Stockton Will Face Forreston for Conference Title
The Blackhawks host Forreston this Friday to decide the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference championship winner.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Does your local high school's success on the field strengthen pride in your community?
Stockton and Forreston will clash at John O'Boyle Field on Friday, October 16, 2026, to determine the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference champion. The game serves as the regular-season finale for both programs.
Why it matters
The matchup decides the winner of the conference title, with Stockton aiming to secure its second consecutive championship. Stockton enters the game undefeated in conference play, while Forreston holds one conference loss.
Stockton graduated 17 seniors last year and relies on the dedication of its current roster to sustain its performance. Kickoff for the conference championship is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The players
Stockton
Stockton is a high school football program that enters the final week of the season with an undefeated record in conference play.
Forreston
Forreston is a competitive football team entering the championship game with only one conference loss.
Connor Politsch
Connor Politsch is the quarterback for Forreston who faces the Stockton defense in the conference title game.
The details
Stockton looks to secure a second straight conference title by containing Forreston quarterback Connor Politsch. The Blackhawks have successfully rebuilt this season despite graduating 17 seniors last year, overcoming an early Week 1 loss to El Paso-Gridley.
Timeline
Friday, October 16, 2026: The championship game kicks off at 7 p.m. at John O'Boyle Field.
Season Trajectory
This game functions as the final test for Stockton to defend its recent dominance within the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference. A victory would solidify their standing as a perennial title contender following the 2025 Northwest Upstate Illini Conference championship.
The conference title hinges on this matchup, which also serves as the final regular-season game of the year. A Stockton win secures their second consecutive title, whereas a Forreston victory alters the final standings hierarchy.
The takeaway
Stockton must rely on its depth and strong offseason training to replace the leadership lost from last year's senior class. Fans can expect a high-stakes defensive battle as both teams vie for the conference crown.
Further reading
For more news on local athletics, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rockfordnewsfirst.
Live Poll
Does your local high school's success on the field strengthen pride in your community?
