Relentless Simeon beats Morgan Park, wins Public League championship

The strike threatened to take away Simeon’s chance at the state playoffs, so the players fought back—all the way to the mayor’s office.

Prairie Ridge knocked the Wolverines out of the state playoffs two weeks. Simeon was demolished 49-0. The Wolverines fought back.

They beat Curie in the city playoffs last week and on Friday Simeon knocked off arch-rival Morgan Park 30-16 in the Public League championship game at Gately Stadium.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” senior lineman Khalyl Warren said. “We have been through our ups and downs but we are still a family and we know how to pull back together.”

Wolverines coach Dante Culbreath was disappointed in his offensive line’s performance against Prairie Ridge. They responded with a dominant effort against the Mustangs (7-5).

“We knew what type of game this would be,” Culbreath said. “We pushed the offensive line this week and they stepped up.”

Simeon running back Chau Smith had 22 carries for 209 yards. The senior had touchdown runs of seven and 26 yards. He also caught an eight-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jacquez Woodland.

Morgan Park’s Jayon Moffat (4) is taken down during the game against Simeon. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Jacquez Woodland (1) rolls out with the ball during the game against Morgan Park. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Morgan Park’s Napoleon Williams (9) runs for a touchdown against Simeon. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) runs the ball against Morgan Park. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) is tackled by Morgan Park’s Semaj Brown (21). | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) runs the ball for a touchdown against Morgan Park. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Morgan Park’s Noah Malone (5) gets ready for a play against Simeon. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) is forced out of bounds by Morgan Park’s Deshun Britten (3). | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Morgan Park’s Noah Malone (5) takes down Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) with the help of Napoleon Williams (9). | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon’s Chau Smith (6) and Jelen Lee (4) hold off Morgan Park’s Camron Fulton (1). | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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Simeon coach Dante Culbreath holds the 2019 City Champions plaque after winning the game against Morgan Park. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

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“I really wanted [a state title] but this is an accomplishment too,” Smith said. “It always feels good to get something with my boys.”

Woodland was 5-for-13 for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Morgan Park scored on a 29-yard touchdown run by Napoleon Willliams and a 21-yard touchdown run by Deshun Britten. Williams also tackled Smith for a safety in the second quarter.

“This group is relentless,” Culbreath said. “When they say they are brothers they really mean it. They are fighting for each other.”

It’s the eleventh city title for the Wolverines (9-2). They will face St. Laurence, a 28-0 winner against De La Salle, in the Prep Bowl next Friday.

Nate Thomas had 228 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Vikings (7-5).