Villa Grove’s Henry has interception; Tuscola’s Graves leads blocks for TD in Shrine game
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By Mike Monahan
BLOOMINGTON – Two County Chronicle football players played in the 52nd Illinois High School Shrine Game at Illinois Wesleyan’s Tucci Stadium. Villa Grove’s Aidan Henry was on the 50 member Red Team, while Tuscola’s Dylan Graves was on the 47 member Blue Team Saturday.
The mission of the Illinois High School Shrine game is to provide a memorable experience for players, families, Shriners and, and Shrine kids while raising awareness and support for the life-changing care provided by Shriner’s Children’s. .
Henry, a 5-11, 175 pound defensive back, had an interception late in the game, which led to a Red touchdown with 1:20 remaining.
Graves, a 5-10 184 running back had several carries and led the way for a touchdown by the quarterback Daniel Chopp of Oak Forest. The Red team was coached by David Hay of Chatham Glenwood, while the Blue team was coached by Geneseo’s Matt Furlong.
In 2025, the game raised nearly $16,000, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting patient care programs at Shriner’s Children’s.
Henry is a first team all-Lincoln Prairie Conference defensive back for coach Heath Wilson’s Blue Devils, who finished 5-5 overall and 5-4 in the conference,making the Class 1A playoffs. Henry averaged 6.1 tackles per game. He had two interceptions as well and is leaving for the United States Marine Corps bootcamp in San Diego, July 13.
“I think it just shows you that a small town kid is good enough to play in a big all-star game,” said Wilson.
All players got to keep their jerseys.
Graves, who is headed to play at North Park University, had 162 carries for 1,151 yards last fall for the 7-3 Warriors, who made the Class 1A playoffs and lost to Cumberland 28-6. He had 18 rushing touchdowns and was a unanimous first team all-Heart of Illinois Conference small division player. Tuscola, coached by Andy Romine, finished 5-3 in the HOIC, good for fourth place in the 10 team conference.
Graves
When Graves heard he was selected he was super excited.
“My dad sent me the released roster and I saw my name on there,” said Graves. “My coach came into Jimmy John’s where I work in Tuscola the same day and told me as well.”
Graves said he has been working on gaining weight. of his few carries, “I put on some weight for North Park so I can be a little more of a power back to go along with my elusiveness. Adding that extra muscle helps break some tackles and throw some people around opposed to going around them or making them miss. There were a lot of good backs in the state so I’m glad I got to showcase my God-given talent and ability one more time at the high school level.”
Brady Shule of Clifton Central scored with the help of Graves.
“The play itself was supposed to be a handoff to me actually,” said Graves. “We adjusted on the fly. The snap was a little high, so I was able to get in front and give Shule another blocker in front to get him into the end zone. Then I was the first one to help him up and celebrate with him.”
One thing that the game and the week that runs from Tuesday through Friday and concluded with the game on Saturday is the friendships the players develop.
“I have a lot of new friends from the Blue Team,” said Graves. “Through the week the Blue team really bonded together really well. We started a group chat and are already planning on having a Blue squad reunion in the future. A lot of us went to see Toy Story 5 one day when we had some free time. That was super fun to do as a group.”
Graves gives his credit to Jesus Christ.
“No matter what my stats, wins, or accolades, Jesus deserved all the credit. I look forward to playing the next four years at North Park. I want to thank my family and my community for all of their support throughout my high school career.”
Graves said it meant a lot for him to be in the game.
“It was a huge honor because these are big time guys being selected for this and being a teammate to them is something very few can say,” said Graves. “It also is a huge deal due to the fact that they pick the guys with some of the best characters from around the state. Every single one of these guys is an awesome human being. You can have all of the talent in the world but being a good person off the field means so much more. It is just a testament to Villa Grove and my parents (Tyson and Malia Graves) for raising me right.”
On kids from Shriners Children’s
“Being able to connect with the Shriner kids was super cool,” said Graves. “Listening to their stories and hearing what all they had to say was super eye-opening and gave me a real mental check. I think a lot of us take for granted what we can do. Everyday kids are not as fortunate. They are some of the strongest people I know.”
Graves enjoyed being a part of the “Miracle League) baseball game as well.
The kids came to IWU Thursday.
“We did many fun activities with them throughout the week,” said Henry. “Meeting these kids and bonding ith them just shows a man how easy his life truly is. These kids are perfect examples of toughness and perseverance.”
Henry said he played games and other activities with the Shriners kids.
“Meeting the Shriner kids was very motivating and eye opening; all of their stories are incredible. The energy was different when you are playing with a bunch of stud athletes and for the support of such an amazing organization (Shriners). I would say it was life changing meeting all the kids and getting to play my heart out for them.”
Henry
Henry had a lot of fun in the days prior to the game.
“The relationship all of my teammates found in just 4-5 days is unbelievable,” said Henry. “We had eight practices in just three days, every meal together. The teams practiced 2-3 times a day.
To play in the game was such an honor. Not just because it was my last game and incredible to be one of the 97 players in Illinois to be selected, but because we were playing for a much bigger purpose. I met so many people and quite a few I am sure I will be in contact with for a lifetime.”
As for the interception which occurred with four minutes left.
“I knew somebody needed to make a big play right around this time, and the fact that I was the one able to make it was super cool,” said Henry. “When the quarterback rolled out of the pocket my way, I began to come up a little because he had been scrambling all over us all game. When I saw he was about to throw it I kind of panicked because I figured the guy I was guarding was wide open. When the ball left his hands my hands flew up out of instinct and I barely managed to grab the ball. When I realized I caught it, I cut across the field and tried to score. I did get to the 15 thanks to great blocks by my teammates.”
Overall Henry said it was just about the best way to end his career.
“Obviously, we lost by a single point and any competitive football player wants to win, but knowing I did everything in my power to set us up for the win makes me satisfied,” said Henry. “ The experience was not only fun, but great closure to my football career.”
Wilson said, “I think this was my third player in eight years to be picked for the Shrine All-Star game. I am always thrilled when we get one to play.”