by LINCOLN PARK, IL – The Fenwick Friars shut out the hosting DePaul College Prep Rams last night, 40-14. Friars senior quarterback Jamen Williams Jr., made his 2025 debut by completing 15 of 18 passes for 208 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Friars won the opening coin toss and immediately put pressure on the Rams. With 10:44 remaining on the clock, a fumble by the Rams at their own 45-yard line led the Friars quarterback Jameon Williams Jr. to connect with Tommy Theis for a touchdown at the 9:36 mark. Respectfully, Noah Sur, an invitee to the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl, completed the extra point, giving the Friars a 7-0 lead.
Offense for the Rams struggled to find rhythm, suffering from miscues and incompletions. The Friars pounced on that and continued to capitalize. With 7:38 left in the quarter. The Friars extended their lead when Williams Jr. found Michael Murphy in the end zone. Making it 13-0 after the Friars’ two-point conversion was no good.
The Rams tried to respond, aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty against the Friars, but junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski struggled to make things work, and they were forced to punt.
The Friars regained possession and drove into Rams territory once again, only to be derailed by penalties, including a call for unsportsmanlike conduct, pushing them back. The Rams blocked a punt to regain momentum, but an interception by Jake Theis brought the ball back to the Friars.
The away team again wasted no time as Tommy Thies scored on a touchdown from close range with just 1:14 remaining in the first quarter. Another extra point made by Sur made it 20-0 Friars to close out the first quarter.
Dominance by the Friars continued during the second quarter, adding to their lead after another Ram miscue. A fumble led the Friars to the Rams’ 35-yard line, and penalties against the Rams’ defense kept the drive alive.
Moments later, Tommy Theis captured his second touchdown of the game. With Sur easily drilling the extra point, the Friars stretched their lead to 27-0 with two minutes into the quarter.
The offense on the Rams’ side stalled again, as middle linebacker Quinn Paris of the Friars gained his first sack of the season. The Friars quickly struck again, this time while on the 27th-yard line, Williams Jr. connected with Josh Morgan for a touchdown and 1:34 remaining on the clock.
Though the Rams blocked the extra point, the Friars held a commanding 33-0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter opened with the Friars maintaining momentum. Despite a strong tackle by the Rams’ offensive lineman, Ralph Haralson, it was not enough to stop the Friars. Williams Jr. was aided by a defensive pass interference call that put his team inside the 15. After a timeout by the Rams, play returned on the 13-yard line, where Williams Jr. found #10 for another touchdown at the 5:52 mark. Surge’s kick was good and pushed the Friars’ lead to 40-0. Triggering a running clock for the rest of the game.
Finally, late in the third quarter, the Rams showed signs of life. Junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski connected with wide receiver Matthew Osterman for a 27-yard pass. Grabinski also connected with wide receiver Shaan Subbiah on a 47-yard touchdown. With the extra point, the Rams cut the deficit to 40-7 with two minutes left in the third.
Entering the fourth quarter, there was a quarterback switch for Friars as sophomore Myles Hill earned playing time.
On offense for the Rams, the team made some tough runs to make it down to the Friars’ 2-yard line. With under a minute to play, the Rams quarterback slipped into the end zone with shifty hips. The extra point was good and closed the gap to 40-14, where the game concluded.
The DePaul College Prep Rams kick off their 2025 season 0-1 after winning the 2024 IHSA Class 4A State Tournament. Losing 24 seniors from the class of 2025, this year is all about rebuilding for head coach Michael Passarella.
Not only that, but the Rams also moved to a new division. Illinois high school football teams are divided into eight classifications. After playing in the IHSAA Class 4A last year, the Rams are now in the IHSA Class 7A for the 2025 season. Not much will change during their regular season until tournament time, when they face powerhouse teams like Downers Grove North, St. Charles North, and Arlington Heights Hersey.
Next Friday, the Rams will look for their first victory of the 2025 season as they take on the St. Ignatius College Prep Wolfpack at 7:30 pm (CT) away at St. Ignatius College Prep, located near the University of Illinois Chicago campus.
Players of the game
Fenwick High School – Senior quarterback Jamen Williams Jr., 
debut with 15 of 18 passing for 208 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is a dual threat with his ability to run the ball as well as being able to find open teammates and create touchdown opportunities.
DePaul College Prep – Junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski. He has a lot of time to grow and is hungry for a victory. He did not look uncomfortable or stressed under pressure. Even in a loss, his efforts and ability to still produce touchdowns make him a standout performer for DePaul College Prep.
Fenwick High School 20 13 7 0 = 40
DePaul College Prep 0 0 0 14 = 14
