Peoria Panthers head coach William Babb has been a part of Peoria since his playing days. Babb took over as the head coach of his alma mater in 2012 and currently has a 6-3 record in the 2017 season. He has learned the priorities of what it takes to be a head coach.

“Really, just care about the kids, that was the number one thing,” Babb said. “I’m just lucky to be around great coaches and more than anything I learned a lot about football (x’s & o’s), but I learned a lot about caring for kids and putting them first.”

Being the coach of your alma mater has its ups and downs, but Babb has the opportunity to coach Trevor and enjoy the time they have left together this season.

“There has been some good days and probably not so good days for him,” Babb said. “Right now, it's enjoyable because we get to share something after all these years.”

Trevor Babb, a senior wide receiver for the Panthers, said his dad tries to treat him as normal as possible as a player.

“He does love me and he has been here (Peoria) his whole life,” Babb said. “He knows what I am capable of and he just wants the best for me.”

One of the coaches that has been around the Babb family from Will’s playing days is Bob Gonzalo. He has coached and seen the relationship of the father and son dynamic.

“It’s hard because you're going to get criticism whether you do one thing or other,” Gonzalo said. “You have to be able to balance that, I think Will has a great temperament to balance it.”

Coach Babb feels he is coaching his son a little harder than others because Trevor is his son.

“I’m probably a little harder on him sometimes,” coach Babb said. “He usually pays attention and does what he needs to do, but probably when he doesn't it's more of a tongue lashing because he is my kid.”

When the lights are on and he steps on the field in his senior year, Trevor is focused on his team and getting the win.

“I want him to be proud of me,” Babb said.