By Aidan Nohava ‘25
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Crusaders lost a hard-fought game to Fenwick 12-7, sadly ending their season in the state playoffs.
With the season coming to a close, the Class of 2025 must say goodbye to a program they’ve been a part of for the past four years.
Senior wide receiver Nick White said, “It’s a very weird feeling knowing that I won’t have any more morning lifts, summer practices, and games under the lights on those perfect Friday nights.”
Even though the season ended on a sad note, there are still many highlights from this past year. One of those highlights was a game-winning field goal against CCL rival Mount Carmel.
The 2024 Crusaders had seven players receive All-Catholic League honors: senior linebacker Christian Pierce, senior safety Conner Stack, senior running back Tyler Lofton, senior wide receiver Jimmie Maxson, senior offensive lineman Al Crema, senior defensive lineman Charlie Stec, and junior defensive lineman King Liggins.
Senior captain Conner Stack was also named co-defensive player of the year for the Chicago Catholic League.
Stack said, “I am thankful for all that this program has done for me. The lessons I learned on and off the field are invaluable, and they’ll be cherished memories that I will never forget.”
The Crusaders ended the season with a 6-4 record.
It’s a bittersweet goodbye for the players but also for the Crusader Crazies.
Friday night lights are something the Crazies look forward to each year. As a Crazie myself, I can confidently say that many of my favorite high school memories have taken place under those Friday night lights. It’s sad knowing that those days are over.
With the season ending sooner than expected, the returning juniors and upcoming sophomores have one goal in mind: a state championship.
Junior captain King Liggins said, “Our record this year does not change our goals for next year. A state championship is something every team strives for. I think this upcoming season, a state championship is a very realistic goal.”
Photo Credit: Josh Torres
