It's not a stretch to say Bloomington Central Catholic is back on the map as a contender in the scene of high school football in Illinois.

The Saints returned to the postseason last year, making a second-round playoff appearance in the 2A postseason. Coach Kevin Braucht it was a fun year and he hopes it is a springboard for taking the next step this year.

BCC will certainly be one of the favorites to win the Illini Prairie Conference this fall and could find themselves in the top 10 of the early rankings on the 2A football polls. Coach Braucht says they can't get caught up in those things because the conference schedule is too tough to overlook just one opponent.

The Saints return three-year starting quarterback Colin Hayes and several skill position players. Coach Braucht says the offseason has been about focusing on its defense where they will have several holes to fill.

BCC opens the season taking on Pontiac. The Saints went 6-3 in the regular season last year. Coach Braucht felt he challenged his kids this summer by going to 7-on-7 competitions with bigger schools. He was very pleased the IHSA allowed for 11-on-11 competitions this offseason. He notes that was something coaches in Illinois had pushed for for a long time.