AMBOY – The Amboy-LaMoille-Ohio football team played great during the regular season and obviously in the post season to become back-to-back Illinois 8-Man Football Association state champs.

But they know they couldn’t do it without you, the community.

“The community support has been great. Every year in the postseason, people step up and help us out in any way they can,” Clippers coach Scott Payne said. “It’s a great thing to see in small communities like Amboy, LaMoille, and Ohio. Buffalo Days has done a lot for us by donating money and paying for dinners.

“For the three communities to come together and support one team like this is a tremendous thing. We enjoy it very much. We appreciate everything everyone does for us every postseason.”

Two Sisters on Main provided the charter bus for the team to ride to Monmouth for the state championship in style. Long Branch served the Clippers dinner after they returned from Monmouth College around 12:30 a.m. on Friday.

Throughout the season, the Clipper Backers provided sandwiches for a long road trip and parents supported team dinners every Thursday night.

Payne, his assistant coaches, and the players are thankful for all of the community support.