December 3, 2017—FAMILY. This team, this season, the success, all of it comes back to one concept, family. It has been eight days since the Lincoln-Way East Griffins finished an undefeated season by winning the 8A Football State Championship game 23-14 over Loyola Academy.
Let me begin by congratulating the players, the coaches, and the families of everyone involved with this team. Those of you who are closest to those involved understand best the commitment necessary to win a championship. The journey to DeKalb didn’t begin last August, it didn’t begin last year, it began YEARS ago. Again, congratulations.
After watching LWE, Loyola, and Maine South for a combined total of eighteen games this year, let me say this was an incredible year for high school football. Before the playoffs began, I wrote that LWE would defeat Loyola in an incredible championship game. I’m not sharing this to suggest I can see the future or to toot my own horn—ok, maybe to toot my horn a little—my point is that by the end of the season, I had seen in the eyes of the Griffins all I needed to know. Look at the photos that get posted tonight. Look back at the photos from earlier posts. Do you see the FOCUS? Do you see the ruthless DETERMINATION? It doesn’t hurt having loads of talent on the field, but championships are not won by talent: championships are won by the talented competitor who has committed his or her being to winning. Coach Zvonar, the rest of his coaching staff, and all of the players were completely committed to winning. The next time the Chicago Tribune writes an article about the all-time-great state champions, don’t be surprised when this LWE team is at the top of that list.
Tonight I’m sharing photos from the Maine South semi-final victory, practice on Thanksgiving Day, and the championship game in DeKalb.
Semi-final victory over Maine South
Before anyone gets the wrong impression, I spoke to the Pallisard family about the photos that are posted here. They are happy to share their joy with everyone.
Look at Anthony Sottosanto’s eyes. Look at Declan Carr’s eyes. Champions.
The photo of Maine South’s Cam Stacey is there because Dugan Bolsoni broke up what should have been a reception. As I spoke to writers and photographers over the course of the season, the one vulnerability of the Griffins that was discussed the most was the pass defense. En route to the state championship, the secondary made big play after big play.
Thanksgiving Day practice
A day of family. Players smiled and laughed. Coaches coached. Sometime, when you think you’re really smart, try to understand offensive-line blocking schemes. Damn, for a bunch big guys who spend the whole game banging their heads into other big guys, they have a lot to do on every play.
8A State Championship Game
As if there weren’t enough tension as the Griffins and Ramblers began warming up, the 7A game went to overtime.
Once the 8A game started, the hitting was incredible. On an early play, a Rambler player got rocked and fumbled the ball. Loyola recovered, but the tone was set.
The offenses opened up in the second half. AJ Henning ran around the right end, stutter stepped at the sideline straightening out his trajectory and then launched down the side line. But Loyola hung in, so Shane Pederson needed to catch an important pass to get the Griffins close enough to kick a field goal and move into the lead. AJ would break another long run for a touchdown, and Max Cesario would pick off a pass to end any uncertainty. And at that point, the celebration was on. 8A State Champions!
AC photo 22 