MAPLE PARK – Justin Diddell, Bradley Johnson and Jaumaureo Phillips staggered behind one another into the Kaneland library for film study earlier this week.

The students filing out at the end of the school day couldn’t help noticing the Knights’ defensive front three, above and beyond the usual hallway star quality that accompanies playing football for a Class 5A state power.

Seated and smiling at a nearby table, Kaneland defensive coordinator Keith Snyder assessed the trio as it entered, one by one. Apart from the grins, the Knights (10-0) expect the same treatment from opposing fans for today’s second-round playoff game at Lincoln-Way West (7-3).