Willowbrook’s Johnson Bears All-Star of the Week
Brian Johnson of Willowbrook High School was named the Bears High School All-Star for Week 2 on Thursday.
Johnson, a senior quarterback, broke the Illinois state passing record by throwing for 675 yards during Willowbrook’s game last Friday. The Warriors upset Lyons Township by a score of 62-49, with Johnson throwing 7 touchdowns in a 40-for-52 performance. According to the National Federation of State High School Association, Johnson’s 675 yards rank fifth on the national all-time passing list.
Willowbrook finished 0-9 just two seasons ago, but is now considered by many as the favorite to win the West Suburban Gold this year.
Each week for nine weeks, an outstanding high school football player will be selected through the Bears High School All-Stars program. Each of the nine players will have the opportunity to direct a $1,000 monetary donation to the youth football program of his choice. In addition, the nine players will be guests of the Bears and the Illinois Army National Guard at the Bears vs. Packers game on Sunday, Dec. 29 and will be recognized during an on-field ceremony. The nomination criteria for the program include on-field performance, community involvement and good sportsmanship.
The Bears High School All-Stars program, which is sponsored by the Illinois Army National Guard, will run from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28. Deserving high school players are nominated by a panel of local prep authorities, and the winning player is selected each week.
In addition to the Bears High School All-Stars being honored at the Bears vs. Packers game on Dec. 29, all eight IHSA football state champion teams will be recognized at this game. The Chicago Bears, in partnership with the Illinois High School Association and the Illinois Army National Guard, will invite representatives from each team to the game, and a special recognition of their state titles will take place during halftime.
For more information, log on to www.chicagobears.com/community or call the Chicago Bears Community Relations department at (847) 739-5418.