Favorite Semi-final game memories

[USD24]

Semi-final week is my favorite week of the high school season. We seem to get better games than championship week and I like the fact that they are played on high school fields. I have had the opportunity to attend quite a few semi-final games. Here are my three favorite

• 1992 Joliet Catholic vs Mt Carmel. This game was a rematch from week one. The Caravan crushed the Hillmen week one. This semi-final game was like a heavyweight championship battle. A defensive struggle with the Hilltoppers prevailing 13-11 before a packed Memorial Stadium. Sorry, McCaravan, I know this is a bitter one for you.
• 2003-JCA at Lasalle-Peru. A beautiful fall afternoon. The outcome was never in doubt, as the Hilltoppers won 56-7. But what I remember most was the unbelievable atmosphere at LaSalle/Peru. One of the best stadiums in the state was packed and there was fantastic tailgating all afternoon. Just a fun experience altogether
• 1987 Joliet Catholic-Belvidere. I am a little biased here, because I got to participate in this one. It was a freezing day, but still a big crowd turned out in Belvidere. Bevidere came out strong and took an early lead. The Hilltoppers eventually wore down the Bucs for a 34-15 win. See attached article. Some of the JCHS names may be familiar(Voss, Lausch, Issac).

JCHS/Belvidere

What are your favorite Semi-final memories?

 

[Anon1753850091]

Semi-final week is my favorite week of the high school season. We seem to get better games than championship week and I like the fact that they are played on high school fields. I have had the opportunity to attend quite a few semi-final games. Here are my three favorite

• 1992 Joliet Catholic vs Mt Carmel. This game was a rematch from week one. The Caravan crushed the Hillmen week one. This semi-final game was like a heavyweight championship battle. A defensive struggle with the Hilltoppers prevailing 13-11 before a packed Memorial Stadium. Sorry, McCaravan, I know this is a bitter one for you.
• 2003-JCA at Lasalle-Peru. A beautiful fall afternoon. The outcome was never in doubt, as the Hilltoppers won 56-7. But what I remember most was the unbelievable atmosphere at LaSalle/Peru. One of the best stadiums in the state was packed and there was fantastic tailgating all afternoon. Just a fun experience altogether
• 1987 Joliet Catholic-Belvidere. I am a little biased here, because I got to participate in this one. It was a freezing day, but still a big crowd turned out in Belvidere. Bevidere came out strong and took an early lead. The Hilltoppers eventually wore down the Bucs for a 34-15. See attached article. Some of the JCHS names may be familiar(Voss, Lausch, Issac).

JCHS/Belvidere

What are your favorite Semi-final memories?

I second the JCA-Lasalle Peru 2003 semi. A big game atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon at that field is difficult to put into words how unique and impressive the setting was. The tailgating, great weather, and Johnny Cash on the PA system made for a real cool environment that I don't think I would ever be able to experience elsewhere.

2007 JCA-Normal Community up there as well. Normal coming in with a long winning streak and JCA playing a real clean game to come out victorious.

Sticking with the JCA away game theme, 2000 vs Pontiac on the coldest day I have ever experienced and big plays from both teams down the stretch. 2004 vs Jacksonville was a pretty cool facility and atmosphere, though nowhere near as unique as L-P. And 2021 Richmond-Burton was a lot like Normal Community or Jacksonville in terms of field layout and gameday atmosphere.

Semifinal away games are a real fun thing to experience.

 

[tuccs]

I have only had the courage to attend one semi final out of the 8 previous. It was at home against Batavia and JJ and company beat an entire town. That was a glorious one to take in in person.

My favorite is hard to pick

any one of the 3 against Franny were great. :

In 2014 that was to punch the ticket to the first ever title.
In 2023 Franny had been the anointed Kings of 5A and had beat Naz in week 9 by 3 scores delivering their 5th loss of the season. Naz then repaid the favor on the way to #2 of the recent 3peat.
Last year, was just fun to relive history

Then there was the fun Snow Bowl in Burbank in 2015. Punching a ticket to the final is fun, doing it in the snow is better!

The most stress inducing one for me was 2022, Naz coming in with 4 losses to a stout Sycamore team everyone had crowned prematurely. I remember being upset that Racki elected to kick a FG and not go for it on 4th down close to the end zone earlier in the game. Then after Naz scored to take the lead and hold on for the 10-7 win I learned to accept kicking FGs from there on out. (Fake Punts I am still not sold on though)

 

[USD24]

I second the JCA-Lasalle Peru 2003 semi. A big game atmosphere on a Saturday afternoon at that field is difficult to put into words how unique and impressive the setting was. The tailgating, great weather, and Johnny Cash on the PA system made for a real cool environment that I don't think I would ever be able to experience elsewhere.

