US Nike Football

High School State Champs

usnikefootball — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:08:22 GMT

Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama was for many years the site of the Iron Bowl, the annual clash between state ultra-rivals Auburn and ‘Bama. The Tide and War Eagles have moved to a home-and-home series, but that doesn’t mean the legendary Legion lies fallow. Saturday afternoon, it will host the Alabama state championship, and Hoover High is back in its accustomed place in the final.

Josh Niblett is in command, and has his team back in the groove. The Buccaneers lost an early encounter with one of Georgia’s best pigskin sides, but since then have reeled off eleven straight wins. If they can get to a dozen, they will be 6A champs once again, after taking a sabbatical after the six in a row run that ended in 2005.

It won’t be easy, though—the opponent is another perennial power, these dudes. The Lions are defensive monsters, and have 12 on the trot themselves, their only loss being an encounter with defending Ohio state champs St. Xavier. They are defensive monsters, responding to the St. X loss with five straight shutouts, and have pitched seven clean slates overall. The key will be Hoover’s running game—if the Bucs can establish something on the ground, which few have been able to do against the 11th ranked team in the MaxPreps national countdown, they have a good chance at the W.

Over in South Carolina, another state title game will be played simultaneously—Byrnes of Duncan, the 6th ranked squad in the nation, will go for its second straight 4A-I championship at Death Valley in Clemson. Last week, the Rebels avenged their only loss in two seasons by smacking this school 24-13 to advance to the championship game. The opponent is the rep from the city where the Civil War began, Sumter.

Byrnes has been a team that has been toughened by out of state competition, beating a pair of Florida schools and one from Georgia this season. The Fighting Gamecocks, their title game opposition, have played an in-state schedule only. Saturday’s game will be a small referendum on the wisdom of scheduling toughies from across the border.

The #1 team in MaxPreps, and leading contender for best team in the country (mythical division), St. Thomas Aquinas, continues to cruise toward the Florida state championship. Next up, the quarterfinals, and a date with this school, who will try to stop the Raider machine, seemingly on an unstoppable route toward another 5A title.

The Ft. Lauderdale powerhouse is waxing the opposition by an average score of 45.7 to 6.8 this season, and only a top school from Ohio scored more than 10 points on them. Oddly, there have been several Raiders to commit to the Big 10, including this stud, who will be a Buckeye next fall. This junior might be STA’s best player, however, a slasher who will be a fixture on Saturday highlight shows starting in 2010. Arch-rivals Lakeland High is also into the round of 8, and should the two schools square off for the title, we’ll have to head down to the Sunshine State for a live report for you.

That’s in 5A—in 6A, Miami Northwestern is also in the state quarterfinals, despite losing most of its title team from 2007 to The U. The Bulls advanced after a scintillating 36-32 win in the Round of 16 over a long-time Miami rival. Another is on tap, and though MNW is young, don’t bet against another crown for Billy Rolle’s crew.

Deep inahearta, Katy’s Tigers were expected to likewise fall off from the level of last season’s Texas 5A Div. 2 championship team, but here they come again. Quarterfinals there too, as Katy battles for a spot in the semis. It’s been a 42-7, 51-10, 38-7 cakewalk thus far through the playoffs for the Stripes, but this week should be a tougher test.

Long Beach Poly’s Jackrabbits are making their way through the playoff competition out west, although the games have been much closer than those of their southern brethren. Next up, a battle with the Lancers from this school. It’s a battle for the CIF Southern Section finals.

In Georgia, the favorites to repeat didn’t. Lowndes’ luck ran out. Georgia’s defending 5A champs couldn’t get it done in ’08, bowing out in the state quarterfinals, 17-7 to this squad of giant-killers. The Vikes 17-game playoff win streak is now kaput.

Standing Room Only at Tom's River

usnikefootball — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:00:38 GMT

Once the opening kick was made, it was standing room only on the Mariner’s field for this “civil” war of North vs. South. Former coaches, faculty and players return just for this match-up, it holds special memories for anyone who attended either school. Standing on the sidelines you could feel the intensity in the air and the nerves of the players on the field. Records go out the window when this game is played, it is the biggest game of the year for the entire community.

