Panthers this season.

"We're so close, and we have so much fun, whether it's practice, team dinners, team Bible study," said Tristan Hovey, an Erie-Prophetstown senior. "Like, we're always growing as a team, and we are ambitious to keep getting better, and I think we have a good group of leaders that kind of help people stay encouraged, and stay working hard."

The results show. Erie-Prophetstown is 5-0 for the first time in program history. The vibes are high both at practice and in school.

"It seems like every class someone says, 'Oh, football is going great.' Like, (there are) teachers telling you it's pretty cool, and they are telling you stories about when their team was in high school, or this, and just to reflect off that," said Evan Steimle, an Erie-Prophetstown senior.

Scott Miner and Scott Hammer call the Erie-Prophetstown football games on Rock River Community Radio. They could tell a special year was in the works.

"When these two towns came together and formed, you could just tell this was the right fit and we're seeing that come to fruition right now," Miner said. "Around Week 3, we could tell we had something really special, and the kids are developing and getting better each and every week."

The Panthers have played in multiple down-to-the-wire games, and have developed winning DNA.

"It's kind of that attitude that even though you're down, even though you're not playing your best, you got a shot late in the game," Whitebread said.

"We know we got to stay focused the whole game and can't just be three quarters, not two quarters. It's got to be all four quarters, and it's going to take all 11 guys to keep us in it and be ready for the next challenge," Steimle said.

The Panthers travel to Rockridge on Friday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.