Mendota soccer player Cesar Casas earns IHSSCA All-State honors: NewsTribune/BCR sports briefs

Mendota senior Cesar Casas was voted Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All State, becoming just the second Trojans player to earn that honor.Casas scored 44 goals and had 21 assists this season as he led the Trojans to a 21-6-1 record, their eighth consecutive regional title and third straight sectional championship.Casas finished his career as Mendota’s all-time leading goal scorer with 140 goals.Two-time NewsTribune Boys Soccer Player of the Year Johan Cortez is the only other Mendota player to earn all-state, claiming the honor as a senior in 2025.“Cesar has been tremendous for us dating back to his first day freshman year,” Mendota coach Nick Myers said. “He’s what any coach wants in a player. He’s 100% dedicated, always gives his best effort no matter what whether it’s a win or a loss. He’s the true definition of a leader. He steps up and performs even better against good teams or when we need him the most.“Cesar was one of those players who as long as he was on the