2007 JCA-Normal Community up there as well. Normal coming in with a long winning streak and JCA playing a real clean game to come out victorious.

Sticking with the JCA away game theme, 2000 vs Pontiac on the coldest day I have ever experienced and big plays from both teams down the stretch. 2004 vs Jacksonville was a pretty cool facility and atmosphere, though nowhere near as unique as L-P. And 2021 Richmond-Burton was a lot like Normal Community or Jacksonville in terms of field layout and gameday atmosphere.

Semifinal away games are a real fun thing to experience.

Could not agree more! Especially in small towns.

 

[WizardofWashington]

For me the SHG vs Rochester semi-final 2022 was the best game I have ever seen. For a high school team to be down 28-0 and still claw back to win against your chief rival, in front of a packed house ...you cant beat that.

 

[rocketnation]

The best I've been at was the 2017 semifinal at home against Highland. The crowd for the Highland game was the largest I've ever seen for a home game. Highland was averaging almost 60 points a game in the playoffs and had scored 77 in the Quarterfinals. They were led by future Detroit Lion TE Sam LaPorta. The wind played a factor in limiting the passing of both teams, but Steve Buecker should still be credited for a defensive plan that shutout Highland until the 3rd quarter and the Rocket lead by that point was 28-0. Final was 31-14. I stood next to 3-4 Troy Triad players who had road tripped to the game to root against the Bulldogs.

Runner up was the 2014 game at Herrin. Rochester had lost their last two regular season games that season and had been running clocked by SHG in Week 9. As it was a 3-hour trip, I left early and got there about 45 minutes before kickoff. Couldn't get anywhere near the school and ended up parking in a church lot about 1/2 mile away from the stadium. The home bleachers were already completely filled and there were also large numbers standing around the field to support the Tigers. The Rockets seemed rattled by the crowd early and lost two fumbles in the 1st Quarter. Rochester was fortunate to lead 6-3 at half before pulling away to win 28-9.

 

[McCaravan]

Semi-final week is my favorite week of the high school season. We seem to get better games than championship week and I like the fact that they are played on high school fields. I have had the opportunity to attend quite a few semi-final games. Here are my three favorite

• 1992 Joliet Catholic vs Mt Carmel. This game was a rematch from week one. The Caravan crushed the Hillmen week one. This semi-final game was like a heavyweight championship battle. A defensive struggle with the Hilltoppers prevailing 13-11 before a packed Memorial Stadium. Sorry, McCaravan, I know this is a bitter one for you.
• 2003-JCA at Lasalle-Peru. A beautiful fall afternoon. The outcome was never in doubt, as the Hilltoppers won 56-7. But what I remember most was the unbelievable atmosphere at LaSalle/Peru. One of the best stadiums in the state was packed and there was fantastic tailgating all afternoon. Just a fun experience altogether
• 1987 Joliet Catholic-Belvidere. I am a little biased here, because I got to participate in this one. It was a freezing day, but still a big crowd turned out in Belvidere. Bevidere came out strong and took an early lead. The Hilltoppers eventually wore down the Bucs for a 34-15. See attached article. Some of the JCHS names may be familiar(Voss, Lausch, Issac).

JCHS/Belvidere

What are your favorite Semi-final memories?

Im under Doctors orders not to discuss the 92 game anymore

 

[crusader_of_90]

During Althoff’s reign of terror in 1989 and 90 we played Monticello in the semi’s both years. My senior year, they knew they were screwed. They scrapped the regular offense and just came out throwing it. Backyard stuff. They did set up a nicely executed screen to their left, and I was playing right outside linebacker. They literally had the full line leading the running back so all I could think to do was to go right at them throw my body sideways and take out their legs to cause a pile. It worked, but I got trampled and stepped on. And it hurt! They got a short game, but it resulted in a turnover and downs.

We won by 50.

 

[Doctor_D]

This will be Wilmington’s 7th semifinal. Oddly enough, only one of them has been on the road.

Best one was probably the first one that they won, 28-7 against DuQuoin and their storied program that was still in their heyday. Worst one was last year going up to Lombard after losing their all stater and all time leading rusher to injury the prior week. Game would have been a massive uphill battle even with him fully healthy…

All of them have been thrilling in their own way. There is definitely a bit more of a buzz for those semifinal games.

