Bloomington, IL. – The Bloomington Edge will be gunning for the team’s first ever undefeated season this Sunday afternoon as they take on the Illinois Renegades at 2 pm inside Grossinger Motors Arena in Downtown Bloomington. It is “Grandparent’s Day” sponsored by Heritage Health and Senior Care where fans are invited to take their picture with the Edge mascot “Spike” and receive a free souvenir picture frame. Additionally, the first 150 kids through the doors will receive a free backpack courtesy of OSF.
The Edge is 4-0 so far this summer and has been scoring an amazing 62.5 points per game. Several local players including quarterback QuinTon Fonville, running back Dominique Stevenson and slot receiver Dominic Hilt have been instrumental to the Edge’s offensive success.
Fonville played high school football at MacAurthur high school in Decatur. The first two times he tried out for the Edge he didn’t make the team, but he kept training and refused to give up. His efforts were rewarded this year when he was named the starting quarterback coming out of training camp. Fonville has started all 4 games for the Edge at quarterback.
When asked what advice he would give to young athletes looking to play professionally Fonville’s answer was simple: “Stay humble and never give up.”
Stevenson was a 1,000 yard rusher for Normal West and was first team All-Conference as a senior. Due to injury, he didn’t have the opportunity to play college football. Similar to Fonville, Stevenson tried out for the Edge previously, but didn’t make the active roster until the 2018 season. When he got the opportunity he made the most of it playing in every game this year.
Football is Stevenson’s passion, but he also believes it is important to keep sports in perspective.
“You can only play football for so long,” Stevenson commented. “No matter how good you are, you still have to prepare for your life after sports. Football doesn’t define you as a man. Enjoy your time in the game and make the most of it."
Hilt is a utility player for the Edge and has lined up at running back and receiver and is also the back-up quarterback. He played at Central Catholic High School under Coach Bobby Moews. Hilt attended Illinois State University after college and was a walk-on for the football team his junior year. He was thrilled to be offered a roster spot with the Edge and hopes it will be a catalyst for him and his quest to play in the CFL or NFL.
“Don’t ever take a loss or failure as an end,” Hilt said when asked about his playing career before he joined the Edge. “Without failure, you can’t learn and grow. The only person that will prevent you from reaching yours goals is you."
