Last season, the 11U Black team faced a tough 1-7 record, with struggles extending back even further. But the team, led by Coach Bentley and his dedicated staff, was not about to let past performance define their future. With the move to Chicagoland Pop Warner approved in December, the 2024 season offered a fresh start, and the team seized the opportunity.
A New Beginning
From the first snap in August, it was clear this was a transformed team. Returning quarterback Brayden Bentley showcased his growth, supported by a dynamic offense and a fortified O-line lead by Tight End TJ Wieczorek. Running backs Leo Perez and Caleb "The Flying Squirrel" Fawcett formed a formidable duo, setting the tone early by tying the Arlington Dawgs in the season opener—a feat unthinkable a year prior.
Momentum Building
Victory followed in their second game against rivals Algonquin Argonauts, a 13-6 triumph that signaled a new competitive spirit. The defense found their groove with Max Gonzalez, Tyton Williams and Kellen McCarthy. The team continued their rise, defeating the Leyden Bears in Week 3 and narrowly losing to the Humboldt Park Patriots in Week 4 by a single point.
By Homecoming in Week 5, the boys were determined to dominate, securing a 33-18 win over the Tri-Cities Wolverines. Week 6 saw an explosive 43-point shutout against the Elmhurst Bears, with both Fawcett and Perez finding the end zone repeatedly. The regular season concluded with road victories over Belvidere Bucs and Joliet Titans, leaving them with a stellar 6-1-1 record. A remarkable turnaround since their 1-7 season just 12 months prior!
Playoff Glory
In the playoffs, 11U Black sought revenge against the Humboldt Park Patriots and emerged victorious with a commanding 19-6 win. The next challenge came from the Plainfield Saints, and again, the boys delivered, winning 19-7 to secure a spot in the State Championship.
However, the road wasn’t without hardship. Caleb Fawcett, despite an injury in the 3rd quarter of the Semi-Finals, finished the game scoring his 19th touchdown of the season. It was later discovered that the injury was a broken foot, ending his campaign. In the finals against the undefeated Aurora Gators, Leo Perez’s concussion just before the end of the first half left the team short-handed and overpowered.
A Season of Pride and Promise
Though they fell just short of the ultimate prize, the 11U Black’s turnaround was nothing short of extraordinary. Their season stands as a testament to what determination, hard work, and resilience can achieve. With two more seasons ahead as Jr Whip-Purs, this team is poised for even greater success.
Congratulations, 11U Black! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you bring home a State Championship before heading to Hampshire High School in 2027.
Go Jr Whip-Purs! 💜⚪