 

[kpjasion]

2015, Loyola @ Palatine. Absolutely brutal weather after a large snowstorm(not sure my son has thawed out yet and he's almost 28 now ). Loyola won 24-22 and they'd go on to beat Marist 41-0 in the 8A state title game.

Palatine came back from a 24-9 deficit in the 4th quarter to make it 24-22, but got stopped on the two point conversion that would have tied it. What sucked for Palatine fans is they had two long drives in the 3rd quarter, but unfortunately both ended up in interceptions by Loyola in or near their end zone. If they'd scored, it would have made the rally unnecessary (all other things being equal)- ah, what could have been..

 

[MS4EVER]

Thank you for this thread! It’s helping me get over my depression from the weekend!!

 

[crusader_of_90]

28-7 against DuQuoin and their storied program that was still in their heyday.

They did have a nice run back in the 1980s!

DuQuoin is also known as the original host of the Street Machine Grand National car show, which is one hell of a party.

https://www.streetmachinenationals.net/street-machine-nationals-du-quoin/

 

[bocjr34]

1988 SR v MC at 63rd & Claremont. Devastating loss for us Rita guys, but greatest atmosphere in the greatest high school football stadium.

 

[SilverHelmet]

 

[LWN_Pheonix]

 

[McCaravan]

1988 SR v MC at 63rd & Claremont. Devastating loss for us Rita guys, but greatest atmosphere in the greatest high school football stadium.

 

[80sRambler]

Thank you for this thread! It’s helping me get over my depression from the weekend!!

Wrong. This is NOT a favorite memory. (Was waiting for you to post this )

 

[DennisReynolds]

The best I've been at was the 2017 semifinal at home against Highland. The crowd for the Highland game was the largest I've ever seen for a home game. Highland was averaging almost 60 points a game in the playoffs and had scored 77 in the Quarterfinals. They were led by future Detroit Lion TE Sam LaPorta. The wind played a factor in limiting the passing of both teams, but Steve Buecker should still be credited for a defensive plan that shutout Highland until the 3rd quarter and the Rocket lead by that point was 28-0. Final was 31-14. I stood next to 3-4 Troy Triad players who had road tripped to the game to root against the Bulldogs.

Runner up was the 2014 game at Herrin. Rochester had lost their last two regular season games that season and had been running clocked by SHG in Week 9. As it was a 3-hour trip, I left early and got there about 45 minutes before kickoff. Couldn't get anywhere near the school and ended up parking in a church lot about 1/2 mile away from the stadium. The home bleachers were already completely filled and there were also large numbers standing around the field to support the Tigers. The Rockets seemed rattled by the crowd early and lost two fumbles in the 1st Quarter. Rochester was fortunate to lead 6-3 at half before pulling away to win 28-9.

I remember the 2017 semifinal against Highland. Their QB Marti had 42 TD & 1 INT going into the game. He had thrown for over 3000 yards on the season and ran for another 1000. Their RB Feldmann had over 1200 yards rushing that season. Laporta had over 1300 yards receiving. Highland was typically a 5A team and many people outside of Rochester insisted there was no way Rochester could slow down this offense (to be fair no one had yet that year). Rockets DC Steve Buecker put 5'8" 150lbs on Laporta. Laporta ended up with 6 catches for 104 yards, but many of these were late in the game. Lewis shut down Laporta early on and picked off Marti twice.

I was also at the Rochester-Herrin game. One of the best high school football atmospheres I've ever been at.

But my favorite semifinal game will be 2010 Rochester-Metamora rematch at home. I've never seen a team so determined to not only win, but completely demolish a team from start to finish. It was clearly personal after how the 2009 semi ended against Metamora. I think this was the biggest crowd I've ever seen at a Rochester home game.

 

[ACleverName]

This will be Wilmington’s 7th semifinal. Oddly enough, only one of them has been on the road.

Best one was probably the first one that they won, 28-7 against DuQuoin and their storied program that was still in their heyday. Worst one was last year going up to Lombard after losing their all stater and all time leading rusher to injury the prior week. Game would have been a massive uphill battle even with him fully healthy…

All of them have been thrilling in their own way. There is definitely a bit more of a buzz for those semifinal games.

