Calling this year’s Prep Bowl an offensive struggle would be an understatement. Maybe both defense should be given credit as Simeon (11-2) won its first Prep Bowl 14-12 in overtime over Brother Rice (7-6).
The Wolverines prevailed despite committing four turnovers while on defense Jabari Winston intercepted three passes.
Brother Rice had three goal line stands while Simeon missed two field in the fourth quarter at cold and windy Soldier Field.
Mt. Carmel (13-1) beat Glenbard North (12-2) 28-14 to capture the school’s 11th championship at the state football finals at Champaign,. Head coach Frank Lenti has now won 326 games and 10 state titles.
The Caravan did a great job on Glenbard star Justin Jackson. Jackson, who had 35 rushing touchdowns, ran for only 63 yards in the loss. Jackson will be a player to watch next season.
The team that might have had the most pressure was Glenbard West (14-0). The Hilltoppers were the preseason favorite in Class 7A. Glenbard West beat Lincoln-Way East (13-1) in a battle of unbeatens 10-8 to win the Class 7A title.
The Hilltoppers have hitters printed on the front of their jerseys. There was a lot of hitting by both teams in this defensive battle.
Glenbard West has a good program, but they had won only one state championship entering 2012.
Glenbard West won the state title in 1983, and they beat Weber 16-8 in the opening round of the playoffs enroute to the championship.
Crete-Monee(14-0) beat Cary Grove(13-1) 33-26 to win the Class 6A championship in the game of the day at Memorial Stadium.
Crete’s Laquon Treadwell showed why he might be the state’s best football player. Treadwell plays offense and defense and is the team’s kicker. Treadwell had an outstanding performance in Saturday’s title game.
Treadwell scored twice and intercepted a pass in the contest Treadwell rushed for 93 yards and caught six passes for 85 yards while playing defensive back as well.
Montini (12-2) prevailed in Class 5A over Morris (12-2) 19-6 to win its fourth straight state title.
In our area, Lane (5-5) and Lake View (6-3) made the state football playoffs losing in the opening round.
Lane did make the state playoffs, but they stumbled losing its last three games being outscored 130-27 by Simeon, Maine South, and Harper.
Lane returns 22 players and the key will be finding a new quarterback to replace Jack McLaughlin.
Gordon (3-6) could have a bright future next season with 30 players scheduled to return for Bill Jeske.
Ironically, both Lane and Gordon run an option offense. Both schools will need to find a quarterback in 2013.
The choice for Player of the Year is Treadwell while Benet’s Pat New guided the school to the state semifinals after finishing 1-8 in 2011.
Basketball season has begun and there is really only one question. Can Simeon win four straight state basketball titles ? Maybe but star Jabari Parker will start the season on the bench with an injury.
