Byron Standout Draws National Attention After Title Game

If you spent Thanksgiving weekend watching high school, college, or pro football, you probably saw some great games. There wasn't much better than watching Byron take on Tolono Unity in the 3A state championship game Friday afternoon, though. Both Byron senior Caden Considine and Unity quarterback Dane Eisenmenger put up video game numbers. The performances were so good that they're up for Sports Illustrated National High School Athlete of the Week.

The Byron Football Connection and Summer Grind

If you follow Byron football, none of this is surprising. My oldest son played alongside Caden, so I got to see it firsthand. My son graduated in 2024, and this past summer, when he would come home from college ball, the two of them would meet up and go toe-to-toe in drills. That's Byron football.

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Caden Considine’s Record-Breaking Championship Performance

Considine finished the title game with a state record 367 rushing yards, 430 total yards, and three touchdowns, that, oh by the way, included a game-saving pass breakup.

Why Dane Eisenmenger Deserves Your Vote Too

Here's the thing, though, if you're voting for Caden, you should also vote for Unity's Eisnemenger. He threw for 540 yards and seven touchdowns in that same game. It was the best performance I've seen a kid put up on the Tigers, with my own eyes, and anyone watching on TV or live in person knows that Eisenmenger balled out.

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Polls are open until December 7, and both players deserve national recognition. Illinois high school football had its best spotlight moment of the year last weekend, and these two star athletes were at the center of it.