Week 1 may have provided lifelong highlights for some football players across the state.

This is the next of a multi-part series in which the Journal Star talks with Peoria-area football coaches and players about topics ranging from memorable moments to the toughest players they've faced, to their favorite pre-game meal and program traditions.

As we head into Week 2, here is what some of the small-school football players had to say about their most memorable moment. Look for the large-school players' answers ahead of Week 3.

What we learned: Mid-Illini drama and more in Week 1 of Peoria football season

Incredible plays

• "When my teammate blocked a punt and the ball fell into my hand and (I) made it within 10 yards of the endzone." — Aydin Stimpert, Fieldcrest

• "(A) TD throw against Lewistown, because I sat in the pocket and took a hit and when I got to the sideline my dad (coach Jon Carruthers) gave me a fist bump." — Logan Carruthers, Princeville

• "Jake Morin to Drew Dingledine at the buzzer to win at (Colfax Ridgeview) to secure (a) playoff spot." — Mason Boles, Eureka

• "Getting my longest touchdown against Fisher — 68 yards." — Brent Denniston, Deer Creek-Mackinaw

• "My first game starting varsity as a sophomore. I got an interception." — Ryan Adler, Illinois Valley Central

Great victories

• "Winning my first playoff game behind a new set of guys, because it was a great group of guys." — Jack Wheelwright, Farmington

• "Beating Macomb down 18 at half my freshman year." — Aaron Brown, Elmwood/Brimfield

• "Rolling around in the mud after winning a playoff game because it was the first win in a playoff game for Tremont in years." — Jacob Balsimo, Tremont

• "Playing Bloomington Central Catholic. Consistently a battle every year. However, my sophomore year we came back and shut their loud mouths up." — Connor Buchanan, IVC

Butterflies, first wins and more: Opening night memories from Peoria-area football coaches

First-time players

• "My freshman year — it was my first year ever and to see the way I grew as a player is a dream come true." — Terry Broadway, Peoria Quest

Team bonding

• "Eureka (College) camp this summer, because all of our team was there and everyone bonded with each other." — Brady Ruestman, Fieldcrest

Say what?!

• "When coach (Todd Hollis) told me I was a massive human being." — Elijah Davis, Elmwood/Brimfield

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA football: Peoria-area players share top memories