Toughness. Grit. Heart. Resilience. Culture. Many, many words such as these can describe the Cary-Grove Trojans football program.
These words, however, can go on for days but still not do the team any justice. The only way we can truly appreciate how special a football program as CG has is to watch them out on the field.
Cary-Grove notched 18 straight playoff appearances from the year 2004 to the year 2021. They won three state titles in those years.
Cary-Grove started the playoff streak with a state appearance, and ended it with a state appearance.
The Trojans went undefeated in their first three state winning years, which were 2009, 2018, and 2021.
The Trojans missed the playoffs last season, but they went right back to state again this season, sporting an 11-2 record.
Cary-Grove beat the Flyers of East St. Louis two years ago in a thrilling 37-36 game at NIU’s Huskie Stadium.
Cary-Grove took down the Flyers of East St. Louis once again in another thrilling finish of 23-20, this time at ISU’s Hancock Stadium, to give the Trojans their fourth state title all-time. Their third state title in five seasons.
Their second state title in three seasons.
When we want to describe the Cary-Grove Trojans football program with concrete words, we will run out eventually. To really see just how legendary this football team is year after year, we simply need to move our eyes to the field.
What a glorious sight we saw on Saturday. Cary-Grove took the first possession against East St. Louis, draining the first 6 minutes and 19 seconds off of the clock, to take an 8-0 lead early. The drive totaled 15 plays and 75 yards, and that score may not have happened without senior running back Andrew Prio being able to convert a fourth and one that wasn’t looking good at the start.
Prio was tripped up mere moments after he got the football, but he regained his balance and converted.
“I just had to be there for my team, had to convert,” Prio said.
The 15-6 lead the Trojans earned with 8:08 left in the second quarter may not have happened without a strong Andrew Prio kick return, which included a horse-collar tackle by ESL that moved the ball to the 40 of the Flyers.
The eventual win Cary-Grove earned, and that 10 minute and 41 second scoring drive which will certainly be talked about for a long time, may not have occurred without the spot of the ball on a fourth and one just going right for the Trojans.
“We knew with a talented defense every play matters,” Prio said. “We just have to step to the moment, keep the drive alive.”
Speaking of that 15-6 lead, CG earned it with a 19-yard Peyton Seaburg touchdown pass to Prio on fourth and two, the route being a fade to the right side.
“We saw the safeties kind of flying up field the whole time, and we knew we had one chance to get behind them and complete the pass,” Prio said. “Peyton threw a great ball.”
Within a season of so much offensive success for the Trojans, Cary-Grove scored just three touchdowns on Saturday and had to leave this game up to the defense, just as they did two years ago in a high-scoring affair against the Flyers.
The Trojans defense forced two punts on a high-flying East St. Louis offense throughout the CG win, and they made some solid stops throughout when they needed to. When Cary-Grove took a 23-20 lead with 1:19 left in the fourth after driving 10 minutes and 41 seconds down the field, the defense went out to the field and forced an interception on ESL backup QB Reese Shanklin after senior QB Robert “Pops” Battle went down with an apparent leg injury in the third.
“Defense came up huge today,” Prio said. “I’m so proud of all of them, especially against some great, great athletes. Really made some big stops.”
Cary-Grove football has been known for a long time to be one of the toughest groups in Illinois, and Coach Brad Seaburg opened up his postgame press conference with one simple statement – the game justice to itself more than words can.
“My opening statement was the game,” Coach Seaburg said. “It was just a great game by our kids. Special teams, two-point conversion to start the game, kicked the ball in the endzone every time. Defense came up with great stops, and offense – that last drive sealed the deal.
“It was a great win for our kids, for our program, for our town, everybody who believed in us.”
Speaking of offense, CG had a time of possession of 27:58, truly gutting out each and every play in order to get a win. The offense scored three touchdowns with a combined time of possession of 20:42, with that last drive taking 10:41 off of the fourth quarter clock, and as Coach Seaburg said, it “sealed the deal.”
