November 2, 2021- For the first time in program history, Wheaton Academy hosted a home football playoff game. With the win against final opponent of the regular season, Aurora Christian, the Warriors posted the most regular season wins since 1957.
The Warriors didn't stop there. Avenging a 2018 first round playoff loss to Coal City, the Warriors football program downed the Coalers on Friday night 36-3 under windy and rainy playing conditions. The weather nor the Coaler defense prevented the Warrior offense from producing 420 yards of total offense led by junior quarterback
Belay Brummel, who accounted for 4 TD passes and 242 yards of passing, including a rushing TD of his own early in the game. Sophomore
Liam White, Senior Eddie Kaspar and Junior
Breck Peacock were Brummel's targets, each receiving passes for scores, with White receiving two, including one on the first offensive play of the game for the Warriors. Senior Stas Nikolau led the Warriors in rushing with 52 yards.
Defensively, it couldn't have been more dominant of a showing. Coal City, traditionally a power-run offense was held to 61 yards of total offense, entirely on the ground. Senior
Peter Johanik had a season high 14 tackles and senior
Joseph Bracy snagged an early game interception that set up the Warriors to go ahead 21-0 after the end of the first quarter.
"The boys responded to adversity of losing three key starters offensively and defensively and stepped up." Coach Johanik commented about his team's play. "Defensively Coach
Justin Swider put together a game plan that broke the back of the opponent early and our offense under Coach Thonn capitalized on what the defense provided and scored quickly. It was truly one of most complete games we played all season."
The Warriors have a Herculean challenge ahead of themselves as they take on 14 time state champions Joliet Catholic at Memorial Stadium in Joliet, IL on Friday.
Game Information: Wheaton Academy @ Joliet Catholic
When: Friday, November 5th, 2021
Where: Joliet Memorial Stadium 3000 W. Jefferson St. Joliet, IL 60435
Live Stream vs NFHS: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/joliet-catholic-academy-joliet-il/gam44282b2673
Tickets: Tickets must be purchased through GO Fan here:
Joliet Catholic Academy vs Wheaton Warriors | IHSA 4A Playoffs Round 2 Tickets | GoFan
Parking: Visitor parking located on East Side of stadium off of Infantry Drive.
Concessions: Available on the West side of the stadium.
Miscellaneous: Only game personnel and Administration will be allowed on the track. Gates will open at 6pm.