6 games, 6 memories: High school football returns to the baseball field at Dozer Park

Correction: The Peoria Notre Dame football team played in the Shamrock Classic last season. This game was omitted from an earlier edition of this story.

Goalposts have returned to Dozer Park.

The Shamrock Classic high school football game is back at the home of the Peoria Chiefs. Peoria Notre Dame (2-1, 2-1) meets rival Richwoods (0-3, 0-2) at 7 p.m. Friday in a key Big 12 Conference matchup at the minor league baseball stadium located on 730 SW Jefferson St. in Peoria.

Since 2015, PND has appeared in all six games, going 5-1 and winning the last four meetings, including two against the Knights.

Field of Dreams to Friday Night Lights:Behind the scenes of the Shamrock Classic

Here are six moments from those previous contests — one for each year:

2021 — Notre Dame 26, Normal West 14

What happened: Following a one-year absence, Notre Dame returned to Dozer Park and celebrated homecoming with a victory. The Irish utilized their signature ground game in jumping ahead to a 19-point halftime lead. PND rolled up 386 yards on the ground to go with four rushing touchdowns. Defense was especially key for the Irish, who recovered a fumble, snagged a trio of interceptions and allowed six second-half points.

He said it: "It's different playing on a baseball field," Normal West coach Nathan Fincham told The Bloomington Pantagraph. "You have to deal with the dirt infield. The movement from one surface to another is a little different. The outfield wall is close to the end zone. The fans feel like they're a lot closer than they normally are. It's unique."

2019 — Notre Dame 28, Richwoods 0

What happened: In this Week 4 game, Ben Kouri, Matt Manning and Alex Osmulski all forced turnovers in front of 3,098 fans. That trio got a chance to wear the team’s Pot of Gold chain given to the defensive player who notched a turnover. PND also unveiled new jerseys and had decals memorializing late coach Sean Gillen. The Irish have outscored opponents, 70-0 in the last eight quarters at Dozer Park.

He said it: “We love being able to show Dozer Park as more than a baseball field. This event is great for the ballpark and great for high school football.” — Peoria Chiefs general manager Jason Mott

2018 — Notre Dame 42, Manual 0

What happened: Two PND backs rushed for 100-plus yards as the Irish picked up its fourth win in a row during this Week 6 game between Big 12 city foes. Jacob Rashid ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns, while Logan Cover added 100 yards and three TDs. Both Giorgio Grivetti and Josh Manning each added a TD. The Irish went on to finish 6-3 and played in the Class 6A playoffs.

He said it: “We’re pretty excited. To me, it’s just another football game, we could play in the street as far as I’m concerned and I’d be excited and it’d be OK because it’s football. But the kids, the location of this game is everything. Playing a game at Dozer Park will be tremendous for them, they’ve had this game circled on their calendar all season.” — Manual coach Ed Cagle

2017 — Notre Dame 61, Richwoods 34

What happened: This Week 6 game saw PND go for 642 total yards including 477 rushing. Irish running back Logan Cover rushed for 261 yards in front of a crowd 4,074. The senior rushed for five TDs — all coming in the first half as PND led 41-21 at halftime. PND quarterback Caleb Haisler went 7-for-7 with 165 yards, while Richwoods RB T’Nahleg Hall ran for a 53-yard TD.

He said it: “Most people wouldn’t think of our offense as a high-scoring one because we mostly run the ball. It’s kind of nice to see that old-school style put up points and be exciting. When you run the ball that well and you go play action, it usually is open.” — PND coach Sean Gillen

2016 — Peoria High 44, PND 36

What happened: A 71-minute weather delay couldn’t stop either offense in Week 4 as the Lions debuted as the top-ranked in Class 5A. Despite the Irish outgaining Peoria High, 495-333, Lions running back Jaleen James scored three TDs on 108 rushing yards. He also forced a third-quarter fumble as Lions defense had a TD, recovered two fumbles and had a redzone interception. Geno Hess broke a tie with 9:48 remaining on a 3-yard TD for Peoria High. PND RB Fred Dixson rushed for 226 yards and four TDs, while Alex Shaw chipped in 174 rushing yards.

He said it: “Our defense can do what they set their minds to. We proved that we can stop anybody.” — Peoria High running back Jaleen James

2015 — Notre Dame 56, Normal West 52

What happened: PND trailed the inaugural Dozer Park meeting — and first game against Normal West in the Big 12 — 52-42 with 5:43 remaining in the game. However, Max Bousky's onside kick recovery set up a Luke Shadid touchdown with only 24 seconds left. The future Bradley baseball player rushed for 351 yards and five TDs on his future home field. West had taken a 45-27 advantage late in the third quarter when PND started its rally. The Irish posted 294 of their 484 rushing yards in the second half.

He said it: "I guess you kind of see it as a walk-off touchdown." — PND running back Luke Shadid on his game-winning score.

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: Shamrock Classic game at Dozer Park in Peoria