by St. Laurence Vikings (10-3) will be taking on Rochester (13-0) this Friday at 7 p.m. for the 4A Illinois High School Association State Finals.
This is a huge achievement for the St. Laurence football team, it is their first time since 1979 being back in the finals. Athletic Director, Tim Chandler says “This is a historic season that will forever be remembered at St. Laurence. In my time at STL, I have heard numerous stories about the 1976 state champions and the 1979 runners-up. The 2023 football team will now join those discussions forever. This season has truly invigorated our alumni, and it has been great to see all of their support this post-season. They have been waiting over 40 years for a return trip to the championship game. The season has raised the standard for St. Laurence football and our goal is to make this a frequent occurrence.
This team has done everything thing they could to prove they belong here in this game. Head Coach Nissen said, “We started 6-1 and had a few bumps in the road Week 8 and 9 but we regrouped nicely as the playoffs approached. The team has stayed together through all the ups and downs and has never wavered from our mission of playing for a state championship.” The Vikings came into this season with a plan, and they are coming up to the finish line. This group, specifically the senior class, has created a name for St. Laurence in their first years in the program. Their class went undefeated in their freshmen and sophomore year, winning their conference.
In the quarter-final game against IC Catholic Prep, last year’s 3A state champions, this team showed that they were willing to put everything on the line to win and fought to the very end, scoring their winning touchdown with just minutes to go. The Vikings then moved on to the semi-final against Wheaton Academy and won in what was a thrilling double-overtime game. In the second overtime, the Vikings scored and made the PAT then Wheaton responded with a score of their own. But then Senior, Cesar Chavez blocked their extra point. Coach Nissen said, “That was one of the best games I’ve been a part of in my entire career. Even when things looked bleak, our guys stuck together and fought through the adversity. It was great to see a senior (Cesar Chavez) get the PAT block to help seal the win. That play will go down as a top three play in St. Laurence football history.”
Looking ahead the Vikings will carry that momentum into the state final. No matter the outcome the St. Laurence Vikings should be proud of the season they have had. This already is a historic season so stay tuned to see how the Vikings write the final chapter of this season.
