On January 21, State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) stopped by the annual football banquet for the Byron High School football team to deliver honorary recognitions from the Senate to the athletes and coaches.
“I enjoyed following the Tigers’ season during the fall and truly believe these players aren’t just the best in the Class 3A division, I believe this team is one of the best in the history of Illinois,” said Chesney. “To defeat a football powerhouse like Mt. Carmel in a 69-7 IHSA record-setting win was just remarkable.”
In the championship game on November 24, 2023, the Tigers scored early and often, taking a 21-0 lead into the second quarter, and headed to the locker room at halftime with a 49-0 lead over Mr. Carmel. Early in the third quarter they broke the IHSA state scoring record but kept going until they scored 69 points.
“The 2023 Tiger football team, team led by head coach Jeff Boyer and a talented group of assistant coaches, is to be commended for a phenomenal season,” added Chesney. “These young men dominated in their regular and post-season play and represented their school with pride. These athletes will go far in their future athletic and other endeavors.”