I was going to start a thread about worst memories, just for the Wilmo Montini experience of last year. Brutal. Gotta say it was best and worst. Watching the boys try their hardest out there and experiencing a Montini pre-game... It was all pretty wild.

 

[McCaravan]

Best was probably 1990 when MC beat Bloomington on a late TD and stopped them as time expired. The win over SR in 1988 was memorable as mentioned above is was a great atmosphere at The Pit...beating SR in 2022 in a game that SR controlled and had their chance to put MC away and then it all fell apart for SR....the quarterfinal against COM in 2002 was probably one of the best MC playoff games I've seen. That was the 2002 State game that was played 2 rounds too early.

Worst?- The above mentioned 1992 MC/JCA semifinal that I joke my Doctor won't let me talk about but truth be told @USD24 those two teams started going in opposite directions as the season went on. MC put it on autopilot and JCA worked harder and it showed.
The worst for me was the 2018 Semi loss to SCN......a week after beating an "unbeatable" ESL team MC lost to Tyler Nubin, now the starting safety for the NY Giants. I know other players did their part but if you saw the game, Nubin beat them with help of several MC mistakes. They had their chances and let it slip away. It was a game that gave truth to the saying "The better team doesn't always win, the team that plays better that game does"

 

[Anon1753850091]

Best was probably 1990 when MC beat Bloomington on a late TD and stopped them as time expired. The win over SR in 1988 was memorable as mentioned above is was a great atmosphere at The Pit...beating SR in 2022 in a game that SR controlled and had their chance to put MC away and then it all fell apart for SR....the quarterfinal against COM in 2002 was probably one of the best MC playoff games I've seen. That was the 2002 State game that was played 2 rounds too early.

Worst?- The above mentioned 1992 MC/JCA semifinal that I joke my Doctor won't let me talk about but truth be told @USD24 those two teams started going in opposite directions as the season went on. MC put it on autopilot and JCA worked harder and it showed.
The worst for me was the 2018 Semi loss to SCN......a week after beating an "unbeatable" ESL team MC lost to Tyler Nubin, now the starting safety for the NY Giants. I know other players did their part but if you saw the game, Nubin beat them with help of several MC mistakes. They had their chances and let it slip away. It was a game that gave truth to the saying "The better team doesn't always win, the team that plays better that game does"

Funny how sometimes the regular season meeting launches teams one direction or another.

2001 was another year where something similar probably happened. MC beat JC in probably the most hyped game in the rivalry's history. That was probably the best thing that could have happened to JC that year in propelling them to a 5A title. MC took that win and then ended up losing to PC a few weeks later and then an early exit to Hinsdale in 6A.

The ridiculous broken play MC win in 2007 was another bad loss that was probably a good thing overall for that 2007 team, arguably one of JC's best ever. Though that one ridiculous blemish probably keeps them from the top spot.

 

[bocjr34]

Best was probably 1990 when MC beat Bloomington on a late TD and stopped them as time expired. The win over SR in 1988 was memorable as mentioned above is was a great atmosphere at The Pit...beating SR in 2022 in a game that SR controlled and had their chance to put MC away and then it all fell apart for SR....the quarterfinal against COM in 2002 was probably one of the best MC playoff games I've seen. That was the 2002 State game that was played 2 rounds too early.

Worst?- The above mentioned 1992 MC/JCA semifinal that I joke my Doctor won't let me talk about but truth be told @USD24 those two teams started going in opposite directions as the season went on. MC put it on autopilot and JCA worked harder and it showed.
The worst for me was the 2018 Semi loss to SCN......a week after beating an "unbeatable" ESL team MC lost to Tyler Nubin, now the starting safety for the NY Giants. I know other players did their part but if you saw the game, Nubin beat them with help of several MC mistakes. They had their chances and let it slip away. It was a game that gave truth to the saying "The better team doesn't always win, the team that plays better that game does"

Any of you MC guys have the 89 game at Gately on video? It was one of the very few pleasurable MC-SR games for SR fans in the Wernet era. I was a soph at SR for the 94 playoff game, but I actually enjoyed the 89 clash at gately even more. The crowd at Gately was overflowing and amazing that night. It was an Incredibly hard hitting game between two elite defenses

 

[McCaravan]

Any of you MC guys have the 89 game at Gately on video? It was one of the very few pleasurable MC-SR games for SR fans in the Wernet era. I was a soph at SR for the 94 playoff game, but I actually enjoyed the 89 clash at gately even more. The crowd at Gately was overflowing and amazing that night. It was an Incredibly hard hitting game between two elite defenses

Only thing I got are the game clips from this season highlight reel. Don't worry this isn't 2 hours long, it's 40 minutes then a lot of down time. But it shows some good clips of the game

 

[McCaravan]

Funny how sometimes the regular season meeting launches teams one direction or another.

