Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Paxton-Buckley-Loda football prepares for 2026 season opener against BCC

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:51 PM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Football

Summary

Paxton-Buckley-Loda (PBL) football is gearing up for its season opener against reigning Illini Prairie Conference champion Bloomington Central Catholic (BCC) on August 21, 2026. After a 4-5 record last season, the Panthers seek to return to the playoffs, carrying a history of competitive play in the conference. Key players include quarterback Sam Hall and returning tight end Mason Loschen, who aim to strengthen the PBL offense. The Panthers will also renew their rivalry with Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on September 18, marking their first matchup since 2019.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•PBL finished fifth in the Illini Prairie Conference last season.
•The Panthers have made ten consecutive playoff appearances until last year.
•Sam Hall transitions from wide receiver to starting quarterback.
•Mason Vaughan graduates, with sophomore Hunter Shedd stepping up as running back.
•PBL faces Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley on September 18 in a key rivalry game.

Latest Updates

2:51 PMYahoo Sports — Two-minute drill: What to know about Paxton-Buckley-Loda football in 2026

What they're saying

"
Aug. 13—Since Paxton-Buckley-Loda joined the Illini Prairie Conference ahead of the fall 2021 football season, four different teams — Bloomington Central Catholic in 2023 and 2025, Unity in 2021, Prairie Central in 2022 and St. Joseph-Ogden in 2024 — have won conference championships. But PBL has kept itself competitive in one of the most rugged small-school conferences in the state. The ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Football