The strike threatened to take away Simeon’s chance at the state playoffs, so the players fought back—all the way to the mayor’s office.
Prairie Ridge knocked the Wolverines out of the state playoffs two weeks. Simeon was demolished 49-0. The Wolverines fought back.
They beat Curie in the city playoffs last week and on Friday Simeon knocked off arch-rival Morgan Park 30-16 in the Public League championship game at Gately Stadium.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” senior lineman Khalyl Warren said. “We have been through our ups and downs but we are still a family and we know how to pull back together.”
Wolverines coach Dante Culbreath was disappointed in his offensive line’s performance against Prairie Ridge. They responded with a dominant effort against the Mustangs (7-5).
“We knew what type of game this would be,” Culbreath said. “We pushed the offensive line this week and they stepped up.”
Simeon running back Chau Smith had 22 carries for 209 yards. The senior had touchdown runs of seven and 26 yards. He also caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jacquez Woodland.
“I really wanted [a state title] but this is an accomplishment too,” Smith said. “It always feels good to get something with my boys.”
Woodland was 5-for-13 for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
Morgan Park scored on a 29-yard touchdown run by Napoleon Willliams and a 21-yard touchdown run by Deshun Britten. Williams also tackled Smith for a safety in the second quarter.
“This group is relentless,” Culbreath said. “When they say they are brothers they really mean it. They are fighting for each other.”
It’s the eleventh city title for the Wolverines (9-2). They will face St. Laurence, a 28-0 winner against De La Salle, in the Prep Bowl next Friday.
Nate Thomas had 228 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Vikings (7-5).
