Argo coach Phillip Rossberg knew it wouldn’t be easy going on the road to play unbeaten Quincy in a Class 7A opener on Nov. 2.
Quincy quarterback Bradyn Little passed for six touchdowns as the 10-0 Blue Devils defeated the Argonauts 49-7.
“They’re as advertised,” Rossberg said. “Their quarterback passed 10,000 yards for his career, and he threw (six) touchdown passes against us.
“Our defense battled, but we couldn’t get anything going on offense.”
The Argonauts (5-5) trailed 35-0 at halftime, were limited to just 5 yards of offense in the first half and had 50 yards for the game.
Running back Steven Holmes provided the only points for Argo, scoring on a 17-yard run with 10:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. Javoris Cotton added a 38-yard catch for the Argonauts.
Defensively, Argo was anchored by linebacker Maciej Jarosz, who had 10 tackles and blocked two extra points.
This was Argo’s sixth playoff appearance in program history, with half of them coming since 2022.
“We’ve gotten a good amount of love for that, making the playoffs three years in a row,” Rossberg said. “Being able to go (to the playoffs) is good for the kids and the community. But it’s like, what do I have to do to get over the hump and take the next step?
“Making the playoffs three years in a row is cool for kids like Maciej and (twin brother and fellow linebacker) Jakub to be up on varsity with us three years in a row.”
The foundation of this season’s team was built on 27 seniors, led by the Jarosz twins, strong safety Christian Zubek, Holmes, cornerback Yusuf Saleh, outside linebacker/wide receiver Terryon Taylor and free safety Jayvon King. All were selected for the All-South Suburban Red team along with kicker/punter Kacper Lobas, who was named the conference’s top kicker.
“This is a special group of kids to be around,” said Rossberg, who was named SSC Red Coach of the Year. “You hang around with them so much, and you build a bond. You teach them how to handle different things. I want them to know what football can do for you.
“This is a special group, and we have some interesting pieces coming up next season. But I hate being 5-5, 5-5 and 5-5 in my three years. Can we get an extra win in there? I don’t like being average.”
Holmes was a two-year starter at running back for the Argonauts. In the regular season, he carried 171 times for 1,174 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and scoring 14 touchdowns.
“Making the playoffs three years in a row means a lot to me,” Holmes said. “We came from nothing, and we did our best to make the playoffs. But it does hurt to be out in the first round. We had higher expectations to go further, but we set the standard.
“Playing for Coach Rossberg means a lot to me. He cares for us. He’s a great person overall and a good coach. He pushes us to be tougher and play with a full effort the whole game and to empty the tank.”
For Maciej Jarosz, being part of the last three playoff teams was made even more significant by playing alongside his twin, Jakub, who is two minutes older.
“My brother and I have been up (on varsity) since our sophomore year,” he said. “And making the playoffs three straight seasons is a great accomplishment.
“The defense ran around us because we were the middle linebackers. It wouldn’t have been the same without my brother. We have a connection that no one else has. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
As he and his team prepared for the postgame ride home from western Illinois to Summit, Rossberg had one final thought.
“The words ‘family’ and ‘brotherhood’ keep popping up in my head,” Rossberg said. “These kids played together, developed together and succeeded and failed together.
“They learned a lot and have grown together. Before we left to get on the bus, I had Steve (Holmes) break us down, and he said, ‘Brotherhood.’ That culminates this season for these guys. That’s what football is.”