The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp lost their regular-season finale Thursday, and the defending Prospect League champions did not qualify for the playoffs.

Ottawa head football coach Chad Gross said he’s encouraged with the progress his group has made in the offseason and is looking forward to seeing what the Pirates can accomplish in 2025.

The St. Bede football team got to face former coach Jim Eustice and his new Mendota team in a joint practice Thursday that also included Sandwich.