For over 20 years, the Rochester Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with in Illinois high school football. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Derek Leonard, the Rockets have become one of the state’s most successful and consistent programs, racking up nine state championships (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2023) and 11 conference titles. Their incredible success isn’t just about numbers; it’s a product of a family legacy, fierce local rivalries, and a community that rallies behind its team.
“This program is built on consistency and hard work,” says Leonard, reflecting on his two-decade-long tenure. “We’ve created something that isn’t just about winning football games—it's about building a culture of excellence.” That culture has translated to a remarkable 17 playoff appearances under Leonard’s leadership, establishing Rochester as a powerhouse in Illinois' Class 4A and 5A classifications.
But the Rockets’ dominance isn’t solely about their on-field success. At the heart of this storied program is a deep, personal connection between Coach Derek Leonard and his father, Ken Leonard, a coach revered in Illinois football. For 15 years, Derek and Ken faced off in one of the state’s most intense rivalries, with Derek leading the Rockets and Ken at Sacred Heart-Griffin. Those matchups were about more than football—they were a chance for both coaches to prove themselves and elevate each other.
“Every year for 15 years, we faced each other in the rivalry games,” Derek Leonard says. “We pushed each other to be better. But despite the competition, we both knew
the importance of family. That’s something my mom reminded us of constantly.”
The Leonard-Leonard rivalry became a symbol of Illinois high school football, a battle of two coaching titans. But even with all the stakes and the competitive fire, family was never far from the center. “There’s no greater rivalry than that, but we both knew we were doing it for the same reasons,” Derek adds. “To make each other better, to push the players to give everything they have.”
Rochester’s dominance on the field can’t be attributed to just one coach or one family. The players who have donned the Rockets’ blue and orange jersey have bought into the team’s ethos of excellence, a commitment to winning not just for themselves, but for the community that supports them. Under Derek’s leadership, the Rockets have earned five state championships, including recent titles in 2021 and 2023. “The kids who play for us know what it means to be a Rocket,” Leonard says. “They don’t want to let anyone down. They know they’re playing for more than just their team—they’re playing for the legacy of this program.”
But for Coach Leonard, success is about more than just stacking up trophies. “Whatwe’re really about here is helping young men grow into leaders,” he says. “Football’s a great game, but at the end of the day, I want these kids to be good husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and leaders in their community.”
The values instilled in the players go far beyond the football field. Leonard takes pride in developing well-rounded young men who are prepared for life after football. “It’s not just about teaching football. It’s about teaching responsibility, leadership, and accountability,” Leonard says. “The field is where we grow as athletes, but it’s also where we learn to be better people.”
As the Rockets look ahead to the next season, the legacy of this small-town program continues to shine brightly. “Rochester may be small in population, but we’ve proven time and time again that we’re big in heart and talent,” Leonard states. “This community and these kids are what make this program what it is.”
Through grit, determination, and a commitment to family and community, the Rochester Rockets have built more than a championship-winning program, they’ve built a legacy that will endure for years to come.