In our first season back at Chicagoland Pop Warner, the Hampshire Jr. Whip-Purs made a powerful statement: we’re here to compete and dominate. Of our ten competitive football teams (with the 6U level being developmental), six made the playoffs, four advanced to the Semi-Finals, two reached the State Finals, and one brought home the coveted State Championship trophy. That honor belongs to none other than Coach Navarro's 11U Purple squad.
A Championship Journey
The 11U Purple, known for their resilience and talent, finally climbed to the pinnacle after two seasons as State Runner-Up. Despite a rocky start with their starting quarterback, Tyler Guess, sidelined by an injury early in the season, the team rallied and cruised through the Division 2 standings with a 7-1 record. Their sole loss was against the formidable defending State and Regional Champions, the Leyden Bears.
Playoff Brilliance
After earning a first-round bye as the #2 seed, the Jr. Whip-Purs faced the Addison Cowboys in the Semi-Finals. In a tightly contested game, the Purple Curtain Defense stood firm, leading to a 6-0 victory and securing their spot in the State Finals for the third consecutive year.
State Finals Showdown
In a highly anticipated rematch, the Jr. Whip-Purs squared off against the Leyden Bears. This time, with Tyler Guess back in action, Hampshire showcased their full potential. The game’s turning point came when running back Dominic Winarski’s explosive 30-yard run set up a touchdown by fullback Kyle Obmalay. The PAT secured an 8-0 lead, which the Purple Curtain Defense protected until the final whistle.
Keeping it in the Family
This victory marked Hampshire’s first State Championship since 2022 when nose tackle Isaac Lechuga's older brother Ivan Lechuga won in his final year of play as a Jr. Whip-Pur. Ivan was once again on the sidelines, but this time as an Assistant Coach for his brother's team. Their mother Megan Lechuga is the Team Mom.
Quarterback Tyler Guess' older brother Reed Guess' team won in 2021 during the Jr. Whip-Purs' previous stint in Chicagoland Pop Warner prior to our 2 seasons in AYF. Reed, like Tyler, was in his 11U season with the Jr. Whip-Purs that year. They eventually won the 2021 Mid-America Regional Championship.
Both Reed (freshman) and Ivan (sophomore) currently play for the Hampshire High School Whip-Purs.
Looking Ahead
Next, the 11U Purple will take on Indiana State Champion Merriville in the Mid-America Regional bracket. The game is set for November 10th at Chesterton High School. Let’s rally behind our champions, wear our purple and white, and cheer them on to continued success!
Congratulations to the Jr Whip-Purs on an incredible season! 🎉🏆