Unity Christian Lions Football

GAME DAY

Unity Christian School is pleased to announce new leadership for its football program, ushering in a coach whose experience, character, and faith-centered approach align with the mission and vision of Unity Christian athletics.

The new head coach brings a diverse and impactful football background that began during his playing days at Peoria High School and Fieldcrest High School. Experiencing two very different programs—both in enrollment and team composition—helped shape his understanding of team dynamics, adaptability, and leadership.

He began his coaching career at Blue Ridge High School in Farmer City, Illinois, during a pivotal time in 2016 as the program was being rebuilt. Serving initially as a position coach overseeing defensive backs and running backs, he quickly demonstrated a strong football acumen and leadership ability. His role expanded to offensive coordinator before being named Head Coach in 2020. He served in that role through the 2025 season, helping guide and stabilize the program while developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

Now stepping into his new role at Unity Christian for the 2026 fall season, he brings a deep respect for the program and a vision centered on growth, discipline, and purpose.

“I look forward to this opportunity to serve the communities, athletes, and school,” he shared. “The support I’ve received has been nothing short of amazing, and I am truly grateful for the confidence, responsibility, and trust placed in me. My commitment goes beyond the field—not only to the future of Unity Christian football, but to the development of our young athletes as they grow into individuals prepared for life beyond the game.”

Coach Matt Schubert

Strength by Sacrifice
Success by Service
Greatness by His Glory

New year. New vision. Same goal.

These two young men competed back-to-back this evening on the same mat for an IHSA State Wrestling Championship.

Those results are easy to find and if you look you will be able to seek them out fairly easily on social media. What is more important is the work that went into getting to this point. The process.

Over the last four years these two have done everything they could possibly do to improve not only themselves, but everyone and everything with which they have been associated. They are the most tireless workers this program has ever seen. They are two of the best young men this school has ever educated. And most important, they lead with a Christian heart.

Garrett and Clinton are champions because they see their value as they've been created in God's image and recognize that the greatest victory that has ever or will ever be won is Jesus' over sin, death and Satan.

This football program, athletic department and school are better because of you both and the way you go about glorifying God with the gifts he has given you.

Week 1 @ Pawnee Indians
Week 2 vs South Fork Ponies (Senior Night)
Week 3 --- Bye Week
Week 4 vs Martinsville Bluestreaks
Week 5 @ Hutsonville/Palestine Pioneer Tigers
Week 6 vs Meridian Hawks (Cheer Camp Night)
Week 7 @ Metro East Lutheran Knights
Week 8 vs Oblong Panthers
Week 9 vs Cerro Gordo/Bement Broncos (Homecoming)
Week 10 @ West Prairie/Southeastern Cyclones

* Dates and times TBD

Our wrestling coach, Zach Whitsel, tragically lost his father this past weekend.

This is especially difficult because of how generous Coach Whitsel is and what a huge supporter his father was of our wrestling program.

Please consider supporting the Whitsel family during this incredibly difficult time.

Donate to Help Us Lay Our Dad, William "Bill" Whitsel, to Rest, organized by Zachary Whitsel On behalf of my sister Tia and myself, we are heartbroken to shar… Zachary Whitsel needs your support for Help Us Lay Our Dad, William "Bill" Whitsel, to Rest