ROCHELLE — Rochelle senior Noah Mershon felt more comfortable under center during his final season with the Hubs varsity football team this fall. And after improving his statistics across the board in addition to his leadership abilities, Mershon was one of two quarterbacks recognized as an All-Conference First Team player by the Northern Illinois Big 12 West.

Mershon totaled 761 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Hubs this season while yielding just five interceptions and one fumble. The senior threw for 77 yards while running for 84 yards and one touchdown against the Johnsburg Skyhawks on Sept. 1, and he also tossed one touchdown and 123 yards on 6-of-11 passing at Morris on Sept. 15.

“I felt like I was able to make plays when I was called upon,” Mershon said. “I think I was a better leader this year and I think I was a better thrower. I was able to throw for more touchdowns and more yards.”

The 2017 season was Mershon’s third at the varsity level after making his debut as a sophomore in 2015. His ability to command Rochelle’s physical rushing attack this fall earned praise from head coach Kevin Crandall after the season, and Mershon’s play at the quarterback position helped the Hubs finish 8-4 overall while reaching the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2011.

It’s also the first time Mershon has been named to the All-Conference First Team, and he’s looking forward to Rochelle’s younger quarterbacks including junior Andrew Johnson and sophomore Ethan Etes carrying on the team’s tradition of power football.

“Just be a leader and do what coach tells you to do,” Mershon said. “I’ll miss the family aspect of Rochelle football. We’re all a family and we work really hard. We definitely hold each other accountable.”