The evening couldn’t have gone better for seniors on the Rochelle Township High School football team when the Hubs hosted Plano this past fall.

Rochelle build up an enormous lead over the Reapers, and the Senior Night win was all but sealed before senior Nick Albers made one of the most memorable plays of the season. Playing the outside linebacker position, Albers intercepted a pass from Plano quarterback Tony Licea and hustled down the home sideline as Hub fans roared from the bleachers.

While Albers fell a little short of the end zone, head coach Kyle Kissack motioned him back onto the field for the team’s ensuing offensive possession. On Rochelle’s first play from scrimmage, the senior took the ball from the wingback position and knifed through the line for his first-ever varsity touchdown. The series was one of Albers’ favorite moments as an RTHS football player.

“Playing football for RTHS taught me a lot about teamwork, accountability, discipline and commitment,” Albers said. “My emotions on the field and the way I handled tough situations definitely improved throughout my three years with the team. I always found the atmosphere before kickoff was the most enjoyable experience on the field.”

Albers would once again shine when Rochelle and Ottawa went into double overtime during the final week of the season. With multiple starters injured on offense, Albers stepped up late in the fourth quarter, scoring on a 10-yard touchdown rush that put Rochelle ahead with less than two minutes to play. The Hubs held off the Pirates in double overtime, winning 40-34 in one of the most competitive and memorable games in RTHS football history.

 “I started playing football when I was in fourth grade, but coming back and beating Ottawa in our final game this past season is something I will always remember,” Albers said. “I always enjoyed watching football growing up and it was something I really wanted to try and play.”

Albers finished his football career at RTHS with All-Conference First Team recognition from the Interstate 8 this past season. The senior led Rochelle with four takeaways on defense including two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Albers said he plans to attend Kishwaukee College to begin his education in natural resources before transferring to earn his bachelor’s degree at The University of Missouri.