Public Schools Make Playoff Upsets in Cook County

Morris, Illinois residents celebrated a 41-7 victory over Montini on Saturday night with fireworks and horns. The Warriors defeated the private school powerhouse in the Class 4A playoffs, a result that echoed similar upsets in neighboring districts.

Downers Grove North also defeated a Catholic League rival in the Class 7A division. The Trojans beat St. Rita 17-7, while Lincoln-Way West knocked off St. Laurence in another 7A matchup. These three results occurred during a week of intense discussion regarding Illinois High School Association bylaws.

The debate centers on proposals to split public and private schools into separate state playoff brackets or to provide separate paths into the state semifinals. Morris coach Alan Thorson offered a pragmatic view on the current format.

"If I am winning, I love it," Thorson said. "We’ve lost some good ones to these guys and [Joliet Catholic]. But man, when you can beat them, it is such a special thing."

Thorson credited the atmosphere created by both schools and their communities. He stated that playing in such an environment is what high school football is all about. Morris fan Dane Zumbahlen agreed on social media, arguing that these games should not disappear.

Zumbahlen noted that Morris football was built on beating the best. He referenced the 2005 season against Joliet Catholic as a prime example of relishing the opportunity. However, analysts note that private schools remain favored to win state titles in most weight classes.

Several quarterbacks suffered injuries during the second-round games. Montini lost Israel Abrams early in the second half. St. Rita quarterback John Fennell dislocated his thumb on the first series against Downers Grove North and shared time for the remainder of the game.

Batavia’s Michael Vander Luitgaren left the game against Brother Rice late in the first half but returned in the second. IC Catholic quarterback Nate Lang did not play against Johnsburg. Junior Jake Yost entered the game and threw for 190 yards in the win.

Two young quarterbacks from Wheaton performed well in the second round. Wheaton-Warrenville South’s AJ Rogers threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns against Riverside-Brookfield. The Tigers will host Normal West in the quarterfinals.

Wheaton North sophomore Grant Neibch, who was promoted to varsity in Week 6, led an 80-yard touchdown drive in the final 90 seconds. The move secured a 36-35 upset over Geneva. The Panthers will travel to Fenwick for their next game. St. Ignatius entered the top ten rankings after beating Maine South 35-21 on the road.