Old friends put on a show in Meadows-Prospect rivalry

If you live in Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect or Rolling Meadows, chances are you know about the rivalry.

No matter what the records or circumstances, when Meadows and Prospect collide - especially on the football field - there's a frenzy among students, players and fans that can reach a fever pitch.

The last few years, though, the games have had even more significance as both the Knights and Mustangs have been at or near the top of the Mid-Suburban East standings.

That was the case Friday night in Mount Prospect, and anyone who thought the inclement weather would temper the high-powered offenses of both teams would have been completely off base.

Especially with arguably the two top area quarterbacks playing at the top of their games.

Meadows senior Jimmy Garoppolo and his counterpart, Prospect senior Miles Osei, put on a show that may be talked about for years to come.

Garoppolo completed 27 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown and ran for 103 yards and 2 scores while Osei, who almost willed the Knights to an incredible last minute comeback, passed for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 100 as Meadows stunned Prospect 46-38.

"Both of these guys played extremely well," said Prospect coach Brent Pearlman, "especially when you consider the weather didn't cooperate."

The two quarterbacks have known each other since the second grade. They both played in the same junior program, the Arlington Cowboys, and both graduated from South Middle School.

But as is often the case in the area - depending on where you live - the two wound up at different high schools, and now both are playing at an extremely high level.

And they are still friends - although, says Garoppolo, it's difficult during this time of year.

"We still talk a lot when we see each other over the summer," said Garoppolo, "but during football season, well, we're friends but we're not friends, if you know what I mean."

Point taken.

"This gives our confidence a boost going into the playoffs," said Garoppolo, who had a surprisingly clean jersey despite the muddy conditions.

He could give thanks for that to his offensive line as Jared Diaz, Patrick Wiebe, Zack Tegtmeier, Tyle Tegtmeier, Colin Buscarini and Erick Louis-Charles combined as a unit to not allow Garoppolo to come close to being sacked in 41 pass attempts.

"They didn't let anyone touch me," said Garoppolo, "and they opened up some great running lanes as well. When you can run and pass, it's hard to stop - that's what it's all about."

Diaz couldn't agree more.

"We work on our pass protection every day," said the senior. "This is a big win, and it feels great - especially since no one gave us chance."

"It gives us a lot of confidence," added Wiebe, "but you can't let your head get too big. Next week the playoffs start and it's a whole new season."