That's a wrap!
Bobby Leach, SW Sports Nest
Published 12/02/2011
- 2:11 a.m. CST
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What an incredible weekend it was despite the cold and wet weather I made the trip downstate to cover the IHSA state football finals and was treated to a memorable experience. The IHSA always does a great job organizing the event and considering there are eight football games played over a two day period, staying organized and cordial is a feat in and of itself. This year was no exception and I would be remiss if I failed to mention their hard work in providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on the largest stage of the year.
Speaking of those athletic talents showcased the sporting world was treated to the best single game rushing performance in state history when junior Joliet Catholic running back Ty Isaac used 26 carries to gain 515 yards and 6 touchdowns. To put that accomplishment in perspective, Isaac had broken the previous record by halftime and literally kept the Hillmen in the game for three quarters before JCA went down to two-time defending champion Montini who completed the tri-fecta and earned their third straight. I have never seen one player effect a football game as much as Ty did in the 5A title game and I will be blunt, if you miss seeing this kid play, you better be sure to mark your calendars for opening day next season as Isaac will wear a Hillmen jersey once more before taking his show on a very likely golden road.
Struggling to wrap my head around Isaac's performance in a loss no less, hours later Bolingbrook took the field in their first ever IHSA class 8A state football final (the Raiders did play for a 5A championship in 1993 but lost) and the rain was literally coming into the stadium sideways and a cold wind that followed made game time weather more suitable for crab fishing. Another tremendous talent, Raider junior quarterback Aaron Bailey put the team on his back and scored twice beating the consensus number one team in the state Loyola Academy 21-17 on a 33-yard run from Bailey with five minutes to go in the game. The Raider defense took care of the rest and kept the Ramblers out of the end zone the remainder. As the time ticked down to 00:00, Bolingbrook head coach John Ivlow was doused in Gatorade in a celebration of Bolingbrook's first ever football championship.
On the drive home with pickled fingers and drenched clothing, I thought no matter how cold and wet I was, I just witnessed two of our area teams achieve the kind of greatness only dreamt of by most of us. I did however make a few notes to self on the late night drive home for next season (yes I do think at least one of our area teams will be back), bring a rain suit to avoid getting wet and bring a football for some of these athletes to autograph. It's all about who your a fan of and honestly, I can think of no better autographs I would take over the athletes I witnessed play this weekend. Let's hope I remember to bring a marker too!
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