Last week, the NFL announced that the New York Giants would be featured in the upcoming season of “Hard Knocks,” HBO’s popular series that provides behind-the-scenes access to a team’s preseason training.
This got me thinking … over the years, we’ve seen some fascinating high school football teams in the Daily Herald coverage area. Many of them were deserving of the same television treatment.
This week’s High Five looks at five local prep teams that would have been a hit on a “Hard Knocks”-type show, with one caveat: we’re only considering state championship winners.
5. Prospect, 2001
Cinderella stories make for great TV, so let’s start with the first Knights’ team to win a state title. After years of struggling, the 2001 team went 14-0 and won the Class 7A title with a 19-14 victory over Edwardsville.
The standout feature of this team was its lack of Division I talent. Imagine the episodes focusing on their two games against rival Buffalo Grove — a 6-0 win in the regular season and a 21-12 victory in the quarterfinals. The drama and grit of this team would make for compelling viewing.
4. Stevenson, 2014
The Patriots had been knocking on the door throughout their streak of 25 straight playoff appearances. The 2014 season, their 26th, was the one where they finally broke through. Stevenson went 14-0, playing against 12 playoff teams, including two games against Class 8A runner-up Homewood-Flossmoor.
In the title game, the Patriots nearly saw their lead vanish before a fumble recovery in the final minutes preserved a 31-25 win. The built-up drama of close games and their journey to victory would make for an exhilarating TV series.
3. Batavia, 2013
Batavia, another perennial playoff team without a state title, faced little struggle during the 2013 season, except for a Week 2 loss to Richards, which they avenged in the 6A final with a 34-14 win.
The focus of this “Hard Knocks” season would be on family stories, particularly quarterback Micah Coffey. A three-sport athlete who played baseball at Minnesota, Coffey was the third of four brothers to play sports for the Bulldogs. This season would be less about drama and more about heartwarming family legacies.
2. Buffalo Grove, 1986
I was a senior at Buffalo Grove when Grant Blaney’s Bison won their only title with a 26-6 win over Marist in the 6A final. This team was considered one of the best in state history for many years.
Between defensive lineman Jan Gustafson, linebacker Jim Wagner, and quarterback Mark Benson, there would be plenty of great content. The defense was dominant, allowing only 32 points in five playoff games and just over 500 rushing yards all season. This group’s journey would’ve been an exciting ride to follow.
1. Wheaton Warrenville South, 1998
Still regarded by many as the best team in state history, Wheaton Warrenville South’s 1998 team featured an incredible offense led by quarterback Jon Beutjer and receiver Jon Schweighardt. Childhood friends, Beutjer and Schweighardt, would be the heart of this “Hard Knocks” season.
The defense was equally impressive, allowing fewer than 10 points per game. The show could delve into the minds of head coach John Thorne and defensive coordinator Ron Muhitch, exploring their strategies and leadership. This combination of talent and coaching excellence would make for a riveting series.
