Addison Trail gives Parpet the best retirement gift

For all the farewell presents coming Paul Parpet's way this season, one more couldn't hurt.

Saturday in Villa Park, Addison Trail's football players gave their retiring head coach the parting gift of the District 88 trophy one last time. The Blazers dominated whistle-to-whistle in a 25-0 victory over rival Willowbrook.

"I thought our defense played real well, and we challenged them during the week," Parpet said. "We just did enough on offense."

The way Addison Trail's defense played, the offense didn't need to do much.

The unit limited Willowbrook (2-5, 2-3) to 35 first-half yards and 116 for the game. After Addison Trail (3-4, 3-1) capped its 6-play opening drive with a 15-yard touchdown run by quarterback Anthony Catanese, the Warriors fumbled on their first play from scrimmage.

That play set the tone for an ugly half by the Warriors, who also had an errant punt snap sail into the end zone for a safety on their next possession. Not exactly the way the team wanted to celebrate homecoming and the school's 50th anniversary.

"I didn't have them ready to play, it's as simple as that," said Willowbrook coach Mark Olson. "I think we ran six plays in the first half and never had a chance to get anything going."

A 23-yard field goal by Nick Wisniewski early in the second quarter stood up to give Addison Trail an 11-0 halftime lead. The Blazers stopped Willowbrook to start the second half, then took the ball 80 yards in 11 plays, including a 27-yard pass from Catanese to Frank Cervantes and an 18-yard touchdown pass to Wisniewski for an 18-0 lead.

While the defense shined in allowing only 5 first downs to Willowbrook, Addison Trail's offense also had its moments. Even though the 161 rushing yards, including 70 by Catanese and 50 by Cervantes, were well below the Blazers' season average, Catanese had one of his better passing games. The sophomore completed 7 of 10 passes for 90 yards.

Midway through the fourth quarter the Blazers' defense received its reward for a fine effort. Senior lineman Bill Schweer intercepted Willowbrook quarterback Bradley Collins, who threw for 89 yards, and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and a 25-0 final.

"The defense played really well, we stuck it to them," Schweer said. "We had a lot of enthusiasm throughout the game and took home the win. It's good to be bringing the trophy back."