“We were able to sustain some drives,” Coach Seaburg said. “We had some big fourth down conversions. We were able to mix it up just enough to get it out to the perimeter a little bit to Andrew (Prio). I think the key, especially on that last drive, was we converted some really tough ones.
“We felt pretty good about what we were getting on each play, and we were very conscious of where the clock was. We knew if we didn’t score there, it was over.”
The CG defense not only came up clutch on that final drive but throughout the game on Saturday, forcing two punts and great stops on third and fourth down, as alluded to earlier. Overall, both phases played a strong game, and when that happens, you’ll win more times than not.
“It’s no secret that our kids play, our kids hit,” Coach Seaburg said. “We were really able to stop those big plays. It was a really clean game, frankly, on both sides.”
The battle between Cary-Grove and East St. Louis finished up in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the offense for the Trojans had no shortage of long possessions and a strong dosage of each facet of their offense touching the football in order to keep the soaring Flyers offense on the bench.
“Our plan was to keep the ball, and to keep moving the ball, however we could score,” Coach Seaburg said. “Frankly, I would’ve taken Prio’s kickoff return for a touchdown too.
“That was kind of how the game played itself out, having those long drives, and we were able to do that.”
Cary-Grove was presented with some déjà-vu on the final drive for ESL, as an interception by the Trojans defense once again won the state title for CG against the Flyers, closing the season with a 23-20 win over the always-formidable East St. Louis squad. Two years ago, tight end and defensive back Noah Riley picked off a Robert “Pops” Battle pass to clinch the 2021 title. Fast forward two years later, Freshman QB Reese Shanklin felt pressure, rolled to his left, and fired a pass for WR Jesse Watson. Senior defensive back P.J. Weaver jumped the route and picked off the pass, diving for and hanging onto the football.
“That was just really my coaches prepping me well for this week,” Weaver said. “They’ve been talking to me how they break their routes out at times. I was just waiting for that guy to break his route outside.
The ball headed my way and I went and grabbed it.”
Once again Cary-Grove held their championship celebration at 1 PM Sunday, and the statements made exuded everything Cary-Grove, and their football program, is about: Heart, motivation, togetherness, and gratitude.
Beginning things was CG Principal Rebbeca Saffert, as she noted the special day bestowed upon all in attendance and the fight shown by the Trojans on Saturday to capture yet another state title.
“What a great day to be the principal of this amazing school. We’ve come here today to celebrate this amazing team of athletes and coaches who earned the state championship through determination, resilience, and skill,” Ms. Saffert said. “Through grueling practices to some nail-biting moments on the field, you’ve shown us the true meaning of discipline, dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. This team has persevered through it all to bring home the trophy.”
Saffert added statements about not only the coaching staff which have certainly changed the lives of every player on the field and off the field, but notably the community that has shown up for this football team every game, every moment, every year.
“We are so lucky to live in Cary, Fox River Grove, and Trout Valley. There are signs everywhere you go supporting our team, and then to see the crowd at the game yesterday was just amazing,” Ms. Saffert said. “I think every time that we’ve gone down state we’ve been one of the largest crowds there. We just pack the stands.”
After Saffert finished her statements next up to the podium was Trout Valley mayor Bob Baker, quickly diving into one of the greatest offensive possessions in Trojan football history.
“I hope that I get to speak for ten minutes and forty-one seconds,” Baker said. Following this, he stuck a tiny jab towards the Flyers. “That was the time of your final drive against Beat St. Louis. Oops! I mean East St. Louis.”
Baker gave the Flyers their props and the game itself props before he emphasized just how amazing of a team the Trojans put out there this season, with Saturday being the cherry on top.
