by ROSCOE VILLAGE, IL – The DePaul College Prep Rams (3-6 overall, 2-1 CCL/ESCC Purple ) closed out their 2025 regular season with a well-earned conference win against the Benet Academy Redwings (3-6 overall, 1-2 CCL/ESCC Purple conference), 35-6.
Although the win does not qualify the Rams for playoffs, the team should have plenty to be proud of after a strong all-around performance. From start to finish, the Rams defense dominated the night by shutting down the Redwings running game. Offensively, quarterback Jackson Grabinski led the charge with poise and precision.
First Quarter:
Neither team managed to reach the end zone. The Rams received the opening kickoff but failed to convert on early drives, while Redwings quarterback Cristiano Diomede struggled to find rhythm against the swarming Rams front line.
Second Quarter:
It was not until late in the second when Grabinski connected with wide receiver Connor Barefield on a 65-yard touchdown pass, breaking the scoreless tie. Rams went for a two-point attempt and Grabinski found defensive lineman Hunter Wahtolah in the end zone to put the Rams up 8-0.
Rams defense locked the Redwings offense down all throughout the first half. The front seven, led by the punishing efforts of Wahtolah, Khalil Hannah, Hayes McGuire, Cash Reese and Luke Flom — consistently pressured the Redwings offense which caused them to struggle big time going into halftime.
Third Quarter:
The Rams pulled away during the third, running back Zach Stewart broke throw to enter Redwings territory and gave the Rams a first down on the 24-yard line. Grabinski then found Barefield for 24-yard touchdown reception and Emmett McCue’s PAT was in the clear for a 15-0 lead.
Stewart was not finished as he made an effective special teams tackle on the kickoff to remind the Rams whose home they are at.
The Rams kept moving the ball steadily throughout the third with Grabinski alternating passes and runs. 2:08 on the clock, the Rams were right near the Redwings 1-yard line, Grabinski ran up and threw a lob pass to wide receiver Ewan McCrann for another touchdown. McCue’s kick was off and no good. Regardless, the Rams ended the third, 21-0.
Fourth Quarter:
Rams running back, Tyson Hooks opened the quarter dodging and running through the Redwings defense to secure a first down.
10:53 left in the game, the Rams were on the Redwings 43-yard line, Grabinski went long and found wide receiver Matthew Osterman in the end zone. McCue nailed the PAT. At this moment, it was clear who was the better team.
Minutes later, the Rams’ defense set up another score after forcing a turnover on downs. Deep in Redwings territory, Flom added in on the fun with a 9-yard touchdown run and McCue’s extra point extended the Rams lead, 35-0.
The Redwings broke the shutout late in the game after Diomede suffered an injury and had to rely on Ben Albert. The fast wide receiver was able to adapt quickly to the QB position and scored on a 13-yard quarterback keeper. The Redwings decided to go for two but could not connect the pass, setting the final score at 35-6.
Player of the Game:
Connor Barefield, Jordan Ochoa, Luke Flom, Matthew Osterman, Nolan Rivera and the rest of the graduating class for the DePaul College Prep Rams were the unofficial Players of the Game. Their combined effort ensured the season ended on the highest note possible. This senior class gets to walk away knowing they secured a resounding victory in their last time stepping onto the field together.
Special Honor:
DePaul College Prep junior DL, Ralph Haralson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before kickoff.
Next Week:
This hard-fought game brings both teams 2025 campaign to a close with both a final record of 3-6. The Rams concluded their season at 3-6 overall (2-1 CCL/ESCC Purple), while the Redwings finished at 3-6 overall (1-2 CCL/ESCC Purple). Neither team amassed the necessary wins to qualify for the IHSA state playoffs this year.
DePaul College Prep: 0 8 13 14 = 35
Benet Academy: 0 0 0 6 = 6
