Montini, Glenbard West celebrate state titles

Two DuPage County high schools celebrated their football teams' state championships Friday during afternoon pep rallies.

Although the gym already is adorned in dozens of maroon and gold championship banners from various teams, Montini Catholic High School Principal Maryann O'Neill said the undefeated football team's 38-15 win over Crete-Monee this year was especially memorable because it coincided with the school's 50th anniversary.

"We've got a lot of celebrations this year and this was kind of like the icing on the cake," she said. "There's an awful lot to be thankful for."

O'Neill said the team had an undefeated regular season two years ago, but lost at state. Its last state championship was in 2012.

"It's been kind of difficult for the boys. To come back and win it for Coach (Chris Andriano), who's been here for 42 years, was something very special," she said.

This was the team's first championship in Class 6A. It has won five other state championships in the past 11 years, but in Class 5A and 4A.

Andriano said the team had some of the greatest defense and fastest players he's ever seen.

"They're going to remember it for the rest of their lives," he said.

In addition, O'Neill said she has been very impressed with this year's team because everyone gets their turn and there's "no superstar."

"There's no egos. This is a real team," she said. "This is a bunch of great young men that support one another. You can tell it on the field and off the field."

Aside from the football team, the school also recognized the girls' cross country team, which made it to state, as well as the Montini Maniacs cheering section.

At Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, students celebrated all the fall sports teams that progressed to the state series, including field hockey, volleyball and football. Several individuals from the school's theater and music programs were also recognized for their accomplishments.

The Glenbard West football team won the Class 7A title with a 34-28 victory over Libertyville.