February 11, 2025
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First National Challenge 2021 Gameday Central

By Eddie Carifio

The Sycamore student section makes some noise during their game against DeKalb at Northern Illinois University's Huskie Stadium. The teams were playing in this season's edition of the First National Challenge, a fundraiser hosted by First National Bank that benefits the Booster Clubs of both schools. (Mark Busch)

After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the DeKalb and Sycamore football teams are set to renew their rivalry at Huskie Stadium.

Below is everything you need to know about the game, including recent articles and how to order tickets. Information will be updated through the end of the game.

If you go

What: First National Challenge, DeKalb vs. Sycamore football

When: 7 p.m. Friday. Tailgate opens at 4:45

Where: Huskie Stadium

Tickets: Available at fnbochallenge.org. Tickets are $6.

Tailgate: Pork chop or hot dog meals are available for purchase, and also include entrance to the game. Meals are $8 and $12 presale, $10 and $15 on gameday.

Other information: Masks will be required to enter Huskie Stadium and in the concourse, restrooms and ramps. They will not be needed in the seating areas, only indoor spaces.

Preview

[ Defense has shined in last two Sycamore-DeKalb battles as teams prepare for showdown ]

About the Barbs

[ DeKalb County 2021 Football Preview: DeKalb Barbs ]

[ New coach, new position, new role for DeKalb senior lineman Christian Lorenzo ]

[ DeKalb wide receiver Toriano Tate may be adding defensive snaps this season ]

[  DeKalb begins new era under Derek Schneeman with summer practices ]

About the Spartans

[ Prep Football Preview: Sycamore Spartans ]

[  Sycamore welcomes return to normalcy as it prepares for fall season ]

[ After surprising sophomore season, Sycamore linebacker Kiefer Tarnoki ready for another leap ]

In photos

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DeKalb offensive linemen work on blocking technique Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at the teams first official practice Monday afternoon at DeKalb High School. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

Image 1 of 8

Sycamore High School junior receiver Kiefer Tarnoki catches a pass Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, during practice at the school. (Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.com/Mark Busch - mbusch@shawmedia.co)

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Members of the Sycamore student section get fired up as their team receives the opening kickoff from DeKalb during First National Challenge Friday in Huskie Stadium at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. (Mark Busch)

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Photos by Sam Buckner for Shaw Media (Caption: Tailgaters have a good time Friday evening outside Huskie Stadium at Northern Illinois University before the DeKalb-Sycamore First National Challenge football game.) On Friday, however, Munz said it has become a much more community-minded event. "Some are wearing orange, and some are wearing yellow but it's a very friendly rivalry," Munz said. "It's all for a good cause."

Other information

[ Associated Press Football Polls ]

[ Tornadoes latest impediment to start of fall practices for DeKalb County teams ]