Ghere Bowl
Arcola vs Villa Grove

Two Douglas County towns began a new tradition in the football history between Arcola and Villa Grove. The 75th meeting, which started in 1906, between the two Lincoln Prairie Conference schools intiated the "Ghere Bowl" football game. The family of Roy and Lillie Ghere has figured prominently in the football rivalry between Arcola and Villa Grove.

All seven brothers who survived infancy played for Arcola High School in the 1930's & 1940's. And all served in the military during World War II. Bobby Ghere was killed in action in Germany in March 1945.

Oct 29, 1907 - Oct 6, 1986	Nov 8, 1916 - Apr 16, 1998	Sept 8, 1918 - Nov 11, 2005	Oct 31, 1921 - Oct 10, 2013
May 4, 1923 - March 3, 1945	March 4, 1925 - Jan 27, 1999	Nov 19, 1926 - Aug 22, 1990

Russ Ghere is the connection between Arcola and Villa Grove football. Russ Ghere starred in football and track at Eastern Illinois University upon his return from military service. Following graduation from EIU, he coached football and track at Bridgeport, IL from 1950-1958, when he resigned to become football coach at Villa Grove, IL. Before retiring from coaching in 1981, he compiled a 123-102-11 record. Among other recognitions he received for an illustrative career, the football field at Villa Grove High School is named "Russ Ghere Field".

1st Annual "Ghere Bowl"
September 22, 2023

Villa Grove defeated Arcola 21-14 in the 1st "Ghere Bowl". As such, the traveling "Ghere Bowl" trophy will reside in Villa Grove until the next football meeting of the two schools. Scenes from the 1st Annual "Ghere Bowl".