Champaign Central Will Host Centennial This Friday
The two local football teams meet at Tommy Stewart Field for the final regular season game on October 16.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
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Champaign Central and Centennial will face off at Tommy Stewart Field this Friday. The matchup concludes the regular season for both schools.
Why it matters
The game serves as the final test for both teams to close out their seasons. It also highlights a long-standing local high school rivalry.
Centennial currently holds a seven-game win streak in this series. Champaign Central enters the matchup with a 4-4 record, while Centennial holds a 3-5 record.
The players
Champaign Central High School
This educational institution maintains an active varsity football program that currently holds a 4-4 record.
Centennial High School
This school competes in regional football and carries a 3-5 record into the season finale.
The details
Champaign Central comes off a narrow 12-10 victory over Bloomington, secured by a 59-yard drive that took only 44 seconds. Both teams look to capitalize on momentum as they head into this final regular season game at Tommy Stewart Field.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The game between Champaign Central and Centennial takes place at Tommy Stewart Field.
Season Trajectory
This final game defines the closing narrative for the 2026 regular season. The result will influence the historical standing of this rivalry and provide a final data point for each team before the end of the year.
Centennial looks to maintain a streak that has defined this series for seven games. Champaign Central must leverage the late-game efficiency shown in their previous win against Bloomington to overcome their current standing.
The takeaway
The game provides a final opportunity for both rosters to improve their season records. Fans watching the matchup will see if Centennial can continue their dominance or if Central can pull off a victory.
Further reading
For additional updates on local athletics, visit the Champaign Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Gazette.
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Do you view annual local high school rivalry games as more important than standard league games?
