214@100: Three Prospect football titles in five years

Before 2001, no one in Illinois saw the Prospect High School football Knights as a state championship team. But that year, something changed. The team started the season with a burst of energy that never really let down. It led them to their first state title, beating Edwardsville 19-14 in Champaign.

Unbelievably, next year's squad did it again, beating Edwardsville for a second consecutive title, 24-7.

In 2005, Prospect was back in the winner's circle again, although they gave Edwardsville a rest - this time they had a 20-14 victory over Mt. Carmel.

Now a social science teacher, Brock Collins was on the 2001 and 2002 state football teams, and remembers it as surreal.

"It was an awesome experience to be a part of something bigger than yourself," Collins said. "It was all a blur, but at the same time it was unbelievable."

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.