Early Roots
Aaron Elmore, the 2025 Telegraph Small‑Schools Football Coach of the Year, grew up in Hardin, Illinois, where he first made his mark on the gridiron as a standout player for the Calhoun Warriors. During his high school career he helped the Warriors compile a 48‑6 record and capture two state championships, a foundation that would later shape his coaching philosophy.
The 2025 Breakthrough
The 2025 season was a revelation: the Warriors finished 12‑1, went 9‑0 in the regular season and fell only in the semifinals to the Brown County Hornets, earning Elmore the Coach of the Year honor.
Central to that success were standouts such as quarterback Earl Elmore, who set school records with 1,405 yards and 15 touchdowns, and fullback Jacob Brannan, who rushed for 1,330 yards and 25 scores.
Chasing 100 Wins
Elmore now aims for a milestone of 100 career wins, a target that would require just five victories in the upcoming 2026 campaign, a goal he believes is within reach given the experienced returning core.
The roster also features returning stars Jack Goode, Tyler Grimes, Tyler Van Dyne, Rodney Johnson and Austin Weber, all expected to contribute to a squad projected to be stronger than the 2025 team.
Looking Forward
With a 44‑player roster and no injuries reported as of mid‑July, the coach is set to face Greenfield Football, Casey‑Westfield Football and Villa Grove Football, confident that the team can build on its recent momentum and continue the program’s upward trajectory.