Prairie Central football seeking late playoff push

FAIRBURY, Ill. (WCIA) – Prairie Central football needs to win at least one of its final two games to become playoff eligible.

The Hawks beat Herrin on Friday, Oct. 11 to secure their fourth win of the year. In that game, history was made. Hudson Ault set a new school record for career rushing yards, breaking a previous record which stood for more than two decades. Ault’s impressive 2024 season has come despite suffering a bone contusion in his foot during track season.

“That’s going to be there for a while, I would say, and it just feels really good, all the hard work paying off,” Ault, a Prairie Central senior running back/ safety, said. “Just put all my trust in God and let him take me where I need to go.”

“He’s really strong,” Prairie Central senior Caiden Schulz said. “He always comes in every day and works even when he’s not. He’s all banged up and like, not 100%. He comes in and works and make sure that we’re getting better every single day.”

Ault is a three-year starter but he brings more than just a bulk of rushing yards to the program.

“The kids look to him for leadership and emotion,” Prairie Central head coach Mike Goodwin said. “When things get down, we need to get Hudson to pick people up.”

The Hawks visit Monticello on Friday, Oct. 18 in the WCIA 3 Friday Football Fever Spotlight Game of the Week.

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