Willowbrook clinches share of third straight league title

There had been a 35-year gap between conference championships for Willowbrook when the Warriors captured the West Suburban Gold crown in 2017.

Now it's becoming a yearly occurrence for the program.

Behind four touchdown passes from Sam Tumilty, Willowbrook secured at least a share of its third consecutive league championship with a 44-0 win over Morton on Friday in Berwyn.

The Warriors (7-1, 5-0) have won 17 straight conference games heading into their regular-season finale against Proviso East.

"In the midst of it, you don't even realize it," said Willowbrook coach Nick Hildreth of the Warriors' current streak in the Gold. "We've done it with a lot of different kids, but the important thing is we continue to have kids who are super coachable and tough. Then you throw dedicated coaches into the mix. We've had continuity with our staff and it's a staff that works really hard. That's a big deal."

What was also a big deal was the connection between Tumilty and Everett Stubblefield, who hauled in three of his quarterback's touchdown throws. The visitors' first two offensive plays went for 67- and 68-yard strikes to the senior wide receiver, and he added a 9-yard score early in the second quarter. He finished with 6 catches for 185 yards and is now 170 yards away from a 1,000-yard campaign.

"Sam makes it easy for us," Stubblefield said. "He always leads me to the right places to catch the ball.

"As a team, we just play hard. And we are always pushing each other to be better."

Along with going 8 of 9 through the air for 195 yards, Tumilty added a 49-yard touchdown run.

"This has been pretty special," Tumilty said. "Our coaches do a great job getting us ready and our mindset right. We have stayed on an even keel throughout it all. We just focus on that week and we come out with a purpose every day. And that has gone a long way."

Willowbrook forced six turnovers, which included three interceptions by Kevin Fitzgerald. That tied a school record for most interceptions in a single game. Deandre Holliday also picked off a pass to go along with his 3-yard TD reception.