Mt. Zion football looking to bounce back after close playoff loss

MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) - Mt. Zion football began fall practice this week, finally putting the pads on for the first time since their 16-13 loss against Breese Central in the 2023 playoffs.

"I like competition and I like to hit. That's what football is all about," Joey Jordan, a Senior linebacker and running back said.

Brayden Trimble, a Senior wide receiver and Illinois football commit, added, "[We] finally get some contact with everyone and everyone's just been really excited."

Coming off an 8-3 year and a playoff win, the Braves aren't satisfied with past years results.

"The focus has really been not just wanting to win one playoff game, but to go to state and really get as far as you can, win as many games as you can," Trimble said. "You're never satisfied with losing, so the focus has really been to get back to what we were doing last year and get better."

Getting back to the playoffs and in a position to go to State won't be easy. Mt. Zion is trying to replace nearly 20 seniors from last year's team.

"I'm a little more laid back, but I can definitely lead," Jordan said.

Trimble chimed in, saying, "I've been more of the quiet guy because there's always been some older guy that was able to talk and I didn't have to say too much, but now that I'm one of the older guys on the team I have to correct things and tell people how they can make themselves better."

All Brave eyes set on winning the school's first Apollo Conference championship since 2019.

"Stay locked in and really learn the minute fundamentals that you really don't think you need and really lock in on those and come together as a team," said Trimble.