Andrew Quain, the former Prairie Central Hawks coach who guided the team to an undefeated season and an Illini Prairie Conference title in 2022, is back on the sidelines for the 2026 campaign after a multi‑year battle with thoracic outlet syndrome. The veteran’s health has markedly improved, allowing him to resume coaching in the small‑town Illinois setting he loves.
The Hawks open the season on August 21 at Dick Duval Field in St. Joseph, Illinois, facing St. Joseph‑Ogden, before hosting Pontiac at Lewis Field in Fairbury a week later. The schedule marks a return to familiar rivals and provides an early test for the revamped roster.
A New Chapter for the Hawks
Quain has announced a shift to a run‑based flexbone offense, abandoning the spread system employed by his predecessor Mike Goodwin. The new scheme emphasizes a power running game, with senior fullback Kinser Benjamin anchoring the backfield alongside projected starting quarterback Collin Kilgus, who will line up under center.
The transition also sees Reid Janssen moving to the offensive line, while other backfield contributors include seniors Wyatt Ault, AJ Basham, Spencer Ray and juniors Tatum Creek and Kyler Meiss. Quain highlighted Kilgus’s leadership and growth potential, noting that the quarterback’s dual role on defense adds a dynamic element to the team.
After a 4‑5 record in 2023 that ended a streak of playoff appearances, the Hawks are eager to reclaim their former dominance. Building on a 32‑8 record under Quain’s earlier tenure and a 2019 run to the 4A state quarterfinals, the coaching staff believes the new offense and healthy roster can push the team back into contention.