ROCK FALLS — Brad Bickett knew he’d get back into coaching one day, it was just a matter of time. He also knew when he did return to the bench, he wanted to bring Bret Helms back with him.

The former Bureau Valley coaches, who formed one of the best tandems in north central Illinois for one season at Buda Western and 15 years at Bureau Valley, including a trifecta of IHSA State third-place finishes, are back together on the bench this season, just a few miles up the road at Rock Falls.

They have guided the Rockets to a 21-6 season record heading into Wednesday’s 3A regional semifinals vs. Mendota.