BYRON, Ill. (WREX) – The pain from last November hasn’t faded in Byron. A two-point conversion attempt—just inches from glory—came up short in the second round of the IHSA 3A playoffs.
Sealing a 14-13 heartbreaker to eventual state champion Montini. That was the last time the Byron Tigers took the field with a season on the line.
Now, nearly ten months later, the Tigers are back. And they haven’t forgotten.
“It lights a fire under your butt,” senior running back and middle linebacker Caden Considine said. “You can use it to your advantage. So hopefully this team is able to use it to our advantage, light a fire under us and stay motivated throughout the whole season.”
Byron isn’t new to bouncing back. After a 2022 playoff loss, the Tigers roared back to win the state title in 2023. With many in the program pointing to 2024’s narrow playoff loss as a similarly galvanizing moment, expectations are once again sky-high in this traditionally tough football town.
New Faces, Same Standards
Byron enters the 2025 campaign with significant turnover, especially in the trenches. Gone are stalwarts like four-year starter Jared Claunch and Nolan Brass. In their place is a gritty, athletic group that’s quietly impressed throughout summer camp.
“We graduated some great players, which Byron seems to do every year,” said defensive coordinator Sean Considine, a former NFL safety and father of Caden.
“And you’re always thinking, how the heck are we going to replace those guys? But these kids had a great summer… They’re strong and fast right now, and we probably got more in on our defense than we’ve had in a long time.”
Among those stepping up is senior Kade Politsch and junior lineman Brody Stien, a name that keeps surfacing from both coaches and players.
“Brody Stein is a big name that I didn’t think was going to be on the O-line, but he showed up,” said Caden. “He’s gotten a lot bigger. He’s doing a great job.”
Head coach Jeff Boyer added, “They’ve gotten better since day one… and they’re going to have to. We’re looking forward to see how they play tomorrow night,” in reference to a week zero scrimmage at Hononegah.
Leadership at the Core
At the center of both the defense and locker room stands Caden Considine, who’s coming off a breakout summer on the college camp circuit, with a preferred walk-on offer from Iowa already in hand.
“He had a great summer,” said Sean Considine. “He really improved his speed… And he knows he needs to have a big senior year. Most importantly, be a great leader for his teammates.”
That speed improvement has been tangible.
“Last year I was still coming back from [a hamstring] injury,” said Caden. “I was probably running a five-flat back then… I was able to put up a couple 4.51, 4.56 times.”
Though college programs may envision him as a safety, don’t expect him to move from middle linebacker any time soon.
“He’s our middle linebacker at Byron, and that’s not going to change,” said Sean. “I like one of our better players being that guy right there, close to the ball.”
Talbert’s Time to Shine
Junior quarterback and safety Andrew Talbert will have plenty on his plate this fall. But he’s confident in the Tigers’ identity.
“We’re not the biggest team, but we’re definitely very fast, very athletic,” Talbert said. “We’re going to beat you with our speed… with our intensity, our grit. Very physical team.”
Despite Byron’s run-heavy identity—what Talbert jokingly described as, “run up the middle. Four yards at a time”—he may be asked to air it out more this year.
“I’m confident in Andrew throwing the football too,” said Coach Boyer. “So I think you probably will see us throw it a little more this year than we have in years past.”
Defense Still the Backbone
With key returners at linebacker and in the secondary, the Tigers’ defense will once again be a strength.
“Our linebacking crew, Considine, Dawson Criddle, they’re both back,” said Boyer. “JJ Edmondson is playing strong safety for us… Talbert at free safety. So I feel very confident.”
Newcomers are also drawing praise. Talbert highlighted junior Ben Hively at linebacker—“He’s just going to hit you and hit you and hit you”—while naming Weston Auker and Landon Bonvallet as young, fast corners stepping into critical roles.
Stadium Renovations and the Road Ahead
This year, the Tigers will also debut major stadium renovations, with new home bleachers, a refreshed atmosphere welcoming fans starting in Week 2.
“It’s looking great. The kids are excited. The community is excited about it,” said Boyer. “Week two is going to be a great atmosphere here in Byron.”
The Tigers open with Rock Falls, but all eyes in the community are already circling their second game—their first home matchup and a chance to make a statement.
Whether this team is ready for another deep playoff push remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: this group isn’t dwelling on last year. They’re building on it.
“We want to get farther than we did last year,” said Talbert. “Ultimate goal is win a state championship, and that’s what we’re going to strive to do every day.”
2025 Byron Tigers: Players to Watch
Caden Considine (RB/MLB) – The heartbeat of the team. Senior leader on both sides of the ball.
Andrew Talbert (QB/S) – Steady and smart junior signal caller.
Kade Politsch (OL/DL) – Anchor piece for the trenches
Kaden McGough (FB/LB) – Multi-sport sophomore with advanced football IQ.
JJ Edmondson (SS) – Returning starter bringing experience to the secondary.
Ben Hively (LB) – Physical junior stepping into a key role.
2025 Byron Tigers Football ScheduleDateOpponentTimeAug 28@ Rock Falls7:00 PMSep 5vs Dixon7:00 PMSep 12vs Oregon7:00 PMSep 19@ Stillman Valley7:00 PMSep 26vs Winnebago7:00 PMOct 3@ Durand/Pecatonica7:00 PMOct 10@ Genoa-Kingston7:00 PMOct 17vs Lutheran7:00 PMOct 24@ North Boone7:00 PM