2026 Football Preview: East Peoria improves culture, strength heading into Durley’s third year

EAST PEORIA — For years, East Peoria football has chased what it calls the drive for five.

Five wins is what separates a season that ends in October from one that could become something special. For the last two years, the Raiders have come close, but haven't quite made it with matching 4-5 seasons.

This year, the state's new playoff format means teams need fewer wins to make the postseason. Still, head coach Sam Durley says his team's approach won't change.

"I know there's a lot of controversy about it being watered down," Durley said. "From our standpoint, we're not going to approach it any differently. Our main goal is to get more wins than losses and win every game you play."