Fenwick pulled off the biggest upset in Illinois high school football on Nov. 22. The 11th-seeded Friars stunned #1-ranked Nazareth Academy 28-27 in overtime. Now Fenwick heads to the 6A state championship game after ending Nazareth’s bid for four straight titles.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Fenwick 28, Nazareth 27 — Instant classic in overtime on Saturday, Nov. 22
- Tommy Thies scored clutch 11-yard TD catch in overtime as Miami of Ohio commit
- Jamen Williams threw 283 yards, 3 TDs — evaded pressure on biggest plays
- Jake Thies posted 100+ rushing yards + 100+ receiving yards — dominant both ways
- Championship showdown set for Nov. 29 vs East St. Louis at Hancock Stadium
How Fenwick Pulled Off The Stunning Upset
Thing is, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Nazareth came in 11-1, ranked #1 in Illinois, and heavily favored. But Fenwick had other plans. The Friars controlled the game right from kickoff with balanced offense.
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Jamen Williams — the senior quarterback — orchestrated everything perfectly. He threw for 283 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. What’s interesting is Williams made the plays that mattered most. He evaded mounting pressure and delivered strikes when the game was on the line.
The real story though? Tommy Thies and his brother Jake Thies. Tommy, a Miami of Ohio commit, scored two touchdowns including the 11-yard reception in overtime. That catch essentially put Fenwick in the state finals. Meanwhile, Jake posted monster numbers — over 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards. Not many guys do that in championship-level games.
Why This Win Changes Everything For Fenwick
For Fenwick, this victory is massive. The Friars were seeded #11 in 6A. Nobody gives 11 seeds a chance against the top seed. Plus, Nazareth was chasing a four-peat — four straight state championships. That’s incredibly rare in Illinois football.
Look, Fenwick is suddenly in the conversation now. They beat the best team in the state on a neutral field. In overtime. With perfect execution when it mattered. The Friars proved they belong with the elite programs.
Championship Game Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Championship Matchup | Fenwick (10-3) vs East St. Louis (9-3) |
| Date & Time | Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1:00 PM |
| Venue | Hancock Stadium at Illinois State University, Normal, IL |
| Fenwick This Season | 10-3 record — #11 seed before upset |
| East St. Louis This Season | 9-3 record — #8 seed, dominated semifinals 50-7 |
East St. Louis is no joke either. The Flyers demolished St. Laurence 50-7 on the same day. They’re chasing their third championship in four years and second in a row. This matchup sets up as true heavyweight battle.
What’s At Stake In The Finals
For Fenwick, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Winning would be the program’s first 6A state championship in school history after this stunning run. The momentum they’ll carry into Nov. 29? Unreal.
For East St. Louis, it’s about proving they’re still the team to beat. They’ve been dominant all season and showed it again in the semifinals. But Fenwick just beat the #1 seed in overtime. That confidence is dangerous.
Can Fenwick Make The Unlikely Run Complete?
Here’s what everyone’s wondering: Can this #11 seed actually win it all? Jamen Williams has been flawless. Tommy Thies made the plays when stakes were highest. And Jake Thies does literally everything.
Plus, Fenwick just knocked off the #1 team in the entire state on a neutral field. Going into any game after that feels different. The underdog mentality is real.
But East St. Louis is hungry too. And they’ve won championships before. This should be an absolute classic on Nov. 29. Are you ready for what could be another instant classic?
Sources
- Chicago Tribune — Game recap and player highlights
- Shaw Local — Post-game analysis and player statistics
- Red94.net — Championship setup and tournament coverage
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.