On Dec. 3, Oswego became the state runner up at NIU in the class 8A game. For the past 22 years, Oswego football has not made it as far as this ’25 team did, which marked the best results Oswego has achieved since 2003.
“I think every year is a great year, you deal with what you have and we did what we could,” said OH senior kicker Kaleb Stumpenhorst. “Because of that, we went to the State Championship. [And] I think because of that, it was one of the best seasons.”
Originally, the IHSA State football game was to be hosted at Illinois State University. But due to a sudden snow storm on Sat., Nov. 22, the game was delayed and the new host became Northern Illinois University on Wed., Dec. 3.
Below are photos taken during the Oswego vs. Mt. Carmel 8A State Championship game. Though it was not the game result the Panther athletes hoped for, 2025 is a season marked in history because of the work, effort, and dedication these players put in.
The Oswego community stands proud behind the ’25 Panther football team as the IHSA 8A State Runner-up.
OH junior Drew Kleinhans gets his passing arm ready as the play commences while #44 Hunter Novak blocks a Mt. Carmel defensive player. Kleinhans had 107 total yards passing on the game. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyStarting the game with a score of 3-0, OH senior Kaleb Stumpenhorst kicks a field goal to win the first quarter. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyAmid the backdrop of snow, #34 Ammar Banire runs the ball down the field as Mt. Carmel tries to chase him down but is several yards behind. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyOH juniors form an imposing line: Alejandro Acosta, Ryan Stork, Gabriel Guzman, and Nathan Overstreet prepare on the line of scrimmage under the bright lights of Northern Illinois University’s Husky Stadium. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyPanther families and friends came out to NIU’s Huskie Stadium to support the Panther football team. The crowd carried high amounts of energy and conveyed confidence in their team. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyOH Panther football exits under the stands to recover during halftime with a 6-3 score, Mt. Carmel in the lead. Temperature at halftime was in the 20s. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyThe Panthers defend against the Mt. Carmel Caravans to prevent pushing into Panther territory during the third down. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42FiftyOH Panther Football players hold high the IHSA State Runner-up trophy after the results of the class 8A state game. Credit: Liam Piekarczyk, 42Fifty
Howdy! My name is Liam Piekarczyk and I am a first year staff reporter and in my senior year of high school. I am involved in the school's cross country, swim and dive, and track and field team. I am also an editor for the 25/26 reflector yearbook staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback for our publication!