Nike iD at Toms River Game

usnikefootball — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:58:10 GMT

Friday night marked the 35th match-up between the Toms River North Mariners and the South Indians. The stands were completely full by 6pm for this much-anticipated game. The game didn’t start until 7pm but people came early to participate in all the pre-game activities.

NIKEiD design stations were set-up at each entrance point to encourage students to design a pair of shoes with custom colors to mark this rivalry. In addition, the first 500 students from each school were presented with NIKEiD beanies in school colors to wear for the game.

Civil War on the South Shore

usnikefootball — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:27:08 GMT

The Mariners student body assembly was filled with excitement and energy as the students rallied together to cheer on the football team for a big win on Friday against their foes, the South Indians.

This match up is all the “buzz” around the town. South claims they are contenders this year but are definitely coming into this game as the underdogs with a 4-3 record. A key strength for South is they have 17 starters back from their 2007 season. They are a small team but are fast on their feet.

North’s strong defense is bound to shine on Friday with two all-state LB candidates Mike Henry and Brian Newman. Also returning from the ‘07 championship team is DB Matt Sura, who is a all-country selection. All three players are geared up for some big plays in this highly anticipated David and Goliath meet-up. North is big, South is quick. And, from spending time with both schools this week, one thing is for certain….this game will go down in history!

Nike 5D2F: Mid-Week

usnikefootball — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:45:26 GMT

There is a distinct separation of mindset between the inner circle and the outer circle as Friday approaches in the rivalry week. The inner circle, being the body of WWS football, does not look at the 6-0 record vs. the 4-2 record of North. The inner circle embraces the 19 victories out of the last 20 cross-town battles, but knows that this is an entirely new week. They know that there is no security in a game against WN no matter what has happened up to this point. As adversity piles up in the form of injury and sickness, the Tigers keep in mind the last part of this year’s slogan: Rise above it all. There is no time for doubt and grief regarding the monumental losses this program has endured. Al that is left to do is prepare their minds and bodies to be better than the North side this week. Speed training, lifting, film study, and practice are the only remedies for the North/South rivalry. In addition to this, there is an entirely different wave of emotion brought about by this game. A suppressed sense of anticipation has sat bottled up in the back of the minds of each player ever since a few coaches left the team in March. These emotions are slowly making their way to the surface as the inner circle prepares to release it all on Friday night. On the other hand, there is the outer circle, consisting of the student body and staff of WWS. Their tunnel vision leads them from a 6-0 record, to the history of the rivalry history of the rivalry, to the hype f 5 Days to Friday, and accepts nothing less than a victory. The team knows that they cannot win this week without the love and support of the “Tiger Nation,” and there is no doubt in the mind of either circle that the Tigers are going to come out victorious in week 7….. counting down the days to Friday.

Nike 5D2F: The Mid-Week Vibe

usnikefootball — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:43:01 GMT

We are three days away from the most publicized football game in Wheaton Warrenville South history. Not only are the players excited, the students and teachers can’t stop talking about the big game against long-term rival, Wheaton North! One WWS teacher describes how excited he is saying, “I’m pretty pumped up. I live on the north side of Wheaton, and I’ve been trash talking my neighbors for weeks.” The students are excited for the game, but also for the pre-game tailgate party sponsored by Nike. Almost 700 students are already planning on coming to the tailgate! With all the awesome free give-aways, who wouldn’t be? A player on our undefeated team shares his anticipation: “We’ve worked hard to be recognized as a top team in the nation. This spotlight is a great opportunity for our team and our school. North is going to regret having showed up to be disgraced in their town—year after year baby—They’re going down!”

Friends v. Foes: Wheaton Warrenville South/Wheaton North 2008

usnikefootball — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:41:35 GMT

What gives me the right to place two Chicago suburb high school football teams (Wheaton-Warrenville South Tigers and Wheaton North Falcons) among some of the greatest rivalries in the history of the game?

