Driscoll matchup long in the works
Since this millennium began the Chicago Christian and Driscoll football teams have both consistently kicked around in the postseason, to different degrees of success.
Driscoll, of course, is the six-time defending state champion, the No. 1 seed in the northern bracket of Class 4A with a perfect 11-0 record.
This is the first time No. 4 seed Chicago Christian (10-1) has reached the quarterfinals. The Knights make their Final 8 debut Saturday in Addison.
Despite their positions in playoff hierarchy -- Driscoll is 51-9 in 17 appearances, Chicago Christian 5-8 in nine appearances -- the programs are familiar with one another.
"This matchup's been waiting to happen for years," said Driscoll coach Mike Burzawa.
Ironic then, he said sadly, that three days after the death of Driscoll assistant head coach and offensive guru Mike Loconsole due to complications from lymphoma, the Highlanders will face a Knights squad that Burzawa called "Loci's team."
"He would be able to rattle off 20 things about Chicago Christian," Burzawa said.
Loconsole would likely note the teams' similarities.
Like Driscoll quarterback David Schwabe, Chicago Christian senior quarterback Alex Haan has amassed great numbers operating mainly a one-back spread offense.
Though Schwabe is a probable all-state pick who's completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,798 yards, 21 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, Haan's numbers surpass the Driscoll senior's.
A three-year starter who in 2005 lost to Immaculate Conception in Class 3A, Haan is 133-of-235 passing for 2,354 yards, 40 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.
"We've got a special quarterback and we're blessed with a great group of senior kids," said Chicago Christian coach Mark Vander Kooi, the 40-year program's most effective coach, with a 44-10 record since 2002.
Averaging 38.9 points while allowing 8.4, Chicago Christian got 3 touchdown catches from Andy Stuursma in the Knights' 28-0 second-round win over Mendota.
Haan, Stuursma and junior Dan Merrick head a ground game that has gained 1,878 yards.
Driscoll senior tailback Tim Franken has run for 1,313 yards by himself. Franken scored 3 of his 22 rushing touchdowns in last week's 42-7 win over Illinois Valley Central, Driscoll's sixth running-clock win of the season and second of the playoffs.
Schwabe, a three-year starter at safety, returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown.
Merrick, a linebacker with 96 tackles, 7-interception cornerback Chris Wolf, and linebacker Mark Hooker are defensive standouts on a Chicago Christian team that held Mendota to 98 yards.
Vander Kooi said his team "sleepwalked" through the season until losing to Aurora Christian in Week 5. Since then, he said, the Knights' focus has been greater than past Chicago Christian playoff teams.
Mental toughness and will has been ingrained at Driscoll. With Loconsole's passing its emotion and intensity Saturday will be high.
"There will be a period of mourning and reflection," Burzawa said, "and then there will be a time to play football."