Farm town embraces football

GIBSON CITY – A farming community in east central Illinois has turned into a football town after the local high school team won the Class 2A state title over the weekend.

Gibson City Melvin Sibley High School won its first football title and completed a 14-0 season on Friday as the Falcons defeated Maroa-Forsyth 38-32 at Northern IllinoisUniversity’s Huskie Stadium.

“I was tickled to death,” admits local resident Delmar Heavilin. “They wore me out watching them on TV.”

Falcon fan Jack Royal has been to several games this season to cheer on GCMS. He considers the team’s run unbelievable.

“These are good kids,” Royal said.

Heavilin and Royal were among those attending a Saturday morning ceremony at the GCMS football field, which included comments from the coaches and players. The ceremony was initially going to be held in the middle school gym but was moved outdoors because of the large crowd which was anticipated. The late November weather cooperated for the game and the ceremony – although it was a bit breezy during both.