Willowbrook Wins Regional Final, Advances to Sectionals with 37-12 Victory

Willowbrook High School’s girls flag football team secured a significant victory, defeating St. Edward 37-12 in the regional final held on March 6, 2025, at Villa Park. This win marks the Warriors’ second consecutive regional championship, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the state-sanctioned sport. With this victory, Willowbrook remains unbeaten this season with a record of 19-0.

The Warriors entered the game with a renewed commitment to aggressive play, having learned from their previous quarterfinal defeat in 2024. Coach Rachel Karos emphasized the importance of preparation and adaptability, stating, “We pride ourselves as a coaching staff that we will be more prepared, have options for multiple defenses and things that we can do to have an answer to everything.” Her team executed this strategy effectively, showcasing strong defensive skills early in the match.

Willowbrook’s defense set the tone by forcing the Green Wave into a turnover on downs during St. Edward’s opening drive. The Warriors quickly capitalized on this momentum. Quarterback Marli Smrz, who completed 8 of 17 passes for 103 yards, connected with McKenzie Edison for a 51-yard touchdown, giving Willowbrook an early lead.

As the game progressed, St. Edward’s quarterback Sarah Gurley faced challenges, throwing three interceptions in a short span. Each turnover resulted in a Willowbrook touchdown, demonstrating the Warriors’ ability to capitalize on mistakes. Smrz noted her personal goals, stating, “I’ve got high goals for myself… I think last year’s sectionals, I had four interceptions or three, so I’ve got a lot of expectations for myself for sure.”

One of the highlights of the game was a remarkable 74-yard touchdown run by Janell Adams, who finished with 116 yards on just four carries. Smrz further extended the lead by throwing two additional touchdown passes, one each to Edison and Jada Langston. The Warriors went into halftime with a commanding score of 30-6, after Savannah Lynch of St. Edward scored a touchdown just before the break.

Willowbrook continued to dominate in the second half, with Adams adding another touchdown on an 18-yard run. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Warriors had substituted many first-team players, showcasing their depth as a team. St. Edward managed to score once more, with Gurley connecting on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Lynch, but it was not enough to close the gap as time expired.

St. Edward’s coach, Matthew Lynch, expressed pride in his team’s progress, especially considering that only one of his 15 players had prior football knowledge. He remarked, “They need to walk out of this stadium with their heads held high because what they’ve learned, and what they accomplished… that’s a blessing.”

With this victory, Willowbrook now prepares to face Naperville Central, who holds a record of 16-3, in the South Elgin Sectional semifinal scheduled for 5 p.m. on March 10, 2025. The Warriors’ commitment to hard work and preparation will be crucial as they aim for continued success in the upcoming match.