The Northwest Herald began a tradition in 2009, when Cary-Grove won the Class 6A state championship, of having players from local teams preparing for the title game share their thoughts about the season. Each day until Saturday's Class 6A state championship game against East St. Louis, the Herald will run a Prairie Ridge player’s state journal will be printed. Today's journal is from linebacker Matt Loucks.

Nothing I have ever been a part compares to football. In thanks to my family, my friends and my coaches, the memories will forever be a part of me.

This journey has been exactly how we wanted it to be, spending the most amount of time together. Our senior class has been such a tight-knit group our entire lives. It all started when we were about 8 years old and won our first TCYFL Super Bowl. We knew what we were preparing for the whole time. It was ingrained in our minds by our coaches who were like father figures to us. That goal was getting to where we are now – playing for a state championship in DeKalb.

The bonds I have formed with my teammates from such a young age are unexplainable. Nothing can ever come between us and our goals. We’re a part of what we call a “brotherhood.” Something about getting your “you know what” kicked during some of the hottest days in the summer and knowing every guy next to you has your back and is willing to push everything they have for one another is extremely special.

Having not only great coaches, but having ones that care about more than football, is what makes our program so special. In many ways football has made me a better citizen, prepared me for the future and brought some of the most joy in my life.

Since my freshman year, our football team has been outstanding. Being a part of the 2017 state championship team was really what helped take my game to the next level. Learning from some of the best football players and getting beat down on the scout team is really what took my game to the next level. The one who I have looked up to the most and learned the most from was Joe Perhats. He has been like a mentor to me and always taught me how to do this and that a little bit better.

Focusing on the fundamentals every day, is what sets us apart from our competition. Doing your one-eleventh is what we all preach. Just focusing on doing your job and trusting that the guys next to you will do theirs, guarantees our success.

After our tough Week 3 loss to Huntley this year, and our early exit from the playoffs last year, we played with a chip on our shoulder. I’m so proud of the way our team has handled things this year and how hard we have worked ever since January in the weight room.

The intensity we bring to our offseason workouts is ridiculous. Every kid shows up with more excitement to lift than defensive coordinator Andy Petersen with a bag of grapes at practice. We seniors have worked too hard and too long to let anything come between us and the state trophy.

We are the masters of our fate, we are the captains of our soul. Thanks, Mr. Boldwyn! Win on 3!