Football: Title caps memorable season for Bolingbrook

Updated: November 28, 2011 6:05PM

Before Bolingbrook was known for winning multiple girls state basketball championships, the school was known for having success in one sport.

Football.

That success has spanned 30 straight seasons with a .500 or better record. Starting in 1985, the Raiders have made 24 playoff trips in 27 years, including an ongoing streak of 20 in a row. None of those previous teams reached the top of the state’s mountain and won a title.

Until Saturday. That’s when Bolingbrook came together and rallied in the fourth quarter as quarterback Aaron Bailey scored on a 33-yard touchdown run to defeat Loyola 21-17 to capture the Class 8A crown.

“This is not just for us, the 2011 football team,” Bailey said. “It’s for the community, the fans, family, everybody.”

While the title was for those in Raider Nation over the years, it also ended the perception Bolingbrook couldn’t win the big one.

In 1993, the Raiders took an undefeated record into the Class 5A state title game. But penalties hurt, including one that nullified a punt return for a touchdown, and turnovers helped doom Bolingbrook in a 7-0 loss to Belvidere.

From 1995 to 2006, the Raiders made six quarterfinal appearances and two semifinal trips. Two other times (1996 and 2008) they carried undefeated regular-season records into the playoffs. Both times they were bounced in the second round.

This year’s team was different. Not only did the Raiders rally from a 5-5 record and a 55-27 loss to Mount Carmel in the opening round of the 2010 playoffs, they overcame five turnovers in the title game.

“I just trusted in God and didn’t worry at all,” said Bailey, who threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles vs. Loyola. “It wasn’t our normal game, but we won.”

Bolingbrook won thanks to Bailey overcoming the mistakes to rush for 149 yards and two TDs and also complete 8-of-13 passes for 140 yards. Xavier Perkins had six receptions for 119 yards.

“We just knew we had to stay focused,” Perkins said. “If we did that, we’d come out with the win.”

Bolingbrook also won thanks to the defense, which held the Ramblers to 10 net yards in the second half. Bolingbrook did that without its leader, Antonio Morrison. The linebacker, who has committed to Florida, broke a bone in his foot two weeks ago against Downers Grove South, and also missed the 22-19 semifinal win over Naperville Central.

“Before the game I knew they would pick on me because I was the young one on defense,” said Bolingbrook sophomore Parker Westphal, who made four tackles (two for losses), broke up three passes and had a sack. “But I just did what I’ve been coached to do and was prepared.

“We just had to come out and make a statement. We had a ‘second-round curse’ (not advancing past that point since 2006). We had to break that, and we did.”

Linebacker Andre Allen, who had four tackles, including two big sacks, agreed.

“We paid attention to small details,” he said. “That’s the Bolingbrook defense. Then we go out and hit you in the mouth; we did that all year. We did what we practiced; this is great for the coaches.”

Three of those coaches, defensive coordinator Bob Corra, offensive line coach Joe Murnick and defensive ends coach Greg Pluth, have combined for more than 100 years of coaching as varsity assistants. Phil Acton, who was Bolingbrook coach from 1978 to 2001, was on the sideline Saturday night.

Raiders coach John Ivlow, in his 10th season, knew he had a special group this year. Before the season he believed this could be his best team ever. Along the way his team overcame every obstacle, including losing offensive guard Jacob Hawk, a two-year starter, to a knee injury in the playoffs.

“From all the 7-on-7 camps to the weightlifting over the summer, the kids knew how to compete and win,” Ivlow said. “The guys we have are together. There’s a camaraderie they have and they all hang out with each other. It’s been great.”

It’s also great to have a quarterback with the talent of Bailey, who not only has the skill to get it done, he also has the attitude.

“Mistakes will happen, but we didn’t worry,” he said. “This is a complete team. We trusted each other. It couldn’t happen at a better time then to be on the biggest stage.

“It was a blessing, a lot of fun and a blast.”

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