2001 was another year where something similar probably happened. MC beat JC in probably the most hyped game in the rivalry's history. That was probably the best thing that could have happened to JC that year in propelling them to a 5A title. MC took that win and then ended up losing to PC a few weeks later and then an early exit to Hinsdale in 6A.

The ridiculous broken play MC win in 2007 was another bad loss that was probably a good thing overall for that 2007 team, arguably one of JC's best ever. Though that one ridiculous blemish probably keeps them from the top spot.

2001 game was a great atmosphere! MC was up 28-0, I went to the bathroom and it was 28-21! But yes, only thing that matters is if you win the last game and MC had a number of things go wrong as that season progressed. MC was small that year. Very fast but small. I think as the season went on the bumps and bruises slowed down that speed they had early on. They had the wrong guy at QB....it's been 22 years so I think it's safe to say that. They made a change after the back to back loses to PC and LA but due to an injury to the true backup they were forced to convert a Safety to QB and he had a very limited playbook and he just didn't develop enough. Not the season MC thought it would be after that win vs JCA.

 

[Anon1753850091]

2001 game was a great atmosphere! MC was up 28-0, I went to the bathroom and it was 28-21! But yes, only thing that matters is if you win the last game and MC had a number of things go wrong as that season progressed. MC was small that year. Very fast but small. I think as the season went on the bumps and bruises slowed down that speed they had early on. They had the wrong guy at QB....it's been 22 years so I think it's safe to say that. They made a change after the back to back loses to PC and LA but due to an injury to the true backup they were forced to convert a Safety to QB and he had a very limited playbook and he just didn't develop enough. Not the season MC thought it would be after that win vs JCA.

JCA entered #5 in the country and with a 29 game win streak. Had they won, they likely enter the playoffs with a near 40 game winning streak. I don't think the Riverside-Brookfield game and the Morris game in the playoffs go as well as they did if MC didn't offer them that humble pie in week 2.

 

[bocjr34]

Only thing I got are the game clips from this season highlight reel. Don't worry this isn't 2 hours long, it's 40 minutes then a lot of down time. But it shows some good clips of the game

Thank you very much!

 

[sporthog_9er]

2001 2OT 35-34 thriller between Maine South and Lincoln-Way

Snow falling, absolutely frigid...tough loss for the team I root for but it was an unbelievable game.

LW misses extra point that would have tied at 35...crushing

 

[Running_Clock]

2004 Season - MC (15) @ PC (16)
Double OT... if I'm not mistaken, MC went for 2 and was stuffed to send PC to the State Finals to win their 9th title.

Man, I miss those battles bw MC & PC when they would regularly fight in the semis/finals.

 

[McCaravan]

2004 Season - MC (15) @ PC (16)
Double OT... if I'm not mistaken, MC went for 2 and was stuffed to send PC to the State Finals to win their 9th title.

Man, I miss those battles bw MC & PC when they would regularly fight in the semis/finals.

PC beat up MC a few weeks earlier. MC scored late and opted for the 2 instead of the tie and MC got stopped. Great game. That was another one of those "This was the actual State game" games

 

[Patrick Henry]

Best one was probably the first one that they won, 28-7 against DuQuoin

Was at this one on the DQ sidelines. The fans were more than confident they would win in convincing fashion. I just remember how pissed they were at the outcome.

 

[McCaravan]

This is that MC vs COM quarterfinal game in 2002. COM won in week two 24-21, this was the rematch. Outstanding game. Video chopped it down to 40 min for your enjoyment

 

[Anon1753850091]

This is that MC vs COM quarterfinal game in 2002. COM won in week two 24-21, this was the rematch. Outstanding game. Video chopped it down to 40 min for your enjoyment

That was a great game. That 02 playoff loss for CoM set the table for the 2003 team, which may have been the best high school team I have ever seen. That offense was like watching a magician. Great stuff.

 

[Anon622286]

Best HS football game I ever attended in person was Rochester vs. Metamora at Metamora in 2010ish range. I believe that final 56-55 or something close to that with Rochester going for 2 and not converting. Incredible back and forth game, was a ton of fun as a neutral observer.

