Football Hall of Fame

Front Row: Roger Hammer, Paul Baker, Anthony Mullins, Jason Vanecko, Jason Atherton, Josh Springer, Bryan Murphy, Jamie Dishroom, Semaj Allen, Brett Delinski, Rick Reliford, Justin Markle, Matt White.

2nd Row: Curt Nauman, Mic Smith, Stefan Koppenhoefer, Glenn Murphy, Joe Mischler, Brad Rogers, Mike Klimstra, Scott Reese, Adam Belsly, Eric Keysor, Jerhamie Dykes, Jake Ioerger, Jason Klobauch, Nick Bohannan.

3rd Row: Todd Scherer, Jared Alig, Justin Dentino, Dave Long, Mike Jenkins, John Weber, Coach Phil Burris, Coach Curt Ryan, Coach Bob Schlemmer, Head Coach Pat Ryan, Coach Tom Guenther, Coach Jason Bjork, Coach Joe Blessman, Rhett Reliford, Scott Cardin, Matt Wilkerson, Travis Barke, Mike Hynes.

Back Row: Brad DeMoss, Dave Pohlman, Nick Cook, Jake Elbert, Mark Vancil, Joe Dries, Jeff Seckler, Luke Gangloff, Billy Diebel, Scott Fehr, Jake Maurer, Jason Mulvaney.

Picking up right where it left off the previous year, Metamora’s 1997 football squad was once again a prolific offensive machine, scoring 555 points in 14 games. The Redbirds were Mid-Illini champs for a third consecutive year, winning no conference game by fewer than 19 points.

In the first round of the state playoffs, Peoria Journal State Player of the Year Jamie Dishroom quarterbacked Metamora to a 41-0 thumping of Peoria Richwoods in the first-ever meeting between the schools. Defense was also a calling card of this group as Metamora’s first four playoff foes COMBINED for just 76 total rushing yards. The Redbirds advanced to the Class 4A championship game and again met New Lenox Providence. Tied midway through the fourth quarter, Providence found a way to win its fourth straight state title, defeating the upset-minded Redbirds, 26-12.