Ironmen football embraces favorite and underdog roles ahead of Week 5 clash with Bloomington

Normal Community's Mar'Quan Gary (3) and Kayden Hardeman (6) look back to the sideline during a 2023 game against Peoria High. Francisco Alonzo/Clutch Sports Media

NORMAL — For the better part of its program’s history, Normal Community is a team that many other football teams in the area look up to. 

The Ironmen have won well over 70 percent of their games over the last 20 years and have six state semifinal berths, two state title appearances and one state championship in that span. 

This year’s Normal Community squad looks poised to continue that tradition with over a dozen key players returning and as the No. 8 team in Class 7A entering Friday’s crosstown tilt at Bloomington. 

But the Ironmen are in a paradoxical situation. 

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