2025 Football Preview: Dunlap building around defense in search of 10th straight playoff bid

DUNLAP — The steady success that Dunlap football has sustained over the last decade has been admirable, if not remarkable. 

In recent years, the Eagles have been on the cusp of greatness, searching for a touch of magic that helped them reach the Class 5A state title game in 2017. Not much has separated them from being “that” team in the Mid-Illini Conference.

Close losses have broken the hearts of the Eagles – they suffered two one-point defeats last year, including a 21-20 decision to state quarterfinalist Oak Lawn Richards in the first round of the Class 5A postseason. However, they’ve been able to put themselves in positions to win in spite of adversity, whether it be injuries, penalties or simply bad bounces.