Maybe it’s the fact that both schools have harbored dominating dynasties in Illinois football history. South has put up five state titles since the early 90’s under coaches John Thorne and Ron Muhitch. Wheaton North controlled the 80’s under Coach Rex.

If the impressive history doesn’t do it, there’s the current coaching dynamic. New head coach, Joe Wardynski, and offensive coordinator, Dan Korntheuer left to coach at North. Both were key components of South’s coaching staff last year.

Like any other great rivalry, the fans are definitely a part of the equation. Whether you are a fan of football or not, it is arguably an expectation as a member of the community to show your face along with thousands of others at the cross-town match-up each year. To some, the game can make or break the season.

Oh. And if you are from around here, you know not to wear black and orange with blue and gold. Ever.

So why should it qualify? There’s history. Just enough bad blood to keep it classy. And bragging rights are always on the line. But isn’t that true of virtually all rivalries?

There’s one aspect that exists in Wheaton football alone: the athletes. These kids grew up playing side by side on the same youth football teams. They eat at the same restaurants, hang out at the same places. To get right to it, they know each other, well. In fact many of them are friends. But one Friday out of the year, that all changes. On that Friday, they are forced to put their friendships on hold and their reputations on the line.

5 Days to Friday

usnikefootball — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:40:19 GMT

At 5 o’clock the softball fields at Wheaton Warrenville South transformed into a sea of orange with the Nike stand serving as the center of attention. Hot dogs were distributed among the hungry crowd; people lined-up to design their own Nike ID shoes, and a boy and girl were chosen to receive their own custom design in the form of real Nike shoes. The game began as a stadium brimming over with Tiger fans facing off with a measly crowd of North supporters. Shouts and cheers answered touchdown after touchdown for the South side! In the end, the Tigers claimed victory: 47-14.

Once in a Lifetime

usnikefootball — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:39:36 GMT

The week of the Wheaton Warrenville South vs. Wheaton North game is always one of the biggest weeks of the year in Wheaton, but this year it was even more special. Nike chose to highlight this matchup as one of their high school games of the week for their “5 Days to Friday” national road tour. Students got free lanyards, and the opportunity to customize shoes at lunch with Nike ID, and students even had the opportunity to purchase custom Nike t-shirts. In the hours leading up to the game their was a tailgate party hosted by Nike that included free food and drinks, and performances by the cheerleaders and the drum line. The Wheaton Warrenville South players also received some of their own special opportunities, including a recorded message from Bears defensive lineman Alex Brown, and an exclusive sneak peek at a commercial featuring Ladainian Tomlinson, and Troy Polamalu at the team pasta dinner the night of the game. All of these incredible opportunities were made even more special because the South Tigers steamrolled the North Falcons, allowing South to remain undefeated and putting them in a great position heading into their final stretch of DVC games. This whole week was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for both the players and the fans of Wheaton Warrenville South.

HISTORY OF CENTRAL CATHOLIC FOOTBALL

usnikefootball — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:40:43 GMT

The Central Catholic Vikings have a long, rich football tradition. The school was founded in 1927 and has fielded a football team for 81 years. There have been many standout teams and players over the years. Some of those teams included the undefeated teams of 1951 and 1964. Many players went on to the NFL including Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, ’79; quarterback Marc Bulger (currently of the St. Louis Rams) ’95; Jeff Dugan ’99 currently with the Minnesota Vikings, Justin Kerpeikis ’97; who was a member of the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in 2005; and John Babinecz ’68 who played for the Dallas Cowboys. Although Central has had great success in the past, having won the Catholic League titles and a state championship in 1988, the period from 2000 to 2007 has produced success that is unparalleled in school history. The Vikings have an overall record of 90-14 and have claimed three WPIAL Quad A championships, (2003, 2004, and 2007). They have also won 2 state titles (2004 and 2007) and have been runner-up once in 2003. They have won consecutive conference championships. Along with that success has come a great deal of recognition both statewide and nationally. Central has been ranked nationally for 6 consecutive years and is the only WPIAL team ever to achieve such a lofty status.
The 2004 team finished as the #6 ranked team by USA Today and was also selected as the American Football Monthly Private School National Champions. They were the first team in Pennsylvania history to post a 16-0 record. Locally, the Vikings have been ranked in the Top 10 for all 8 of those years in the top 10 in the state for 7 of those 8 years including being ranked #1 for 44 total weeks from 2004-2007.

