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Prep Bowl Championship Wraps Up Successful Season of Football
For Immediate Release December 9, 2009
St. Rita of Cascia High School’s Varsity Mustang Football team defeated Chicago’s Public League Champion Simeon 34-20 on Friday, November 27th to win the city’s 76th Annual Prep Bowl. This is the sixth Prep Bowl Championship the Mustangs have captured in St. Rita history.
Junior running back Jahwon Akui (Roosevelt Middle School) was named the Prep Bowl MVP following his four touchdowns. This included an 85-yard opening kickoff return. Akui had a total of 148 rushing yards on 29 carries.
“We’re really blessed as a team to have been able to win a championship like this,” said Akui.
Senior quarterback Rob Gallik (St. Christina) was also a key player in the Prep Bowl victory going 10-of-14 passing, 119 yards, and scoring a touchdown.
“I think winning the Prep Bowl was a great statement about the character and pride that this team has in St. Rita,” said Head Coach Todd Kuska ’90.
“Having the opportunity to practice on Thanksgiving and play a championship game in week 14 is something that only a select few teams at St. Rita have ever done, and it will always be in the thoughts of all of the members of this year’s team. They were given the chance to walk off the field winning their last football game of the year and for some of them the last football game of their career, and they were able to get it done,” he said.
St. Rita’s Prep Bowl Championship wrapped up a successful season of football for the Mustangs. Overall the team’s record was 11-3 for the season, including a historic win over Mt. Carmel 54-16.
“I am extremely proud of all of our players and coaches who were a part of this year’s successes,” said Kuska.
“The unity of the team and their desire to play for St. Rita is what ultimately made this season successful. As always it was a lot of dedication and hard work by all of those involved that allowed us to compete at the high level in which we did and to be able to win a championship,” he said.
Kuska himself reached a milestone of his own during this, his 12th season as Head Coach. The Mustangs’ 35-14 victory over local Chicago Catholic League rival Br. Rice on September 11th gave Kuska’s his 100th win.
It is evident that the Mustangs’ Prep Bowl victory only added to the pride Kuska has in being the Head Coach of the players at St. Rita as he said, “Watching the team sing the fight song to the fans at Soldier Field was one of the best moments for me as a coach this year. To see the team care so much about celebrating their Championship with the families and fans of St. Rita really makes me realize how important the community of St. Rita is to all of our players.”
Further Coverage of St. Rita Prep Bowl Victory
Akui a conqueror for St. Rita
Southtown Star
Akui too much for Simeon to handle in 34-20 St. Rita win
Chicago Tribune