Boot Camp: Elmwood-Brimfield ready to extend last year’s winning streak

ELMWOOD, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The Elmwood-Brimfield Trojans didn’t make the playoffs last year but were happy with the way the season ended.

The Trojans closed 2023 on a three-game winning streak and hope to carry that momentum into the 2024 season. They have a right to be excited.

Coach Todd Hollis says he has 59 players out for football, which is a healthy number for a school his size. And he’s really excited about having eight returning starters on his defense.

“When you have that kind of returning experience, the players are kind of already communicating. That makes the mental part of the game that much easier,” said Hollis. “They are already talking to each other and not thinking as much, That’s what we have noticed. The communication is really, really good.”

Four-year starters Bo Windish (linebacker) and Aaron Brown (defensive tackle) anchor that defense. On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback CJ Ramirez, offensive lineman Sawyer Jansen and tight end Joey Burkitt.

Hollis thinks his team is deep this year and his players understand how valuable that can be.

“When you have a bunch of juniors and seniors on your team, and (opponents) are getting hurt with depth and they have a bunch of sophomores and first-year guys playing, it helps to have experience,” said junior linebacker Layne Johnson. “Last year, we had sophomores play and first-year (varsity players). Now everyone is experienced and they know what the games are like. It’s easier for them.”

Elmwood-Brimfield opens the season at Knoxville on Aug. 30.

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