“First off, you need to be proud, and not just for the amazing athletic display that you put on yesterday. You should be proud for the inspiration that you provide to the next generation,” Baker said. “Those young kids who watched you all season, they dream of the day to someday be sitting where you are now. You should be celebrating, and not just for a season in which we watched you improve every game, getting better, peaking right at the playoffs, with epic takedowns of all of your opponents. You should be celebrating for the joy that you give this community.”
Marc McLaughlin, Fox River Grove mayor, took to the microphone next, keeping his remarks short but sweet.
“When I was here two years ago, I was so proud of this organization and so excited to see what else you guys could do through your hard work and determination,” McLaughlin said. “Apparently you guys wanted to win another state championship, so I’m going to say it’s okay to keep that going. We can just keep adding to what’s going on up there.”
To complete the trio of mayors, Mark Kownick of Cary spoke, touching on the never wavering drive CG has to achieve success on the field as well as their reputation gained over the years.
“Your work ethic and your abilities supersede anything that we can possibly imagine”, Kownick said. “Think of where you were last year at this time to where you are today. It’s outstanding. It’s because of the dedication and the hard work. You work every single day to achieve these outstanding goals.
“We are a force to be reckoned with. We have made a dent in Northern Illinois.”
Athletic Director Ryan Ludwig, who has earned his first state win in any sport as AD, which Coach Seaburg mentioned in his speech, started off by thanking the CG and FRG first responders for a great escort from Cary-Grove to ISU and back to Cary-Grove, the moms of the players for helping out throughout the season, and the wives of the coaches for allowing the coaches to coach each day. Mr. Ludwig also gave a shoutout to CG’s Athletic Director’s Administrative Assistant Donna Ganshaw and Assistant Athletic Director Tim Garis for the work they do in order for football season to be a success.
Ludwig then dove into his gratitude for the coaching staff for the Trojans, who have all put their time and energy into coaching for the Trojans, each having an important role in shaping the success of Cary-Grove’s football organization.
“The staff consists of former head coaches, current head coaches of other programs, and many guys who should be and could be head coaches at other schools,” Mr. Ludwig said. “The most important thing about this group is there is zero ego. They each have a role, a job, and commitment to fulfill that role to serve each young (man) in this room the best they can. They make a 12-month commitment to turning boys into great young men. They sacrifice time with their families, friends, and hobbies to give Cary-Grove High School everything they have.”
Mr. Ludwig next talked about the notable goals the Trojans have each year, from the start of the summer all the way to the start of the fall, into late November, truly hammering home just how much the Trojans work to get to the state game.
“On the first day of summer camp, Coach Seaburg puts up a powerpoint slide with an arrow that has an upward trajectory,” Mr. Ludwig said. “At the end of the arrow is the state championship game. Coach talks about focusing on progress each practice, each game, and every rep in the weight room. There’s very little talk about winning. The focus is on controlling what we can control and getting better.
“The first nine weeks of the season were baby steps in the right direction. The first playoff game against Libertyville was a giant leap, putting Cary-Grove on the forward trajectory to compete in the state championship game. Each of the next playoff games, Highland Park, Geneva, Lake Zurich, proved to be continued steps towards an eventual goal of making it to ISU on Saturday. The final challenge would be ESL.
“In a book I recently read, the title Atomic Habits, it talks about how average leaders wing it, good leaders have a plan, and exceptional leaders have a system. Again, Cary-Grove football falls into the exceptional category,” Mr. Ludwig continued.
“What happened yesterday was not due to a magic potion, chance, or luck. What happened yesterday was due to exceptional habits, systems, grit, focus, hard work, and commitment by every single one of the young men and women in front of you.”
Just as what was noted about the Flyers and their individual successes two years ago came back again Sunday, as Mr. Ludwig highlighted the team effort by the Trojans that brought another state championship home.
“ESL had great individual players. Unfortunately for them, we had the better team.”
To finish things off, Coach Brad Seaburg, fresh off of his third state win as head coach and his fourth state win on the Cary-Grove staff, spoke.
“Is there anything more authentic and American than high school sports?” he began.
