Willowbrook Warriors Triumph Over St. Edward in Regional Final

The Willowbrook Warriors clinched the regional championship in girls flag football with a commanding 37-12 victory against the St. Edward Green Wave on January 3, 2025, in Villa Park, Illinois. This win marks an impressive continuation of Willowbrook’s undefeated season, bringing their record to 19-0.

Willowbrook’s season began with a firm commitment to aggressive play after a disappointing performance in the previous year’s state quarterfinals. The Warriors have embodied that philosophy throughout the 2025 season, showcasing a blend of skill and strategic preparation.

Warriors Dominate from the Start

From the outset, the Warriors displayed tenacious defense, forcing St. Edward into a turnover on downs after a lengthy opening drive. On their first scoring possession, quarterback Marli Smrz connected with McKenzie Edison for a spectacular 51-yard touchdown pass, quickly setting the tone for the match. Smrz completed 8 of 17 passes, totaling 103 yards, while Edison contributed significantly with 66 yards from three receptions.

The Green Wave, led by quarterback Sarah Gurley, struggled to find rhythm during the second quarter. Over a span of four passes, Gurley threw three interceptions—one to Smrz and two to Carson Rieger. Each interception paved the way for additional Willowbrook touchdowns, underscoring the defensive prowess of the Warriors.

“I’ve got high goals for myself,” Smrz remarked after the game, reflecting on her personal expectations following last year’s challenges.

Key Performances Highlight Victory

The Warriors continued to build their lead with a remarkable 74-yard run from Janell Adams, who finished the game with 116 yards on just four carries. Smrz added two more touchdown passes, one to Edison and another to Jada Langston, both executed from short distances.

As the first half drew to a close, Green Wave’s Savannah Lynch managed to score with a short touchdown run, bringing the score to 30-6 at halftime.

Adams’ 18-yard touchdown run in the third quarter marked Willowbrook’s final score of the game. With a comfortable lead, the Warriors substituted their first-team players, allowing other team members to gain valuable experience. The Green Wave concluded the scoring with Gurley’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Lynch as time expired.

St. Edward’s coach Matthew Lynch expressed pride in his team’s growth throughout the season. Starting with a roster where only one player had prior football knowledge, Lynch noted the significant progress made by his squad. “They need to walk out of this stadium with their heads held high because what they’ve learned, and what they accomplished, is a blessing,” he stated, highlighting the team’s journey from their initial struggles to a competitive season.

The Warriors will now face Naperville Central, who holds a record of 16-3, in the South Elgin Sectional semifinal at 17:00 on Monday. Willowbrook’s commitment to preparation and hard play will be essential as they advance in pursuit of a state title.