Individually the program has produced we All State players during that span; 15 BIG 33 players (Pennsylvania VS. Ohio All Star game); 16 Division I players; 4 All Americans; three Post-Gazette players of the year, and has dominated the All Conference teams with 76 players chosen overall. Current head coach Terry Totten has also been named Coach of the Year twice.

With all that success has come great expectations and this year is no exception. The bar has been set high for the program and the 2008 team will do all it can to meet the challenge of defending the tradition. This year’s squad returns only 3 starters on defense and 1 on offense. They will attempt to overcome that youth and inexperience by continuing to play the brand of football that has become Central’s trademark. On defense, more commonly known as the “chain gang”, they will seek to play an aggressive, swarming style that emphasizes speed and physical toughness. The offense may not be as high powered as in recent years, but expect them to come out with a balanced, ball control style that is efficient and opportunistic with the ability to still make the big play and capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses. After leading the league in points and total offense last year, look for them to once again put points on the board.

The entire Central Catholic community is looking forward to another exciting season. Hopefully with a lot of hard work, this team will continue to improve and eventually be a force in the playoffs.

IT’S A BLUE AND GOLD THING

usnikefootball — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:51:52 GMT

Down in south Florida, anyone who’s in the know will tell you that Miami Northwestern is not just a regional contender, or a statewide winner, but that it is the number one high school football team in the nation. Having only earned this prestigious title recently, Miami Northwestern’s Bulls have spent the last few years transforming themselves into something greater than just a winning team. And although the students will tell you that pride, determination, and perseverance is what got the team there, the players would say that it took blood and guts and a couple more touchdowns than the other team.

With a team history that dates back to the middle of the last century, it’s no surprise that many players who donned the blue and gold colors went on to be greats in the NFL. Miami Dolphins’ offensive lineman, Vernon Carey, Denver Broncos’ linebacker, Nate Webster, and Tampa Bay’s receiver, Tory Cox are just a few of the professional football players whose lineage traces back to their days as a Bull. And when you watch one of our games, you know that legends are being forged.

This season, when the team takes to the field, and the stands fill with screaming toddlers, high schoolers, parents, and alum, Miami Northwestern will be put to a test: defend our rank as the best team in the nation for another year. Whether this will prove to be an easy task, we can’t be sure, but like defensive tackle Todd Chandler says, “It’s hard work being a Bull, but it’s worth it.”

CENTRAL VS. USC – WHY IT’S A RIVALRY

usnikefootball — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:46:55 GMT

It’s a big rivalry because it pits two of the most successful Quad A programs over the past 20 years. Between the two schools there have been 7 WPIAL titles and 5 PIAA state titles. Most recently, USC was the 2006 state champion while Central claimed the title in 2007, so you’ve got a lot of pride and tradition at stake as the state champions of the past 2 years square off for bragging rights.

The 2 teams also share a personal history, having matched up against one another in many big games over the years. In 1988, USC defeated Central 7-0 in the championship game but decided not to participate in the state playoffs. Central advanced to win the state championship that year. The Vikings returned the favor in 2003, beating USC by a score of 42-10 in the championship game.

In a class match-up in 2004, Central defeated USC 21-13 in the semi-finals before going on to win their second straight WPIAL Quad A title.

Coach Jim Render of USC is the winningest coach of all time in the QPIAL Quad A classification. It’s always a challenge to go against the best and this year’s version of the Central Catholic Vikings, although young and inexperienced, will put everything on the line to defend the tradition and represent the entire Central Catholic community with pride and honor.