Coach Seaburg then gave a rightful shoutout to the coaching staff, who he calls “the best in the state.”
Coach Seaburg a minute or two after that made statements which set up, in my opinion, my favorite quote from him that I have ever heard.
He started by mentioning a podcast, titled the “Jocko Podcast,” hosted by retired Navy Seal Jocko Willink, where Jocko says one simple word a lot: Good.
“Before we do ‘Earn Your Jersey,’ we watch a video that we actually referenced yesterday, and we also show a video by a podcaster named Jocko,” Coach Seaburg said. “One of the things that Jocko talks about in his podcast is the word ‘Good.’
“In one of his podcasts he emphasizes the importance on how you approach things mentally, and how important that is to dealing with adversity, and how you look at certain situations dictates the outcome of those situations,” Coach Seaburg went on.
Now to the quote that I think will resonate with a lot of people, one that is probably the best quote to describe Cary-Grove Trojans football, in my opinion.
“When we lost in 2017 to Prairie Ridge in the second round on that long run by Samson Evans, that was about as low as it gets. We had two options as a program,” Coach Seaburg continued.
“We could let that define us, or we could move on and use it to our advantage. Three state titles later, it’s worked out.”
“So, if it’s raining in practice, and the kids are coming out and they’re like, ‘Oh, it’s raining. We have to practice in the rain.’
“Good.”
“Lose to Burlington Central in overtime, break the streak. Good.
“Lose to PR by one point. Good.
“Had a win, and then lost, against Huntley. Good.
“East St. Louis petitions up to 6A. Good.
“Down 20 to 15 in the fourth quarter with a state championship on the line, with our warriors. Good.”
When we take a deep dive into Cary-Grove Trojans football, we shouldn’t start with words. No, we should start with what we see out on the field, at practice, during warmups. At that point, we can truly see what makes this team tick, what gets this organization to the top of Class 6A time and time again, and how adversity changes this team for the better.
Saturday, November 25th, 2023, is a benchmark day for the Trojans football program. It’s not just a normal day, for a normal town, for a normal coaching staff, and a normal team. No, this team, this staff, this community, it’s different. It’s a good one. They never strive to be normal. They strive to be good.
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Author’s Note:
I am so grateful to be the writer of this absolutely astonishing football program! Two state titles in my first three years on the Trojan Times is something that can’t be put into words! I am so blessed to have your trust in covering this program each week, and I am so thankful for our former principal and current district superintendent Neil Lesinski, our former vice principal and current CG principal Rebecca Saffert, our new vice principal Sarah Schwartz, our Assistant AD Tim Garis, our Athletic Director Ryan Ludwig, our football head coach Brad Seaburg, and our Trojan Times sponsor Devin Hester for allowing me to get the access I do on the sidelines and especially in the press box for two state games! I also want to shout out photographer Carrianne Hornok for providing amazing snapshots for my articles this year!
All of the articles I have written on this team and the best football program in the state of Illinois couldn’t have been possible without not only their support but the support of my parents, always willing to drive me to games and to the fans who take the time to read my articles each week!
I just can’t believe all of the blessings I have been given in my first three years at CG, which extend well beyond the football field! To everyone that has helped me get to where I am with not only this newspaper and the football program but in everything else I have been so fortunate to do at Cary-Grove, thank you!
It’s going to be bittersweet next year, my senior year, as it will be my last covering the Cary-Grove Trojans football team, but just know no matter what happens next season, whether it’s another state championship appearance or win or an average season or whatever it is, I am SO PROUD of Cary-Grove football! I appreciate all the coaches, players, and everybody that plays a part in the program for being the hard-working, determined people you are, bringing home two state titles in three seasons, and the third state title in five seasons for our Trojans, grounding the Flyers twice!
To finish off another amazing season, I want to say this, two simple, strong words:
GOOOOOOO TROJANS!!!!!!!!!!!