 

[CCHS-Fan]

2003 Carmel Catholic.

40-20 semifinal win over Minooka, in Mundelein. Minooka took out Providence Catholic the week prior, 14-7.

CCHS was never challenged vs. Minooka. Sad part was our QB getting injured (broke his foot). Couldn’t slow the option, however, as CCHS went on to beat Bloomington in the final (their 3rd straight 6A loss to a Catholic school).

CCHS, as a run-first offense, scored 600pts. That’s a milestone number for point production, IMO, and impressive for any team to reach that mark in a season.

Playing in a closed conference in ‘03, CCHS
had a competitive schedule too, with JCA winning 5A, and Benet was tough.

Edit: updated the score vs. Minooka (40-20). Apologies.

 

[McCaravan]

2003 Carmel Catholic.

41-14 semi-win over Minooka, in Mundelein. Minooka took out Providence Catholic the week prior, 14-7.

CCHS was never challenged vs. Minooka. Sad part was our QB getting injured (broke his foot). Couldn’t slow the option, however, as CCHS went on the beat Bloomington (their 3rd straight 6A loss to a Catholic school).

CCHS, as a run-first offense, scored 600pts. That’s a milestone number for point production, IMO, and impressive for any team to break that mark in a season.

Playing in a closed conference in ‘03, CCHS
had a competitive schedule too, with JCA winning 5A, and Benet was tough.

#7 was a beast. So was the 6'11 TE!

 

[Running_Clock]

2003 Carmel Catholic.

41-14 semi-win over Minooka, in Mundelein. Minooka took out Providence Catholic the week prior, 14-7.

CCHS was never challenged vs. Minooka. Sad part was our QB getting injured (broke his foot). Couldn’t slow the option, however, as CCHS went on to beat Bloomington in the final (their 3rd straight 6A loss to a Catholic school).

CCHS, as a run-first offense, scored 600pts. That’s a milestone number for point production, IMO, and impressive for any team to break that mark in a season.

Playing in a closed conference in ‘03, CCHS
had a competitive schedule too, with JCA winning 5A, and Benet was tough.

Minooka’s Russ Weil (went on to play at U of I) was a buzz saw. Played both ILB and RB/FB and singlehandedly prevented PC going for the 3peat.

 

[Wittymoniker1]

1988 SR v MC at 63rd & Claremont. Devastating loss for us Rita guys, but greatest atmosphere in the greatest high school football stadium.

We beat that MC team as Freshmen: 7 - 0 at Rita to win the Championship. They got their revenge.

 

[USD24]

2003 Carmel Catholic.

40-20 semi-win over Minooka, in Mundelein. Minooka took out Providence Catholic the week prior, 14-7.

CCHS was never challenged vs. Minooka. Sad part was our QB getting injured (broke his foot). Couldn’t slow the option, however, as CCHS went on to beat Bloomington in the final (their 3rd straight 6A loss to a Catholic school).

CCHS, as a run-first offense, scored 600pts. That’s a milestone number for point production, IMO, and impressive for any team to break that mark in a season.

Playing in a closed conference in ‘03, CCHS
had a competitive schedule too, with JCA winning 5A, and Benet was tough.

Updated the score vs. Minooka (40-20). Apologies.

That was a great Carmel team.

 

[Edgytim]

For me the SHG vs Rochester semi-final 2022 was the best game I have ever seen. For a high school team to be down 28-0 and still claw back to win against your chief rival, in front of a packed house ...you cant beat that.

And it was so damn cold.......

 

[cornerrat#1]

For me the SHG vs Rochester semi-final 2022 was the best game I have ever seen. For a high school team to be down 28-0 and still claw back to win against your chief rival, in front of a packed house ...you cant beat that.

All.... 2005 was one or the books. North Chicago came to town. They had a once in a life time team with multiple D1 players and big on the lines. The Chicago newspapers were adamant that SHG had no chance. And Coach Grenda in an article callled the team Scared Sacred Heart Griffin not endearing the Cyclone fans.

I will never forget sitting out at Memorial Stadium tailgating early with a mass of SHG fans and a car pulls up. Out jumps Coach Grenda dressed all in black (looking like the lead singer of Steppenwolf lol) with more thick gold chains around his neck then I have ever seen. Well I jump up from my seat and run over and shake his hand as well as his staff. I remember the last thing he said to me to this day. "I hope we can be friends after this game." He was that confident. I smiled and said sure. The final SHG 29 North Chicago 19. Ratsy