Wake Up Tri-Counties Coach Matt Taylor Talks Kewanee High School Football

Kewanee High School head football coach Matt Taylor recently joined Ken Peele on Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the Boilermakers’ 2026 season, the team’s first game, the returning experience, and the challenges ahead. Taylor said the team had a strong summer leading into the season, with good participation in weight training, speed and agility sessions, as well as 7-on-7 competition. With many Kewanee athletes participating in other sports during the spring and early summer, the football program ramped up its work in July.

The Boilermakers entered the season with approximately 10 players who had started either full-time or part-time on offense or defense. Taylor said that returning experience, combined with lessons learned during a difficult season last year, has helped shape the team.

Kewanee opened the season against Rockridge and came away with a loss, but Taylor was encouraged by what he saw from his players. Despite facing a talented Rockridge team, the Boilermakers showed character and resilience, battling back after falling behind and remaining competitive late in the game.

The Boilermakers have a strong group of seniors, including 12 players who have been in the program for several years, along with a soccer player contributing as a kicker. Taylor believes the combination of experienced seniors and younger players could provide a strong foundation as the season progresses.

One of the biggest bright spots was the defensive effort against Rockridge. Taylor praised the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary for their work against a highly talented offense.

Following the Rockridge game, Kewanee turned its attention to Sterling Newman Catholic High School, another highly regarded program. Taylor said Sterling Newman has talented skill-position players, including a fast running back who could be among the quickest players in the conference.

The schedule does not get any easier. Taylor pointed to Erie-Prophetstown in Week 3, followed later by challenging conference opponents including Monmouth-Roseville and Princeton.

He pointed to the physical differences that can exist between a 15-year-old freshman and an 18-year-old senior and said programs have to make responsible decisions to protect athletes and build sustainable football programs.

The team wants to make the playoffs and make a deep postseason run. While an undefeated season is no longer possible after the opening-game loss, Taylor emphasized that nearly everything else the team wants to accomplish remains within reach.

Taylor believes the team’s resilience, work ethic, and willingness to play together can make Kewanee a stronger team by the end of the season.

With a difficult schedule ahead, the Boilermakers will look to build on the positives from their opening game and continue improving each week.

Taylor also encouraged community members to support Kewanee athletics throughout the fall, noting that there is a full schedule of fall sports taking place at Kewanee High School.