Fans support Champaign Co. high school football teams on the road to state finals

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A rivalry between two nearby high schools has both communities revved up. As the Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden football teams face off in the semifinals this weekend, fans on both sides are excited to support their teams.

“Well, let’s hope they win. Spartans win,” said Jim Wagner, the owner of Wagner Signs and Appeal.

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He said business is booming because of the St. Joseph football team’s great performance this season.

“They’ve been phenomenal,” Wagner said. “It’s been a great group of people that have been running the program along with the kids that are involved.”

Helmet signs are placed along poles for miles coming up to both schools.

Megan Heath is a mother of three whose son, Josh Heath, plays for Unity High School. And their family proudly wears the maroon and white.

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“We have got friends who make us flags,” Heath said. “We have friends who make us signs. Friends that make us the rockets that stand outside of houses all year long.”

Unity (11-1) already defeated St. Joseph (8-4) earlier this season by a score of 40-10. And ahead of this rematch, despite hoping for different outcomes, both sides have one sentiment in common.

“We really, really hope they bring home that win tomorrow,” Heath said. “But again, all of us parents, the entire community of Unity is going to be so proud of them because they have worked so, so hard to get to where they are.”

“Obviously, there [will be] a disappointment on one side or the other, but neither team should be disappointed in how far they have come and how well they have done,” Wagner said.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph-Ogden High School for this IHSA 3A state semifinals matchup.

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