These seniors are back where they started
The seniors began their high school football careers the same way they'll end it - against each other.
You'll find no better bookends.
When Wheaton Warrenville South (12-1) and Glenbard West (13-0) take the field at 4 p.m. today at Champaign's Memorial Stadium, they won't just play for the Class 7A state championship. They'll renew a storied rivalry that ended three years ago.
As freshmen in the fall of 2006, this year's seniors faced off for their first taste of high school competition. WW South won the game 28-0 and, despite some close calls in the postseason the past couple years, their paths haven't crossed since.
That game remains entrenched in memories on both sides. In the seniors' final high school football game, they'll meet again.
"We've come full circle," said Tigers receiver Mack Tracey. "It's awesome to have this opportunity, but they're a totally different team now. We don't know what to expect, but it should be fun. We're ready for them."
The feeling's definitely mutual.
The 7A final marks the 65th meeting between the legendary DuPage County programs, a rivalry that began in 1916. The teams played consistently through the years, overcoming gaps along the way, until the series ended after 2006.
Since then they've both gained solid footing among the premier programs in the state. In the past two seasons they've combined for a 45-4 record.
Glenbard West expected to meet WW South in last year's 7A quarterfinals, but a showdown between the top two seeds never came to fruition after Downers Grove North's first-round upset win over the Tigers.
A postseason matchup nearly happened in 2007 when WW South topped St. Rita in the second round of 7A. Glenbard West, however, lost 34-27 to Morgan Park to send the Mustangs into the quarterfinals against the Tigers.
Prior seasons found both teams qualifying for the playoffs, but they often competed in different classes. In fact the only time they've met in the postseason was in 1990 when the Tigers beat Glenbard West 7-3 in the second round of the 5A bracket.
Clearly, this weekend's game in Champaign is the most important in the rivalry's history. While WW South aims for its sixth state championship, the Hilltoppers look to add to the Class 5A title they won in 1983.
"The thing that sticks with our seniors is that loss freshman year," said Glenbard West linebacker Connor Loftus. "We were kind of anticipating seeing them last year, but they got knocked out early. We've always wanted another shot at them after that freshman game. That left a bad taste in our mouths."
No matter how last week's semifinals turned out, Glenbard West and WW South both would have been satisfied with their title game opponent. The Hilltoppers could have faced East St. Louis, which beat Glenbard West in last year's semifinals, while WW South could have played Lake Zurich, which edged the Tigers in the 7A title game two years ago.
Revenge is quite a motivator, but something even bigger rides on this showdown.
"We've been calling this a game of destiny," said Hilltoppers quarterback Tyler Warden. "Regardless of who we play it's huge for us. But playing them definitely adds something to the game."
The Glenbard West-WW South matchup is the fourth time DuPage County teams have squared off in a state title football game. WW South and Naperville Central met in 1995, Downers Grove South and Naperville Central played in 2001, and Naperville North played Glenbard North in 2007.
This weekend adds another chapter to the local saga, the second bookend closing an era for the Class of 2010.
"It's going to be a great game." said WW South offensive lineman-kicker Nick Immekus. "We've always wanted to play each other since that freshman year. What a great way to end the season by playing them in the state championship."