2026 Football Preview: Experience spearheads Tri-Valley’s push for more success

DOWNS – Now going into its 20th season under head coach Josh Roop, Tri-Valley football looks to add to a legacy of success.

The Vikings have made it into 16 out of the last 17 playoff brackets, winning the 2A state championship in 2015 and finishing as the state runner up in 2013 and 2022.

Last year, the Vikings finished second in the Heart of Central Illinois Conference’s Large school division and made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs. Ever since then, they’ve been working hard over the offseason to better themselves and build more teamwork.

“Our summer has looked really good,” senior offensive lineman Kyle Reeser said. “We haven't struggled with getting guys in the gym or on the field. Everybody's been bought in, and I feel like the intensity this year has just been amped up from years past. I think during our camp this year, out of all my four years of playing football at Tri Valley, this has definitely been the best year of camp that we've had as a team.”