Galesburg football preps for first postseason appearance in a decade

Back in 2016, the 'Mannequin Challenge' and 'Pokémon Go' were viral trends.

It's also the last time Galesburg football made the postseason until this season.

"I personally have never felt anything like this," said Derrick Curtis, a Galesburg senior

There's a sense of positive energy within Galesburg football program.

"It means a lot to me and this team," said Kevin Phillips, a Galesburg senior. "It means a lot, and we know we've worked for it, and we're not done yet."

"Our program hasn't been known as a winning program, and seeing our name in the playoffs this year really means a lot to us," Curtis said.

"The kids were excited just like what you watch on March Madness when they are getting their seeding," said Shawn Hickey, Galesburg football's head coach.

Coach Hickey credits the team's unity for the breakthrough season.

"They know their roles of each person, they've grasped the importance of 11 guys playing together," Hickey said. "They understand where if I'm one person trying to make a solo tackle, if I just wait for my other defender to get there, we're able to make a tackle instead of me missing."

Friday night's playoff game is a moment to savor for Galesburg, but players want to make it the standard.

"When you feel that pressure, don't runaway or tuck your tails," Curtis said. "It means to face it head on, and use that to get better. We just want that to carry on in the future, and not just this year, but for our team to keep making the playoffs, not a one time thing."

Galesburg travels to LaSalle-Peru on Friday. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

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