CHAMPAIGN – Two Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School graduates played in Saturday’s Big Ten Conference football game between the University of Illinois and Purdue University.
Aidan Laughery, a 2022 GCMS graduate, ran the ball eight times for 26 yards and caught the ball once for seven yards for the University of Illinois in a 50-49 overtime win over Purdue.
Freehill, a 2019 GCMS graduate, kicked off seven times for six touchbacks and an onside-kick recovery with 1:35 left in the game that led to a go-ahead touchdown for the Boilermakers that made it 43-40 before the Illini tallied a game-tying field goal as time expired in regulation.
Laughery also caught a pass for a two-point conversion that was called back due to a pass-interference penalty with 5:05 left in the fourth quarter. Laughery caught a pass for a gain of 16 yards on the ensuing second two-point try but was tackled at the 2-yard line.
Below are some sights from Saturday’s game. Digital copies of all these photos can be purchased at the following link: ko-fi.com/s/1b48c3df34. Single photos can also be made available for purchase; please message Andrew Rosten for details.
