The Journal Star’s annual ‘Dandy Dozen’ continues to be the barometer for the most influential high school football players in the Peoria region, and the 2026 edition is no exception. Twelve seniors have been recognized for their exceptional contributions on the field, blending record‑breaking statistics with leadership that has propelled their teams deep into the playoffs.
A season of standout performances
Owen Adams, the 6‑foot‑3 quarterback from El Paso‑Gridley, steered his Titans to a 12‑1 season and a Class 2A semifinal berth, throwing for 2,132 yards and 31 touchdowns. Dallas Harder, a 6‑foot‑2 senior from Peoria Notre Dame, added a powerful ground game with 1,230 rushing yards and 16 scores, earning IHSFCA Class 4A honorable‑mention all‑state recognition. Noah Garcia, a 6‑foot‑1 junior from Washington, broke out in his first year as a starter, guiding his team to a 10‑2 record and a Class 5A quarterfinal appearance. Drake May, a 5‑foot‑11 senior from Macomb, capped his career with 1,138 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, a performance that secured him first‑team all‑state honors. Rafael Jackson of East Peoria is on the cusp of shattering the program’s all‑time rushing record, while Cha’von Maxon, a 5‑foot‑10 junior from El Paso‑Gridley, amassed 35 receptions for 773 yards and 12 touchdowns, garnering all‑Heart of Illinois Conference honors.
Braden Gibson, another senior from El Paso‑Gridley, was the Titans’ second‑leading wide receiver, providing a reliable target in a high‑powered offense. Carson Noy, a 6‑foot‑5 sophomore from Farmington, directed his team’s attack with 2,206 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the club to a Class 2A quarterfinal run. Brenden Petty, a 6‑foot‑6 senior from Morton, contributed 39 catches for 586 yards and seven scores, earning all‑Mid‑Illini Conference second‑team accolades.
On the defensive side, Kendrick Owens, a 6‑foot‑2 senior from Peoria High, dominated the line with 16 sacks and a first‑team all‑Big 12 Conference selection. Dylan Anderson, a 6‑foot senior from Pekin, made his mark by recovering a kickoff injury in 2025 and earned a Journal Star All‑Area first‑team nod as a sophomore, highlighting the depth of talent across the region.
Soren Fifer, a 6‑foot‑6 senior offensive lineman from Morton, committed to the University of Illinois and helped his team reach the second round of the playoffs, showcasing a blend of size and technique that attracted major‑college interest.
The collective impact of these twelve players underscores a vibrant football culture in the Peoria area, where record‑setting performances, college commitments and deep playoff runs have set a high bar for future generations.