Willowbrook Warriors Dominate St. Edward, Advance to Sectionals

Willowbrook High School’s girls flag football team secured a decisive victory against St. Edward, winning 37-12 in the regional final held on March 15, 2024, in Villa Park. This triumph keeps the Warriors’ remarkable unbeaten streak alive, showcasing their commitment to hard play and preparation after a disappointing performance in the previous year’s quarterfinals.

The Warriors, now boasting a record of 19-0, will face Naperville Central (16-3) in the South Elgin Sectional semifinal on Monday at 17:00. This marks the second consecutive year that Willowbrook has claimed the regional championship since the state’s sanctioning of girls flag football.

Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone

Willowbrook’s defense took center stage early in the match, forcing St. Edward into a turnover on downs despite the Green Wave’s initial lengthy drive. The Warriors quickly capitalized on this momentum, with quarterback Marli Smrz connecting with McKenzie Edison for a 51-yard touchdown after just three plays.

Throughout the game, St. Edward’s quarterback Sarah Gurley struggled with interceptions, throwing three in a four-pass stretch during the first half. These turnovers, including one interception from Smrz and two from Carson Rieger, directly contributed to Willowbrook’s scoring opportunities. Smrz expressed her personal goals for the season, indicating a determination to improve from past performances.

Key Performances Fuel Victory

The Warriors showcased their offensive capabilities with multiple scoring plays. Janell Adams made a significant impact with a 74-yard touchdown run, furthering Willowbrook’s lead. Smrz added two more touchdown passes to Edison and Jada Langston, both executed from close range.

The Green Wave managed to get on the scoreboard just before halftime, with Savannah Lynch completing a short touchdown run, bringing the score to 30-6. Willowbrook’s final score came from Adams’ 18-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, demonstrating the team’s depth and strategic execution.

As the game concluded, St. Edward’s Gurley threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Lynch, marking the Green Wave’s second score of the match. Despite the loss, St. Edward coach Matthew Lynch praised his team for their growth and resilience throughout the season, highlighting the significant progress made since the beginning of the year.

The Warriors now look ahead to their matchup against Naperville Central, with high hopes of continuing their impressive run in the postseason. As they prepare for the sectional semifinal, Willowbrook’s coaching staff remains focused on strategic execution and maintaining the intense effort that has defined their successful season.