What a Team!

On Saturday, November 14, Sacred Heart-Griffin played Crete Monee for a chance to play in the semifinals. However, SHG’s hopes fell short when, in the quarter final game, Crete Monee beat them 38 to 35. The close defeat was the only game the football team lost in three years. This SHG football team played phenomenally

Sophomore Cole Taylor holds the football as senior Austin Sommer kicks. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff.

throughout their years at SHG.

In the past three seasons, the Cyclones were unstoppable, defeating every opponent that stood in their way. In 2013, SHG won the State championship defeating Lombard Montini High School 38 to 28. In 2014, they beat Montini again for the state title 29 to 14.

This year, the Cyclones held their ground and ultimately won conference. Even though they played in Class 6A, they still triumphed. Senior Sam Bonansinga, an SHG receiver, shared his favorite game of the 2015 season. “Every game is fun, but playing Rochester was one of the most fun of my senior season. I was able to make a couple meaningful catches that had an impact on the game. Defense was also a big part of it, getting some big stops at key times from the entire squad.”

During the playoffs, the Cyclones moved forward. SHG easily beat Shephard High School 53 to 6.

The game against Peoria Notre Dame on Saturday, November 7, was a

Senior Avery Andrews makes a fantastic catch during the game against Peoria Notre Dame. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff.

stunning victory for the Cyclones with 61 to 38 as the final score. Peoria Notre Dame was up 14 to 13 in the first half of the game. Coach John Allison said, “What impressed me the most was the team’s ability not to get phased when we went down by a score in the second quarter. The players did not panic, they came back and answered.” SHG’s come
back resulted in its victory.

After the loss to Crete Monee, players and fans alike were sad to see the season over so soon. However, the memories of this season and past seasons will stay in the minds of the SHG football team for years to come. “I cannot say I have a favorite memory,” says Sam Bonansinga. “But the memories that I have gained throughout being an SHG football player with all of my friends is something that I would not trade for the world. I would do anything for any of them, and the relationships that I was able to make are going to last a lifetime. Going down to Georgia and competing, playoff games, two state championships and countless hours of blood, sweat and tears with my team has created an experience that I cannot even come close to explaining to anyone who has not done it for themselves. I’m truly blessed to have done it.”

I personally hope – and expect – that with the amazing coaching that we have here, the Cyclone football team can lead the school to future victories. Sam Bonansinga leaves the younger SHG football players some advice: “It goes by so fast. Because of this, take advantage of every opportunity to work, make a difference or better the team in any way. Nothing lasts forever, but while this blessing lasts, do everything you can to make it worthwhile, since once it’s done you won’t be able to play with this group of guys ever again.”