Football Hall of Fame

Front Row: Kyle DuBois, Ryan Hogan, Nick Scachette, Andy Ruder, Travis Fitz, Jon Hansen, Jared Frye, Kenny Robertson, Rick Alvis, Andy Maxwell, Ryan McCoy, Jon Schlemmer, Doug King, Jarod Deline, Mike Rooney.

Second Row: Adam Schertz, Jeremiah Lotz, Luke Maurer, Nick Pinaire, Nick Purdum, Coach Nick Delinski, Coach Phil Stielow, Coach Jim Kasap, Coach Tom Guenther, Head Coach Pat Ryan, Coach Bob Schlemmer, Coach Joe Blessman, Manager Jeff Seymour, Coach Curt Ryan, John Mischler, Andy Kamm, Jack Dansart, Chris Schertz, John Vanne.

Third Row: Andy Filson, Kyle Dentino, Kevin O’Laughlin, Joe Cook, Chris Knoblauch, Chris Schertz, Justin Mischler, Chris Worrick, Aaron Lyon, Ryan Otto, Bob Kochendorfer, Joe Stamm, Zachariah Bitner, Josh Polanin, Adam Gangloff, Brian Obery, Karl Weyeneth.

The 2000 Redbird football team was astonishingly talented, rolling up 618 points in 14 games and scoring over 60 points five times. Led by all-time great Joe Stamm at quarterback, Metamora annihilated its Mid-Illini competition, beating all conference foes except Morton by at least 48 points. The regular season crown was Metamora’s sixth straight and propelled the Redbirds into the Class 4A playoffs with loads of well-earned confidence.

A very difficult playoff path saw Metamora pull out wins over Peoria Richwoods, Geneseo and Kankakee McNamara in rounds two through four to reach the title game. A familiar foe was waiting in Champaign as Joliet Catholic had navigated its way back to a rematch with Metamora. Despite Metamora having the lead and possession of the football with eight minutes remaining in the game, the Redbirds were unable to finish the Hilltoppers and ultimately fell, 27-14.