By Bobby Narang
Without hesitation, York High School senior quarterback Matt Vezza can pinpoint the low moment of his football career.
He has a little more problems picking up the best moment of his career.
Maybe that’s because the Vezza-led Dukes have reinvigorated the Elmhurst community with many milestones in the best season of the 100-plus year football program.
Vezza said the low point of his career occurred in his freshman season, when the freshmen team lost four of their first five games. Vezza said the team “rallied together to finish the year 5-4.”
After a comeback victory over Palatine in a Class 8A quarterfinal Saturday, Nov. 12, the Dukes (12-0) advanced to be host to perennial State powerhouse Loyola Academy Saturday, Nov. 19 in the semifinals.
Vezza admitted it’s been a season full of lifetime memories.
“It’s been an incredible ride with this team so far this season,” Vezza said. “We’ve worked so hard as a group since the offseason workouts in the Winter. The bond we’ve developed as a program in unbreakable. We truly play for each other every time we step foot on to the field. We’re the winningest team in York history. That doesn’t happen by chance. The entire program has been committed toward reaching our goals.”
Vezza said the Ramblers, coached by former Illinois and Buffalo Bills star linebacker John Holecek, are another tough test for the Dukes. Loyola (11-1) is a team with vast amount of playoff experience compared to York’s, but the large York large crowd should be a factor in Saturday’s Final Four game.
Vezza said the Dukes have to minimize mistakes.
“We have to take care of the football and capitalize on all opportunities,” Vezza said. “We have to put points on the board every opportunity we get.”
Meanwhile, York head coach Mike Fitzgerald said the Ramblers are a big, athletic, and strong, team. Loyola quarterback Jake Stearney tossed four touchdowns in the 30-17 victory over Lyons, Saturday, Nov. 12. The Ramblers are making their 11th semifinal appearance in the last 13 full playoff seasons.
“Loyola is a complete team,” Fitzgerald said. “They get it done on offense and defense, do a great job special teams. They’re very well-coached and disciplined and have all the traits of a championship caliber team. They play great team defense, are super-efficient on offense, their quarterback is a good decision-maker and they have size on both sides of the line. Their line is pretty big.”
• Ironically, York’s epic playoff run has stolen part of the Elmhurst spotlight away from nearby IC Catholic Prep. The Knights made their own comeback in the quarterfinals by erasing a 13-point deficit to pull out a 27-20 overtime victory over Princeton in Class 3A. The Knights (11-1) will play host to Byron at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 in the semifinals, a team which beat the them, 15-14, last season.