By Craig Lynch
Sam Tumilty and DeAndre Brown are throwback football players. Both Willowbrook High School seniors are two-way players. Each had a big hand in the Warriors’ 28-10 victory over Lake Zurich in Saturday’s Class 7A football victory. “I like playing both offense and defense,” said Tumilty. “I wouldn’t know what to do if I was on the sidelines.”
The Warriors, 11-1 and West Suburban Conference Gold Division champion, advanced to Saturday’s Class 7A semifinal game against visiting and undefeated Mt. Carmel from the Chicago Catholic League. They will play at 1 p.m. Saturday in Villa Park. Tumilty, as the quarterback proved elusive and rushed for 118 yards, including a five-yard touchdown which gave Willowbrook a 14-10 lead. He passed for 97 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown strike to Everett Stubblefield.
“We ran the ball well early some of them were designed,” said Tumilty, who plays safety on defense.
Brown is 6-2 and 160 pounds. He plays wide receiver and defensive back. He snagged four passes on offense. On defense he intercepted two passes including a 66 yard-return which put Willowbrook ahead, 21-10, late in the fourth quarter.
“Sam made the call from his safety position and I read the play,” said Brown. “Once I caught the ball I knew I would score.”
Tumulty picked off a Lake Zurich pass, one of five by the Warriors. Tumulty is 5-9 and 160. Both he and Brown would love to play football at the next level. I sure would like to play in college,” said Tumilty.”
Brown agreed and said, “I want to play more football. I also run track, so we’ll see what happens.”
Mt. Carmel, the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Conference Blue champion, defeated Chicago Phillips, 24-8, in a quarterfinal game.